A Sanskrit word meaning circle, ‘Mandala’ essentially refers to a circle with a centre point from which a symmetrical design radiates. Found in so many natural forms like flowers, snowflakes, starfish, spider webs, etc., the mandala has been used in many cultures as a spiritual or ritualistic symbol representing the universe. In recent years, however, because of its popularity, the word mandala has become a general term for any circular design and is a popular subject in many crafts, not least embroidery. Freestyle Embroidered Mandalas is a collaboration and co-creation by three well-known authors who worked on a beautiful Mandala book along with a team of talented South African embroiderers.
This is the front and back cover of the book.
Click on the images to enlarge.
The authors would like to thank the following embroiderers who helped make this book as beautiful as it is. When we decided to put this book together, a short timeline was proposed. It would not have been possible to complete it without an enthusiastic team of competent South African embroiderers. These ladies, who became known as ‘our work party’, were chosen not only for their competence but also because they are all jolly nice people. Grateful thanks are due to every single one of them:
Margie Breetzke
Pat Burchell
Carol Carl
Alexandra Cullen
Louise Grimbeek
Sandra Kloppers
Karen Nell
Jane Renton
Hanli Smith
Pat van Wyk
Here are only some of the designs and projects in the book. Don't you think they are lovely! There are a total of 25 designs and 27 projects (as two designs were repeated in different colours to show you how versatile the patterns are) so there is something for everyone.
For more information about the book and to order, click here and click on the online store of your choice.
Some templates have been given two completely different embroidery treatments to illustrate how versatile the designs are.
Both line and colour templates of the 25 designs are included, with a detailed stitch diagram and list of threads and materials for every project.
Here are some of the designs in the book. Click on the images to enlarge... PHEON page 24 SUNBURST page 34 BUTTERFLY KISSES page 48 COUNTRY LIVING page 64 Close-up detail... WHOLEHEARTED page 16 FLORAL GEOMETRY page 36 FLOWER OF LIFE page 18 Close-up detail... NOSTALGIA page 12 Look at this perfect little heart... SPRING page 46 SNOWFLAKE page 39 There are many more gorgeous designs in the book. Not to be missed!
Enjoy!
Love
Di
Gilda Van De Velde
Hello dicraft.com webmaster, Thanks for the well-presented post!
Joanne Hills
Hi dicraft.com administrator, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.