Good afternoon! I am very excited to share Esther Dijkstra’s new book, Mix and Match Mandalas, with you.
Most of you will know Esther from her very detailed video tutorials on It’s All in a Nutshell. In this capacity, she is linked to, and has provided videos for, a staggering number of very popular crochet-alongs and patterns, and we have worked together on quite a few of my patterns over the last decade.
She is also an accomplished designer, with the gorgeous Nuts About Squares CAL, Trinity Mandalas, and the stunning Enigma Blanket being some of her most popular designs.
Mix and Match Madalas is Esther’s first book. It is worth mentioning that she self-published, overseeing every aspect of the publication. When I went to the Netherlands in March to celebrate the launch of my Charlotte’s Universe book, we had the opportunity to catch up and talk about the self-publishing journey. It sounded so daunting to me, and I was amazed at all the things she had learnt along the way… and impressed by her determination and drive.
The result is a beautiful, clean book, with a spacious layout, gorgeous photos, and easy-to-follow instructions. There are more cool features, but before I get into those, let me tell you what this book actually IS.
It may not be obvious, but I LOVE a bit of mixing and matching. It makes so much sense to me to design your patterns so that they intersect at some point as far as size and stitch count goes. That way, people can use the patterns interchangeably. You may have noticed this with Sophie’s Universe and Charlotte’s Universe, where the central squares (the ‘gardens’) are interchangeable.
Esther clearly feels the same way, turning this philosophy into a modular, crochet-your-own adventure – where every section is an invitation to pause, play, and explore your own rhythm and colour story.
Mix and Match Mandalas contains the following patterns:
3 small mandalas
3 medium mandala extensions
3 large mandala extensions
Thanks to the modular structure (3 Small, 3 Medium, 3 Large), you can create 27 different Large mandalas and 39 unique combinations across all sizes. That is before you even START thinking about yarn and colour combinations. The joy lies in how endlessly adaptable the format is, encouraging you to linger with each round and savour the creative journey.
Here is the version I made, using Small Mandala I, Medium Mandala III, and Large Mandala III. The colours were inspired by a beautiful bouquet I got for my birthday.
And if you want to think outside the box, it also offers you the opportunity to use these iterations to grow other mandala patterns (as long as they have the same stitch count), creating a crochet-your-own adventure that extends far beyond the pages of this beautiful book. I hope Esther will, at some point, share Extra Large options too… hint… hint… Or squaring!!!! Oooooh…..
One of my favourite things about this book is how gently it invites you to slow down. There is no rush – just round after round of calm, colourful exploration. Whether you follow one of Esther’s suggested combinations or invent your own, the experience feels grounded, meditative, and deeply personal.
The book is available in English (US) and Dutch, both as a paperback and an eBook.
You can find more information on Esther’s website HERE, including links to buy the book, kits to make the mandalas (with mandala rings included), and information about an upcoming Make-along featuring these patterns.
You can also hop straight to the pattern HERE on Ravelry.
And the VERY best bit? The book contains a QR code that will take you to the video tutorials (right and left-handed). It’s also worth mentioning that the book includes beautiful, clear charts by the talented Masako Kawahara.
Giveaway
Esther has kindly gifted me two English copies of her book to give away – both signed and packaged by Esther.
I will be choosing one winner from Instagram and one winner from this blog (for those of you who aren’t on social media). If you would like the chance to win one of these copies, please either comment on Esther’s Instagram post HERE, or leave a comment on this post, telling me which of Esther’s Designs is your favourite. You may want to have a look at her Ravelry listings HERE.
The giveaway will be open worldwide until the 6th of July. I will choose the winners (in some fun random way) on the 7th of July.
You can find Esther HERE:
And before I go, just one more photo of the Mandala I made, using Scheepjes Cotton 8 and a 3.25mm hook. I loved making it SO much!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Grace Lee says
Her geometric quilt design definitely caught my eye. I would love to win this giveaway! So excited!
Heather Vold says
I love how as designers you lift up and promote each other. Im super excited for her new mandala book, and plan to make many for a gallery wall. With her current designs, my absolute favorite pattern is her Nuts About Squares.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Heather. I respect my designer friends immensely, and it is a privilege to share in their joy and accomplishments. Everything takes a village, right?
Nancy Jo says
I especially like the large mandala extension on the left, the one that breaks out of the smooth circle formation into curvy waves! Your mandala is lovely. Will be looking into more of Esther’s work. Thank you for the heads up!
Dedri Uys says
I almost chose that one, but then I got swayed!
Sue Collins says
I so love all of Esther’s patterns Icouldnt choose just one. I also love her videos which as you say are so calming.
Sue Richards says
I love her Stripey Pouf pattern! Love the colors!
Patricia says
I love Esther’s designs. Her colors are so inspiring . I especially appreciate her reminding us to slow down and enjoy the process. Her Bravian Blanket really catches my eye.
Dedri Uys says
Oh, I agree. Slowing down is so important!
Desleigh Hepburn says
Beautiful colours on your mandala. Would love the opportunity to own that beautiful mandala book
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Desleigh :)
Linda L. says
My all-time favourite is the Spanish Dancer’s Shawl in lace. It’s so beautiful and soft. Thank you both for the book giveaway.
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome Linda :)
Laura Southall says
I love the Bubbling Brook Mandala!!!
Tessa Campbell says
Favourite? Who on earth could pick a favourite as they all need to be made. I just wished I knew a way to crochet them all at the same time! Wouldn’t that be great?
Dedri Uys says
I’ve got visions of us having 8 arms like octopodes now, haha!
Sue Carrington says
Nuts about squares is .my all time favourite. I giftted it to a dear friend who has now left us, – but I know hus wife gets much comfort from it as he loved it.
Dedri Uys says
Oh Sue, that is so special x
Heather izzard says
Hi Deidre
I’m just back from Australia. Jordan my daughter had brain surgery. Horrible time. But it’s been a success though her eyes aren’t back to normal yet.
Hope you’re doing well and the family and loving the weather.
Anyway Esther got me through some very tricky times. I hope this is a success for her.
After Sophie I’ve done nothing complex. My brain just can’t deal with the patterns
So my favourite patterns of Esther’s are the simple bavarian buster blanket and her long cushion rolls. Simple but great gifts.
Best wishes
Heather Izzard. (not on Fbk or insta apps now) @heather_ladyh xx
Dedri Uys says
Hi Heather, I am so sorry to hear that things have been so tough for you. I wish Jordan a very speedy and complete recovery. And I hope that you will experience grace in this time. Thank you for letting me know how you are and that you are no longer on social media, else I would have worried.
Kary says
I like the Trinity mandalas
Jenny Allaway says
Hi, thanks for the giveaway. My favourite one of Esther’s designs is the C2C Temperature blanket.
Ann says
How to choose a favorite, hmmm, IMPOSSIBLE! Esther’s designs are all totally exquisite and I cannot choose because I love them all.
The new mandalas are wonderful. Thank you for the previews.
Dedri Uys says
This comment scores extra brownie points!!!
Joyce Bender says
I would love to win one of the books,but more than anything, I love following your adventures and reading your inspiring blogs. I lean towards the calming colors, enjoy crocheting for the joy of creating something with my hands starting from nothing and ending with something beautiful. I am so glad you share your talents and your talented friends!!!
Dedri Uys says
Oh thank you Joyce! What a lovely message. Isn’t it magical how we can create beauty out of what feels like thin air? Of course there is yarn involved, but before the yarn, there is just a space waiting for the beauty.
Sue Pike says
I like the Trinity Madalas
Barbara Johnson says
I would dearly love to win a copy of Esther’s new book! I’ve followed many of her tutorials, and she gives such wonderful, concise instructions.
Ita says
My favourite Esther pattern is the nuts about squares, I learned so many new stitches and got to know so many different designers. It gave me the confidence to crochet Sophie’s Universe with the help of Esther’s videos.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ita :) I am so pleased to hear that Nuts About Squares taught you so much, and even more pleased that it made our paths cross as a result :)
Virginia Bronner says
Very hard to pick just one, so I am listing two. The In Bloom Cushion is beautiful and the trinity mandalas have nice details. Thank you so much for this giveaway.