I have been crocheting for almost 20 years now, mostly freestyle as I love pushing my limits and defying those who tell me things are not possible!
I fell deeply in love with sari silk yarn in 2011 and in 2013 I decided it was time for me to bring their vibrant beauty and my knowledge of working with them to YOU!
When I first discovered Sari Yarn I kept looking at it on the internet, thinking 'well it's absolutely gorgeous but what on earth would I make with it?'
It was often represented poorly; poor photography, relatively little information available about it, and the only sellers of it then either weren't very responsive or didn't seem to know about working with it.
So I was apprehensive about buying some as I really want sure what to expect.
Anyway I talked about it so much that my Mum bought me some one christmas and as soon as I touched it I never looked back!
She also taught me to crochet in the first place, so Thanks Mum;
none of this could have happened without your magical influence!
Why I LOVE 'Recycled' Sari Silk yarns
(actually Upcycled is the correct term as the fabric is repurposed BEFORE it leaves the production process)
They Empower Women;
Produced from remnants of sari silk production (not second hand saris), saved from going to landfill by the industrious ladies of India/Nepal who spin them into yarns at home, thus empowering them to make their own living in the home with their families.
Every Skein Bursts With Character;
You cannot really fully appreciate how amazing and beautiful these yarns are until you hold them in your hands. The luxurious softness of the silk, the bright jewel colours, the uniqueness of each skein reminding you of their handmade nature and all the ensuing love that has gone into their creation.
If you like the unconventional you'll love these yarns as much as I do
Natural, Eco, Upcycled;
Three qualities I love to find in any product! As a Holistic Therapist and Hippie to the Core I love anything which is made from natural materials, saves things from going in the bin and is therefore kind to our planet as well as it's people
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Having got to know these yarns really well over the last few years, and finding that there were very few patterns out there specifically for them I decided to open Mandala Yarn as a way of sharing their beauty and my knowledge with other crafters who like to try new and unusual yarns
I offer a free patterns, hints and tips on my blog because I want to help you find the confidence to say
'YES! I deserve this beautiful, luxurious yarn and I CAN make myself something with it'
http://mandalayarn.wordpress.com/
Also, see my pinterest boards for further pattern ideas I've gathered for you because I think they would suit these fabulous yarns:
http://pinterest.com/MandalaYarn/patterns-for-sari-silkbanana-silk-yarns/
Plus I recommend searching on ravelry under 'bulky' or 'super bulky' yarn weight or hook size/needle size of around 8mm or so
http://www.ravelry.com
and drops design under yarn group F
http://www.garnstudio.com
I hope this gets your creative juices flowing!
Check out my original etsy shop if you want to see what I make with 'normal' yarn too
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BerthasBizarreBazaar