Mandala #2

Well, I couldn't resist making another mandala and it's helped break up the boredom of the repetitive rows of the yoga mat bag. I've finished the bag part now and have started on the strap - it should be ready to reveal very soon.

This is another pattern by Wink in Simply Crochet magazine (issue 12). It was described as a 'wintry' mandala but the colours reminded me of the seaside so I went with that theme. Like the previous mandala, I used King Cole Bamboo Cotton, this time in shades 518 (Ice), 521 (Blue), 525 (Cobalt), 532 (Sand), 533 (Green) and 538 (Cream).

I've never crocheted popcorn stitch before or double-trebles so it was great to learn something new - always a bonus for those like me who are easily bored.

When it came to the final row, I couldn't decide whether to use the cream or sand, so did a few stitches on each side to see which I preferred. Sand it was though, looking at this photo, I'm still not sure!

Ta-dah! I really like this pattern and have already started another version in different colours. I notice Lucy over at Attic24 is asking for mandalas for Yarndale this year, so that will probably be my next project.

We've had a quiet day today recovering from our holiday. Yes, we're just back from Verona! What an absolutely beautiful city and so much to see. We walked our feet off trying to fit in as much as possible. It'll probably take me a while to sort through all the photos but here's a taster of what you can expect...

Sigh, I wish I could be there now. x