Me and crochet garment?.. Hm… Why not!



Me and designing crochet garments?.. If someone told me 2 years ago I would create my own garments, I would only smile in respond. No way! But life and inspiration have their own plan. And ta-dah… here is my new creation! I haven’t decided about the name yet (maybe you could help me?). But it’s a mandala vest, or round circle jacket.
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn

Several weeks ago I told you about new Scheepjes yarn – Whirl (reviewed HERE). It’s a cotton blend yarn cake coming in 12 gorgeous shades – all inspired by ice cream flavours. The good news is that Whirl is already available for purchase. You can find it on Wool Warehouse (HERE)* (ships orders internationally) and in your local Scheepjes shops, of course.

I have a special feeling about this yarn, as I fell in love with it at the first glance. When I received a sample cake in black-and-white I just started to crochet a plain circle with double crochet stitches. I didn’t really have any clear idea in mind. Yarn cake itself looked crazy wonderful and I wanted to copy the shape and all the gradient changes of colors.
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn

After central circle was finished, I changed to a more open pattern thinking it might make a nice summer baby blanket. And suddenly that feeling came. A Mandala Vest! I wanted to turn my new design into a round sleeveless jacket.

To be honest I was not sure if 1 skein of Whirl yarn would be enough or not, but I was hoping. And it worked just perfect! Perfect one size which fits all (S to L). My finished vest measures approx. 40cm (15 ½ in) between arm holes (the shoulders). And it’s approx. 82cm (32 in) long measured on the back from neck to the bottom.
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn

To say I am not fond of being a photo-model is to say nothing. But since I didn’t have anyone to model for me (and I was so excited to show you my finished vest), so I had to give it a try. I am sending many thanks to my friend Xenia who did a great job. I like some of these pictures very much.
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn

I call it a Mandala Vest though there is no true mandala in the center of a circle. I could of course remake it from beginning and start with some lacy mandala design. But I didn’t do it on purpose. Whirl yarn is so gorgeous, and soft gradient colour changes are just amazing. It would be a pity to take attention away from the yarn. So let’s call it a modern version of traditional Mandala Vest. I also think that in this interpretation the jacket can fit a wider number of outfits. It’s simple and looks classical. Though it has a modern shape.
Crochet mandala vest - made with Whirl yarn by Scheepjes - original design by Lilla Bjorn

I will do my best to release the pattern (FREE) next week. So if you would like to make a fresh accessory for yourself, be sure to stop by on my blog again! UPDATE: free pattern for Whirl Mandala Cardigan is HERE.

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9 comments

  1. I have been wondering about this project, and now i see it finished i can say it turned out very well.

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    1. Thank you Marianne, I was a biot unsure till the end as I don't normally design garments. But it all worked well :)

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    2. I think this yarn is just perfect for this design

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  2. That looks great! But is the Scheepjes Whirl really available already? I've been constantly checking the Wool Warehouse page for two days now and all I get is the "notify me when in stock" message.

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    1. I was probably too enthusiastic... But Whirl will be in stock very soon!

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  3. Your mandala vest is gorgeous! I've been looking at the more colourful, lacy versions and I prefer something a bit more subtle/modern! This is it! 👍🏻💚🙋🏻

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  4. This is perfect for here in Fl. I do wish it was written in extra large also! I just have no idea how to adjust the pattern. I read you said to adjust for armholes but i haven't a clue as to what to do for this! If you could can you write for exlarge. I understand if you don't have the time! Thank you for your time and all your patterns, carol Ashworth

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    1. To make it larger, you would just make more rounds before beginning the armholes. With a helper, or using a sweater that fits you well, measure the distance on your back between armholes. Once you finish the armholes, keep trying it on until you like the total diameter.

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  5. Just getting started on round 11. Could you explain round 11 differently for me?

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