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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.



* DISCLOSURE: This blog contains affiliate links (marked with *). If you purchase a product via a link on my blog, I may get a small percentage contribution from the store which enables me to keep providing you with free patterns. It costs you nothing extra to visit the store via my link, but ensure I get the credit for the sale. Thank you for your support!