CROCHETED MANDALA ...

I've heard these being talked about on various crafty blogs, but have never really paid much attention too them. Then Lucy from Attic24, posted about some she had made .... colorful, pretty, and totally decorative. I think we've established that they really don't have a practical use ..... but who wants practical anyway !!!!
Then she made THIS REQUEST. It was too good an opportunity for me to pass up .... I'm a Lucy fan. It was finding her blog, a couple of years back, that reignited my desire to take up crochet again .... and advance past a granny square ..... not that I have anything against a granny square, I do love them !!!!

I found THIS LOVELY FREE PATTERN, and decided to give it a try. While the house was still quiet, and everyone was asleep yesterday morning (Ahhh - you've gotta LOVE summer ), I gathered up some little sample balls of yarn I'd got as a magazine freebie on my last trip to the UK, made a cup of tea, and plonked myself down in front of the computer, to learn something new.
This was the result, of just a few hours crocheting ....

I love it !!! I learned a new stitch too ... The Puffy Stitch. Jacquie's tutorial was so good .... easy to follow, with lots of pictures, to help you on your way. I stiffened it last night, as was requested, and will now pop it in an envelope, and send it on its way, to be part of the Yarndale project. 

This will most certainly not be the last one I make - I quite fancy making some more, and sewing them onto cushion cover. There are so many different patterns out there in blogland - we're spoilt for choice.

Until next time ....