Sunburst Mandala Cushion

I wanted to create a burst of sunlight

Then I found this image

I played with crochet stitches and designs, over and over again


Eventually, I came up with this design

But I prefer something useful. So I decided to make it into a cushion

I could have made it into a round cushion like this. But I decided to play some more. I'll turn it into a square

I wanted to try something different to square it off. And I wanted to incorporate the border again, I really liked the way that turned out


So eventually I came up with this cushion 

And now for the back. Do I just do a fabric back?  No. I wanted more crochet. But I also want to do something that will match..... But not the same ..... 

Finally I came up with this

Worked as a square, but still using some overlay stitches

And still the suggestion of rays of the sun

Want to make this?

https://www.facebook.com/events/517057379036679/

Pdf's now available

I've decided to make my free patterns also available as printable pdfs

They are still available for free here, but if you want a nice easy way to print it, you will be able to download it for a small fee

Patterns take a very long time, and a lot of effort to create

It is a huge process, that includes many steps

Thinking of the design

Occasionally this step can be easy.

But most often it takes a lot of thought and ideas, and looking at a lot of inspiration


Creating the design

This is probably the hardest part.

What yarn, or thread would work best for this?

What stitch, or combination of stitches would work best for this?

How many stitches will I need?

Then it needs to be made, and undone, and made, and undone, many times, usually, until it's right, and it works the way I want it


Writing it up

This is another challenging part. I usually write notes as I go. But it's a completely different thing to have the pattern written with all the proper terms and wording in it.

It takes a lot of work going through the whole pattern to add all the words, terms and phrases in the proper crochet terms so that everyone can understand it


Testing

This is where other people come into it

I need a range of people who can read crochet patterns to look through the pattern, and crochet the item

They will see it through new eyes, being unfamiliar with the design, they will often see errors, or better ways with wording than I can

I'm often amazed at what I can miss. And how different testers can see different things


Final pattern

And finally we have the final pattern

All my patterns are pretty cheap, especially when you consider my most expensive pattern might only just buy me a coffee in Australia.

The pdf's are $2 Australian, which is half a coffee

Want to learn how to make this?

I have decided to have a crochet-along (CAL) for this pattern, Sunburst Mandala Cushion

What is a crochet-along?  It is a group of people who work on crochet a pattern at the same time.

You work at your own pace, and if you fall behind, it doesn't matter. But there will be support from many others along the way



In this case, there will be 5 parts to the pattern, with a new part posted each week

This will start on the 10th of November, and will be hosted by this Crochet along group


It's all online. So no need to turn up anywhere, you can do it no matter where you live in the world. You can also create your own get together to have a fun and a coffee while crocheting

Find out more, and keep updated here

Illustrator, artist and cartoonist

If you are interested in an artist that will impact Australia's modern art scene; Dana Lawson is someone to familiarise yourself with. (Eryngium Miasma; the Art of Dana Lawson).

I have had the pleasure of reviewing the work of this young artist and highly recommend perusing her opus. (links listed below).

As a published cartoonist her rendering of fantasy characters surpasses the wildest imagination.
Her cast of captivating dramatis personae burst to life with articulation and physiognomy.

Dana's use of colour is vibrant while creating atmosphere. Her pieces are visually stimulating and exciting. She has a rare talent of awaking her troupe, giving the viewer insight into their individual personalities.

This, 'up and coming', artist and cartoonist, is preceded by progenitors with their own expertise and flair.

Jenny Augenia Lawson is a prolific and experienced artisan. Working in many different media, wire, beading and an authority on fiber craft, Jenny is a known mastercraftsman, (Craft Cove).

Dana's father, Peter. J. Lawson, is also a published cartoonist. His skill and talent has been pursued resulting in his own comic, 'Torn', (Pestiferous Picturing: The Art of Peter J. Lawson).

The collective mastery of the Lawson clan, and their dedication to the visual arts and artistry, has produced a rising talent in Dana Lawson.

It has been an ocular indulgence to explore the oeuvre of this competent young creator.

Published in 2018 through Reverie Publications, privileged comic fans were thrilled with Dana's vibrant production and flamboyant personages.

To verbally convey the simplicity, yet complexity, of her musing band of fantasia ménage, is a task in futility.

To truly comprehend and relish this escapade into a cosmos of alien individuals only a first hand encounter will suffice.

I urge a visit to one of her links for those with a contemporary and discerning artistic eye . The visit will reward you with vibrant vertuosity, teeming with unique species and reverie beyond your uninhibited ideas of creation, originality and invention.

I cordially invite you to meet Dana's motley crew.



Delight your senses and step into this exhilarating world that is Eryngium Miasma by Dana Lawson.


Written by:
Jo-Anne Swain
Artist (oil, acrylic, pastels)
Awarding winning relief print artist
Master Spinner and Complex weaver
Fiber artist.

Links for Dana Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/223463981134349

http://erymry.tumblr.com/

https://instagram.com/erymry?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=d2ofqhhcgxqn



Links for Jenny Augenia Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/54587754190

https://instagram.com/craft_cove?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=t5ok85g7g73f



Links for Peter. J. Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/115725495743869

https://instagram.com/lawsonpeterj?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1tpqqohitfd0w

All Patterns Half Price

I'm currently having a sale


All of my crochet patterns are 50% off until further notice

Find them all here:  https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jenny-lawson