Patterns

Mulberry Mandala

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Well hello my lovely ones! How are we all? Hope we have all had a good starts to the week. Ours has been busy busy as always. Usual school run and after school craziness!! But all good, all good.

It’s definitely getting more autumny now isn’t it! It is a lovely time of year though. I just adore those warm colours that all the trees and leaves delight us with each year. So magical. But I definitely think it’s layers time!! One minute your rather chilly and the next on a seriously warm side!! Layers at the ready peeps!! My usual 4 socks method has begun on my feet already!!

So I have to apologise for the rather large delay with this pattern. I had promised it many months ago, but guessing a bit of better late than never spirit needs to be going on. I’ve always wanted to design another mandala. They are such a beautiful sight, when they are displayed in all their glory with vases and pots on them filled with bright colours of flowers and sunny blooms. But I also wanted to mix it up with the yarn I used and wanted to come away from the double knit cottons that are usually used for mandalas and try my hand at a more dainty and delicate yarn such as this 3ply silk. And what better yarn to use than this beautiful 3ply mulberry silk from the very talented Abby Parkes.

So my gorgeous little ball of yarny loveliness came out of this little parcel of magic from Luxury Yarns.

It was from a previous instalment from the Ōil Yarns Club that the wonderful Abby has set up. So my parcel comprised of a skein of beautifully hand dyed yarn by Abby, a little bottle of some essential oils from the DōTERRA range and a lovely little jewel marker. You can sign up for one, two or three monthly instalments, so you can make it work for you. If you fancy a peak and are intrigued, then just follow the link below.

https://luxuryyarns.co.uk/oilyarns-club/

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!!

Right then, so let’s get started.

Level –

Moderate (There’s a few slightly tricker stitches in this one.)

Supplies –

So for this project I have this beautiful 3ply mulberry silk yarn. I have only used about 15g of yarn, so you could definitely make quite a few with a ball of yarn. You will also need a 3mm crochet hook, some scissors and a blunt ended tapestry needle.

Stitches –

Magic Ring – Fold over the yarn to make the loop. Insert your hook through the loop and grab the working yarn (long piece) and pull through the loop. Hold the tail and the working yarn and pull so that the knot tightens, but you still have a loop. This has created a magic ring.

Slip stitch (ss) – This is where there is no height to the stitch. It’s usually used to join rounds. So insert the hook into the front of the stitch you are joining to. This is usually the first stitch you made in that round/row. So yarn over hook and pull through that first stitch then also through the loop on your hook.

Chain (ch) – To make a chain, place the yarn over the hook then pull it through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc) – Insert the hook through the stitch, front to back, then yarn over hook and pull back through stitch. You will have two loops on your hook. Then yarn over your hook and pull through both loops.

Half treble (htr) – A half treble crochet is basically one less movement than a treble. So yarn over hook, insert through space/stitch, yarn over hook, pull back through space/stitch. There should be 3 loops on your hook. Then yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops.

Treble (tr) – To make a treble crochet, firstly yarn over your hook, insert through space/stitch, yarn over your hook, pull back through space/stitch. There should now be 3 loops on your hook. Then yarn over hook and pull through the first two loops, yarn over hook and pull through the last two loops.

Back Loop Double Crochet (bldc) – Insert the hook through the second part of the stitch, front to back, then yarn over hook and pull back through stitch. You will have two loops on your hook. Then yarn over your hook and pull through both loops.

Back Loop Treble Crochet (bltr) – Yarn over your hook and insert the hook through the second part of the stitch, front to back, then yarn over hook and pull back through stitch. You will have three loops on your hook. Then yarn over your hook and pull through the first two loops. Then yarn over your hook and pull through the last two loops.

Ok so here we go …

1 – Start by working a magic ring, then ch1. Follow this by working 6dc into the magic ring, then pull the tail right to create the first round. Finally slip stitch into the first dc stitch.

If you’re not sure how to work a magic ring, then here’s a little video for a quick reminder.

2 – Now Ch3 and work 2tr in the first stitch. Now work *2tr in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** 5 times. Finish by ss into the first tr in the round.

3 – Ch3 and work 1tr in the first stitch. Now work 2tr in the next stitch. Now work *1tr, then 2tr in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** 5 times. Finally ss into the first tr stitch.

4 – For this round, you are going to work back loop treble stitches. Start by chaining 3 then *1bltr in the first stitch. (Remember you only work your bltr stitches in the back loop of the stitch below. This is where the arrow is pointing in the photo below.

Then work 1bltr, followed by 2bltr in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** 6 times. Finally ss in the first bltr.

5 – Chain 2, *1htr followed by ch1.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first htr stitch.

6 – Ch3 then work *2tr and ch1 in the ch1sp.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first tr stitch.

7 – Now ch3 then work *3tr in each ch1sp.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first tr stitch.

8 – Chain 3 and work 1tr in the first stitch and chain 3. Work *1tr in between the next 3tr cluster and chain 3.* Repeat this ** 23 times. Ss in the first tr stitch.

9 – Ch3 work 1tr in the first stitch and ch5. Work *1tr in the next 1tr stitch and then ch5.* Repeat this ** 23 times. Ss into first tr stitch.

10 – Ch3 and now *work 4tr into each 5chsp.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first tr stitch.

11 – Ch2 and *work 1htr in first stitch. Then miss a stitch and chain 1.* Repeat this ** 48 times. Ss into the first tr stitch.

12 – Ch3 then *work 3htr in each ch1sp.* Repeat this ** 48 times. Ss into the first tr stitch.

13 – Ch 1. Now work *1bldc in each stitch.* Repeat this ** 144 times. Ss into the first bldc stitch.

14 – Ch1 and work 1dc in the first stitch. Chain 5, miss 4 stitches, then work 1dc the next stitch. *1dc in the next Stitch, chain 5, miss 4 stitches then 1dc in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** 23 times. Ss in the first dc.

15 – *Ss into the ch5sp. Now work 6tr stitches in the ch5sp, then ss in the same ch5sp.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first ss.

16 – Work 1dc in the first stitch, *then ch8 and work 1dc in between the 2dc stitches from the round below.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss in the first dc.

17 – Work 1dc in the first dc stitch, then ch9 and then work 1dc in next dc stitch.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first dc stitch.

18 – In the ch8sp work 2htr, 4tr, 2htr and then work 1dc into the next dc.* Repeat this ** 24 times. Ss into the first htr stitch.

19 – Work 1dc into each stitch. Repeat this ** 216 times. Ss into the first dc and fasten off.

And there you have your beautiful mulberry mandala. Don’t forget to sew in your two ends!!!

Can’t wait to see all your creations!! Don’t forget to share them on social media.

As always, any problems or questions just give me a shout.

Happy hooking!

🌈Xx

(Free pattern designed and brought to you by PipsRainbow. Thank you for not copying or recreating it. ☺️Xx)

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Patterns

Mr and Mrs Turtle

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Well, the end of our lovely summer holiday is finally here and our little rainbowbods are going to be starting back into their new academic years. We’ve had an absolute ball this summer and we are definitely not ready to get back into normalness again! Boohoo!! I’m feeling decidedly wobbly about next week and the new chapters that my two are starting out on. I know they have to spread their wings and fly, but boy how I have loved having them under my wing for 6 weeks. Just the best.

I think our summer has mainly consisted of – beaches, the sea, body boarding, waves, bbq’s, bike rides, family walks, friends, baking, swimming, day dreaming, playing, parks, cuppas, a serious amount of ice creams, cakes, curries, Reading, weaving, loom bands, braids, camping in a caravan, National Trust trips, Bore Street Bakery trips, Toy Story 4 and obviously a rather large amount of crocheting. I don’t reckon we could have fitted much else in!

Now there are four little fellas that will help us remember the Summer of 2019 and here they are.

You’ve obviously met Paddy and Ivey, so now I would like to introduce you to Boo and Flip. Boo (second from the left) is a very proud Daddy of his two little squirts. He is always finding new adventures that they can all go on and keeps them on their toes with excitement. Flip (second from the right) is the Mummy turtle. She loves keeping them all close, under her flipper, but will always be up for any adventure that Boo has concocted up!! She is always by his side, following him in whatever path he takes. Two hearts as one, having lots and lots of fun.

So this is the free pattern for the two parent turtles, but if you want to make the little brother and sister, Paddy and Ivey too, you can either find the pattern in the pattern list or follow the link below. Happy hooking!

https://pipsrainbow.com/little-paddy-ivey-turtle/

Level – Easy

Supplies –

Right then, supplies. As this is a Using Up Year pattern, I have used lots of odds and ends to make my little turtles. Each little turtle uses a total of 90g of double knit yarn, so that will give you a rough idea of how much you will need.

(Also, quick tip, if you have lots of 4ply that you want to use up, you can always work 2 strands together to create a double knit weight yarn. I did this for Mr Turtle. It’s a great way to use up yarn.

You will also need a 3mm crochet hook, some scissors, toy stuffing, a piece of different coloured yarn for a stitch marker and a blunt ended tapestry needle to sew all your ends in. And don’t forget a pair of safety eyes, if you want to use them and some black yarn for the eyebrows and mouth.

I think these two are enjoying a snuggle in the garden. A mummy and daughter relationship is so special.

Hmmm, these two seem to be up to something?!?! I wonder what rascalliness can a Daddy and son create?!?

Stitches –

Magic Ring (mr) – For a magic ring, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail. (Make sure the tail is under the working yarn.) Now insert your hook into the loop, from the front to the back. Wrap the working yarn around your hook and pull the yarn through and pull tight to create a ring.

If you are unsure, here’s a little video on how to make a Magic Ring.

Slip stitch (ss) – This is where there is no height to the stitch. It’s usually used to join rounds. So insert the hook into the front of the stitch you are joining to. This is usually the first stitch you made in that round/row. So yarn over hook and pull through that first stitch then also through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc) – Insert the hook through the stitch, front to back, then yarn over hook and pull back through stitch. You will have two loops on your hook. Then yarn over your hook and pull through both loops.

Double Crochet Decrease (2dctog) – This is where you crochet two stitches together to decrease the amount of stitches in the round. So insert the hook through the front of the first stitch only (the front V) and then insert again through the front of the second stitch (the front V). Now yarn over your hook and pull it back through both stitches, so you will then have 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over your hook again and pull through both loops. And there is your 2dctog. (Basically 2 double crochet stitches crocheted together.)

If you need a quick recap on how to do these stitches and a few other snippets of Amigurumi techniques, then follow the link below. Happy watching.

Ok so here we go…

Body –

1 – Using your 3mm hook, make a magic ring, chain 1 and then work 6dc stitches into the ring. (6)

2 – *2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (12)

3 – 6 (4 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (6)

7 – *1dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (18)

8 – *2dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (24)

9 – *3dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (30)

10 – *4dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (36)

11 – 14 (4 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (36)

15 – Work 2dc in the first stitch then work 1dc in the next 17 dc stitches. Now work 2dc in next stitch, followed by 17dc stitches. (38)

16 – Work 2dc in the first stitch then work 1dc in the next 18 dc stitches. Now work 2dc in next stitch, followed by 18dc stitches. (40)

17 – Work 2dc in the first stitch then work 1dc in the next 19 dc stitches. Now work 2dc in next stitch, followed by 19dc stitches. (42)

18 – Work 2dc in first stitch then work 1dc in the next 20 dc stitches. Now work 2dc in next stitch, followed by 20dc stitches. (44)

19 – 22 (4 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (44)

23 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 20 stitches. Followed by 2dctog stitch and then 20dc stitches. (42)

24 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 19 stitches. Followed by 2dctog stitch and then 19dc stitches. (40)

25 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 18 stitches. Followed by 2dctog stitch and then 18dc stitches. (38)

26 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 17 stitches. Followed by 2dctog stitch and then 17dc stitches. (36)

27 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 16 stitches. Followed by 2dctog stitch and then 16dc stitches. (34)

28 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 15 stitches. Followed by 2dctog and then 15dc stitches. (32)

29 – 30 (2 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (32)

31 – Work 2dctog, then work 1dc in the next 14 stitches. Followed by 2dctog and then 14dc stitches. (30)

32 – Now work *3dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (24)

33 – Now work *2dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (18)

34 – Work *1dc, then 2dctog* Repeat this ** 6 times. (12)

35 – Work *2dctog* Repeat this ** 6 times. (6)

Now it’s time to fasten off, stuff your turtle’s body and then sew it up with your yarn tail.

Head –

1 – Make a magic ring, chain 1 and then work 6 dc stitches into the ring. (6)

2 – *2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (12)

3 – *1dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (18)

4 – *2dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (24)

5 – *3dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (30)

6 – *4dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (36)

7 – *5dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (42)

8 – *6dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (48)

9 – 14 (6 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (48)

15 – Now work *6dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (42)

16 – Now work *5dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (36)

17 – Now work *4dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (30)

18 – Now work *3dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (24)

19 – Now work *2dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (18)

21 – 25 (4 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (18)

Finish your head, by slip stitching into the next stitch and fasten off. Now stuff your head with your toy stuffing so that it will be ready to then sew on to your turtle’s body.

At this stage, you could attach your safety eyes. With the eyes, you need to make sure you have them in the correct place, because once you have pushed the back on. It is very hard to get them off. So keep looking and checking that you are happy. Remember the dome on the back of the safety eye faces out. This is how it stays secure on your turtle’s head.

Shell –

With the shell, I have used lots of different colours. It’s a great way to use up lots of little bits of yarn and you can start new yarns at any part of each round. As this is a double knit pattern, you can even use 2 x 4ply yarns together. I love creating lots of different colour ways with this method.

1 – Make a magic ring, chain 1 and then work 6 dc stitches into the ring. (6)

2 – Work *2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (12)

3 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (12)

4 – Work *1dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (18)

5 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (18)

6 – *2dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (24)

7 – *3dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (30)

8 – *4dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (36)

9 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (36)

10 – *5dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (42)

11 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (42)

12 – *6dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (48)

13 – *7dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (54)

14 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (36)

15 – *8dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (60)

16 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (60)

17 – *9dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (66)

18 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (66)

19 – *1dc in the first stitch. Then 1dc in next. Miss a stitch then 4tr stitches in the next stitch. Then miss 2 stitches. *Repeat after the last 4tr stitches, Miss the 2 stitches and then slip stitch into the first dc stitch from the start of the round. (66)

20 – Work 1dc in each stitch, then slip stitch into the first stitch and fasten off, leaving a tail to attach the shell to the body. (66)

Front Flipper x 2 –

1 – Start by working 12 chain stitches, then slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

2 – Now work 1dc in each chain (12)

3 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (12)

4 – Work *1dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (18)

5 – *2dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (24)

6 – 7 (2 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (24)

6 – Work 2dc in the next 6 stitches. Follow this by working 1dc in the next 18 stitches. (30)

6 – Work 2dc in the next 6 stitches. Follow this by working 1dc in the next 24 stitches. (36)

7 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (36)

8 – Work 24dc stitches. Then work *2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (30)

8 – Work 18dc stitches. Then work *2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (24)

8 – Work 12dc stitches. Then work *2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (18)

9 – Work 6dc stitches. Then work *2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (12)

10 – Work *2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (6)

Now slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off. Leave the tail quite long, so you can use the tail to sew the leg onto the body.

Back Flipper x 2 –

1 – Start by working 8 chain stitches then slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

2 – Work 1dc in each chain. (8)

3 – Now work 1dc in each stitch. (8)

4 – *Work 1dc, then 2dc in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** 4 times. (12)

5 – *1dc, then 2dc into next stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (18)

6 – *2dc, then 2dc into the next stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (24)

7 – Work 1dc in each stitch. (24)

8 – *3dc, then 2dc into each stitch.* Work ** 6 times. (30)

9 – 10 (2 rounds) Work 1dc in each stitch. (30)

11 – Work 2dc in the next 6 stitches. Follow this by working 1dc in the next 24 stitches. (36)

12 – Work 2dc in the next 6 stitches. Follow this by working 1dc in the next 30 stitches. (42)

13 – Now work *5dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (36)

14 – Now work *4dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (30)

15 – Now work * 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. Then work 18 dc stitches. (24)

16 – Now work *2dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (18)

17 – Now work *1dc, then 2dctog.* Repeat this ** 6 times. (12)

18 – Work *2dctog.* Repeat this 6 times. (6)

And there we have it. Your 7 little turtle parts. Now it’s time to sew it altogether. I usually start with the head and then the front legs follows by the back legs. And finally the shell. If you would like a firm shell, you can add a little stuffing in the top of the shell before you sew it up.

Once you have sewed them all on, it’s time to use your black thread and needle to sew on your little eyebrows and mouth.

And there you have your turtle. Here’s my Daddy and Mummy turtle. Think they are attempting to play in the canal, cheeky chappies!!

I really hope you have enjoyed this pattern. Can’t wait to see all your little turtle creations. Don’t forget to share them and link me in.

For an extra special touch, you might like to do is initial the right back flipper with your black thread. Reminds me of Toy Story and all of the toys feet!

Any problems just give me a shout.

Happy hooking chaps!!!

🌈Xx

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