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.