Hello Friends. I realize that January is almost over but would still like to say: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Let’s start the year right with a FREE pattern. It is not a hat this time 😉 The wonderful people from www.yarncanada.ca have asked me to review the new Lion Brand Mandala Tweed yarn, and of course I had to take the opportunity to write up a new pattern as well. You will find it further down right after I share my thoughts on this new yarn.

The Review

First off, let me just say that the colors of this yarn are just awesome. They fade beautifully from one to the next and sometimes, there will be a more unexpected combo in between, which makes it fun to work up and look at. 

Each yarn cake contains 200gr of yarn and the size makes it an economical choice! This blanket used up only two cakes of yarn, which also means very few ends to weave in! (We all know that that is really what it comes down to, right?!)

You might notice that there is very little repeats of color combo. It was interesting to see that two cakes of the same color name looked completely different, but worked together beautifully.

I did notice that the twist was a bit loose, which would make it harder to work up with a small hook. Nonetheless, it was easy to crochet with and easy to frog (I wish I didn’t have to find out that part, LOL)

So, to sum it up:

– The Lion Brand Mandala Tweed Yarn is a great yarn for blankets, cowls, pillows, and other projects that will showcase the beautiful changes of colors.

– It might also work for some garments, though would not be my first choice for this.

– It washes well and can be blocked to shape if not crocheted too tightly. 

– It is an economical choice due to the large cakes for a good price.

– Large cakes also make for less ends to sew in. (This should really be the first and only reason why this is awesome hahaha)

– A little loose, but easy to work with.

– The large scale ombre is beautiful and the color combos are fun.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to test this yarn, and my husband is happy we finally have a nice blanket in the living room….ahem. 

*Please note that I was not paid for this review, other than receiving the yarn to test, and that these opinions are based on my true experience when using it.* 

And finally, the pattern!

Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Tweed 2 cakes

Hoock 5.5mm (6.00mm will also work)

Gauge: 3″ per pattern repeat (dc3, ch3, sk3, sc3, ch3, sk3)

Size:  36″x49″

NOTES:

– To make a bigger/smaller blanket, add or subtract in increments of 12. NOTE that more or less yarn will be needed, respectively)

– The hook size is not super important. Pick the one that is most comfortable, just be aware that the dimensions will change.

CH 150

Row 1:      dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch throughout.

Row 2:      ch3 (counts as stitch throughout), dc in next 2 sts, *ch3, sk3, sc in next 3 sts, ch3, sk3, dc                     in next 3 sts;repeat from * to the end of the row.

Row 3:      ch1, sc in next 3 sts, *ch3, sk3, dc in next 3 sts, ch3, sk3, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * to                     the and of the row. (put the last st of the row on top of beginning ch)

 Repeat rows 2+3 until almost all the yarn is used up, or to desired length.

Last row: ch3, dc in each st and chain throughout to finish off your blanket.

Weave in all ends. For even edges, block your blanket into shape. 

I hope you enjoy this free pattern and let me know how you like the new Mandala Tweed yarn. Leave me a comment, I love to hear from you 🙂 And don’t forget to sign up to never miss a free pattern!

Till next time!

Emma