What I’ve learnt from being in lockdown is, there are some truly wonderful, caring people out there.
One being my all time favourite crochet designer Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir.
I’m sure you all know who I’m talking about. Her mosaic crochet designs have rocked the crochet world and changed it forever (for the better).
I can not stress enough how wonderful her patterns are. Not only are they some of the best written patterns I’ve seen but the designs are in a league all of their own. They captivate you, draw you in and without knowing it you become an addict. An addiction that helps to calm your soul.  What a wonderful addition to have.

As you may know, I have been really struggling with crochet for a while now especially since lockdown, adding to that, my autoimmune diseases have seriously wiped me out, so much so crochet became Near on impossible.
If I wasn’t falling asleep within minutes of sitting down to crochet, my mind would ponder over all the devastation that is happening in the world as the coronavirus pandemic changes life as we knew it.
Tinna being the incredible lady she is, she reached out to me when she saw I was struggling and gave me a life line.
She kindly asked me if I fancied giving her new secret pattern ago, to see if it would help return my crojo.
The pattern was still at the testing stage, so it was a great honour to be asked if I fancied giving it a try.
Of course I jumped at the chance, who wouldn’t, Tinna’s patterns are way too captivating to say no. And her new pattern is no exception, it’s gorgeous and right up my street.

With my hubby being self employed, unable to work, meaning no money is coming in to our household (So many of us are in the same boat), I couldn’t justify buying new yarn even though this pattern deserves the best there is.
How I would have loved to have ordered my favourite yarn, Scheepjes Stonewashed but that just couldn’t happen so I raided my stash, finally deciding on Paintbox yarn Simply Aran 205 Slate Grey and 223 Mustard and set to work.

So let me tell you a little about Tinna’s new masterpiece. It’s called,

“Arabia”

Arabia is a continuous mosaic pattern, which can be worked to any size you like, and comes with written instructions for how to work it both flat and in the round, as well as user-friendly charts for both versions.
You can use any yarn you like for this pattern and a hook that suits your yarn.
Arabia can be used to make blankets, table or bed runners, scarfs, as well as projects worked in the round like a cushion cover for example, one of Tinna’s testers has even made the cutest purse. (Check out Tinna’s Instagram for photos)

 

Tinna wrote all about her inspiration on Ravelry.

“After visiting Morocco in my early twenties, I’ve ever since been totally fascinated with Arabic architecture, motifs and patterns. I find them mesmerizing. I especially like the trellis pattern and Arabia is my take on that. I got started on this pattern last spring in Havana, so I’ve actually been working on this pattern for almost a year now, which is atypical of me. But I’m glad I gave myself good time to develop it because I’m introducing some new techniques in my mosaic crochet adventures here and think it really paid off to let it mull in my head for a while. To get these smooth lines, I’m taking the slanted DC’s I use in my Mosaic Alphabet and the HOPE motif to the next level. I hope you guys like it as much as I do and agree that this really opens up a lot of new possibilities!”

I decided to make a lapghan, here’s a little sneaky peak.

“Arabia” has relit a fire in my belly and my love for crochet, my crojo has returned. I still have my moments when the worlds troubles lay heavy on my shoulders but Arabic and Tinna’s kindness has worked wonders. In truth, she gave me a lifeline, the hand I needed so desperately, I will always be grateful for her pure hearted kindness and friendship.
Tinna, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. 💖

If you feel as I did, that you have the weight of the world crushing down on you, than please take Tinna’s hand by visiting her Ravelry and buying yourself a copy of Arabic and let it soothe your heart, mind and soul.
You will not be disappointed, it’s an incredible pattern. It’s truly calming, simple but intriguing and you’ll be hooked lined and sinker, before you know it.

ARABIA is not a good beginners project so if your a mosaic virgin, then Tinna recommends starting with her, Havana CAL and work your way up from there. Don’t be frightened to give it a try though, it’s so easy when you have gotten to grips with mosaic crochet.

 

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

You can grab yourself a copy of “Arabia” here.
If you are new to mosaic crochet, you can find the Havana CAL, here.
Tinna’s website can be found here.
You can find all Tinna’s delicious pattern here on Ravelry. You can show off you makes on her Facebook Group, Tina’s Crochet Club.
You can also follow her on Instagram, here.
You can find her on YouTube here.

Have a hooktastic day, stay safe and hope to see you back here soon.

Too-da-loo for now.

🧶 🧶 🧶