Spring Bubbles Mandala

Pattern: Made in K-Town by Barbara

Please respect my rights as designer: do not sell, share, translate, or publish any parts of this pattern (including pictures) online or elsewhere without my permission.
Do not claim this pattern as your own.

Feel free to sell the finished items you’ve made from my pattern!

If you do, a link-back to my blog www.made-in-k-town.blogspot.de would be great. Thank you!

Material:

All you need for this Mandala are small amounts of your favorite yarn and the according hook. For this Tutorial I worked with 4 different colors of cotton yarn (Catania by Schachenmayr) and a 2.5mm hook. My Mandala measures 13,5 cm in diameter (5.3") but the size will vary depending on the yarn you use, so gauge is not important.

Pattern Notes and Special Stitches:

For this pattern I use US crochet terms. Starting with a magic ring, we’ll need the following stitches: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (slst), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr) and some

Special Stitches:

Crossed Double Crochet (crossed dc):  yarn over (yo), and – working over the last dc you’ve just made – insert hook into the stitch before the dc you’ve just made and finish dc as usual. (Together with a dc and ch-1, the crossed dc form a kind of “crossed V-stitch”, you could say).

Surface Stitches: having a loop on your hook and holding the yarn behind your work, insert hook in between the next two dc’s, yo, pull loop through the gap and through the loop on your hook. Basically, it’s just working slip stitches around the body of the dc.

Double Single Crochet (dsc): insert your hook into the indicated stitch or space, yo, pull through space (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into the same space again, yo, pull through space (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 4 loops on your hook.

Some of the explanations in this pattern might sound a little bit difficult, but I promise you – with a hook in your hand, it’s all easy-peasy :) If you are an absolute beginner or don’t feel comfortable with the special stitches, I also give you some alternative (easier) solutions for the according rounds!

Please note:

I usually start all my rounds with a standing stitch (i.e. the recquired stitch right away) instead of starting with beginning chains. The written pattern however is with beginning chains, so don’t worry if the pictures don’t match your work exactly! It’s up to you, if you want to start a round with standing stitches or beginning chains.

Rnd 1

Start with a magic ring, ch-4 (counts as dc and ch-1), work (dc, ch-1) 15x into the ring, join with a slst to third ch of your beginning ch’s, fasten off. (16 dc, 16 ch-1 gaps)

Don’t pull the magic ring too tight yet!

Rnd 2

Attach another color with a slst to any ch-1 space, ch-1, sc in same space, ch-1, *sc in the next gap, ch-1*, repeat from * around and join with a slst to first sc, fasten off. (16 sc, 16 ch-1 gaps)

  

Rnd 3

Attach another color with a sl st to any ch-1 space, ch-4 (counts as dc and ch-1), crossed dc into the ch-1 gap before the gap where you’ve started, *dc into the next free gap, ch-1, crossed dc into the (already “taken”) gap before the stitch you’ve just made* repeat from * around and join with a slst to third ch of your beginning ch’s, fasten off. (16 crossed V-Stitches, 16 ch-1 gaps)

For the crossed dc see “Special Stitches” in the pattern notes above.

For the last dc/crossed dc repetition, place the dc into the space where you’ve already placed your first crossed dc at the beginning of the round – so actually this is not a “free” gap.

You should now have two dc’s (one regular, one crossed) coming out of each ch-1 gap of round 2, right?

You can now pull the magic ring tight, if you haven’t already.

Easy Alternative: just work regular V-Stitches (i.e. dc, ch-1, dc) in every ch-1 gap around.

Rnd 4

Attach another color with a slst to any ch-1 space, ch-3 (counts as dc) and 2 more dc into the same space, *3 dc into the next space*, repeat from * around and join with a slst to beginning ch-3, fasten off. (48 dc, no spaces)

Rnd 5

Holding the yarn at the back of your work, insert hook in between any two dc’s of the previous round, yo, pull loop through the gap and work surface stitches around. To finish the round, work the last surface stitch in the gap where you started, cut thread, and finish off. Use your hook or a needle to pull the loose end through to the back again, tie the two ends together and weave them in.

For the surface stitches see “Special Stitches” in the pattern notes above.
You can also add this round in the end when you're finished with the rest - this is a suggestion from my sister who tested this pattern for me. Danke Sabine! :) 

Easy Alternative: just skip this round, it’s just for decoration and won’t change the stitch count.

Rnd 6

Turn your work, so that the left side is facing you! Attach another color with a slst to any dc of rnd 4. Ch-1, sc in the same stitch, tr in the next stitch, *sc in the next stitch, tr in the next stitch* repeat from * around and join with a slst to first sc, fasten off and turn again. (24 sc/tr pairs)

Now you should see the “bubbles” (or bobbles, but I like bubbles better *gg*), that have formed by working the sc/tr combinations.

Make sure you don’t accidently grab the surfaces stitches of round 5 while working this round! (I mention that, because it happened to me before)

  

Rnd 7

With the right side facing you again, attach another color with a slst to any sc of the previous round (those are the smaller looking, tighter stitches of the two). Ch-1, sc in the same stitch, ch-3, skip the tr, *sc in the next sc, ch-3, skip the tr*, repeat from * around and join with a slst to first sc, fasten off. (24 sc, 24 ch-3 gaps)

Rnd 8

Attach another color with a slst to any ch-3 space, ch-3 (counts as dc) and 2 more dc into the same space, *3 dc into the next space*, repeat from * around and join with a slst to beginning ch-3, fasten off. (72 dc, no spaces)

Rnd 9

Attach another color with a slst to any dc, ch-4 (counts as dc and ch-1), crossed dc into the dc before the stitch where you’ve started, *skip the next free dc, dc into the next dc, ch-1, crossed dc into the skipped dc before the stitch you’ve just made* repeat from * around and join with a slst to third ch of your beginning ch’s, fasten off. (36 crossed V-Stitches, 36 ch-1 gaps)

For the crossed dc see “Special Stitches” in the pattern notes above. Notice the difference to round 3? This time you’ve only got one dc (regular or crossed) coming out of each stitch of the previous round. The crossed V-Stitches don’t “touch” at the base like in round 3.

Easy Alternative:  just work regular V-Stitches (i.e. dc, ch-1, dc) in every second dc around, i.e. skip one dc between the V-Stitches.

Rnd 10

Attach another color with a slst to any ch-1 gap of the previous round, ch-1, 2 double sc (dsc) in the same gap, ch-1, *2 dsc in the next gap, ch-1*, repeat from * around and join with a slst to first dsc, fasten off and weave in all the ends. (36x2 dsc, 36 ch-1 spaces)

For the double sc see “Special Stitches” in the pattern notes above.

Easy Alternative: instead of double sc’s use regular sc’s and work (2sc, ch-1) in every ch-1 gap around. But I really hope you try this fun and easy stitch, though – it makes for a nice, dense finish!

I hope you've enjoyed making this easy new Mandala. If you've got any questions or find errors in this pattern, please let me know!

edit: after I had taken all the pictures and written down the pattern, I noticed that crossed dc's are usually worked behind the first dc and not over the dc, like I did here. Maybe you want to try both version and see which alternative you like better! (I go with the behind-cross next time *gg*)

You can also share your Spring Bubbles Mandala in the Project Gallery on Ravelry!

Pattern Preview: A New Mandala

Hello there!

I've only just realized, that my last post - the pattern for the Easter Bunny ornaments - was my 400th post on this blog! Wow... 

The most popular of all my posts - with almost 600.000 visits - is still my Little Spring Mandala. So, to celebrate 400 posts and the fact that you're still here with me, I thought I'd design another Mandala to share with you:

I thought about "Little Spring Mandala 2.0" for a name, but didn't really like it. So - because the one round in the middle is kind of "bubbly" and because it's spring again - I thought I'd call it "Spring Bubbles Mandala"

What you see in the pictures above and in the next one below was my prototype, and I have to say, I like the colors a lot :)

The next picture is the mandala I've made for the picture tutorial. I'll be posting the pattern at the end of this week, and I hope you all gonna like my Spring Bubbles Mandala as much as you liked the Little Spring Mandala!

Thank you all for hanging in there with me, and have a great week! :)

Shop-Opening, (Birthday-)Giveaway and More!

Hello World!

Wow, what a busy week this is! There are Birthdays everywhere I look (including my own), I've finally managed to set up my Etsy-Shop (although it still needs some fine-tuning here and there), and although I've got this week off from work, it just seems to fly by with the speed of light! Be prepared for a longer post and stay with me, because there's something to win, too! :)

Remember my last post, when I looked for a pattern-tester for my new Star-Mandala?

Boy, that was a tough decision! I feel a little bad that I had to disappoint so many of you, because unfortunately I couldn't pick all who offered their help, but I really appreciate all your enthusiastic comments! In the end I decided to give this pattern to Samantha from Betsy Makes, a lovely site you shouldn't miss, I'm really glad I've found her and her blog. Thank you, Sam, for testing and your thoughtful feedback, you helped me a lot!

I also had some comments from my German readers, and so I thought I could - for the first time - translate one of my patterns to German, too. So, if you're from Germany and would like to test the German version, please leave a comment here and I might come back to you!

So, and on we go: Have I mentioned that I've finally opened my Etsy-Shop? :) >>Come on in!<<

The shelves aren't as full as I hoped they would be on the Grand Opening Day, but if I wait until I've taken pictures of all my finished items, written all the descriptions (both in German and English), and calculated all the shipping costs, well... Christmas would be over and nobody would want a Star-Mandala anymore anyway, right?

So, for now you can purchase the pattern for my Star-Mandala in the English version as PDF with instant download (it works: John was so kind to invest some money in me and was my first customer to see if it works smoothly), or - if you're not a crocheter yourself - you can also go for some ready-made Mandalas in different color-combos, like this one:

Or - you can just enter my Giveaway here and now, and maybe you will win the PDF-pattern which will be send to you in an e-mail - great, isn't it?

So, as I mentioned before, it's the week of Birthdays: on Monday I turned one year... better, and tomorrow it's John's turn. Happy Birthday to us! :) I think I've never mentioned my exact age here on this blog, did I? Wanna guess? Don't worry, I won't get mad if you judge me 20 years older than I am, I'm feeling a little more relaxed about this whole age-thing than I did some years ago. Maybe because I'm married now *lol*. And we're not talking about age anyway - all I want to know from you (to win the Giveaway) is the year of my birth. The first one who enters the correct year, will win my pattern. Fair, sweet and simple. The Giveaway will be open until the correct answer is given.

Good Luck to all of you!!

Wanted: Pattern Tester For New Star-Mandala!

Hello my friends! Today I've got a special offer for you! As you might know, I'm planning to open my own Etsy-Shop, and I thought that along with my crocheted items I could also offer at least one pattern for sale - but please don't worry: of course the free patterns you find on my blog will always stay free, and there will also be more free patterns here in the future, and some for sale in my shop.

But now back to my offer: Before publishing the pattern, I'd like to ask one (or two) of you to be the first tester of this new Star-Mandala, the perfect decoration for the coming Christmas season:

As this is gonna be a pattern for sale, I want it to be absolutely flawless and easy to understand. I'm thinking about the following:

• If you're interested in testing this pattern, please leave a comment here.
• I'll pick one (or two) of you and send you the written pattern with lots of pictures as a PDF in an e-mail.
• You'll try to crochet the Mandala and give me feedback about the pattern, i.e. if you find any mistakes or where you think the instructions should be clearer.
• I'll make corrections if necessary and send you back the final version for you to keep.
• Another bonus for you: I allow you to share a free copy of the final pattern as a giveaway for one of your readers!

Sounds good? It's actually a win-win situation for both of us: I'll get a free revision for my pattern and a free promotion for my shop, when you blog about it. You'll get a pattern for free, plus a giveaway for your readers, plus a mention of your giveaway/blog here on my site!

So, how do I decide who gets the pattern to test? I'd love to have a tester who's experienced in both reading AND writing patterns (for a better feedback). You should be able to make the pattern and let me know your thoughts within one week. You should have your own blog and be willing to write a post in which you show your finished Star-Mandala and offer one copy of the pattern as a giveaway, along with a link-back to my blog/shop. How you handle the giveaway (random generator, quiz, or secret giveaway) is completely up to you!

I'm also thinking about giving this pattern to a second tester, who'd consider herself as a beginning crocheter (in this case, you don't have to have any experience in pattern-designing/writing, of course). However, you should have a blog and be willing to promote this pattern as explained above.

The Star-Mandala in the typical Christmas colors: green, red and white

So, what do you say? Are you in? :)

If you've got further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll pick my tester within a week and contact her/them via e-mail (please make sure you leave the address of your blog in your comment as well, if it's not visible from your profile!).

I'm looking forward to your comments, have a great week everyone!

Little Spring Mandala

Pattern: Made in K-Town by Barbara

Please respect my rights as designer: do not sell, share, translate, or publish any parts of my patterns (including pictures) online or elsewhere without my permission. Do not claim this pattern as your own. Feel free to sell the finished items you’ve made from my pattern! If you do, a link-back to my blog www.made-in-k-town.blogspot.de would be great. Thank you!

Material:

As usual, I used small amounts of Catania by Schachenmayer and a 2.5mm hook. My mandala measures 12cm in diameter (4.7") but the size will vary depending on the yarn you use.

Some general notes:

For this pattern I use US crochet terms. We’ll need the following stitches: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), double crochet three together (dc3tog), and surface stitches. The dc3tog and the surface stitches are explained below, please use the pictures as a help, too.

I did NOT write down the chains at the beginning of each round: for the first stitch in every round, work chains (e.g. 3 chains for the first dc) OR start with a “standing stitch” i.e. join the new color with a slip knot or a simple loop ON YOUR HOOK and just work the first sc or dc as usual. Join rounds with a sl st.

I hope I haven't lost you already :) Here we go:

1st Round: start with a magic ring and work (1dc, ch1) 12x inside the ring, fasten off (12 ch1-spaces)

2nd Round (new color): work (1sc, ch2) in every ch1-space, fasten off (12 ch2-spaces)

3rd Round (new color): work (dc3tog, ch3) in every ch2-space, fasten off (12 ch3-spaces)

Here's how you do the dc3tog: yo, insert hook into ch2-space and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into the same ch2-space and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into the same ch2-space and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook. (Note: to start the round, either make ch3 and then a dc2tog, or start with a standing stitch and work the dc3tog right away).

4th Round (new color): work 4 dc in every ch3-space, fasten off (48 dc, no spaces!)

5th Round (new color): work surface stitches between the dc's of the previous round, finish off

For the surface stitches, hold the yarn at the back of your work, insert hook in between any two dc’s, yo, pull loop through the gap. Now you’ve got a loose loop on your hook (hold the end of your yarn tight for the first stitch!). *Insert hook in between the next two dc’s, yo, pull loop through the gap and through the loop on your hook*. It’s like working slip stitches. Work this way around, then insert your hook in the first gap where you started, cut thread, yo, pull thread through the gap and through your loop and finish off. Use your hook or a needle to pull the loose end through to the back again, tie the two ends together and weave them in.

The 6th Round is a double round, worked into the dc’s of round 4:

6a (new color): work (1dc, ch2, skip one stitch) around, join with a slip stitch to first dc, finish off

6b (new color): Fold the stitches you’ve just made a little bit to the front and repeat round 6a, working into the stitches you’ve skipped before, finish off (2x 24 ch2-spaces)

7th Round (new color): work 3dc into the ch2-spaces of the previous round, finish off. Make sure you insert your hook into both spaces of round 6a and b! (72dc, no spaces!)

8th Round (new color): work (1sc, ch4) between every 3dc-group.

9th Round (same color): work (1hdc, 3dc, 1hdc) in every ch4-space. Finish off, and weave in all the loose ends.

I hope you enjoy making this Spring Mandala!

 

If you've got any questions, or find errors in this pattern, please let me know!

I'd also like to see your finished Mandalas, so feel free to leave a comment with a link to your blog or flickr picture :)

Want to see more Little Spring Mandalas? Check out the Project Gallery on Ravelry!