Mandalas to Crochet

Haafner Linssen is a blogger, instagrammer and crochet designer with a knack for flower looming. She loves the retro vibes of this amazing technique, and has developed a recognisable style – classic pieces with a modern twist.Trained in cultural history, Haafner is interested in the historical background of the craft. She has contributed to Mollie Makes and her first book, Mandalas to Crochet (2016), is an international success.Haafner lives in a cute old house, somewhere between Amsterdam and the North Sea. Visit her website www.byhaafner.blogspot.co.uk

There are 30 mandala patterns to crochet in this book, all sorts of colours and all sorts of stitches. However what I particularly like about these mandalas is the fact they are all new and very modern to look at. nothing too lacy and the colours are for everyone, neither too bright or too pastel. These days I like to review a book by actually making something from it. I find it is easy to lose yourself in beautiful images, be inspired to get your hook out and all to often be disappointed by a pattern that is hard to follow or is not well written. Has that ever happened to you? Therefore I made two mandalas from this book, and I am pleased to announce the patterns are superb, easy to read, they flow nicely and there are charts too. I am just getting to grips with charts. I find if I do not understand a pattern instruction, a quick glance at a chart makes it all very obvious as to where I am to place my hook for the next stitch.The photographs are clear bright and enticing and best of all there are projects. My problem with mandalas is what to do with them after you have made them. This book has the answers. My next project from this book, will be a mandala that i will turn into a dream catcher, I have feathers and everything! If you are pondering buying this book (as I was) ponder no more...go get it. You will not be disappointed. Message to Haafner 'please can you write another crochet book asap please?'Full review including images of the finished projects: http://www.lazydaisyjones.com/2016/06/crochet-book-review-mandalas-to-crochet.html

• About this Book 6Welcome to My World 8Before You Begin 10Yarns 12, Colour Me Happy 14, Read this First! 16, Crochet a Perfect Mandala 18, Crochet Refresher Course 20Mandala Selector 26Mandala Patterns 36BasicCourtly Crown 38, Go with the Flow 40, Handsome Hoops 42, Granny Circle 44, Pebble in the Pond 46, Pretty Pieces 48ClassicFlirty Fifties 50, Rajasthan 52, Ice Cream 54, Starry, Starry Night 56, Lovely Lace 58, Marvellous Myriad 60, Bewitching Basketweave 64, Scallops of the Sea 66, Make it Pop! 68FlowersDainty Daisy 70, Tulips from Amsterdam 72, African Flower Love 74, Oriental Lily 76, Leaves and Lace 78, Strawberry Blossom 80, Say it with Flowers 82, Field of Wild Flowers 84Something SpecialLove Me Loops 86, Layers and Loops 88, Confetti Time! 90 Enchanted April 92, Dazzling Days 94, Vintage Vibes 98, Delightful Doily 100Borders 102Projects 106Boho Bag 108, Hotpad 110, Tablemat 112, Summer Scarf 114, Lap Blanket 116, Rug 118, Leaves and Lace Blanket 120Symbols and Abbreviations 124Index 126Credits 128