(The link above lets you solve this crossword online via Crosshare. The static grid image and clue list are below under the Read More.)
I've seen a few very good mini cryptic crosswords, so I thought I'd try to up the ante for cryptic-chosting. This is a full (15x15) cryptic crossword. I've tried to make it semi-approachable for solvers new to cryptics - there are a few tricky clues and obscure words, but hopefully enough easier ones to give everyone a foothold into the puzzle. I've also tried to keep Britishisms to a minimum so as not to lock out the rest of the world (though there is at least one British-specific abbreviation. Sorry).
Reference dictionary is the Collins Dictionary website. Other useful resources for new solvers might be the Qat wordfinder and the Cryptipedia collection of crossword-isms such as anagram indicators (warning: that last one runs on a Fandom wiki).
Some of the answers follow a theme; you don't have to spot the theme to complete the puzzle, but it might help you confirm a couple of the trickier words.
Happy to post hints and answers in the comments if you want help, and I'm planning to post the full solution and explanations later. Have fun!
Across
6 Colour house oddly (3)
7 Believer in time theft (6)
9 Sounds like a poem from Frost (4)
11 6D is dancing Polynesian women (7)
12 Clear up golfer's instruction to caddy? (4, 3)
13 Northern Ireland's northeastern square (4)
14 Adrian's part-time head demonstrates a great deal of skill (9)
17 Cohost wanting some tips, initially, to get into all the hard stuff (7)
18 Spikes French fish to send one son to the end (7)
19 Insectile variant made of a kind of gypsum (9)
21 Reportedly intended to plank? (4)
24 Cryptically, Dale has some big ideas for economic reform (3, 4)
26 Detective cuts vegetable (that's what I think) (7)
27 Send off characters who should get together (4)
28 Hat, to a gangster (6)
29 Pilot a yacht going around Scottish river (3)
Down
1 New chemical gets sodium put back into it as routine (10)
2 Knuckles yet to even see Tails throw a rock at somebody (5)
3 Argentinian footballer and actor Berry both want bottoms in canteen (8)
4 Pastry of billion even parts (4)
5 German is into dips, but might need these if too much sugar is eaten (8)
6 Own name in safe space (5)
8 Church tower to reach ever higher, though missing tip (5)
10 Vocalist without direction gets lively, with electric effect (7)
15 Saint Simon's old church thrown up by bean-counters (10)
16 Coco doubles new route (7)
17 To an extent, Pearson is the one who lights up the place (8)
18 Musical instruments perform constant solo backwards after two centuries (8)
20 You might imagine this Oklahoman town will turn shillings into pennies (5)
22 Australian toilet finally found atop United Nations, New York (5)
23 Torn (recorder: Imbruglia): very emotional, naturalistic primarily (5)
25 Explode with atom (4)
