Time for the Corners!

 

My Mandala has grown and it's been an absolute blast. I do love this pattern!

For a while I was attempting to 'crochet in my ends' as I started a new row. However, with this pattern, a lot of the stitches are crocheted into the back bars of the previous row. So, when you come across the ends that have already been woven in... it gets a bit tricky. Well, it gets crowded.

So, I recommend waiting until you've done a few rows before weaving in those ends. Basically, don't crochet in your ends as you go, tempting and time-saving as it is. The Floral Paradise Mandala Afghan is a lot of work so, better to make it look nice and take your time.

Having said that... my stitches are a bit tight in places. But, importantly, I love watching it grow! Above is a closer look at all the cool stitches. (I had only finished the flower chain and a few zigzag rows at this point).

Thanks Annie's Kit Clubs for the great design. I'm finished the 5th kit and I'm starting the 6th. Corners! #phew

ANNIE'S KIT CLUBS - FLORAL MANDALA AFGHAN Step by Step

 

Soooo, after making a 36 flower chain in kit 2, I had to make sure that it attaches to the mandala circle perfectly, for kit 3. Each flower takes up 6 stitches, for a total of 216 stitches. (Flower 6 stitches, times 36 flowers = 216 stitches). I put markers and strands of thread every 6 stitches on my colourful mandala circle just to be sure! I'm so glad I took the time to do this. #highlyrecommend Here's a pic from their website. This is where I'm heading. More to come!

ANNIE'S KIT CLUBS - MANDALA AFGHAN "FLORAL PARADISE"

 

I'm just loving this crochet kit from Annie's Kit Clubs. I'm motoring along. Here's my little review so far. Above is kit 1 and most of kit 2 finished! Loooove the colours. The pattern has many new cute stitches like the shell stitch, the bean stitch and the star stitch. It's just so fun. And the 100% acrylic yarn, which is anti-pilling, is great to crochet with. Smooth but not slippery. So great. The pattern goes from using a 5mm hook to a 5.5mm hook. 

The start of kit 3 is flowers! As the pattern says, I've attach them to each other as I go. The pattern and video instructions do a 4 chain to start, but I'm just using a magic ring. Also, I am absolutely stitching in the ends as I go, not weaving them in after each flower, as they suggest. I'd say the pattern is intermediate.

The flower chain is separate until I'm finished all 36 of them. Then, with the white (linen colour) you attach the chain to your mandala. Even then, I'm only 1/3 of the way! It was an X-mas gift to myself so, I'm actually happy with how fast it's going. 

p.s.

The pattern calls for me to crochet into the BACK BARS a lot, so I'm not weaving in my row ends right away. That way, the back bars are easier to find. 

ANNIE'S KIT CLUBS - MANDALA "Floral Paradise" AFGHAN

 

Crocheting in the round and loving it! I love learning all of these new stitches. Look at the cool turquoise star stitches. #cuuuuuute 

Finished rows 1-18! Love the shell stitches. And the little cream coloured beans. I'm sewing the ends in every second row since the pattern calls for you to crochet into back bars often. Those ends can get in the way.

And look what's just arrived. Kit 2! With two new colours. #woohoo  I'll keep you updated on my review of the kit.

#yummy

ANNIE'S KIT CLUBS - MANDALA AFGHAN

I treated myself to the awesome crochet kit from Annie's Kit Club. I chose the Floral Paradise Mandala Afghan. It's so colourful and beautiful.

It arrived in a distinctive padded envelope, so I'll know to look out for a patterned package. It arrives every few weeks, which is great because then I don't have a whole load of yarn kicking around. It included instructions and the Annie's Kit Clubs site has awesome step by step videos.

My biggest concern was the yarn. But it's great! It's 100%Acrylic but it's smooth, without being slippery. It's Anit-Pilling. I find it very easy to crochet with. The pattern calls for both 5mm and 5.5mm crochet hooks (not included).

Here's a closeup. Soooo fun!

I've finished about 8 rows. Kit 1 is 18 rows. There are so many different and fun stitches. Better get at it so that I'm done by the time the next shipment arrives. That's the other good thing... it keeps me working at a good pace.

Thanks for looking. I'll keep you posted on how I do! Hope you enjoyed the review.