I feel like I should start this post with a voice clip of the guttural laugh that came out of my core when I took delivery of my copies of the Sophie’s Universe book. When I am very amused, I laugh the kind of laugh that makes people look around and stare, but this is a laugh I have never laughed before; it is the kind of laugh, I realized as I was laughing it, that Xander has always laughed when he is most happy: half guffaw and half growl.
When I started designing Sophie, I had no idea that this one pattern would consume the next 2 and a half years of my life. I had no idea that it would open the doors it has, that it would help me find my ‘tribe‘… that it would change our lives.
When the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015 ended, I started approaching publishers. The outcome was always the same: “Remove the tutorials from your website and we will publish the book.”
But this was never part of my plan. The pattern was always meant to be available for free. I did not create this pattern to make money (although that was a happy side-effect); I created it because I had a burning desire to encourage crocheters (especially beginners) to build their confidence. I wanted to write a pattern that would not only tell them what to do, but also how to evaluate whether they had done it correctly, and how to fix it if they hadn’t.
Quote From the Sophie’s Universe Book
When Scheepjes told me that they would be more than willing to publish the book (regardless of the fact that the pattern was already ‘out there’), I was elated. It took us over a year to edit (and re-edit) the pattern into a comprehensive book, and when I received my first copy, I will admit that I cried.
The book is gorgeous! It is substantial and pretty, and the ‘fresh-off-the-printer’ smell made me giggle with glee. I love everything about it, especially the layout (which is modern and spacious)!
Most of all, though, I love the fact that my boys have been included in the book (they were such a special part of the journey), and that it features some of the beautiful Sophies made along the way.
For now, I am the only person in possession of the book, but it will be available for sale next week and I will let you know as soon as it is. The book is now available! You can buy it from my Wool Warehouse Shop HERE, or you can find a list of other retailers at the bottom of THIS POST.
If you are in the UK (and would like a signed copy), I will be at the Waltham Abbey Wool Show next weekend with a whole heap of books! I’m very excited about the show because it will be the first time that I have been asked to ‘open’ or ‘judge’ something. You can find all the details for the show HERE.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Ps. My friend Sarah has written a beautiful post about my personal Sophie journey HERE.
Judy says
Congratulations, Dedri. Nobody deserves the honor of having her work memorialized between two book covers than you. When I first found your site, I was entranced by your work but convinced I couldn’t do the stitches you did, couldn’t create the beautiful items you have. But I was happy to cheer you on from the sidelines and watch all your lovely creations unfold. But the words you write to accompany each pattern convinced me to try some of your patterns. I will never be the master crocheter you are, but as the song says, I am so much better for having known you. Thank you and I can’t wait to have your book on the couch table where all my WIPs reside.
Dedri Uys says
Judy, what a beautiful comment! I am so very pleased that all the blah-di-blah that accompany my patterns isn’t wasted. Every time I include something personal, I wonder if it won’t just annoy people who really just want the pattern. Thank you for taking the time to make me feel special about sharing a little bit of myself along with the patterns. x
Marta says
How wonderful! I made the large Sophie square which I am using in a blanket as the centrepiece, but a whole book! so fun! A little too far from you I’m afraid… in Canada, but can’t wait to see the book online so that I can buy it!
congratulations!
Marta
Dedri Uys says
Have you shared any photos online, Marta? I’d love to see your centerpiece :)
Patricia Caminada says
Congratulations on your book. It surely is a great patteren. I an certainly going to make it one day and have the Dutch version printed out already. Better would be a book. Is it going to be translated?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Patricia. We are trying to figure out the best way to do a Dutch translation, but it might be a while.
Sarah Knight says
So very happy for you and incredibly proud to call you my friend (maybe ‘soul sister’ is more appropriate?). I see how much love and energy you have put into this and am jus SO excited that it’s going out into the world. I love how Scheepjes support and nurture. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Dedri Uys says
Sarah, soul sister is definitely more appropriate. Thank you for holding my hand through the writing of this post. You are such a wonderful, shining individual. I can’t wait for our next trip to catch up x
Ria says
Dear Dedri,
I love the patern! And I love to buy the book, but will there be a translation in Dutch?
Audrey says
Well done totally deserved and can’t wait to get my copy.
Carolyn says
Oh, how I have waited for this post. Your mama must be beaming with pride. I know I am! You drew me in as a “friend” in social media, but it is more than that, sweet Dedri. You will always be part of my heart and in my prayers. ….and I will forever think of you as I stitch into the “hidden stitch.” Keep stitchin’! Sending love.
Dedri Uys says
Carolyn, you are intrinsically linked with this journey, and will forever be linked to photos of my Xander. You are an absolute blessing x
Janet ward says
That us fantastic news congratulations on getting your book published , I love reading your blog it is inspiring to people like me who are new to crochet
Dedri Uys says
I am so glad that you find it inspiring, Janet x
Susan Dowson says
I’m so happy for you Dedri! I’ll be purchasing mine at the first opportunity. Hugs xx
Sakti says
Best wishes for your new book. I am middle of working the Sophies Universe and have always been in awe of the pattern and it gives me immense pleasure, happiness snd satisfaction in working it. I hope this book will be available for shipping internationally with reasonable pricing. Looking forward to have it. Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Sakti. It will be available internationally and I think that the price is quite reasonable, all things considered. Which round are you on?
Minette says
Well done, my darling. More than anything else you might get from this, I am thrilled that you are walking in your prophetic destiny.
Dedri Uys says
“I know the plans I have for you…”
Moeder, Gigatt!
Sarah says
Congratulations dear Dedri.
I think your Sophie is the most beautiful and appreciable crocheting book for ever.
Last year we’ve spoken about the Persian translation of your book. And now that yours is published,i’d like to be the one who is permitted first to translate your book.
Hope to here from you and start as soon as i can.
Thank you very much.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Dedri Uys says
Sarah, hi. Can you send me an email so that we can discuss this, please?
Vickie says
How long do I have to wait to get my very own copy of your book? I live in the USA.
It must have been very exciting to open that package and see all that hard work in book form.
I’ll be anxiously awaiting the news of when your Sophie book is available here!
Ina Dandridge says
Hi Dedri, now I am the one giggling with glee and laughing so much I almost cried with joy!
Congratulations. I am so proud of you!!!!
Dedri Uys says
Ina, I read your comment to my husband! That is exactly how I felt x
Victoria says
Congrats Dedri! Totally deserved.
susan says
Wow!! Congratulations!! It’s a dream come true!! It looks like a beautiful book!! Can’t wait to order one!
xo susan
Edith says
Congratulations on the book. Oh so happy for you!
Ruth Andrews says
Oh my, wish I lived across the pond & could visit with you. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the book in the US soon!! I loved the CAL and how you shared all the new stitches. Appreciate what you do!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Ruth :)
Kim says
Congrats my friend!
Dedri Uys says
Kim, this would never have been possible without you. Thank you so much for asking me to do the CAL with Official CCC Social Group, and for suggesting the name for the CAL. Even though we haven’t spoken in a while, you are never far from my thoughts. I hope you know that x
Rebecca says
I cannot wait to buy it! Do you know if you will be able ship internationally (U.S.) when you start selling it next week?
Dedri Uys says
Shipping will definitely be international x