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.

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