I am so so SO excited to announce that I will be releasing the pattern for Charlotte’s Universe (aka #simplycharlotte) as a 12-week crochet-along later this year.
Here you can see me modelling her as a superhero cape of rugby-mum awesomeness! *Read More*
Charlotte has been on my hook and in my heart for the last 5 years. (YES, that is how long it has taken me to finish this design.) When I started designing her, I was firm on two points: I wanted to work on her ONLY as a reward to myself and as a joy project (so no forcing things to happen), and I wanted the process to be organic and spontaneous (and fun!).
On our journey, we have gone to the Netherlands (three times), South Africa, Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, New Zealand, Australia…
We have attended VERY cold Rugby matches, spent countless hours on the tube, lived in 4 different places…
We went through medical procedures and pandemic chaos and losses and hospital visits…
We made many MANY friends…
So Charlotte is very dear to my heart.
But also, if you have been following me for a while, you will know that I am moved and motivated by being part of people’s stories and that I get huge amounts of joy from the fact that crochet can distract and uplift us when we need a bit of caring-for. Already, just through sharing this design with my testers, I feel a sense of awe and gratitude. Every time they reach out to me with an excited ‘Look At What I Made!’ my heart swells!
I will be publishing the Information Post on the 4th of July (that’s where I will tell you all about colourways, yarn packs, materials, size, etc). The CAL will start on the 1st of August 2021, and it will run for 12 weeks. Hopefully, those four weeks will give you enough time to choose, order, and receive your yarn. If you’re using stash yarn, the wait might feel a bit long, but don’t worry. I’ve created a colouring-in template that you can play with while you wait for the CAL to start.
Charlotte features my favourite elements from Sophie, and let me tell you, it is more tricky to get the maths to work for an existing element than to just make it up as you go along!
But I have a not-so-baby sister and we are the same and different in so many ways. I wanted Sophie and Charlotte to have that same kinship – I wanted them to remind you of each other, but when you looked closer, I wanted you to be able to recognise the differences that made then shine in their own right. Oh, sappy sappy Dedri!
My favourite bits of the blanket are the Flower Arches…
… and the Corner Flowers.
Esther Dijkstra will once again be doing video tutorials for us, so if you have any concerns about complexity or your skill level, don’t worry!!! She’s got you covered.
I will be doing photo tutorials – it remains to be seen how detailed they will be, but my wonderful team of testers are managing without any photos, so I have every confidence that you’ll be able to do this one.
New and very exciting is the fact that Masako Kawahara from Crochet Hmmm has done round-by-round charts for this project. I am SO excited bout the charts. They are beautiful! She has even managed to chart the roses from Sophie!!!
And that is about all I am going to say for now, because I have a birthday to celebrate!
I hope you are as excited about this as I am. See you in two weeks!
Sqeeeeee!!!
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Laticia Morgan says
Hi Dedri, I made Sophies Universe last year for my daughter. She absolutely loves it. I’m going to make Charlotte’s Universe and there’s a good shot she will claim that one as well. Is there any chance that a book of the pattern will be published as well? I love my sophies Universe book. I love your work. Thank you sooo much.
Jenny Lowman says
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a book?
Let’s see what happens, and I am sure Dedri will announce future plans if and when they materialise!
BW
Jenny :)
Maren Davis says
Happy belated Birthday!!
I love Charlotte already and have used the square for a couple of beautiful projects. I am very excited where the Universe will take her – thank you in advance because I know I will fall in love with every stitch!!
Madeline says
So exciting! Sophie was my first real foray into more challenging crochet, and she opened up the world to me! I can’t WAIT!
And, because I’ve just got to ask, is the pattern for those fingerless gloves you’re wearing in the photo above available anywhere?
Jenny Lowman says
Madeline, the fingerless gloves could well be Dedri’s Ammonite wrist warmers from one of her crochet retreats. I have made them and they are lovely!
Ammonite wrist warmers
BW
Jenny :)
Cheryl says
Absolutely beautiful Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us! Yarn is already set to go!
DavetteB says
I’ve been looking forward to this! I made a Charlotte Sunshine Baby for a friend’s baby and it was the most enjoyable pattern to work with. Very clear instructions and the few times I needed some guidance the videos cleared things up nicely.
Going to subscribe so I don’t miss out; I just happened to browse here today :-)
Chris Jordison says
Oh gosh another beautiful art work I must have! Best I complete the 2020 CAL over the next 2 weeks. Truly gorgeous.
Happy Birthday Deidre
Jo Aman says
WOW! I can’t wait! I just finished Charlotte’s Dream and absolutely love it!
Happy Birthday!
Winny says
Happy birthday Dedri, this is so exciting my first opportunity to join in thank you so much
Terri Timmons says
This makes my heart happy! I just asked about this on a post a week or so ago, so was so exited to get this news!!! I so am fixing to have a birthday (this Sunday) so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
Dedri Uys says
Happy Birthday Terri. It’s my hubby’s birthday then too, so you are in good company!
Elizabeth Rivera says
Just stunning, wow. I love your designs.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Elizabeth ;)
Maggie Lewin says
Hi Dedri – I seem to have missed the hooking world for a while – Charlotte is just gorgeous. Where are you publishing the patterns? Is it on the Facebook group? I hope all your family got through this awful pandemic – which is still on going – Charlotte is just what I need to distract me thank you so much for her. Hugs Maggie Lewin
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Maggie,
The pattern parts will be published here, and obviously advertised on the Blog’s Facebook page. I am not 100% sure, but there may be a separate Facebook Group for the CAL too. Watch this space for more info!
BW
Jenny :)
Kristine says
Hi Dedri I am keen to give this a shot, I should have time now that I’m retired
Looking forward to it
Kristine
Nancy says
Beautiful. Love the colors. Anxious to crochet along with this afghan.
Jo says
Hi Dedri, I remember you showing me some early photos on your phone at the Ubuntu launch at Black Sheep Wools. I am so happy to see what a beauty Charlotte has grown into and am looking forward to the Cal with great joy and anticipation, all those gorgeous flowers :0)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jo, I remember! That was one of my last yarny outings. She’s been a long time growing.
Lyn Dines says
Post 4th July, start 1st August (my birthday) and project named after my granddaughter! Sweet! I have to do it!
Dedri Uys says
It’s meant to be! Happy Birthday for August.
Susan Jackson says
Hooray and congratulations!!
Kathleen Fuller says
I am super excited about this! So glad it’s going to be a CAL! :) Thanks for being so generous with your work.
Adria says
Will that pattern be written out like the Sophie Book? I followed the book and the videos to make Sophie. I am so excited. You just made me realize I better hurry and finish my WIP.
Thank you
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Adria.
The pattern will be charted and written with photos and Esther’s videos as well. No book yet.
Hope you enjoy!
Jenny :)
Sherry says
So excited, I started my crochet journey with Sophie’s Universe and then did the Charlotte square. Bought extra yarn at that time with the hope of the blanket. Been waiting patiently for this to happen. Just been diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell cancer, doing chemo and so much want to be able to make Charlotte’s Universe to leave for my daughter Michelle Keith Captain, so we will pray this will happen!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Sherry, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I will keep you both in my prayers x
Jay says
I wish you a very Happy Birthday! May your celebrations be extra special. This design is beautiful. I look forward to joining in the crochet journey with you.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Jay :)
Isabella says
Will you be doing your video as I follow that
Dedri Uys says
Esther will be doing videos, yes.