This is a series of mandalas I made in winter 2015 following the basic Mandala 1 pattern by CAROcreated Design to learn the art of overlay in the mandala format. I used wool except 3rd one, which is cotton. I love the way little color changes can evolve into a whole other pattern. Sometimes when I look at them it’s hard to believe it’s the same pattern.

Hook size for wool varies from 4mm-5mm.
Cotton is 2.5mm.

I mounted these by gluing the finished crochet to a felt covered core board backing and suspending them with almost invisible fine nylon fishing line so they appear to be floating unsupported in space as they gently rotate in the breeze, a very satisfying effect.

This method of overlay creates a result I would describe as “naive”. It gives a certain imprecision to the overall effect which has its own charms. They are best viewed from a distance, which is why I made them into hangings, not so much for walls, but as random, suspended, free spinning objects.

Of all the overlay crochet methods I’ve experimented with, see my other Projects, I find Carola Herbst’s patterns the most rewarding and instructive.