I’ve been all over the place lately, both in my crochet escapades and also in my schoolwork – but not, unfortunately, geographically. This time last year I was enjoying the bright sun of New Mexico and looking forward to the Orlando trip in March, but this year it’s all homework and cabin fever. But a girl can dream!

I’ve started obsessively making my Mandala Tops again, imagining outdoor gatherings and warm nights and ceaseless djembe. This one’s a sweet neutral take on the design, for a western-inspired festival style. I’ve started to add 2-3 more rows to the bottom, because I’m enjoying the extra “oomph” it adds to make a more girly, A-line shape.

I know, that belt is the tits.

The pattern (which includes 3 different sizes) can be purchased in my Etsy Shop or through Ravelry. You get all 3 sizes in one pattern for only 6.00 USD (but my Facebook followers know of a special deal going on currently, hint hint) and I also do custom work on the actual top itself through Etsy. But enough about me… check out this killer Mandala Top made by Raveler hyleoroii (shared with permission of course).

Love that mirrored photo! I’m also really mega proud that one of my personal real-life heroes wore one of my Mandala Top creations to her Art Gallery showing last fall:

A bit blurry, but you can see Lisa’s mosaic window in the background. She does stunning mosaic work, beautiful tie-dye and patchwork, and even made her own coloring book from her lovely nature-spirituality inspired drawings. What a woman!

-MF