Advent Wrapdigan – DK

Merry Christmasy lovely ones! It’s Christmas! Wow! So I excited! We have had a wonderful Christmas morning so far, luckily starting off not too early with my two. Which is good! And will soon be surrounded by some lovely family and Christmas merriment! Before I finally share with you my secret project I have been working on, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for your support over the year. It’s been a bit of a quieter one on the PipsRainbow front for me, but I have some super ideas for next year which I can’t wait to share with you.

Right. I have been working on a rather exciting project with my dear friend Abby from Orchidean Luxury Yarns! Ekk! So excited. May I present my Advent Wrapdigan!

The wrap itself is based on Abby’s original knitted Wrapdigan pattern, with the same snuggly theme, but now created for my crocheters alike and the delicate art of crocheted mandalas. It is made from Abby’s gorgeous DK Advent Yarn, with some seriously bright and vibrant colours. I have always wanted to create a project with a delicate mandala, so I jumped at the chance when Abby gave me her gorgeous advent yarn.

I really hope you enjoy this pattern. Now it is important to note, that due to the fact that this is an Advent yarn project, it has only been made once. But I have made every attempt to ensure it is easy to follow and correct. I will be starting a 4ply CAL of this pattern in January for anyone that is interested. I will be using my 4ply advent yarn from Abby.

This DK one is for my daughter, so I am super excited to make it in the 4ply yarn! I may need to keep it for myself.

Now, as with all my patterns, they are all here for you to enjoy. And in exchange for these patterns, I would be very grateful if you could give, however little, a donation to our chosen charity Child Bereavement UK. This is an incredible Charity, that was been close to our hearts for a few years now. I cannot imagine how important the work they do is to the families that need them. Especially at this time of year. So if you can, however small, donate to the charity, in exchange for my pattern, then I would be so grateful. Thank you. Here’s the link to the Just Giving Page.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pippa-morris-1666714185876

#crochetforcharity

Right now down to business.. 

Level – Medium (There are a few new stitches and techniques)

Yarn – 600g DK Advent Yarn (24 colours) with 1 x 100g skein of grey yarn.

I have used Abby’s gorgeous 2022 DK Advent Yarn. Here’s the link to her website.

https://luxuryyarns.co.uk/

Hook

4mm crochet hook

Notions –

Scissors, darning needle for ends, set of weighing scales, blocking tiles and pins

Finished size –

Wingspan – 100cm 

Centre spine depth – 90cm

Abbreviations – 

mr – Magic Ring 

ch – Chain

chsp – Chain Space

dc – Double Crochet 

sk – Slip Knot 

htr – Half Treble Crochet

blhtr – Back Loop Half Treble Crochet

tr – Treble Crochet

bltr –Back Loop Treble Crochet 

dtr – Double treble Crochet 

pf – Puff Stitch – [Yrh, insert hook where required, draw through a loop] repeat 4 times in the same place. You now have nine loops on the hook. Yrh and pull through all the loops on the hook.

rp – Rope Stitch – Crochet 1tr, 1ch, 1tr in same chsp or stitch.

dtr – Double Treble Crochet

bpdc – Back Post Double Crochet 

dcsp – Double Crochet Spike Stitch

Changing colours tips –

Half treble change – yarn over your hook, insert in the stitch and pull through (3 loops on your hook.) Yarn over your hook and then place your new yarn over the hook as well and pull both through the 3 loops to finish the htr stitch. Then with your next stitch, just use your new yarn. 

Treble Stitch change – yarn over your hook, insert in the stitch and pull through (3 loops on your hook.) Yarn over your hook and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over your hook and place your new yarn over the hook as well and pull both through the last 2 loops to finish the tr stitch. Then with your next stitch, just use your new yarn.

Pattern – Main Mandala

Use a different colour for each round 

Round 1 – Make a mr, 1ch then 6dc into the ring. Then pull the tail tight. Finally ss into the first dc stitch and fasten off. (6)

Round 2 – Attach yarn and 3ch (acts as 1tr), work 1tr in the first stitch. [2tr in the next stitch] 5 times. Finish by ss into the first tr in the round and fasten off. (12)

Round 3 – Attach yarn and 1ch, [work 1pf and 1ch in each stitch.] Repeat this 12 times. Ss in ch1 from start of round and fasten off. (12pf & 12ch)

Round 4 – Attach yarn in 1chsp, 7ch (acts as 1tr and 4ch). [Work 1tr in next 1chsp and 4ch.] Repeat 11 times. Ss into first 7ch and fasten off.

Round 5 – Attach yarn into any 4chsp and 3ch, then 4tr into the 4chsp. Then ss into the same 4chsp. [1ch, then ss into next 4chsp, 5tr, ss into same 4chsp.] Repeat this 11 times. Ss into first 3ch and fasten off. 

Round 6 – Attach yarn into any 1chsp and 1ch (acts as 1dc), then 1bpdc in each tr stitch. [Then 1dc in 1chsp, then work 1bpdc in each tr stitch.] Repeat this 11 times. Then 1dc in last 1chsp and ss into first 1ch and fasten off. 

Round 7 – Attach yarn into any dc stitch and 6ch. [Then 1dc in next dc stitch, 6ch.] Repeat 11 times. Then 1dc in last dc stitch and ss into first 6chsp and fasten off. 

Round 8 – Attach to any dc stitch and 7ch then 1dc in next dc stitch. [Then 7ch and work 1dc in next dc stitch.] Repeat this around the mandala, finally 7ch, 1dc in last stitch and ss into first 7chsp and fasten off.

Round 9 – Attach to any dc stitch and 5ch (acts as 1dc and 4ch.) [Then 1dcsp stitch into round 7 in the 6chsp, then 4ch, then 1dc into next dc stitch, then 4ch.] Repeat this around the mandala. Finally ss into first 5chsp and fasten off. 

Round 10 – Attach new yarn into any 4chsp, 3ch (acts as 1tr) then 3tr, then 1ch. Now [work 4tr in next 4chsp and 1ch.] Repeat around mandala, then ss into first 7ch and fasten off. (22 x 4tr & 1ch)

Round 11 – Attach new yarn into any 1chsp and 7ch (acts as 1tr and 4ch.) [Work 1tr in next 1chsp and 4ch.] Repeat all around mandala, then 4ch and ss into first 3ch. 

Round 12 – Attach new yarn in any 1tr, 8ch (acts as 1tr & 5ch.) [Work 1tr in next 1tr stitch, 5ch.] Repeat all around mandala, then ss into first 8ch and fasten off . 

Round 13 – Attach new yarn into any 1tr and 1ch (acts as 1dc.) [Work 5tr in 5chsp and 1dc in next tr.] Repeat all around the mandala then 5tr in last 5chsp and ss into first 1ch and fasten off.  

And there you have it! This is a great time to sew in your ends, so you are ready for Part 2. I really hope you have enjoyed part 1. I can’t wait to see all your different colourways. I am definitely going to stash dive this one again. Thinking you could have a winter warm and a summer cool version.

Round 14 – Attach new yarn into any 1dc and 1ch (acts as 1dc.) [Then 3ch, miss 2tr stitches, then in the next tr stitch work 1tr, 1ch, 1tr. Then 3ch, miss 2tr stitches, 3ch then 1dc in next 1dc stitch.] Repeat all around the mandala. Finally work 3ch, miss 2tr stitches, then in the next stitch work 1tr, 1ch, 1tr. Then 3ch, miss 2tr stitches, 3ch and work ss into first ch1 & fasten off. 

Round 15 – Attach new yarn in any 1chsp and 1ch and work 1pf stitch, then 3ch, work 1htr in 1dc and 3ch. [Work 1pf stitch in 1chsp, 3ch, 1htr in next 1dc, then 3ch.] Repeat all around the mandala, then ss into top of first pf stitch & fasten off. 

Round 16 – Attach new yarn in 3chsp after a pf stitch and 3ch (acts as 1tr) and work 3tr in the same 3chsp. [Then work 4tr in next 3chsp, miss pf stitch, 3ch, then 4tr in the next 3chsp.] Repeat all around the mandala, work 3ch then ss into first 3ch and fasten off. 

Round 17 – Attach new yarn into a 3chsp and 9ch (acts as 1dc and 8ch.) Now [1dc in next 3chsp and 8ch.] Repeat all around mandala. Finish with ss into first 8ch then fasten off. 

Round 18 – Attach new yarn into any 8chsp and 3ch (acts as 1tr) then 3tr, 1ch, 4tr, then 1ch. [In the next 8chsp work 4tr, 1ch, 4tr, 1ch.] Repeat all around the mandala and ss in first 3ch and fasten off. 

Round 19 – Attach new yarn into 1chsp and 7ch (acts as 1tr and 4ch.) Then 1tr in next 1chsp. Now [4ch, then 1tr in next 1chsp.] Repeat all around mandala and then 4ch and ss into first 3ch and fasten off. 

Round 20 – Attach new yarn in any 1tr stitch and 1ch, work 1pf stitch into same tr stitch, then 3ch. [Work 1pf stitch in next tr stitch, then 3ch.] Repeat all around the mandala and then ss into first 1ch and fasten off. (46 x 1pf & 3ch)

Round 21 – Attach new yarn in any 3chsp and 3ch (acts as 1tr) and work 4tr in the same 3chsp. [Now 2ch, work 5tr in 3chsp and 2ch.] Repeat all around the mandala then ss into first 3ch and fasten off. 

Round 22 – Attach new yarn into any 2chsp, 7ch (acts as 1htr & 5ch.) [Then 1htr in 2chsp, 5ch then 1htr in 2chsp.] Repeat all around the mandala and finish with 5ch, then ss into first 7ch and fasten off. 

Round 23 – Attach new yarn into htr and 8ch (acts as 1htr & 6ch.) [Then 1htr in next htr stitch and 6ch.] Repeat all around the mandala and ss into first 8ch and fasten off. 

Round 24 – Attach new yarn into any htr stitch and 1ch (acts as 1dc.) [Then 5dc in 6chsp and work 1dc in htr stitch.] Repeat all around mandala and finally work 5dc in 6chsp and ss into first 1ch and fasten off. 

Round 25 – Attach new yarn in any dc stitch and 2ch (counts as 1htr.) Then work 1htr in each stitch, finally ss into first 2ch and fasten off. 

Round 26 – Attach new yarn in any htr stitch and 2ch (acts as 1htr.) Work 1htr in each stitch and then ss into first 2ch and fasten off.

Round 27 – Attach your grey yarn into any htr stitch and 4ch (acts as 1dtr). Then work 1dtr in each stitch around the mandala, finally ss into the first 4ch and fasten off.

Triangular Corner Pieces – Make 4

Use a different colour for each row.

Row 1: Make a mr, 3ch, then work 3tr into the ring, then 2ch & work 4tr stitches into the ring. Then pull the tail tight and fasten off. (I tend to make a little knot here, to keep the mr closed.)

Row 2: Turn your work, attach new yarn into first tr stitch and 3ch. Then work 2tr in the first stitch, then 1tr in each tr stitch in the row. Then work 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in the 2chsp. Work 1tr in each stitch in the row, finally working 2tr in the top of the 3ch from the previous row and fasten off.

Rows 3 – 9: In each row, turn your work, attach new yarn in first stitch, 3ch, 2tr in the first stitch, then 1tr in each stitch in the row. Then work 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in the 2chsp. Work 1tr in each stitch in the row. Finally work 2tr in the top of the 3ch from the previous row and fasten off. 

Row 10: Turn your work, attach the grey yarn in first tr stitch and 3ch, 2tr in the first stitch, then 1tr in each stitch in the row. Then work 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in the 2chsp. Work 1tr in each stitch in the row. Work 2tr in the top of the 3ch from the previous row. Now work 2dc in the side of your last 1tr stitch in the previous row. [Then work 2dc in each side of your tr stitches.] Repeat 8 times. Then work 2dc in the mr, followed by [work 2dc in each side of your tr stitches.] Repeat 8 times, then ss into the first 3ch and fasten off. 

Don’t forget to sew in all your ends, so you are all ready to attach your triangular corners onto your mandala. 

Assembly Part 1 – Attaching your triangular corners onto the main mandala.

Round 28 – With your grey yarn, attach your triangular pieces to your main mandala, by placing one and the main mandala, right sides together, lining up the main mandala dtr stitches and the triangular corners dc stitches. Attach your grey yarn through both main mandala and triangular corner stitch by [working 1ch, then 1dc stitch through both stitches.]


Repeat this – working 1dc through both main mandala and triangular corner stitches to attach your triangular corner onto the main mandala. This is 38dc stitches in total. Now work 1tr in the next 33 stitches. Attach next triangular corner in the same way (Place one of your corner pieces and the main mandala, right sides together, in line with the next dtr stitch on the mandala. Work 1dc stitch through both the corner piece dc stitch and the mandala tr stitch. Repeat this to attach your corner. (38dc stitches in total) then work 1tr in next 26 stitches, then attach next corner in the same way and work 33tr stitches, then finally add last corner and work 26tr stitches and ss into first tr stitch on the first triangular corner piece you attached.

Round 29 – (Still working in the grey yarn) 2ch and work 1htr in the same stitch, then work 1htr in next tr stitch. Now work 23dc stitches, in 3chsp work 2dc, 1ch, 2dc. Then 25dc, finally working 1htr in last 2 stitches on the triangular corner and then work 1tr in next 2 stitches on the main mandala. Work 27dc, then 2dctog followed by 1tr in the last 2 stitches in the row. Now work 1htr in next 2tr stitches on the triangular corner, followed by 23dc, then in 3chsp work 2dc, 1ch, 2dc stitches. Then work 25dc, finally working 1htr in last 2 stitches on triangular corner piece. Then work 1tr in next 2 stitches on the main mandala followed by 20dc, then 2dctog. Then 1tr in the last 2 stitches on the mandala. Followed by 1htr in next 2 stitches on the triangular corner, then 23dc stitches and in 3chsp work 2dc, 1ch, 2dc stitches. Then 25dc and then 1htr in last 2 stitches on the triangular corner and then work 1tr in next 2 stitches on the mandala followed by 27dc, then 2dctog and 1tr in the last 2 stitches in the row. Followed by 1htr in next 2 stitches on the corner. Now work 23dc stitches, in 3chsp work 2dc, 1ch, 2dc stitches. Then 25dc, finally working 1htr in last 2 stitches on corner and then 1tr in next 2 stitches on the main mandala followed by 20dc then 2dctog stitches. Then 1tr in the last 2 stitches in the mandala then ss into the 2ch and fasten off. 

Round 30 – Continuing with your grey yarn, attach into next 1chsp on the mandala and 1ch. Work 1dc in first stitch after 1chsp and then work 9dc then 2dc in next stitch. Now work [10dc, then 2dc in next stitch] repeat 7 times. Miss 1chsp, 2ch, then work 1dc in first stitch, then work 7dc then 2dc in the next stitch. Now work [8dc, 2dc in next stitch] Repeat 8 times. Then miss 1chsp and 2ch. Now work [1dc in the first stitch (after the 1chsp) then work 9dc, then 2dc in next stitch. Then [work 10dc, then 2dc in next stitch] repeat 7 times. Miss 1chsp and 2ch. Now work 1dc in next stitch and then 7dc, then 2dc in next stitch. Now work [8dc, then 2dc in next stitch] repeat 8 times. Miss 1chsp and 1ch and ss into first 1ch.

Round 31 – Now 1ch and work 1dc in first stitch, then 22dc, followed by 2dc in the next stitch then [23dc, then 2dc in next stitch.] Repeat 3 times. Now miss 2chsp, 2ch, then work 1dc in first dc stitch in the row, then work 7dc, then 2dc in next stitch. Now work [8dc, then 2dc in next stitch.] Repeat 9 times and miss 2chsp and 2ch. Now work 1dc in first stitch, then 22dc followed by 2dc in next stitch, [23dc, then 2dc in next stitch] Repeat 3 times. Now miss 2chsp then 2ch, then work 1dc in first dc stitch in the row, then work 7dc, then 2dc in next stitch. Now [8dc, then 2dc in next stitch.] Repeat 9 times and then miss 2chsp, work 2ch and finally ss into 1ch and fasten off.  

You should now have 100 stitches on each side of your now square mandala. This is a good time to sew in all your ends. 

Mini Square Mandalas – Make 24 (one of each colour, but not your grey yarn.)

Round 1 – Make a slip knot and 4ch, ss into first ch to make a ring. 3ch (acts as 1tr), then work 11tr into the ring. Ss into top of first 3ch. (12tr)

Round 2 – Now 1ch and work 1pf and 1ch in first stitch.

[Work 1pf and 1ch in next stitch] 11 times. Ss into the first 1ch. (12pf & 12ch) (See abbreviations above for explanation on how to work a Puff Stitch.)

Round 3 – Now 4ch (acts as 1tr and 1ch) then work 1tr in the same 1chsp (counts as 1rp stitch.) Now work 1rp in each 1chsp in the round and finish by ss into the 4ch. (12rp)

Round 4 – Now 3ch (acts as 1tr) then work 3tr into the same 1chsp and 1ch. [Work 4tr into the next 1chsp and 1ch.] Repeat 11 times. Ss into the first 1ch. (12 x 4tr and 1ch)

Round 5 – Now 3ch (acts as 1tr) then work 4tr in the next 1chsp. Work 4dtr, 3ch, 4dtr in the next ch1sp.[[Work 5tr in the next ch1sp] Repeat twice. Then work 4dtr, 3ch, 4dtr into the ch1sp.] Repeat 3 times. Finally work 4tr in last 1chsp and then ss into the first 3ch and fasten off. (8 x 5tr and 4 x 4dtr, 3ch, 4dtr) 

Once you have made 24 mini square mandalas, sew in your ends with the darning needle and scissors and block them.

This is the first stage of your Advent Wrapdigan – your main circular mandala. This is a great time to sew in all your ends using your darning needle and scissors.

Assembly Part 2 –

With your large square mandala in the middle, place your mini mandalas around the edge and work out your positioning of each colour. Mine are in a gradient rainbow, well you know I have a thing for rainbow!! 

So you should have 7 by 7 squares, with the main mandala in the middle. To sew two squares together, use a 4mm crochet hook and a small amount of yarn of one of the colours of the squares you are working on. With the right sides together, align the stitches up and using a crochet hook work 1dc stitch through both 3chsp and then into back loops only of the crochet stitches. Once you have finished in the last 3chsp, fasten off your yarn. This will give you a neat line of stitches in between the squares. Don’t forget that the 4 corner squares, will have two edges sew on and remember you are crocheting them together in order, so keep checking your colours. Once you have finished, your squares will be sew together like a picture frame. 

Round 32 – Attaching your main square mandala to your squares. 

Use you grey yarn.

As there are 100 stitches on each side of the main square mandala and there are 100 stitches on the 5 mini square mandalas that attach to the mandala, it is just a case of aligning them up correctly before you start to sew them together. So with right sides facing each other, align one of the 4 corners of the main mandala and the inside corner of your sewn up squares. Insert your hook into 3chsp of the first mini square mandala and then the back loop of the first dc (after the 2chsp corner) and work 1ch and 1dc. [Then work 1bldc in each stitch along the row of both the mini square mandalas and main mandala to sew them together. Work 1dc in each 3chsp when you come to them. Finishing with 1dc through the last 3chsp of the mini square mandala and back loop of the last dc on the main mandala. At the second corner, insert your hook through both the 2chsp on the main mandala and 3chsp corner of the last mini square mandala in the row and work 1dc to attach them together. (You can see here where the arrow is pointing.)

Then work 1dc in the 3chsp on the next square and the back loop of the main mandala stitch.] Repeat until you have all 4 sides of the main mandala attached to your squares, then Ss into the first dc and fasten off. 

Border – 

You now have your main mandala in the middle, surrounded by 24 mini square mandalas. It’s now time to create the border around the edge. This will be a mix of your grey and coloured yarn.

Round 33 – With the wrap the right side facing you, use your grey yarn and insert your hook into the 3chsp in the top right hand corner and attach your yarn and 4ch (acts as 4dtr.) Then [[work 1tr in each stitch in the row. When you come to a 3chsp’s – work 1tr, 1ch, then work 1tr in next 3chsp. Then carry on working 1tr in each stitch.] Repeat across the row.] At the next corner work 2dtr, 3ch, 2dtr.] Repeat this for each side of your wrap. In the 3chsp at the end of the round work 2dtr, 3ch, 1dtr and then ss into first 4ch and fasten off. 

Whilst working the next 6 rounds you will be using up some of your small balls of colour. So attach a new yarn as and when you need to do this in the rounds.

Round 34 – Now this is the fun part, as it’s time to use up all those little different coloured balls of yarn. Once again you can choose any colour order you wish, but for me I wanted to work a continuous rainbow all the way around, ending with the purples and the pinks on two outside panels. But it is totally up to you. So with the right side facing, start by attaching any colour yarn you would like into the top right corner in the 3chsp and 2ch (acts as 1htr). [Then work 1htr in each stitch and work 1htr in 1chsp, then work 1htr in each stitch. In the corner work 2htr, 3ch, 2htr.] Repeat this for each side and ss into the first 2ch. 

Rounds 35 – 2ch (acts as 1htr) Carrying on with your coloured yarns, changing when you need to. [Work 1htr in each stitch in the row. At the corner, work 2htr, 2ch, 2htr, then 1htr in each stitch.] Repeat this for each side and ss into first 2ch. 

Round 36 – 39 2ch, (acts as 1htr) work [1htr in each stitch in the row. In the 2chsp work 2htr, 2ch, 2htr and then work 1htr in each stitch.] Repeat this for each side. Then ss into first 2ch and fasten off. 

This completes your square shaped part of your wrap, as we now need to make it into a rectangle. 

Side rows 1 – With your right sides facing, attach your grey yarn in the top left hand 3chsp (the top left corner) and 2ch. Now work 1htr in each stitch in the row. Finishing with 1htr in the 3chsp and fasten off. With your right side facing, attach your grey yarn in the bottom right hand 3chsp (the bottom right corner) and 2ch. Now work 1htr in each stitch in the row. Finishing with 1htr in the 3chsp and fasten off. 

I now have 2 colours left. My purple and my pink coloured yarns, which are going to make the width of my wrapdigan wider. As this part of the wrap needs to be symmetrical, use your weighing scales to create two equal balls of each colour. This way your sides of your wrap will be the same on either side.

Side Row 2 – With wrong side facing, attach your first coloured yarn in the first htr in the row and 3ch. Then work 1tr in each stitch in the row, changing colour when necessary. In the last 2ch, work 1tr and turn your work.

Side row 3 – 4  3ch and then work 1tr in each stitch in the row and 1tr in the last 3ch and turn your work. 

Side row 5 – 6 3ch and then work 1tr in each stitch in the row and 1tr in the last 3ch and fasten off. 

Now with the right side facing, in the top right hand corner, attach your grey yarn into the side of the 3ch and 2ch. Then work 1htr in the first side of the side of the each tr stitch and then 1htr in the side of each stitch until you get to the next 3chsp. Work 2htr in the 3chsp, then work 1htr stitch in each stitch until the next 3chsp. Work 2htr in the 3chsp then 1htr in the side of each stitch finishing with 2htr stitch in the last stitch and fasten off. 

With the right side facing, in the bottom left hand corner, attach your grey yarn into the side of the 3ch and 2ch. Then work 1htr in the first side of the side of the each tr stitch and then 1htr in the side of each stitch until you get to the next 3chsp. Work 2htr in the 3chsp, then work 1htr stitch in each stitch until the next 3chsp. Work 2htr in the 3chsp then 1htr in the side of each stitch finishing with 2htr stitch in the last stitch and fasten off. 

Now it’s time to sew in your ends using a darning needle & block. I tend to use sponge floor tiles and long headed pins for or T pins for this. 

Finishing off –

Finally, make your Advent Wrapdigan. Start by having the right side facing upwards and in a horizontal position, so that one the longest sides is near you. Fold in both left hand corners so that they meet, so that you have the two corners on the wrong side facing you. 

Using your crochet hook and the grey yarn, insert your hook into both sides of the 3ch in the corners of your wrap and 1ch. Then change to your pink yarn and work 1dc in the same side of 3ch. Now align the stitches up and work 1dc in each stitch until you are halfway along (roughly 30cm) leaving a 20cm gap for the arm hole and fasten off. Repeat this same method with the right hand corners and sew in your ends. Don’t forget to block your project.

And there you have it. Your Advent Wrapdigan! Really hope you have enjoyed this pattern. Now it’s time to snuggle up inside it & don’t forget to share any pics with us on the good old fashioned net.

Happy hooking. Xx 

As always, these patterns are brought to you, in the hope that they are all correct and easy to follow. It is only for personal use and not to be copied or reused. Thank you so much.

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Advent Shawl

(Well, it is Advent season!)

Hello my lovely ones. How are we all on this cold wintery mornings. It’s been rather chilly hasn’t it! It is rather nice to have all the warm yarny woolies out though. We have had a bit of strange week – I picked my little lady up from her week long residential on Friday. It’s been so weirdly quiet! The house doesn’t seem to function without her at all. It seems strangely unbalanced. So nice to have her back in the house. Feels complete again. Not a fan of her being away. But I know they need to do these things to grow and spread their wings and oh boy, did they have fun.

So I just wanted to pop on & talk about Advents! I know many of you lucky ones will have had a gorgeous delivery this last week from some of our incredible yarn dyers. I hope you have all managed to grab the one you wanted. It is such an exciting time of year for the yarny world. Can’t wait to open mine. So exciting.

I have tried to behave this year and not buy too much yarn, so that I could buy the advents. They are a great way to create a really spectacular piece, as many of the dyers will create each mini skein of yarn to sit beautifully with each other. With many of them dyed in a gradient manner, allowing the colours to flow and compliment each other. As of next year, I am hoping to bring you more crocheted garments, so with this in mind, the advents are win win for me.

I feel that the advents can say a lot about a dyer and really gives them a chance to shine and show their true colours. Many of them start planing their advents in the spring!! Can you imagine! So a lot of hard work and thought has gone into these beautifully little advent parcels. Ekk. I am now getting super excited.

In the past I have been super lucky to have Orchidean Luxury Yarn Advents. They are so scrumptious and so luxurious. Such a pleasure to open each day and see what squishy yarny treats are in store for you. But this year I have also branched out for one of Lisa’s advents from For the Love of Yarn too. I am super excited to be bringing you an exclusive pattern for her advent later in the year, with all proceeds for the pattern going to Children’s Liver Disease. An incredible charity that is very close to Lisa’s heart too. I was so humbled to find that Lisa has chosen me as one of her top crochet designers for her advents, such an incredible honour. Thank you Lisa. So kind of you.

Some of you may be starting to think about what kind of projects you would like to work on with your advents, so I couldn’t resist sharing my Advent Shawl pattern with you again this year. It is one of my all time favourite advent yarn pieces and, as many of you know, I am never far away from it! Well it’s rainbow and it’s soft yarn and it’s warm, what more can I say!!

Now this year I have created the pattern in an easily downloadable file, so that you can get going with your advent project straight away.

As with all my patterns now, I would be extremely grateful for any possible donations, however small, to my Crochet for Charity Just Giving Page. At the moment, I am hoping to support Child Bereavement Charity, which has been close to our hearts for a few years now. Thank you so much in advance for any donations you are able to give.

So here are the links you need:

The Advent Shawl PDF Pattern

Just Giving Crochet For Charity Page

Crochet for Charity Just Giving Page

Keep your eyes peeled for some other advent projects that may find their way onto my website too. There’s another one that I really can’t wait to share with you. In time, I will create an Advent Category on the website, so you will be able to find the patterns easily. Don’t forget that if you aren’t able to buy the advents, then all of these patterns can be made my yarn stash diving. Just grab a big bundle of your odds and ends and get crocheting. Ooo, imagine the possibilities!! Oh dear, what am I like.

Ooo, I nearly forgot. I may have been working on a rather secret advent project with the incredible Abby from Orchidean Luxury Yarns, so keep an eye out for that too. It’s a goodun, I promise you! But Mums the word I am afraid.

Anyways, happy hooking. Keep warm and have fun with the run up to, dare I say it – CHRISTMAS! Ekk!

🌈Xx

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