Today we are going to talk about crochet Mandalas, you know those pretty round things that inspire you to make them, even though you don't really have a clue what you will actually do with them. There has been a lot of Mandala-love around in Blogland of late, with lots of wonderful patterns cropping up and some lovely sociable crochet-a-longs happening too (see here) . I even found some beautiful and inspirational mediative mandala making (see here), which is a lovely idea. We all know how soothing and theraputic crochet is, and these little yarny circles are the perfect way to indulge a bit of colourful, peaceful contemplation I think.
In the picture above, you can see a few of the mandala flowers I experimented with last year when I was working through some yarn bombing ideas for Yarndale. These pretty, circular articles of crochet ended up being pinned to the wall in my studio and I have grown very fond of seeing them there. They take up the role of "woolly wall art", and make a pleasing visual display in much the same way as plates or old fashioned pot holders would.
Isn't this just a beautiful image? See what I mean about the crochet pot holders being displayed like wall art? Love love love this image {from the visual delights of Norwegian blog Stina Ballernia}.
Woah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that's Woolly-Wall-Art on a fanTABulous scale!!!! I came across this image when searching about for potholder patterns some time ago, and it absolutely blew my creative socks off. It's the work of Finnish artist Anu Tuominen, a truly impressive collection of vintage crochet potholders displayed as art.
Here's another version of it {images found via ArtThreads}. I know these are potholders, but I figured the same idea could easily be applied to Mandala's? Surely if one was bonkers enough to want to do this, one could gather in enough crochet circles to create an absolutely stunning display of creativity? Yeah, I know, completely, utterly Bonkers. But..............insanely appealing, don't you think?!
I'm thinking you might possibly have guessed where this is going. I'm thinking you might possibly remember the Yarndale Granny Bunting from last year?
Remember how almost 600 of you made triangles to send from all over the world, enabling us to create this jaw-dropping display of hooky goodness at Yarndale? Just in case this glorious bunting is new to you (where have you been?), you can read all about it on the Yarndale blog right here. It was a magnificent project on so many levels, and I loved the idea of bringing so much creativity together from all four corners of the world. So many of you wrote to me telling me how much you enjoyed being a part of this huge community project, and I was humbled by the unexpected scale of the emotion involved, it really was one of the most amazing things I have ever been involved with.
Preparations for Yarndale 2014 are now in full swing, and once again I have been getting myself all giddy over the prospect of so much yarny creativity. This year, we have decided to go with a bit of a theme, inspired by the Summer arrival of the Tour de France in our little town. Yes, amazingly our area of Yorkshire is hosting the "Grand Depart" of this famous cycle race, and honestly the whole of the county has gone bicycle mad. We kind of figured that we might as well jump on two wheels along with everyone else, and much of our yarn bombing plans this year will be bicycle orientated (more of that at a later date)
Which brings me back to the mandala's. This year I wanted to do something creative with wheels, and that's when I hit upon the idea of making and using crochet mandalas. They are suitably wheel-like (well enough to justify running with the idea), and when I put it to the rest of the Yarndale team, they all agreed it was completely bonkers, but right up my street.
So no more bunting-making this year folks. No, no. The 6,212 triangles that graced the festival last year will be back in situ this year, and I am really looking forward to seeing it all again. But in addition to the bunting, I want to try and create a large visual display using mandala wheels, much in the way that Ana Tuominen did with the potholders. So I am asking if you would like to play along? Would you like to become a part of another wonderful, big yarny creative project and make a Mandala Wheel for me?
I have designed a very easy Mandala Wheel pattern that you can use, and have written up a tutorial for it. These ones I made using DK weight yarn on a 4mm hook, and they measure 18cm/7 inches across.
That's the sort of size I'm looking for folks. They need to be no bigger than 8 inches across.
I would also like them to be stiffened, to make it easier for me to hang them. I have found the best way to do this is to use white PVA craft glue and simply paint it on the reverse side of the mandala with a stiff little brush. I used this technique when making my Happy Flower and it works a treat.
When it's dry, the glue turns transparent as you can see above, and the mandala wheel takes on a pleasingly neat, perky attitude making it perfect for display purposes.
So you can find the tutorial for making my Mandala Wheel right HERE.
I am also thrilled to tell you that I've been working with designer Zelna Olivier who created the amazing Starflower Mandala that I shared with you last week. Oh, this has been SUCH FUN!!!! Zelna agreed to design a mandala especially with my Yarndale plans in mind, ie a wheel-inspired, 7 inch creation full of colour, and she absolutely did me proud.
You can find the free pattern for her beautiful Granny Mini Mandala right here. Isn't it beautiful?
Not only that, but Zelna (who like me, is suffering a little from mandala-mania) went on to design us two more! Wowsers, how lucky are we??!!
This is her Hakuna Matata design....
and this is her Sunny Flower design.
All three patterns include fabulous photographs of each round to help you create these beautiful circles, so we are hoping that you will feel inspired to get creative and give them a go.
♥
So before I love you and leave you, I thought it might be a good idea to answer some questions about this year's Global Community Crochet Project for Yarndale.
Q :: How many mandalas would you like me to make?
A :: This is VERY IMPORTANT >>> please can I ask that each person makes just ONE MANDALA to send for the Yarndale display. Only ONE per person please.
Q :: What type of yarn would you like me to use?
A :: Any yarn you like! I've found that cotton yarn gives the best results, but any smooth yarn works well, including Stylecraft Special DK.
Q :: What hook size shall I use?
A :: Use whatever hook suits the yarn you are using. The important thing is the finished size....the finished mandala wheel should measure less than 8 inches / 20cm.
Q :: What size should my finished mandala measure?
A :: Please aim for approximately 7 inches / 18cm.
Q :: Should I be using mainly "Lucy" colours?
A :: No! Please feel free to experiment with colours, that's the main attraction with mandala making. But it would be nice if the mandala wheels were colourful, so I would appreciate no black yarn please.
Q :: Can I personalise them in any way? And can I use alternative patterns?
A :: Yes yes!!! Please be creative! So long as your mandala lies flat and arrives stiffened ready for hanging, I am happy for you to embellish, button, bejewel, stitch and personalise your mandala in whatever way you wish. You can use any pattern you like, just so long as the finished mandala does not measure more than 20cm across.
Q :: Do they need blocking/stiffening?
A :: Yes please. The mandala wheels I've made have all benefitted enormously from a light steam press on the reverse side to make them lovely and flat. I would also like them to be stiffened please, using PVA glue on the reverse side as mentioned in the text above.
Q :: When do you need them?
A :: I'm setting a deadline of the end of June 2014, so roughly two months from now.
Q :: Where shall I send them?
A :: To the following address.......
Attic24
PO Box 97
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 9EN
Q :: What information should I include with my mandala?
A :: Please could you give me your name, along with your town/county/state/province and country. I'd like to compile a list of contributors this year, along with their origin.
Q :: What will happen to them after Yarndale?
A :: Well, we are still thinking about this and a lot depends on the quantity we receive. We'll certainly keep you posted.
I absolutely cannot wait for this project to unfold! I am excited beyond words at the thought of it, at the way I can almost (but not quite) visualise the impact of such a display. I think it's going to be so, so, so beautiful.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps another reminder.....mandala's are super-addictive and it really is impossible to make just one. But please, please only send me ONE beauty for the Yarndale project.
♥ THANK YOU!!!! ♥
xxxxxxxxxxxx
I love these. I've been working on coloring mandalas for months now. I was to get the patterns to these. I know for sure this is incentive for me to learn to make something other than scarves. I donate them to the kids in need. They'd love these.
Posted by: Laurie Purcell | August 10, 2014 at 05:39 PM
In the US what would we use for PVA Glue? Thanks! Hope to get started soon!
Posted by: Deborah | August 10, 2014 at 05:14 PM
Dear Lucy,
Greetings from Australia!
I enjoy reading your blog all the time. You really make my day. Thank you for the lovely photos too. I am having trouble with my first mandala. It looks like a bowl. Do you know what I am doing wrong?
I am hoping to do a set of mandalas for my lounge room wall of my new unit as I have a white wall and the mandalas would be a lovely feature.
Keep,doing what you do as I love reading you.
Kind regards
Rosie
Posted by: Rosemary Dargan | August 04, 2014 at 01:02 PM
Hi, I am new to the mandala making scene, so I have a question. Does it matter what kind of yarn I use to make one? Thank you for your wonderful ideals and inspiration. Dena.
Posted by: Dena Kinney | July 05, 2014 at 04:02 PM
Hi Lucy I am just busy writing my post about mandala's and was wondering whether you still need more wheels as I can try and see if we can make a few more for you by using it as my monthly mandala. Sorry I missed last month and realise now that I am a little late for the whole affair. Will you object to getting a few late ones??? Please let me know asap. Thanks
Posted by: Hannapat | July 01, 2014 at 12:07 PM
You made the comment about when is it a doily and when is it a mandala? I really don't think there is a difference. I remember my mother teaching me to crochet and at the time, I wasn't interested since all I ever saw were pot holders and doilies. However, thank goodness for creative wizards like yourself who have designed some incredible things. I first saw some absolutely beautiful mandalas about 2 years ago, and have been resisting the temptation to create one or two. I am weakening, and will probably get one created soon while I wait for the Bower Bird pattern.
Posted by: Michele Boucher-Hines | July 01, 2014 at 02:54 AM
Yarndale mandalas have made me sooooo happy! My 'Mexican Sunset' mandala is on it's way to you right now! And I managed to blog a tutorial for it, a bit late I know but just in case anyone in Skipton is thinking of popping round to deliver theirs personally haha!
http://sarahstar.co.uk/crochet/mandala-madness-mexican-sunset-mandala/
Posted by: sarahstar | June 30, 2014 at 01:23 AM
Disappointed that I just found this posting! I would have loved to join in on the fun! Sorry I missed it. Much Love from Texas!
Posted by: Marisol | June 27, 2014 at 09:25 PM
Hi Lucy. I have wanted to have a go at a Mandala for a while but have not got around to it until last week when I made two. I am now off to make a third in a hope of it reaching you to add to your Yarndale collection. I have been hooked on your blog since you first appeared in Simply crochet and can't wait for your lovely pictures and updates to appear on your page. They are a joy to see and read. Thankyou
Posted by: Jill. Somerset | June 23, 2014 at 04:06 PM
I absolutely love mandalas! I have recently become obsessed with them, ever since you explained their purpose "mandalas have no real purpose other than to make you feel good." I have plans to make a few for my bedroom wall. But I am also excited about getting a mandala tattoo! I have never wanted a tattoo before, but I love the meaning behind a mandala and think a tiny little one would look go good - maybe on my foot? Not sure yet! I wish I couldve made a mandala in time for Yarn Dale! But I just wanted to say that your blog is a great inspiration for me!
Posted by: Brielle | June 23, 2014 at 03:13 AM
I'm putting mine in the mail today, from Tucson Arizona! So excited to be a part of the fun!
Posted by: Christi | June 19, 2014 at 08:57 PM
I brought my mandala to the post office today. I have no idea how long it will take to arrive in Skipton, from the Netherlands. I loved making it and I hope you like it. 😆
Posted by: Evelyn | June 03, 2014 at 04:53 PM
Dear Lucy ,
My mandala is on the way from France.
It was a great pleasure to crochet it for your project.
Thank you for your so cheerful blog !
XXX
Posted by: Nathalie | May 25, 2014 at 05:08 PM
Hi Lucy, just spent a blissful couple of hrs. Usually hate patterns, but this was fun! Thanks for the pattern.x
Posted by: Julia Boddington | May 24, 2014 at 07:42 PM
It would be great if you cold make a list of all the countries that you get mandalas from.
Posted by: Ana | May 21, 2014 at 08:59 PM
I found a pattern for a Spoke Mandala, will give it and your pattern a go and see which one I like best to send :) http://winkieflash.nl/2013/04/15/free-pattern-spoke-mandala/
Posted by: JenB | May 20, 2014 at 04:35 PM
Posted my mandala to you today from Morocco...I hope it will arrive in time...
Hugs, Laura
Posted by: Laura Najma | May 19, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Dear lucy, is North Yorkshire in England? coz the post office here at my place ask where it was n the mandala is held here asking for d country name.
Posted by: Goodmorningbeautyful | May 19, 2014 at 04:15 AM
Hi lovely Lucy. I have been a little absent from my blog for a few weeks and even though I read this post of your and tried to leave a comment from my ipad a few weeks ago, it seems not to have posted. Firstly I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely mention to my blog, how very sweet of you and I am pleased that you enjoyed the post. As you might know I am now doing a monthly mandalong which I intend to run for twelve months, just to have a little fun. This month we are also indulging in one of Zooty Owl's gorgeous patterns. I do however think that if you are happy with the suggestion, that we can put these patterns forward for next months to see if we can rope up a few more 'wheels' for this year's festival. Will you be happy for me to mention it over at mine on the 1st of June? I for one will definitely be sending you one and I really hope that it is even more impressive than last year. Thanking you again and sending you much love xoxo
Posted by: Hannapat | May 16, 2014 at 11:38 AM
Hello Lucy, sorry to bother you, but as I live in Indonesia I prefer not to use the local postal office to send my parcel to you, just because they don't offer a reliable service. For this reason I'm going to send you my mandala using DHL, but the problem is that they don't accept a PO Box as address!
What should I do?
Thank you, Alessandra
my email address is : [email protected]
Posted by: Alessandra | May 15, 2014 at 05:56 AM
Just seen found this and would really like to join in again this year! But it seems like a waste to send via post when I live so close (Carleton) and go to skipton so often.
Is there any other way I can get mine to you? Could I drop it off at the post office or something? Or maybe leave it with someone at Coopers or Wild Oats cafe?
:o)
Posted by: Sally Alice | May 14, 2014 at 11:08 PM
gracias!!! por compartir proyectos tan hermoso
s!
Posted by: silvia genovese | May 14, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Yay! I love it!
I made one for Yarndale last week, it's now on its way to you. Then I also made one for myself. :)
I blogged about it here... http://nicollie.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/mandalamania/
Posted by: Nicollie | May 14, 2014 at 07:41 PM
I would love to join, but would like to ask whether you can stoffen it for me because I cannot find the right glue.... That would be great!
Posted by: Cindy Arts | May 14, 2014 at 11:29 AM
Perhaps after yarndale 2014, the mandalas could be turned into the yarndale sheep for 2015???
;)
Posted by: Emma Roberts | May 13, 2014 at 07:40 PM