Mind-Blowing Mandala Update
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Crochet Curious
- Never Have I Ever Monday
- Current Project: Never Have I Ever Mandala
- Next Project: Graph Gan
- Seeking Advice from Experienced Crocheters
- Starting with a Simple Graph Gan Pattern
- Yarn Selection for the Project
- Progress Update on the Mandala
- Choosing a Different Mandala Pattern
- Dealing with Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
- Managing Multiple Projects
- Conclusion
Introduction to Crochet Curious
Welcome to Crochet Curious, a channel where I, Joanne, share my passion for crochet. In this article, I'll be giving you updates on my current crochet project, the Never Have I Ever Mandala, as well as discussing my upcoming project, a Graph Gan. I'll also share some advice I received from experienced crocheters and talk about the progress I've made on the mandala. So, let's dive in!
Never Have I Ever Monday
On Mondays, I like to play the "Never Have I Ever" game with myself, where I try new crochet techniques or projects that I've never attempted before. It's a fun way to challenge myself and expand my crochet skills. Currently, I am working on the Never Have I Ever Mandala project, which I will be discussing in detail in the next section.
Current Project: Never Have I Ever Mandala
The Never Have I Ever Mandala is a beautiful crochet pattern that I found in a book called "Mandala Style Throws to Crochet" published by Annie's Crochet. Originally, I had planned to make a different mandala from the same book, but I found the instructions to be unclear and the repetitive stitch pattern didn't appeal to me. As a result, I decided to switch to the Ellie Rue Mandala, which features a variety of stitches and more colorwork.
To create the mandala, I gathered different shades of yarn from my stash, including Pixie, Nifflers, and Genie. By combining colors from multiple yarns, I was able to create a vibrant and dynamic color palette. Currently, I am on the fourth round of nine rows, and the mandala is gradually taking shape. However, due to other commitments, my progress has been slower than I would have liked.
Next Project: Graph Gan
While working on the Never Have I Ever Mandala, I began contemplating my next project. Inspired by the advice of fellow crocheters, I decided to venture into the world of Graph Gans. Initially, I had planned to jump into a complex Graph Gan project right after completing the mandala. However, after considering the intricate colorwork and numerous stitches involved, I realized it would be wiser to start with something simpler.
To ease myself into Graph Gans, I downloaded a beginner-friendly pattern and gathered suitable yarn. I wanted to choose a small project that would help me grasp the concept of Graph Gans without overwhelming me with complexity. This project will serve as my introduction to Graph Gans before taking on more challenging endeavors.
Seeking Advice from Experienced Crocheters
Before embarking on my Graph Gan journey, I sought advice from experienced crocheters who have tackled these projects before. Their unanimous suggestion was to start with something simple and gradually progress to more intricate designs. Taking this advice to heart, I revised my project plan accordingly and felt more confident about my approach.
Starting with a Simple Graph Gan Pattern
By starting with a simple Graph Gan pattern, I can familiarize myself with the techniques and principles behind it. This approach allows me to understand the process and build my skills step by step. It's essential to lay a strong foundation before tackling more complex projects to ensure success and avoid frustration.
Yarn Selection for the Project
Choosing the right yarn for a Graph Gan project is crucial. Since the pattern I selected for my introductory project is Halloween-themed, I wanted to ensure I had the appropriate yarn colors. While waiting for a special yarn order to arrive, I realized that I had suitable yarn in my existing collection that could work for this project. This discovery motivated me to start right away, aiming to complete the project before Halloween.
Progress Update on the Mandala
Returning to the Never Have I Ever Mandala, I have made significant progress. Currently, I am on the fourth round of nine rows, with only one side left to complete in the vibrant green color. After that, I plan to transition to yellow and perhaps incorporate a touch of purple or another complementary color.
The mandala has been an enjoyable experience, even though I have made some mistakes along the way. As a self-proclaimed imprecise crocheter, I often deviate from the instructions and discover minor errors later on. However, I embrace these imperfections as unique characteristics of my work. After completing the mandala, I intend to block it to achieve a more polished and uniform appearance.
Choosing a Different Mandala Pattern
While I initially intended to follow a different mandala pattern, I realized that it didn't align with my preferences and skill level. Adapting and switching to the Ellie Rue Mandala allowed me to explore a wider range of stitches and colors, making the project more engaging for me. Sometimes, it's essential to listen to our instincts and modify our plans to ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling creative journey.
Dealing with Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Crochet, like any craft, comes with its challenges. I have learned that mistakes and unexpected obstacles are opportunities for growth and learning. Throughout the mandala project, I have encountered various hiccups, including misinterpretations of instructions and stitch-count discrepancies. Instead of unraveling my work and starting over, I embrace the uniqueness of each round and use these experiences to enhance my crochet skills.
Managing Multiple Projects
As a passionate crocheter, I often find myself juggling multiple projects simultaneously. While this can be exciting, it can also be daunting to balance different patterns, stitches, and timelines. To keep myself organized, I prioritize my projects and allocate specific time to each one. By setting realistic goals and being flexible with my schedule, I can make progress on multiple fronts without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
In this article, I have shared updates on my current crochet project, the Never Have I Ever Mandala, and discussed my upcoming venture into Graph Gans. I have also reflected on the advice I received from experienced crocheters and talked about the challenges and lessons I have encountered along the way. Crochet is a constant learning process, and I am excited to embrace new techniques and projects. Thank you for joining me on this crochet journey, and until next time, happy hooking!
Highlights
- Crochet Curious, a channel dedicated to the wonders of crochet
- Exploring new techniques and projects through the Never Have I Ever Monday tradition
- Current project: Never Have I Ever Mandala, featuring vibrant colors and intricate stitching
- Taking on the challenge of Graph Gans for the next project
- Seeking advice from experienced crocheters
- Starting with a simple Graph Gan pattern to build skills
- Making yarn selections and adapting to available supplies
- Progress update on the Ellie Rue Mandala's unique design
- Embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes
- Managing multiple projects with organizational strategies