My Little Sunshine Magic Catcher

My little Sunshine Magic Catcher came to life in homage to the Native American Dream Catcher. All the parts of the Dream Catcher are connected to and represent the natural world. The circle of the hoop represents the Sun, Moon and cycle of life. The mandala at the centre is the web that traps the bad dreams and the feathers below guide the good dreams to the sleeper underneath. It is such a beautiful symbol of protection and respect that I began to wonder what else it could do. So, being inspired by the Dream Catcher and the fairies, I made a Magic Catcher. After the Dream Catcher has protected us in our sleep the Magic Catcher collects and draws sunshiny magic and brings it into our lives when we wake. It gives us the joy and hope of a new day. It inspires us to create beauty and to be beautiful. And it reminds me of the amazing and magical journey we are all on. My Little Sunshine Magic Catcher is worked to fit a 30cm mandala ring, this needs to be a ring that you can crochet over and not an embroidery hoop. It uses US terminology and is worked in rounds. Skill level - Intermediate **Material list:** ➢ Double knit yarn of your choice. I would recommend using cotton as it is less likely to go floppy over time. ➢ I used ColourSpun Cotton DK. ➢ 4mm hook. ➢ Needle for sewing in ends. ➢ 30cm (approx. 12”) mandala ring, this needs to be a ring that you can crochet over, not an embroidery hoop. ➢ An assortment of beads, I used plastic crystals but plastic beads generally have a larger hole making them easier to thread onto ribbon. ➢ Glass crystals do however create beautiful shimmers of light when the sun bounces off them, so are also fabulous for this project. ➢ Fishing line – on which to thread the beads. ➢ 2.5cm (1”) square cut mirror x 8. These are used in mosaic and can be purchased pre-cut at any good craft store. ➢ A good epoxy-based glue or clear home silicon to glue the mirrors. ➢ Small jewellery crimps, these are tiny nickel beads that squash flat and are used in jewellery making. They are used to secure the feathers and bead strings to the mandala. You should be able to find these at any good craft store or bead shop. ➢ A small leather crimp or calotte can also be used, again you can purchase these at a craft store or bead shop. ➢ Pliers for squishing crimps - raid Hubby’s tool box. ➢ You can also use a knot to secure the strings to the mandala. If you do this, dab a blob of clear nail polish onto the knot to secure it. ➢ Feathers - most craft stores sell dyed chicken feathers which are perfect. Or you can use artificial feathers if there is a risk of sensitivity to animal products. ➢ Feathers can be attached by dropping some glue into the hole of the bead and gluing the feather. ➢ 1.6 metres, 6mm white satin ribbon. ➢ 1.6 metres, 6mm yellow satin ribbon. ➢ 2.4 metres, 12mm yellow organza ribbon. ➢ 2.4 metres, 8mm white organza ribbon. ➢ Metal key ring to loop through the mandala for hanging. Tester Hints: You might consider using the ‘jump ring’ that usually comes with key rings – that’s the little chain part and it helps the hoop swing more freely. Or you can use a “Swivel Clasp.” In the prelude (beginning pages) of the pattern you will find detailed stitch tutorials, yarn quantities used for two of the colourways and many many more bits of useful info! Throughout the written pattern there are detailed photo tutorials. Visit our Facebook group for pattern support and other info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1370975902929963/