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Sophie's Universe CAL 2015

Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015

Hello and Welcome to the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015.

You have no idea how excited (and how nervous) I am about this CAL.  I hope that you will enjoy making this blanket with us.  May you learn lots of new stitches and make many, many good friends along the way!

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

Those of you who followed the Block a Week CAL 2014 will know that the CAL (crochet-along) was hosted by the Official CCC Social Group on Facebook.  The mastermind behind that CAL was my good friend Kimberly Slifer, and I will be teaming up with her again for Sophie’s Universe.

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

Sophie’s Universe:  Small Cotton 8 Version

Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015

The CAL started on the 18th of January 2015 and ran for 20 weeks.

This pattern has proven to be extremely popular, with almost 7000 projects on Ravelry to date.  Five years later, the majority of my online engagement with fellow crocheters still centers around Sophie.

Followed by thousands of people, ranging from complete beginners to experienced crocheters, Sophie’s Universe is a crash course in crochet and a wonderful adventure!

Above all, my goal with this pattern has always been to show people that every stitch is ‘just a stitch’, and to help them learn the skills that will allow them to approach any complex pattern with confidence.

Two warnings, though:

  • Pets LOVE Sophie, so prepare to be ambushed!
  • Partners and spouses are not immune to her either, often helping  to choose colours or checking up on progress (and very occasionally starting one too – like my husband).

Even though the crochet-along has finished, the instructions will remain available on this website (for free) indefinitely.  Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step crochet book.

If you are new to this journey:  Welcome!  May you enjoy every moment (even the frogging).  And may you make many good friends along the way.

At the bottom of this post, you will find a list of all the weekly tutorials and their related links.

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

Index

Resources

  • Book:  Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step book.  Read more about the Sophie’s Universe Book and where to find it.
  • Tutorials:  You can find the links to all the weekly photo tutorials under Timeline below.
  • Printing/PDF:  There is a Print-friendly button in the bottom right-hand corner after every post.  Please use this print-friendly button to print/save the tutorials.  Take a look at THIS TUTORIAL if you don’t know how to use the print-friendly button.
  • *Video Tutorials*:  Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell has made step-by-step video tutorials for each part of Sophie’s Universe.  If you struggle with any aspect of the pattern, I strongly suggest having a look at the video for the relevant part as they are extremely detailed and helpful.
  • Facebook:  You can share your journey on the Official CCC Social Group if you would like to be a part of the friendly, supportive community while you work through the tutorials.
  • Ravelry:  Add the CAL to your Ravelry Queue
  • Instagram:  If you are on Instagram, you can find me as Barbertondaisy.  Please add your photos using #sophiesuniversecal2015 so that we can all Oooh! and Aaah!
  • Pinterest:  You can also find the links to all the tutorials on Pinterest.
  • **NEW** Sophie’s Universe 5 Year Anniversary Make-along with 3 new colourways.

Translations

Difficulty

Intermediate.  Although this is an Advanced pattern, it has been written specifically for adventurous beginners.

Gauge

The best way to check your gauge is to work up Part 1 of Sophie’s Universe.

Large Medium Small
At the end of Part 1: 18 cm  (7″) 14 cm  (5.5″) 10 cm (4″)
The measurements you get at the end of Part 1 (in other words, at the end of Round 8) will be roughly a tenth of the predicted final size of your blanket.

Size and Materials

The pattern was designed for worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm crochet hook  (US I/9  UK 5), which will give you a finished size of 1.8 meters squared.  That’s just shy of 6 feet, for those of you who live on the other side of the pond.  You are not, however, limited to worsted weight yarn.

I will be using Scheepjes for the CAL and I will be making 3 blankets, each in a different yarn weight (and therefore a different size).  You can find more details about that below.

Please note that the table below does not include the yarn needed for the Optional Squares and Border.  You will find the yardages for that under Helpful Templates below.

Large Medium Small
Finished Size: 1.8 m x 1.8 m  (6′ x 6′) 1.4 m x 1.4 m  (4’7 x 4’7) 1 m x 1 m  (3’3 x 3’3)
Yarn Weight:  Worsted Weight (#4) Double knit (#3) 4 Ply (#2)
Hook Size*:
  • 5 mm hook (US H/8 UK 6)
  • 5.5 mm hook  (US I/9  UK 5)
  • 3.5 mm hook (US E/4  UK 9)
  • 4 mm hook  (US G/6  UK 8)
  • 2.5 mm hook (UK 12) or 2.75 mm hook (US C/2)
  • 3 mm hook  (UK 11) OR 3.25  (US  D/3  UK 10)
Yardage: 3900 meters (4265 yards) 3400 meters (3720 yards) 2500 meters (2730 yards)
I am using: Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL Scheepjeswol Softfun Scheepjeswol Cotton 8
Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade
Colours: 23 x Moon Stone (841)** 2 x Canary (2518) 1 x Canary (714)
3 x Amazonite (853) 2 x Light Rose (2513) 1 x Light Pink (718)
3 x Green Agate (855) 3 x Rose (2514) 2 x Fuchsia (720)
3 x Blue Apatite (845) 2 x Bordeaux (2492) 1 x Pink (719)
6 x Canada Jade (846) 3 x Cyclamen (2534) 2 x Moors (726)
3 x Lemon Quartz (852) 3 x Olive (2531) 2 x Light Green (642)
3 x Deep Amethyst (851) 1 x Dark Turquoise (2511) 1 x Turquoise (712)
3 x Garnet (850) 6 x Light Blue (2432) 5 x Light Turquoise (622)
3 x Corundum Ruby (848) 2 x Pink (2480) 1 x Violet (529)
3 x Coral (856) 2 x Heath (2493) 1 x Heath (721)
2 x Violet (2519) 1 x Light Purple (651)
All these yarns are available from Wool Warehouse and Deramores.  Both offer worldwide shipping.  You can find the direct links for the colour packs below.

* There are 2 hook sizes listed for each size.  Please see Important Tips before you start.

** This is not a typo (can you tell that is a frequently asked question?).  The large version is predominantly Moonstone, so you will need many, many balls.  

Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015

Please note that these packs contain enough yarn to complete Sophie if your tension matches mine.  If you are a ‘loose crocheter’, please see the Helpful Templates below to figure out how much more yarn you will need.

Wool Warehouse

Deramores  

Optional Squares and Border Colour Packs

If you are wanting to add the optional squares and border, you can now find colour packs (and information) for that HERE.

Sophie’s Universe Timeline

IMPORTANT:  Please do not copy, reproduce, or distribute this pattern in part or as a whole.  This pattern belongs to me and I retain all rights to it.  Copyright is protected by Scheepjes.  Please see my Terms of Use if you would like to read more.

Thank you,

Dedri

Update:  If you would like to make a much larger version of Sophie, please have a look at Sophie’s Alternate Universe.
Week 1: 18 January 2015 Part 1:  Rounds 1 – 8
Part 2:  Rounds 9 – 15
Week 2: 25 January 2015 Part 3:  Rounds 16 – 25
Week 3: 01 February 2015 Part 4:  Rounds 26 to 36
Week 4: 08 February 2015 Part 5:  Rounds 37 – 45
Week 5: 15 February 2015 Part 6:  Rounds 46 – 53
Week 6: 22 February 2015 Part 7:  Rounds 54 – 61
Week 7: 01 March 2015 Part 8:  Rounds 62 – 68
Week 8: 08 March 2015 Part 9:  Rounds 69 – 74
Week 9: 15 March 2015 Part 10:  Rounds 75 – 80
Week 10: 22 March 2015 Part 11:  Rounds 81 – 84
Week 11: 29 March 2015 Part 12:  Rounds 85 – 88
Week 12: 05 April 2015 Part 13:  Rounds 89 – 92
Week 13: 12 April 2015 Part 14:  Rounds 93 – 97
Week 14: 19 April 2015 Part 15:  Rounds 98 – 101
Week 15: 26 April 2015 Part 16:  Rounds 102 – 104
Week 16: 03 May 2015 Part 17:  Rounds 105 – 109
Week 17: 10 May 2015 Part 18:  Rounds 110 – 113
Week 18: 17 May 2015 Part 19:  Optional Squares
Week 19: 24 May 2015 Part 20:  Growing Options
Week 20: 31 May 2015 Part 21:  The End of the Beginning

Helpful Templates

Colours Per Round (Official)

Here you will find the colours and yardages used per round for each of the 3 sizes (small, medium, and large).

Colours Per Round Template (Blank)

You can use this spreadsheet to keep a tally of your colours and usage per round.  If you do, you will notice that there are some values (in orange) already entered on the template.  This is just example text and should be replaced with your own values.

Printable Colours Per Round Template

Brandi Kasper-Theisen designed this one-sheet template to help you keep a tangible record of which colour you used per round.

Optional Squares and Border Template

Here you will find the (additional) colours and yardages used per round for the optional squares and border.

More Helpful Resources

Important Tips

Some people have had problems with the centres of their blankets ‘bulging’.  To avoid this, I suggest starting with the smaller of the 2 hooks listed for each size and then changing to the larger of the 2 hooks after you have completed the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3).

If you are making the large version with worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook, for example, start with a 5 mm hook and complete the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3) with that hook.  Then, at the start of Part 4, change to the recommended hook size (in this example that would be a 5.5 mm hook).

This is especially important if you are a complete beginner as your tension will improve as the blanket grows.

I also suggest blocking Sophie at the end of Part 7 (see Blocking below).  If your centre has started bulging again, go up another hook size at the start of Part 8, but please keep in mind that doing this will affect the amount of yarn you end up using.

When making Sophie, you will realize that some rounds bulge and some rounds buckle.  This will be corrected in later rounds (apart from the above-mentioned instance at the end of Part 7) and is part of the intricate shaping of the pattern.

It is extremely important that you do not go down a hook size to compensate for this (at all, ever)!

Blocking

From Part 7 of Sophie’s Universe onward, I suggest blocking your work.  Annie’s has some good advice for Blocking Afghans and Other Large Pieces.

Quite a few people think that you cannot block acrylic yarn.  You can, in fact, block acrylic yarn quite successfully!

If you are going to use foam squares to block on, consider buying these Interlocking Foam Exercise Mats.  They are similar to these Knitter’s Pride Lace Blocking Mats, but cheaper.  You will also need some of these Clover Fork Blocking Pins (although regular non-rust pins will work as well).

Examples of Sophie

If you would like to see some inspirational versions/colourways, you can find them here:

Please remember to subscribe to my Newsletter if you would like to be kept in the loop. You can also like my Facebook page or follow me on Bloglovin, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram.

Happy Hooking!

Dedri

This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use.  All opinions are my own.

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664 Comments

Comments

  2. Hello, When this pattern came out I made sections 1-3 then quit. I just found it and bought your wonderful book. Now I hope to continue using your tutorials as needed. Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Hi Christine. You are not required to block your blanket for every single round after part 7, just recommended to do so at set points in the pattern wherever mentioned. This helps prevent bulging, as does following the recommended hook size changes too.
      BW
      Jenny :)

  4. Hello,
    What a beautiful blanket. I think I want to crochet this blanket, but the Dutch translation doesn’t work.
    Or maybe I’m doing something wrong….
    Thank you.
    Sincerely,
    Daphne

    Reply

    • Hi Daphne, I am chasing this up for you. Please give me a few days to hear back from Dianne who translated it. Thank you for flagging this up.

      Dedri

  5. Hello beautiful pattern I want to download this amazing pattern but don’t know how would you please help me thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Hanan.
      Every part of the pattern can be downloaded vi the Print Friendly button where Dedri signs off.
      Failing that, you can buy the book from Wool Warehouse vi Dedri’s page HERE

      BW
      Jenny :)

  6. Hi Dedri,

    I love your patterns, they are so intricate and stunning. I am working on Sophie’s Universe part 3, but am having a hard time getting stitch count correct, as I am doing the large version. I seem to have way more stitches than stated in the pattern. Do you have any tips for this?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Bree-Anne,

      All three versions follow the same pattern. The size is dependant on the thickness of the yarn and the hook used. Could you send me a photo using the contact tab at the top of the website? I’ll have a look for you.

      Dedri

  7. Hi
    I love this pattern and have just completed part 7 and blocked for the first time ever.
    I’m a little confused as to what I do after each part now when I block. Do I just steam the new bit from each new part or do I do the whole thing again? I don’t want to ‘over block’ and ruin it.

    Any advice would be much appreciated.

    Thank you for creating this amazing resource!

    Reply

    • Hi Jackie. Just block the entire piece every time the pattern suggests it. You will need to judge how much you need to block it, exactly, but it shouldn’t require severe blocking.

      BW Jenny

  8. Hello and thank you so much for this pattern! I’m working on Sophie’s Garden to make Sophie’s Dream blanket and was having so much fun that I’ve overworked my arms, so am forced to take a break but I’ll be back at it soon. A question about the hook size change at part 4…is it absolutely necessary? I realize that I’ve completed a garden without changing hook size. It looks nice but would it look better and finish up nicer if I go back and adjust the last section? Thanks again! Chris

    Reply

    • Hi Chris.
      It does lay better when the hook size is changed, but it is totally up to you if you want to frog back or not. Maybe just continue from the Garden fence onwards with the bigger hook of yours is laying flat enough.
      BW Jenny :)

  9. Hi Dedri
    What a wonderful pattern! Thank you for sharing it.
    I’m planning on doing it in a monochrome colour, cream I think. Do you know what quantity I would need in worsted weight wool.
    Many thanks
    Betty

    Reply

    • Hi Betty. This pattern, as Dedri states in the introduction, is designed for Worsted weight yarn.
      Follow the yarn allowances for the large version.

      Good luck, and enjoy!

      BW Jenny :)

  10. Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! It’s so easy to follow despite how complex it is. I wasn’t a novice when I started using this pattern but I feel like I’ve learned so much from it and all the helpful links you’ve included – so much that the quality of ALL my projects have improved. I’ve now made Sophie’s Universe a few times, it’s become a go-to wedding gift and is always super well received. I’m so grateful you’ve shared this!

    Reply

    • Hi Megan,

      Thank you for that lovely, uplifting message. It warms my heart to know that I have played a part in your journey, and your confidence and excitement delights me!

      Dedri

  11. I completed my Sophie’s Universe following the book, and it’s beautiful! I am extending it To be a full size bedspread using parts another designers pattern and it’s coming out beautifully. Should I not post any pictures of this version because of this?

    Reply

    • Hi Lauren.

      You are welcome to post any photos of your project, regardless of how you change/add to it. I’m glad you’re having creative fun with it :)

  12. Thank you so much for all the beautiful instructions for Sophie’s Garden and Universe. I have just completed a Sophie’s Garden blanket for my son in Bendigo Wollen Mills Bloom 8 ply wool. I absolutely loved making it.
    I am now shooting for the stars and attempting your Universe!
    Your crochet pattern is keeping me sane during our Sydney Covid -19 winter.
    Once again….. THANK YOU.

    Reply

    • Ooh, I visited Bendigo when I was in Aus last year. Their yarns are sooo lush! Enjoy every moment of the Universe. You can do it!

      Dedri

  13. You are an amazing creator!! To have such a beautiful work of art still available for free is amazing. My mother in law and I are going to be starting our first Sophie’s Universe this fall. We fell in love with it and how it is written right away, and let’s face it, it’s gorgeous!!! We couldn’t believe the pattern was free so we ordered a book each. I have to say I was utterly blown away. The book is amazing quality and is a work of art on its own. It is so vibrant and love how sturdy it is. It doesn’t feel like a magazine or something someone just printed at home. It will last for years with what you have done with itS quality. Thank you and your team so much for all your hard work bringing this to us all in many languages for free. Plus video tutorials!! You have really out done yourselves.

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

    To those thinking of buying the book; I highly recommend it. Bang for buck, it almost feels like I stole it. You will not be sorry!!!

    Reply

  14. Thank you for your pattern. I think it is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made. I enjoyed looking at the book and using it. What a project for you! I’m wanting to hang it on my daughter’s wall and would like any suggestions or references you might have to do that. Thank you again! Chris Seidel in Minneapolis

    Reply

    • Thank you! I have seen a few mounted on walls, but I have no practical advice for how it was done. If I were to try it, I would probably hang it from a pole suspended with rope at each end?

  15. I just wanted to say thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! The pattern is SO well written it makes it so fun to make. Some patterns have had me confused and frustrated so I lose the joy in what I am creating.
    Thanks again!

    Reply

  16. Dear Dedri,

    First of all thank you for your wonderful patterns, I like them so much. I’ve already made one Ubuntu for my niece and now working on the XL Sophie. I just started to crochet last year and your patterns and Esther’s videos are like a crochet school for me.
    I would also need some advise from you on some silly mistake that I’ve done. After finishing part 10, made some calculations of leftover yarn and turned out I would be short on some colors. S I went on and ordered those and didn’t notice I was ordering stone washed normal not the XL version :-( And I can’t find those colors for XL Sophie here in the Czech Republic any more.
    I guess it must be the tension and I should be pulling more tension, not leaving the stitches so loose. But here comes the question. What do you think of using two strands of stone washed normal instead of XL for the finishing rounds? I should be fine with most colors as I bought the indicated amounts it’s just that in the end I might be a little bit short on some colors. Isn’t it going to be too thick and bulk up? Should I use a smaller hook perhaps? Thank you in advance for your advise and thank you again for your nice work.

    Reply

    • Hi Tereza.

      What a bummer! But I am sure that using two strands of regular stonewashed will work just as well as one strand of XL. I’ve done it before in a pinch. I would use the same hook and then check after a round or two if it is too pully/wavy.

      Let me know how it goes!

      Dedri

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