Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Spinning Your Crochet

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cro spin mandala 0714

While this lovely and exciting piece of crochet is not exactly meant to spin, it certainly has the look of a spinning wheel to me.  It’s a mandala themed piece of which this is the central motif.  Isn’t it stunning?

Martha Vitez and others have created this “Magic Carpet” afghan and have very detailed instructions and pictures showing how they accomplished this feat.  I love the colors – the choice of colors gives the piece a lot of energy.  I love the detail and variety of stitches.  I have seen similar pieces and written about them before – the mandalas – but this piece is unique.

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For those adventurous enough, grab a colorful selection of yarns and use the work of the women who created this splendid piece to create one for yourself.  Each round of the mandala is full of possibilities – color, size of yarn, stitch pattern, etc.  Yours will be unique too.  If you are as good with color choices as the women who created this piece, you will likely achieve a spectacular piece for yourself.  Please be sure to share a picture with us!

Comments

  1. Love mandala-type designs and this is a really lovely one. But was totally blown away when I went to her site. Such creativity and beautiful designs and she shares how she does it. Thanks for bringing this site to our attention.

  2. Hi there.
    I’d just like to make a wee clarification. Mine is the bottom piece there in your wee article. The pattern is actually by Toni Andmarc and the original ravelry download we are working from can be found here:
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mandala-experiment-trial-pattern
    Toni put up notes on what she did, and our team has been testing the pattern and submitting our findings to her. She has since re-released the pattern and you can find it here:
    http://justdunnycrochet.svbtle.com/magic-carpet-ride-mandala-experiment-pattern
    We are still working our way through the pattern as a CAL in the Creative Crochet Crew on Facebook where I am the head admin. You can find us here if you wish to join:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/327340747367203/
    Toni’s pattern is just stunning, and it’s been a great challenge for us all to work through it, I would thoroughly recommend giving it a go.
    I’d like to thank Martha Vitez and Oona Linnet for helping to lead this CAL event. xoxo

  3. As the designer, I thank you very much for your article! And many thanks to Angela, Martha and Oona for their help in proving this pattern. Thank you so much GJ Amber! I hope you all enjoy (and get creative!) with my designs.

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.