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.
Kitty says
I hope you will ship to Australia as I would love to have a copy I learnt a lot doing Sophie Universe CAL 2016 and I enjoyed it so much.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kitty. Wool Warehouse ships internationally :)
Mary says
Congratulations!! I so enjoyed making a Sophie in 2 shades as a wedding present. Now I’m dreaming of one for myself. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Mary. Are you going to make yours in one colour, or many?
Leslie says
I’m so excited. I made one for my niece’s daughter and she cuddles with it everyday! can’t wait for the book…this is by far some of the best instructions along with the tutorials that I’ve run across. it was fun learning new techniques. Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you very much, Leslie. We tried very hard to make it as easy as possible for beginners.
Patrese says
Dedri, I can’t wait to get the book. The pattern is a work of art, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!
Patrese
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Patrese :)
Kathleen says
Congratulations! I can’t wait to get this book. I’ve made one Sophie and am excited to have the pattern in a book!!! Where will I be able to buy it? So excited – the picture on the cover has me giddy with anticipation!
Dedri Uys says
I’m so pleased you like the cover! There is a list of retailers in THIS POST. They are all sold out at the moment, but we are all adopting a watch-and-wait approach :)
Nancy says
Dedri, I am so very happy for you! I can hear that laugh in my heart and I share it with you. Since I am not in the UK, I will not be able to attend your signing. But no matter where I am I feel your joy and especially your passion for yarn and what it can be in the right hands. Also, what it can give to those who have not quite figured it all out. I sat in that box when I first ran across your site. I cannot tell you how much easier my stitches became after reading through your posts step by step. My passion began to soar as well. Thank you so much for your willingness to share from the heart, it has meant the world to me. With love in His grace, Shep
Dedri Uys says
Nancy, your comment touched my heart. I give my heart and soul to this blog and my designs, and comments like yours validate me in a way I cannot express in words. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me by sharing your own triumphs. God Bless you and Keep you.
Debbie says
I have learned so much from you and I am not a rookie, I have been crocheting for over 50 years and Love this pattern. Can not wait to get the book here in the USA..
Dedri Uys says
Oh, how wonderful. I think we are never too old or experienced to learn. I love talking to other crocheters because I learn something new from them all the time!
Barbara Freeman says
Oh I so want to buy this book!!!! Please let me know when it’s available for purchase!!! Thank you Dedri for such an amazing pattern!!!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Barbara. I have been snowed under with comments and emails, so I apologize for not replying earlier. The books can be bought from Wool Warehouse, but they are currently sold out. Sorry!
NYC says
Love your blog so much!!
Hoping that your book will be available in the US. Can you let your blog readers know if or when this will happen? We would definitely buy it!!
Happy New Year :)
Dedri Uys says
Thank you :) I don’t know when Amazon.com will list them, but hopefully soon!
Marilyn says
Congratulations Deidre from an Aussie! I was delighted to meet you at
Chelsea Flower Show, and we spoke about Sophie. I am primarily a knitter, and intend to learn more of crochet than my basic knowledge. I will learn lots from Sophie!
Dedri Uys says
Marilyn! How wonderful to hear from you. I’m sorry I am only just replying now. I received so many comments about the book that it has taken me 10 days to work through them (and the emails). I remember you very well. Did you enjoy your trip after the flower show? I remember you telling me you were going to Hay-on-Wye (which I noted and googled straight away). Was it everything you hoped it would be? What are your Poppy plans for this year?
Kathy says
Congratulations, Dedri! Sophie was my introduction to crochet, and I learned so much making it. I’m thrilled that you are getting the recognition you deserve for this amazing design. Well done!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you so much, Kathy x
Rosalie Wright says
So happy that you stuck to your guns and didn’t cave into a publisher….Glad you have had such success with the book…I did do the CAL which was awesome but I never finished it. I would love to have your book as a crochet memory of what I did and also to eventually finish what I started. I hope it will be available in USA. Best Wishes,
Rosalie
Dedri Uys says
Rosalie, I cannot tell you how pleased I am that Scheepjes agreed to publish the book for me. The book will be available on Amazon.com eventually… I say eventually, because I have no idea when they will actually list it.
Take care,
Dedri
shoshana says
i’m sooooooo glad for you, may this be only one in an ongoing path of trimuphs and joys!
shoshana
ps thank you for the pattern and for keeping it forfree on your site!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Shoshana :)
Edeltraud says
How wonderful! – I love your designs and one day I have to crochet a “Sophie”.
Congratulations to this awesome book and a very Happy New Year!
Greetings from Germany, Edeltraud
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Edeltraud :)
Hilda Steyn says
Congratulations. Well done. You deserve this. I am so happy for you!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Hilda :)
Mary Doty says
Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment! I am looking forward to getting a copy of your book here in US. Your generous creative talent has brought so much pleasure to all of us in many different ways. I never thought those “stitches” could be arranged in so many ways! I have been crocheting for a very long time and have learned so much. I am looking forward to starting a new Sophie! Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for your beautiful comment, Mary :)
Tina says
Congratulations, Dedri, I am happy with you! That’s a pity I’m not from UK – it would be honor for me to have signed copy of your book.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Tina :)
mitzi trenz-christian says
Oh my goodness Dedri. You must feel so proud of yourself, and well you should. I know it’s not your first book, but I am absolutely thrilled for you. It was such a pleasure to work on Sophie with everyone, she was my first Crochet-Along, and I learned so much from you and the others. I never, for one moment, doubted that I would complete her, even with retiring, and moving half way across the USA to be near my sons. She was only possible because of you and the tender care you gave each of us, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Congratulations again, for your wonderful achievement. I imagine it’s almost like having another child, only this one took longer to get here…lol.
Dedri Uys says
Mitzi, it’s been a while since I’ve read one of your correspondences, but they always make me smile. I actually think of Sophie as the baby girl I always wanted (and whom, had I been blessed with a girl, I would have called an Afrikaans version of Sophie). She did take awfully long to get here…haha. Thank you for taking the time to leave me such a lovely comment x
Sherry says
So proud of you,Dedri…This is my all time favorite pattern..and it is because of the tutorials that I now crochet non-stop!! Thank you for this great endeavor..
Dedri Uys says
Sherry, I am so pleased to hear that :)
Keti Ruwhof says
Congrats Dedri with this result of your beautiful work. Is there any chance you will come over to our ‘beurs’ in Zwolle(Netherlands) this februari. I would LOVE to buy a signed book of you when I am there. :-)
Dedri Uys says
Keti, I don’t have a Schengen visa at the moment, so no plans to come to the Netherlands in February, sorry :(