My work has been under major influence of the Scandinavian design, with simple shapes and mute colors. And if you follow me for a while, you have probably noticed that recently I have created more monochrome patterns with delicate texture. And today’s new release is not an exception. I am happy to introduce an Embossed Daisy Collection.
This collection consists of two patterns with similar floral design: a mandala and a square. Both patterns are worked in an embossed crochet technique, which is both simple and effective.
You can grab your own copy on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE. The patterns are available with a 20% introductory discount, which is valid through Monday, May 1. No codes are needed, as patterns have been discounted already.
In embossed crochet, only usual crochet stitches are used to create highly textured fabric. And what is even more wonderful, the back side often (if not always) looks as good as the front.
My samples were made with aran weight yarn and used as a cushion. However, these patterns give many more possibilities. The Mandala will create a wonderful textured placemat or trivet. And the square, made with finer yarn and smaller hook, will become a nice block for a blanket. Both projects will look the best with solid single color.
Being in crochet for almost my entire life (at least 35 years now), I have tried many different techniques. Tunisian crochet is still on my wish list to master, but otherwise I am not aware of any crochet method I have not tried already. In fact, it is always a combination of general stitches. Like the same notes are used to create different styles of music, and the same letters are used to write the books.
Various techniques are one direction I have been thinking about crochet. But then, we have different types of crochet, I believe. Based on the level of difficulty. And then I would categorize crochet projects as intricate, mindless… and satisfying.
I just love this word “satisfying” as it gives a feeling of what crochet is when the pattern is very easy to follow, and you get aesthetic pleasure with every new row or round.
If you have tried any of the Lilla Bjorn’s patterns, you might know that they are mostly intricate. I love to create unique designs but also aim for easy-to-follow instructions with progress pictures, and sometimes video tutorials. My designs are usually multicolored, too.
Recently, I have been thinking that it would be wonderful to create more relaxing designs. Maybe not completely mindless (we have many mindless crochet projects to choose from), but easy-to-follow and truly satisfying.
With every new pattern release, I am reflecting on how it was accepted, and which trends are dominating in the crochet world right now (and no surprise, that they are changing all the time, like what is happening in the fashion or interior design).
I also follow the trends in the knitting world and try to introduce them to my crochet work as well. With my new Embossed Daisy Collection, I have tried to bring the trends and easiness together, for a quick and satisfying result.
And just a reminder, you can grab both patterns on
Ravelry HERE
and
Etsy HERE.
Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to the next part of the Geometry & Texture mystery make-a-long. If you missed the previous release, check all information about this event HERE on my blog. And read details about the Early Waves Cowl HERE. Also do not forget to check out the gorgeous Rödön Pillow from Martin Up North which he released as the first mystery design from his pattern pack last week.
Today’s design is the Gaudi Pillow, named after and inspired by the work of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.
The first time I heard about him was at the art course we had at high school. I was fascinated by Gaudi’s talent and architecture. Many years later, in Vienna, I bought an album with pictures of his buildings. And kept hoping I could see the mind-blowing Sagrada Família one day.
My dream came true last September. My friend suggested we could go to Barcelona for a few days, and I felt like the excitement was going to explode in my heart. I refreshed all my memories about Gaudi’s artistic work, I bought all possible entrance tickets online and two weeks in advance. And I simply could not wait!
And the wait for almost all my adult life was worth it. I fell in love again.
Antonio Gaudi was searching for inspiration in the shapes and forms of nature. And my pillow was inspired by the curvy lines of his famous fairy towers on the roof of La Pedrera-Casa Milà.
Gaudi pillow uses embossed crochet technique with front and back post stitches. The pattern is straightforward, however some places might be tricky. But do not worry. I have recorded a full video tutorial for this pattern (you will find the link inside pillow’s instructions).
I have made one square in approx. 50cm/21in and stitched it by hand onto the ready fabric pillowcase in the same size. The pattern is fully adaptable, and you can use the same stitch pattern for the project in any width and length. Saying that, I mean it will also make a great textured blanket.
For one square I used around 2.5 balls of Scheepjes Scrumptious yarn, so for two sides (if you wish to make your pillow double-sided), you will need 5 balls of this yarn. Of course, you choose a different DK yarn, your yardages will be different.
You will find Scrumptious yarn in your nearest local Scheepjes shop, or via online retailers: Wool Warehouse* (UK&worldwide), Carosatelier* (NL&Europe), Taemombo* (US&Canada).
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Ceiling in Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) |
If you are participating in the MAL already, the new file has been added to your Ravelry library (please, refresh it). And if you would like to join now, you will find Geometry & Texture MAL listing HERE. You will only pay once, and will receive all 3 patterns (the last pattern will be released in two weeks).
UPDATE: Gaudi pillow is now available HERE on Etsy.
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Rödön Pillow
by Martin Up North |
Make sure to check Martin’s pattern pack on Ravelry HERE, too. Next week, he will reveal his next mystery project. And I am quite sure you will like it 😊 I was lucky to get an early sneak peek, so I might show you my progress next Friday, on the day of his release. I will share my picture in Facebook group HERE, where we are officially hosting our make-a-long together with Martin.
So, see you next Friday!
It has become a good tradition to host a mystery make-a-long (MAL) annually, and this year is not an exception. We’ve already had Not A Christmas MAL two years ago and Winter Scandi MAL last year. But this year’s project is a special one! We have teamed up with Martin Up North to bring you six brand-new and exclusive patterns. Please, welcome a Geometry & Texture make-a-long.
What is this MAL about
As you can already understand from the name, all projects are themed with geometry and texture, and you will get a chance to try your hand in mosaic, overlay, embossed and slip stitch crochet techniques. The patterns will include wearable accessories and home decorations, but you can easily adjust stitch patterns for a variety of other projects.
Who are the designers
Geometry & Texture MAL will be hosted by me (Lilla Bjorn Crochet) and Martin Up North. If you are not familiar with his work, make sure to check out his website HERE. Martin lives up north in Sweden, and he is a huge nature lover. His pictures of the Northern Lights and wild animals are breathtaking, as well as his crochet designs.
We have a little different crochet styles, but similar aesthetics and vision. And we are both very excited about this make-a-long. A lot of work has been secretly done behind the scenes, and we can't wait to share our patterns with you.
Where to find the patterns
Geometry & Texture MAL has not started yet, and a pre-order is running right now. To get access to all 6 patterns, you will need to purchase MAL listings on Ravelry from both designers separately (links below). Martin and I have created 3 patterns each. And you can either purchase both listings with 6 patterns in total, or choose just one designer, receiving 3 mystery patterns.
Lilla Bjorn's patterns are HERE
Martin’s Up North patterns are HERE
What you will need
Martin and I used specific Scheepjes yarns for our projects, but you can absolutely use up your stash. You can either pick the yarns in similar weigh, or experiment and use heavier or lighter yarns. There are no strict rules and yarns quantities. Of course, if you decide to make exactly the same projects as we did, you will receive a complete list of colors and yardages. But as already mentioned above, the stitch patterns from each project can be also used for something else.
EDIT: because of many requests about yarn information, I decided to reveal yarn amounts used for my mystery projects.
Project 1: Scheepjes Terrazzo*. Yarn A x 3 balls, Yarn B x 2 balls
Project 2: Scheepjes Scrumptious*. One color x 3 balls
Project 3:
Scheepjes Catona*. Leftovers in different colors
When does the MAL begin
The first pattern will be added to your Ravelry library on November 11th, 2022. And then a new pattern will be revealed every Friday. The patterns will be offered at a reduced price during the time of the MAL through December 31st, 2022. You do not need any codes, as the price is discounted already and will be updated to a full price after the end of the MAL.
Official support for the MAL
Official support for this MAL will be offered in my Facebook group HERE where we will be happy to see all your pictures! Join now our friendly community with 33K+ members. Please, be aware that you will have to answer a simple question upon a sing up. Without answering, your request will not be approved.
Hope you join! And enjoy!
Welcome to the first part of the Winter Scandi make-a-long. As announced, each of three patterns will use a new crochet technique, and today we will be making an Embossed Mandala. Technically, this pattern is not entirely embossed, but uses some embossed elements together with regular crochet to give you a gentle introduction into the technique.
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| Photo credit @evakobz |
If this is the first time you hear about Winter Scandi MAL, please check THIS post from the last week. To participate, you need to order instructions via Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE, and a new pattern will be added automatically to your library weekly. If you have already purchased the patterns, then just refresh your library, and instructions for Fika Embossed Mandala should be sitting there and waiting for you.
What is embossed crochet? It’s a technique that uses a combination or front post and back post stitches with shapes inspired by nature (usually, leaves). If you make a quick search about embossed crochet online, you will see lots of floral designs. My Fika Embossed Mandala also uses curved lines, but no puffy leaves, though. And in my opinion, this technique can be much more than just vines and leaves. Front post and back post stitches can be used for great textured pieces.
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| Photo credit @evakobz |
After the announcement of the Winter Scandi MAL I have received many messages about the yarn amounts. My idea was that you use up your stash for these projects. The patterns you will receive during the MAL are versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. Depending on which type and weight of the yarn you choose, and which hook size you use.
For example, today's Embossed Mandala can make a place mat, a wall hanging, a pillow and even an area rug. I have completed two projects to show you.
Here is a place mat I made with Scheepjes Legacy 100% cotton yarn (Nr 8 and color 089) together with 3 mm hook. It turned out to be approx. 34cm/13½ in across after blocking. Just the perfect size for regular plates.
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| Photo credit @evakobz |
You can even use yarns in a new color for each mandala, to make your table setting colorful and happy. My only recommendation here is to use yarn in solid colors (or gradient yarn with long color changes, such as Scheepjes Whirl). Texture is the main player here, and you do not want to draw attention away with too many colors or variegated yarn with short repeats.
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| Photo credit @evakobz |
And another project I would like to show you is a large pillow made with Scheepjes Chunky Monkey yarn (100% Premium Acrylic with anti pilling effect) and 5 mm hook. You will need 4 skeins for one mandala. I made two in different colors and joined them together with double crochet stitches. For e reversible look.
Obviously, with finer yarn (like DK or Worsted) and smaller hook, your pillow will become smaller. And with bulky yarn you can create a nice area rug.
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| Photo credit @evakobz |
I hope all your questions have been answered now, and we can give a start to Winter Scandi MAL. For pattern support, please join our group on Facebook, where this make-a-long is officially hosted.
Happy crocheting! And see you next week!
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