When I arrived in this world, I am told, I was born with a paralyzed side of my face and the inability to open my left eye. From early photos, I always was the one with the very strange expressions and an odd look on my face. My mom always told me how beautiful I am and said it didn’t matter that my eye wouldn’t open, and God made me that way so everyone would think I am giving them a *wink* and fall in love with me. That is how my mom is. She sees the bright side in things. She is looking for the good in every situation–the silver lining–no matter how difficult life could be, she taught my brothers and me the same. Imperfections and differences make you beautiful, and that same thought applies to each piece I make by adding some “imperfect” characteristic.
We never had much, but we always had enough, and we always appreciated everything my parents were able to give us and make happen for us. I was given a strong work ethic, and that is why I do what I do by pouring my heart into each stitch of every piece I create. I could easily be doing any job and the same ethic would apply because it has been instilled in us by a mother that insisted we do the work. We learned how to cook, clean, pick up after ourselves and do laundry from a young age so we could appreciate how hard it is and never take people or things for granted; to have pride in doing and completing a job right from the beginning so we didn’t have to do it again and again.
My mom has walked with me through my journey with Crohn’s disease, and with each step, she has promised that I will never be alone as long as she can draw breath. She is responsible for my love of crochet when she handed me my first crochet hook and ball of yarn and taught me this craft. Little did she know how much this would mold my life and become a lifeline and a form of therapy for long hospital stays. To have the support and love is a gift I shall always cherish. But more than that, I realize I will never be lonely with her by my side, to look for the good and positive no matter what the situation, never feel sorry for myself, and that I always have a forever friend.
My mom is not like other moms. She and I have been through so much in this life. Whenever my brothers and I have troubles or burdens, it’s easier to bring them to my mom and she takes them away and makes everything better. My mom has been by my side at every hospital stay, every doctor visit, every medical test, even when doctors couldn’t help me, she helped me get through it all. I will never be able to thank my mom enough for all that she has done, is doing, and will do for me.
My mom is my best friend.
I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for her.
My mom never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, or be who I wanted to be.
She has taught me to have appreciation in everything I have and never take anything for granted. She has taught me how to love unconditionally, and she inspires me every day to make a difference in this world, even if it’s to help few or many. She is my biggest fan, and she is the closest thing to Superwoman anybody could ever be. Please join me in wishing her and all the other moms (and dads or role models who fill those shoes) a fantastic day! It’s a thankless job sometimes, and you deserve more than one day of recognition.
You asked. I answered. I hear you! My Spring Sun Mandala Vest is complete! Yes, this makes me as happy as it will you! This was made with Red Heart Yarns Super Saver Ombre in the color Cocoa. Can I say I am completely in love with this yarn without making my fiancé jealous? Let’s hope, because I am!
I made this to fit me. I am 5′ 2″ and I generally wear a size Small/Medium. I have given instructions in the Notes Section and in the video tutorial to alter this pattern to make it larger.
Something you may not know about my work process, is that I design my pieces off camera first, perfect the pattern, fix all the quirks, and get all my mistakes ironed out before filming my final piece in my tutorials. I first designed my Spring Sun Mandala Vest pattern using Caron Cakes in the color Macaron. This was my original prototype for testing the pattern. I filmed the video in the Red Heart Yarns Super Saver Ombre that I posted above, but if you are interested in seeing how the Cakes work for this piece, this should give you a pretty good idea! No matter what yarn is used, this piece is sure to be a big hit!
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this Mandala Vest:
Please check out the new beginning graphic designed and developed by my brother Nabeel. He and his wife own and operate NFD Graphics. Please hop over to their Facebook page and show them some love! For all your graphic and video/logo design needs be sure to contact them today! www.nfdgraphics.com
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
Although I used Red Heart Yarns in this project, here is a great substitution of yarn that works great as well. Brava yarn by WeCrochet/Knit Picks
You can also use Lion Brand Mandala Yarn here
You can buy any of theitems in this kit. Buy all or buy one item. Check it out to see the supplies you can get online to make this mandala vest!
NOTES:
-This project uses 1100 yards of yarn.
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-Watch the FULL video tutorial for visual instructions for each round and to learn how to make this BIGGER
-Weave in all the ends as you go so you don’t have to weave them all in at the very end.
-This Mandala is 43 inches across (112 cm), Arm Holes are 18″ around (46cm), and Shoulders across are 15″ (38cm)
-This project took me approximately 20 hours to complete.
-To make this bigger, you can repeat Round 16 when you get to that point, you can also repeat Round 18 when you get to that point, you can repeat Round 26 when you get to that point, you can repeat Round 28 when you get to that point, and you can repeat Round 31 when you get to that point.
-I used 2 full Caron Cakes, but I was unable to finish the last 2 rounds of the pattern, so I would suggest about 3 Caron Cakes to finish the pattern.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
prev.: Previous
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
DC3TOG: Double Crochet 3 Stitches Together
DC4TOG: Double Crochet 4 Stitches Together
V-Stitch: [Double Crochet, Chain 2, Double Crochet] in indicated space
BPSC: Back Post Single Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
FDC: Foundation Double Crochet (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Mandala Vest:
Start with Magic Ring or Ch 6, Sl st in 1st ch to form a ring Rnd 1: Ch up 2 (Counts as HDC here and throughout), 15 HDC into ring. Sl st to beg ch up 2. (16)
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC here and throughout), DC in same st, * CH 2, SK 1 st, 2 DC in next st, repeat from * around. Sl st to beg ch up 3. (8 ch 2 sps, 16 sts)
Rnd 3: Sl st into ch 2 sp, Ch 2, 2 HDC in same sp, *Ch 3, 3 HDC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to ch up 2. (24 HDC, 8 Ch 3 sps)
Rnd 4: Sl st into Ch 3 sp, Ch 1, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in ch 3 sp, * Ch 2, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in next Ch 3 sp, Repeat from * around. Sl st to 1st SC. (8 petals made)
Rnd 5: Sl st to middle DC of a petal, Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 2, V-Stitch in next Ch 2 sp, Ch 2, SC in middle DC of next petal, repeat from * around, Sl st to 1st SC. (8 SC, 16 DC, 24 Ch 2 sps)
Rnd 6: In SC, Ch 1, SC in same st, *Sk ch 2 sp, [4 DC, ch 2, 4 DC] in next V-Stitch, Sk ch 2 sp, SC in next SC, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. (8 Ch 2 sps, 64 DC, 8 SC)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, BPSC around 4 sts, *[2 SC, ch 2, 2 SC] in ch 2 sp, BPSC around next 9 sts, Repeat from * around, sl st to first BPSC.
Rnd 8: Ch up 3, DC in next 2 sts, *Ch 2, SC in next Ch 2 sp, Ch 2, Sk 2 sts, DC in next 3 sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 sts, DC in next 3 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to beg ch up 3. (48 sts)
Rnd 9: Sl st in each st to get to next ch 2 sp before a SC, Ch 1, 3 SC in ch sp, *SC in next SC, 3 SC in next ch sp, SC in next 3 sts, (Working BEHIND ch sp) DC in next 3 sts sk’d from Previous round, SC in next 3 sts on current round, 3 SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC.
Rnd 10: Sl st to middle SC that’s in a SC from prev. round (See video tutorial for specific location), Ch 1, SC in same st, Ch 3, * [3DC, 3TR, 3DC] in ch 3 sp from Rnd 8, Ch 3, Sk 6 sts, SC in next st, Ch 3, Sk 6 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. (8 Petals, 8 SC, 16 ch 3 sps)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 7 SC in middle TR of Petal, Ch 7, SC in next SC, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC if you are changing color. If you are not changing color, End with Ch 3, TR in first SC of round. (16 ch 7 sps)
Rnd 12: In Ch sp, Ch up 1, SC in same sp, *Ch 7, SC in next Ch sp, repeat from * around, end with Ch 3, TR in first SC. (16 ch 7 sps)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, SC in same sp, *Ch 8, SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC. (16 ch 8 sps)
Rnd 14: Sl st into Ch 8 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as DC), 9 DC in same sp, *10 DC in next ch sp, Repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (160 DC)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, FPDC around 1st st, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, sl st to first FPDC. (160 sts)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, FPDC around 1st FPDC, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first FPDC. (160 Sts)
Larger Sizes: **Repeat Round 16 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 17.
Rnd 17: Ch 5 (Counts as DC + Ch 2 sp), DC in same st, *Sk 1 st, [DC, ch 2, DC] in next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. (80 V-stitches)
Rnd 18: Sl st into V-Stitch, Ch 5, DC in same sp, V-Stitch in each V-Stitch around, sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. (80 V-Stitches)
Rnd 19-20: Repeat Round 18
Larger Sizes: **Repeat Round 18 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 21.
Rnd 21: Sl st into Ch 2 sp, Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC in same sp, *3 DC in next V-Stitch, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (240 sts)
Rnd 22: In gap between 3DC grouping, Ch 1, SC in same gap, Ch 4, Sk 3 sts, SC in next gap, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC. (80 Ch 4 sps)
Rnd 23: Sl st in Ch 4 sp, Ch 1, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in each ch 4 sp around, sl st to first SC. (80 petals)
Rnd 24: Start in the middle DC of a petal (See video tutorial for specific location), Ch 6 (Counts as DC + Ch 3 Sp), DC in middle DC of next petal, *Ch 3, DC in middle DC of next petal, repeat from * around, Sl st to 3rd Ch of beg. ch 6. (80 DC, 80 Ch 3 sps)
Rnd 25: in Ch 3 sp, Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 5 DC in same ch sp, * 6 DC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (480 sts)
Rnd 26: Ch up 3, DC in each st around. Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (480 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 26 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 27.
Rnd 27: Making the Armholes: Ch 3, DC in next 9 sts, Ch 2, FDC 25, Sk 20 sts, DC in next 40 sts, Ch 2, FDC 25, Sk 20 sts, DC in the rest of the sts on this round, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (490 sts)
Larger Sizes: **If you need the armholes to be bigger or smaller, just FDC more or less and skip more or less stitches**
Rnd 28: Ch 3, DC in each st around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (490 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 28 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 29.
Rnd 29: Ch up 3, DC3TOG, *Ch 4, DC4TOG, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg DC3TOG stitch.
Rnd 30: In ch 4 sp: Ch up 3, 4 DC in same sp, *5 DC in next Ch 4 sp, repeat from * around, sl st to beg ch up 3. (610 sts)
Rnds 31- 35: Ch up 3, DC in Each St around, Sl st to beg ch up 3. (610 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 31 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger.
Fasten off.
Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed.
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Follow this link to see a great mandala design! Click on this Henna Inspired Mandala to make this beautiful project today!!
With a few days left before Easter, as we scramble to fill up some baskets with unique and exciting gifts, this blog showcases crochet patterns that will make your job easier!
Please follow the links below or click the photos to direct you to the written patterns to each of these fantastic designs!
For anyone who has a little one who loves to play dress up, this bunny is so fun to expand their imagination! Just in time for Easter, these are perfect for masquerade play, character building, and pretend activities! Great for many occasions!!! The possibilities are endless! I was inspired by a link I saw on Pinterest and thought these would be fun in crochet. These would make great learning tools for kids, teaching them drama, acting, and role play! It’s great for schools, small play groups! Someone on Facebook mentioned these would be great for children’s hospitals. They are easy to wear and comfortable!
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this bunny mask
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
You can buy any of the items in this kit. Buy all or buy one item. Check it out to see the supplies you can get online to make this mask!
NOTES:
-This project uses less than 60 yards of yarn.
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-Watch the FULL video tutorial for visual instructions for each section.
-Weave in all the ends as you go so you don’t have to weave them all in at the very end.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
prev.: Previous
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
BLO: BACK LOOPS ONLY
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Mask:
Ch 21 Row 1: SC in 2nd Ch and across, ch 1, turn. (20) Row 2: 2 SC in 1st st, SC in next 7 sts, 2 SC in next 3 sts, SC in next 8 sts, 2 SC in last st, ch 1, turn. (25) Row 3: 2 SC in 1st st, SC in next 11 sts, 2 SC in next st, SC in next 11 sts, 2 SC in last st, ch 1, turn. (28) Row 4: SC across, ch 1, turn. (28) Row 5: HDC in 4 sts, Ch 9, Sk 7 sts, HDC in 6 sts, Ch 9, Sk 7 sts, HDC in last 4 sts, ch 1, turn. Row 6: SC in each st and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (32) Row 7: SC in 3 sts, SC2TOG, SC in next 7 sts, SC2TOG, SC in 4 sts, SC2TOG, SC in 7 sts, SC2TOG, SC in last 3 sts, ch 1, turn. (28) Row 8: [SC2TOG] twice, SC in next 7 sts, SC2TOG, SC in next 3 sts, SC2TOG, SC in next 6 sts, [SC2TOG] twice, ch 1, turn. Rows 9-10: SC across, ch 1, turn.
SC around entire piece.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Ears: Make 2, Work in continuous rounds.
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6) Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12) Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, Sc in next st] 6 times. (18) Rnds 4-10: SC in each st around. (18) Rnd 11: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (17) Rnd 12: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (16) Rnd 13: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (15) Rnd 14: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (14) Rnd 15: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (13) Rnd 16: SC2TOG, SC in the rest of the sts around. (12)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Nose:
Ch 3
In 3rd ch from hook put 2 DC, 2 HDC, DC, 2 HDC, 2 DC, ch 2, Sl st. Fasten off with long tail.
Sew center hole closed.
Flower:
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 5 SC in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st to 1st st. Rnd 2: [Ch 3, sl st in next st] 5 times. Rnd 3: Sl st into ch 3 sp, [SC, 3 HDC, SC] in each ch sp around. (5 petals made)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing
Leaf: Make 2
Ch 6 Rnd 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, SC in next, HDC in next, SC in next, Sl st in last, ch 2, Sl st in same ch as last st, Work on opposite side of foundation ch, SC in next st, HDC in next st, SC in next st, Sl st in last. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Assembly Step:
Sew all pieces to the mask, sew elastic to opposite side. (See video tutorial for visual instructions). Weave in the rest of your loose ends!
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
Inspired by the Coachella Festival flower crown filter on Snapchat, I designed this fun and ethereal headband. I filmed The Floral Dream Crown video tutorial and am excited to share it with all of you. Perfect for summertime festivals and events for all ages! Join me on Snapchat for behind the scenes look at YARNutopia!
This demonstration will show you how to create a variety of crochet flowers in different sizes combined to create this impressive headpiece.
This would look great as a bridal or bridesmaid headpiece, a little flower girl, or any young girl hair accessory. This would be cute for a photo prop on babies also! This crown works well for a hairband to wear to music festivals or any other fun summer event! Make a statement and stand out with this great head piece!
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this crown:
**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.
Designed by Nadia Fuad
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
NOTES:
-You can make as many flowers as you want and use any colors/yarn type that you want.
-If you cannot find a headband at the dollar store, you can crochet your own by checking out this link.
-You can use any type of yarn for this project. Gauge is not important.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half-Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
Small Flower: Make 4
Before making your slip knot, leave a 6-8” tail;
ch 12
Row 1: sc in 4th ch from hook (first ch 1 sp made). * Ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2sc and 1 sl st, in first ch 1 sp, 3 sc and 1 sl st in each of the next 4 ch 1 sps. Fasten off with long tail for sewing. Roll strip into a flower, stitch flower together at base.
Medium Flower: Make 2
Before making your slip knot, leave a 6-8” tail;
ch 34
Row 1: sc in 4th ch from hook (first ch 1 sp made). * Ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, [2 sc and 1 sl st] in first ch 1 sp, [3sc, 1 sl st] in each of the next 3 ch 1 sps, [3 hdc, 1 sl st] in each of the next 4 ch 1 sps, [4 hdc, 1 sl st] in each of the next 4 ch 1 sps, [4 dc, 1 sl st] in each of the next 4 ch 1 sps. Fasten off with long tail for sewing. Roll strip into a flower, stitch flower together at base.
Large Flower: Make 2
Ch 5, join with sl st to 5th ch from hook to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, working in ring, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 2 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, sl st on the 1st sc. (16 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, (Ch 3, skip one st, sc on next st) repeat around, join. (8 ch-3 loops)
Rnd 3: sl st into first ch 3 sp, ch 1, [(Sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in ch-3 loop, sl st in sc] repeat around, join. (8 petals)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Center of flower:
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Fasten off, sew to center of Large flower
Extra Large Flower: Make 2
Before making your slip knot, leave a 6-8” tail;
Row 1: Ch 44 (Or any even number)
Row 2: sc in 4th ch from hook (first ch 1 sp made). * Ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * to end.
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, skip the first stitch of the previous row, tr first ch sp, ch2, 2tr into same sp. 2DC, ch2, 2DC in each ch sp across. Fasten off and change color.
Row 4: [ch 3, 5dc] all in first ch 2 sp, *sk 2 sts and sc in between 3rd and 4th dc (see video tutorial for visual instructions), 6 dc in next ch 2 sp, repeat from * across. Fasten off. Roll strip into a flower, stitch flower together at base.
Leaf: Make 3
Ch 10
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in last. fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Assembly Step:
Sew all pieces to your headband (See video tutorial for visual instructions), make it as fancy as you want!! TIP: Be sure to stretch out your headband when sewing on your pieces. That way the headband won’t show through when you put it on your head.
Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Please join me in wishing her and all the other moms (and dads or role models who fill those shoes) a fantastic day! It’s a thankless job sometimes, and you deserve more than one day of recognition.
