Mandala mania 4 - Pretty Pastels + Giveaway winner

Namaste friends. It is crochet month so a mandala post is a must, right?

But before that let me announce the winner of the pattern giveaway for the Cupid's Dilemma cowl. 

And the winner is:

Susan Guard

Happy crocheting Susan. Your pattern is on the way to your Inbox. :)

This pattern is available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

And now on to my Spring inspired Pretty Pastel Mandala.

This is the fourth mandala I made using the same pattern. This mandala is a wee bit larger than the previous three mandalas as I modified Round no. 11 (in yellow), and made 3dc clusters instead of puff stitches.

Here are the details of the mandala;

Pattern source:   Crochet Millan.com

Yarn:                   Laura Knitting cotton

Hook:                  3.50 mm

Size:                   16 inches diameter

Here is a look at all four mandalas:

Check out mandala 1, mandala 2 and mandala 3.

Crocheting mandalas is very satisfying and almost meditative. Do give it a try.

Keep Calm and Crochet On.

Crochet Geometry - Book Review

(This post contains affiliate links*)

Namaste friends. Have you ever thought of taking your crochet skills a step further? Something more than doilies, afghans and bags? 

For a long time now I have been wanting to crochet a garment that would actually fit me and not look awkward. So when the magic words "Sizes Small to 5X" jumped at me from the front cover of Crochet Geometry* my interest was piqued! A quick preview online and I was certain that I have to grab this book.

Firstly, the garments are modelled by regular women! Yes, women in all shapes and sizes. Now there are tons of patterns online both free and paid, but the fact that they were always displayed on models who had just walked out of Victoria's Secret runway was a big deterrent. How the garment would look on a regular person was a mystery especially since I am a size mumble mumble...haha. 

Next, the garments are in gorgeous colours, No greys and beiges. Also there is lacework as well as solid patterns. I was "hooked"! (oh, when are crocheters going to stop using this cliche...lol) 

Why Geometry? The author Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby takes basic geometric shapes - circles, squares and rectangles and manipulates them to produce gorgeous garments with a lovely drape and elegant fit. Does that mean these patterns are for experienced crocheters? Of course not, this is where your expertise with mandalas, scarves and granny squares will be taken to the next level. 

There are projects for all skill levels - Easy, Intermediate and Experienced.

The book has 15 patterns in four categories: Shrugs, Cardigans, Pullovers and Wraps. 

The yarns used are Super-fine to Medium, making the patterns ideal for Indian climate.

Each pattern explores a different texture and with charts for every special stitch pattern, one is spoilt for choice. My "favourite" project changes every time I open the book. 

The superb photography by Jason Mullett-Bowlsby which make the garments "pop out" of the pages, doesn't make it any easier to choose :) I often refer to this wonderful article about natural light photography by Jason.

{All images belong to Shibaguyz Photography and used with permission}

Crochet Geometry is a must-have addition to any serious crocheter's library.

The book is available on Amazon.in* (that's where I bought it) and of course it is also on Amazon.com*.

Check out all the patterns and read more about the Shibaguyz duo HERE. 

Right now I am busy swatching (my biggest learning from the book), but there should be a Ta-dah post sooner than later, hopefully :)

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post and I have not received any compensation for writing it. I purchased the book and loved it, and all the comments/opinion shared above are mine. This post does contain affiliate links*, check full DISCLOSURE.

Are you on Instagram?

Namaste friends. So, are you an Instagrammer?

Recently I opened my account on Instagram and I am really enjoying it. For reasons unknown it did not allow me to use crochetkari so my account is on my name sangeethavprabhu. 

My photos are tagged as #crochetkari. 

I am not highly active on Instagram (or any other social platform for that matter) but I like the glimpses it gives into the lives of our favourite bloggers/crocheters.

Like behind-the-scenes pics of design processes, colour selection, or WIP progress. Also latest events, workshops, sales etc. Even recipes, family pics and super cute baby pics.

As the name suggests it is instant, you just click pics with your phone and upload. I have not explored the features yet. It is fast and fun and writing a description is totally up to you which works fine for me.  :) 

To like(heart), follow, and comment you can access your account via your computer too.

If you are on Instagram, please let me know your username, I would love to follow you.

Remember you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

The International Crochet Month gave me an excuse to spend on a lot of supplies and books, so watch out for reviews and Ta-dahs! :) I also added Valentine's Day and International Women's Day to my list of excuses...LOL!

Have you entered the pattern giveaway in my previous post. Go on, it is quick and open only till 15th March '17, so hurry.

How are you celebrating crochet month? I would love to know.

Cupid's Dilemma Cowl pattern + giveaway

Namaste friends. February just flew by and we are already into the third month of 2017!

Are you aware that March is International Crochet Month? I am really excited as it means lots of informative posts, tutorials and free patterns across blogland. I have planned a few crochet posts myself which should hopefully see the light of day! While my mind is buzzing with tons of ideas on some days fatigue is the winner. (More about that later)

In February I released a new cowl pattern, but that is not the reason for the name Cupid's Dilemma :)

The cowl has a rich, elegant texture and will work wonderfully as a unisex pattern. 

Materials used:
Yarn:  DK weight
Hook: US G/6 (4 mm), UK 8
           and US E/4 (3.5 mm), UK 9 (optional)

As gauge is not very important for a cowl, substitution with your preferred yarn is easy as the pattern has instructions to modify the dimensions of the cowl.

Here's a look at the lovely texture and border,

The pattern is chainless as the first row is made up of FHdc (foundation half double crochet).
And seamless too, as it is worked in the round. So only two ends to weave in...Yay!

The pattern is easy and ideal for gifts for either sex. Six pages of photo tutorials are included so crocheting the cowl should be a breeze :)

Light coloured yarns will bring out the texture, but feel free to use your favourite yarns in the colour of your choice.

The pattern is available in my ETSY and CRAFTSY shops.

And now for the Giveaway.
I am giving away one Free copy of the pattern. And you don't even have to like, tweet and heart all over the internet to enter. :) Just let me know why you think the name "Cupid's Dilemma" is suitable for this cowl.

You can write your answer in the comments below OR better still write to me at crochetkari@gmail.com, that way no one will repeat your answer. 

The giveaway is open till 15th March 2017. The person with the most witty and appropriate answer will be the winner and I will announce the name on the blog. The pattern will be sent by email to the winner. 
So, come on start racking your brains :))

The year 2017 started with a bittersweet diagnosis. My doctor advised me a few blood tests for a fever that just refused to subside. And the verdict is that I have hypothroidism! Actually I am quite relieved because it explains a lot of my symptoms which did not seem to have a cause or go away, like the terrible hairfall which even caused a bald spot right on the crown, the excess weight which refused to budge, dry skin which soaked up tons of body lotion, the carpal tunnel pain which sometimes made it difficult to crochet (grrrr), and most of all - the fatigue and body pain which was unbearable sometimes. I believed all this was just part of growing old and to think that it was all treatable! The medication is for lifetime but I am feeling so much better now.
So friends I urge you to please go for regular check ups.  Take good care of yourself, after all you have only one body to live in ;)