Mira Mandala, and Something about my life



Hi there! I hope you are doing great! Maybe you have noticed, or maybe not, but it has been a bit silent on my side for quite a while. Rozeta CAL was the only huge reason to continue blogging regularly. But otherwise at some point I haven’t touched my hook for weeks. Usually my blog is about crochet, new designs, tips and tricks. And today’s post is also presenting my new design. But I also felt like sharing something personal. 

***
This summer was endless. And quite tough. Lots of anxiety about Rozeta and how it would be accepted, lots of work behind the scenes to perfect final bits of the pattern and complete progress pictures. Lots of stress to stand out in front of thousands of people and to present my work to the world. This is something I have already used to as a designer with 5 years experience. But still the responsibility is there.

My family has survived a move to a new house last week. We literally packed our life into the boxes and brought it somewhere else in one day. Before that we needed to manage the yard, as there was no fence, and no grass. Just deep and sticky mud everywhere. But now… Now we have the fence, the grass and even our internet is back!

All my yarn is still resting in the boxes everywhere. It’s waiting for unpacking and arranging in a freshly prepared craft room. But I keep delaying this moment, as I simply don’t have any vibes to come back to my stash. It feels like I need time. For everything.

This summer I lost my friend.

It feels like balancing in an unreal world. In between “before” and “tomorrow”.

***


Before summer I had quite a few design ideas. Lots of them. My sketch book is full of drawings. And my swatch box is full of tiny swatches. But now we are moved and everything needs to find its own new place. Including my thoughts and my inspiration.

Two weeks ago I felt like making a mandala again. Mandalas are well known for their healing power. Repeated pattern helps the bothered mind to settle down, and rest for a while. Drawing with yarn helps breathing deeply.

And a new design started to grow in my hands.

I called it Mira Mandala. I wanted so much to release it now, in October. And I addressed my testers with ask for help. They only had one week to test it (sending HUGE thanks their way, you ladies are my crochet heroes!). And today the pattern is ready for release!

In the picture below you can see masterpieces by testers: 1 - Laura Jackson, 2 - mine :), 3 - Sandra Veneman, 4 - Faye Pike, 5 - Sarah Fabbri, 6 - Claire Shipton

So here is Mira Mandala. My first official design and first official crochet pictures from a new home. And my new life.

The pattern is now available for purchase on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE. And you can save 25% through this weekend (no codes are needed, as the discount was already applied to price).


 

I made two mandalas myself. One with Catona yarn* in bright colors. And another one with Softfun* (both yarns by Scheepjes). The size of both mandalas is generous for a pillow, for example. Or they will make nice wall decorations.


Mira is a “classical” overlay crochet mandala, as we know them. Thick and heavily covered with overlaid stitches. 

The pattern is now available for purchase on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE. And you can save 25% through this weekend (no codes are needed, as the discount was already applied to price).

I hope you’ll like it!

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p.s. I rarely go out to the city center. But today in the morning I had to pick up some documents and decided to have breakfast at Podnebi café, my most favourite place in Brno.

This is the perfect time of the year for me. Just what my tired soul needs… And today I bought a brand new book “The Art of Making Memories” by Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. Hey, my new life! Here I’m coming!
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59 comments

  1. Replies
    1. There is something in what you said that touched my deaply troubled and hurting soul...i will start another mandala and patiently wait for its healing magic to ease my pain.

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  2. Hugs <3 Moving is hard!! I hate it! lol! Lovely work and beautiful cafe. :) Thanks for sharing your life with us.

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    1. We move every 2 or 3 years... But this time it was somehow more exhasting than ever...

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  3. What a beautiful pattern Tatsiana, I love it! I'm sending you a big hug and wishing that this new life will be kind to you. So sorry for the loss of your friend.

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    1. Thank you! I just hope I will finally unpack the yarn and arrange it nicely. And then when I see all the beatiful yarns and colors again, the creative part of my brain will start moving again.

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  4. sending you a gentle re-enter and landing...thank you for sharing

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  5. So sorry for your loss. Take your time and breath deeply and all will fall into place. My daughter is moving into a new home and I think your new mandala will be perfect for her as her name is Miranda. I am going to put it into a hoop for her to hang on a wall. Take care, Audry (the woman on the train with you from Yarndale!!!)

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    1. hi Audry, so nice to hear from you again! :) And thank you for your kind words.

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  6. Hang in there, Tatsiana, life can become exhausting. Your work is absolutely beautiful, we all understand that a mental health day, week, month, maybe longer, is needed and well deserved. Too many times we burn ourselves out trying to please all, when in all reality we are screaming from the inside out. We love your work, we all can wait until you're good and ready. Thank you for sharing. <3

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    1. Thank you! The fact is I already have something designed in sketch... Just need some extra vibes to come back and write the pattern down. I hope it won't take long.

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  7. ...you say it's been a long time, but i am everytime amazed how often you release new patterns!!! Another beauty!!! I hope time and crochet helps you overcome any difficulties your new life brings with it, try to enjoy the journey! Thank u for all your hard work!

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    1. thank you! All released patterns were something I designed long ago :) that's the reason it feels like I am desinging non-stop... But I will get back to designing soon. I know that.

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  8. Thanks for sharing. Allow yourself time to grieve, heal and restore. It is fine to do that. I enjoy seeing your creations and am sitting wrapped in my "grinda shawl" made with the Scheepjes Rosewater Cocktail.

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    1. ah really! Did you show me your Grinda somewhere? On Ravlery or FB maybe?

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  9. I've struggled with anxiety and mild depression most of my 50 years. I have found that taking some time out of the rat race is important for my emotional well being. Self care is a trendy thing right now but I'm very glad to see some emphasis put on this. We as women spend so much time caring for everyone else in our lives that we often neglect caring for ourselves. I'm glad that you recognize that you need some "me" time. :) I hope you find the inner peace and comfort that you are searching for. Your Mira Mandala is gorgeous by the way. I think I will stitch it up in shades of gray, white, and pale yellow to match my bedroom. Your talent just blows me away every time you release a new pattern. The crochet community is so lucky to have you. :)

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    1. So sorry for US both, & Tatsiana for her unhappiness... Anxiety & depression -- wish I could tell those 2 to let go of my ears, leading me where I don't want to go! I haven't tried overlay crochet yet - it looks too hard for me, but love your mandala SO much, I might try it... I don't need anything too hard @ the mo, as I'll beat myself up if it doesn't work... will look @ your gorgeous muted shade mandala until I feel better xxx love your designs ♡♡♡

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  10. Thank you for sharing so much of your soul with us all. We all have our lives and crosses and our joys in life.
    I hope your new life is as blessed as it can be. Take care of yourself first.

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    1. Thank you! I like our new house, really. I think when I get back to arranging my new craft room, it will look great.

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  11. You have just been through two of the biggest stressors in your life, moving and the death of a loved one. I am glad you are giving yourself time to heal. It does take time. Glad to see you doing good things for you.

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  12. Ah, dear Tatsiana, I can feel your pain, big hugs to you! I wish you much happiness in your new home. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and your lovely designs with the world, we love them!

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  13. I'm sorry you have had a bad time but I like your mandala and I love your colour choices - most especially the cream and grey one. It's very effective.
    i hope you will be happy in your new home. I love moving house! Kathy

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  14. Sending love and healing thoughts your way - keep strong :-)

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  15. Enjoy your new home ,..Breathe! Things will fall into place! I love all your crochet designs and I hope to crochet one of your patterns this winter...when life slows down a bit!

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  16. LOVE IT!!! Moving is hard...and your designs have helped me to move from one point in my life to another. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself.

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  17. Thanks for another lovely pattern, Tatsiana. Your creations are truly a blessing in this troubled world. Blessings to you in your new home!

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  18. Of course your brain is full from dealing with so many life changes and stresses. Once you get settled in, though, there will be space again in your brain (and life) to become creative. In the meantime I’m in awe of what you’ve still been able to accomplish!

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  19. So sorry to hear you lost your friend. I hope you find more healing and comfort with a hook and yarn. <3

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  20. Tatsiana, thank you for sharing from loss to move, from stormy sadness to misty hope. I can already envision you in the near future, sitting with your favorite beverage, be it tea or coffee, in your almost settled new craft room, looking out the window and transforming all that whirlwind of emotions into something deeply meaningful - like from cocoon to butterfly. Another "tile" if you will, in your memory wall, blanket, what-have-you. Take your time and know that you are appreciated and cared about by many :)

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  21. "Podniebna kawiarnia" - ładnie :)

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  22. Rita Cristina Frissong25 October 2019 at 20:04

    Desde Argentina te envío un afectuoso abrazo por la pérdida de tu amigo, queda un enorme vacío cuando uno de ellos se va...Las artesanías, tejido, pintura, modelado, todo lo que hacemos con las manos es una caricia para el corazón herido y el alma triste. Tómate el tiempo que tu espíritu necesite para recuperar la calma y el equilibrio y verá como pronto, volverán a brotas maravillosos diseños de tus manos y tu privilegiada mente creativa.Con toda mi admiración por tu trabajo
    Rita

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  23. So sorry for your loss,it will take time to heal, there will be good days and bad days, take good care of your self and take your time. thanks for your wonderfull pattern, they have helped me through difficult times.

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  24. Dear Tatsiana. I imagine it has been 2 extremely stressful years creating the Rozeta and knowing the whole world was watching and waiting for the release. Must have been so many thoughts on how it would be recieved out there. Now that it has turned out to be the biggest succes ever it must be overwhelming with moods from all over the scale! It definitely takes a Strong woman to handle all that. Being strong all the time isn't good for anyone so once in a while one has to be not so strong and take care of oneself. Your Mojo will be back eventually. ...and a Huge Thankyou for all the joy your fabulous designs has brought to the world!! Big Hugs Verner

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  25. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs.

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  26. Tatsiana, I've often thought that when one must literally slog through life's challenges, it can be more difficult if the person involved is incredibly right-brained and extremely creative. My father (oils & acrylics)and step-mother (fashion design), both artists, were challenged as such. There is science behind this. As to your new mandala, "Mira," I thought, "How apt," given your description of the twists and turns life has served up to you, as the word "Mira" in Spanish is one of 2 words in that language which mean "look." In this instance, "Mira" means "Look!!!" and is the word one would use to point out a gorgeous dress in a store window to a friend or a gorgeous vista near the sea, which you simply must share with your beau. In this case, I believe "Mira" should be "Mira,!" as it certainly does garner attention and make me want to say to my grown daughter, "Look at Tatsiana's new mandala, Mira! Don't you see elements of Rozeta in it? I love it!" It really is a "Mira!"

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  27. Tatiana I rarely comment but reading your blog this morning brought tears to my eyes. I truly felt the pain of your loss, the loneliness and the struggle to make sense of the world after losing someone you love. Grief cannot be rushed and in time you will be ok but until then be gentle with your self. I will make Mira in memory of my Mother Inlaw who we sadly lost this year also. Your North Sea Mandala was the first mandala I ever made and I gifted two of them to her to bright up her kitchen when that pattern was released. Thank you for the joy you bring to world through your designs.

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  28. Thanks for sharing with us Tatsiana, and thanks for your amazing designs and hard work! Blessings and Angelhugs <3 <3 <3

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  29. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts Tatsiana, thank you for sharing x

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  30. I am so sorry that you lost your friend, Tatsiana: this is part of life, but that doesn't make it any easier. Doing what you do so well - continuing to do it ... that's honouring her.

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  31. Than, Tatsiana, you for your generosity in bringing us this beautiful mandala in spite of, or maybe because of, the difficulties and heartache you’ve struggled with this summer. I wish you warmth and light and lots of inspiration.

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  32. Loss and disappointment are part of life too, we all have to find a way to deal with them.
    Creating beauty is a wonderful way,and you are helping all of us by sharing these colorful and intricate designs.

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  33. Dear Tatsiana, my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear friend. The new home and new life,I hope will help you to get through with your grief. The mandala is beautiful. In India we start the coming season with Deepavali..the festival of lights. I wish that the diyas light guide you through this trying time. May the light bring you peace, happiness and joy. Sheela

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  34. I agree, knitting and crocheting and the groups and classes that I participate in are a life saving practice. I forget all my woes and get into the rhythm and patterns of the designs. It is a beautiful thing and your designs contribute to this-they are amazing, so I am very greatful to you. I am slowly finishing Spirits of Life which I have loved and those who see it also admire.

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  35. Dear Tatsiana ... Thank you for sharing your hardship with us and letting us be there for you. I hope time brings peace to you. In the meantime, your creations will continue to bless us with their beauty.

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  36. So Sorry for the loss of your dear one Tatsiana. Life is certainly full of painful hills we must climb.
    Thank you for all of your beautiful creations and perhaps in your healing you may find a way to honor your friend via your beautiful craft. Your new mandala is incredibly gorgeous.
    I hope your healing journey is restful. Congratulations on your new house!

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  37. I see this is not just about moving, it's about moving on. Loss followed closely by a big change like a move disturbs the mourning process I understand.
    Your crochet community is behind you wherever you are however. We love you, and since we have all experienced loss we mourn with you in a special way.
    Keep taking care of yourself. ☺️

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  38. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend! I know you will get back into your groove soon. In the meantime, may all your adjusting go smoothly, and may your craft room and stash fly together like a dream. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are an inspiration to me!

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  39. You are amazing, and strong and I thank you for all your work and inspiration.

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  40. Thank you for your amazing patterns and your inspiration. I rarely ever buy patterns but I just bought six of your from Ravelry! I can't wait to work on them!

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  41. So sorry for your loss. Glad you are finding joy again in the small things, it’s the start. Life is a challenge some days. Hugs.

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  42. This is beautiful. I really could relate to this as I've used mandalas in the past to cope with loss. Thank you for sharing.

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  43. So sorry for you that you have lost your friend!
    Hope you'll be happy in your new house. May it feel your "home" as soon as possible.
    And thanks for the Mira Mandala.Hope to crochet it any time, but now I'm still crocheting the Rozeta cal. A great fub to make it.
    Nel.

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  44. Tatiana, I'm so sorry about your loss of your dear friend. I hope the designing of this beautiful mandala was consoling and healing for you. May you continue to find healing and comfort in the love of family and friends, including your crochet friends. We love you.

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