Good morning and welcome to Part 14 of the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015. Grab a cuppa, because I have to credit two special women before we can start crocheting.
This week we will be completing the “butterfly band” we started last week. These butterflies were inspired by Chris Simon’s Butterfly Garden. You will probably remember that Sophie’s Universe started its life inspired by Chris Simon’s Lace Petals Square. Obviously I am a huge fan of Chris’ work. You can find all her patterns HERE on Ravelry. You can also find her on Instagram as thecolorfulom, or on Facebook as YarnCrazy.
Before we started with Sophie’s Universe, Kimberly Slifer made this gorgeous blanket by growing Sophie’s Garden using parts of other patterns. Notice the butterflies?
So this week is a tribute to Chris Simon and Kimberly Slifer, two very special women without whom Sophie’s Universe would never have existed.
Ps. A special “Thank You!” to Kay for helping me out again this week (hence the lefty Stonewashed XL).
Sophie’s Universe Part 14
©Dedri Uys and Kimberly Slifer 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Special design credit: Chris Simon.
Resources
- Add this CAL to your Ravelry Queue
- Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015 Information
- Use the Print-friendly button at the bottom (right) of this post to print/save this tutorial. Don’t know how? Find out HERE.
- **Part 14 VIDEO TUTORIAL** by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell.
Translations
- Dutch Translation by Dianne Baan
- German Translation by Maja Heidingsfelder
- Spanish Translation by Lynda Hernandez
- French Translation by Sandra Larvin (with Video Tutorials by Géraldine Cymer)
- Danish Translation by Tina Poulsen
- Russian Translation (with Video) by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
Materials
See the Information Post.
| Colours for Part 14 | |||
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| Cotton 8 | Softfun | Stonewashed XL | |
| Round 93 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 94 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 95 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 96 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 97 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
* Before you start, check that you have enough yarn to complete all 5 rounds in one colour! If you are making the medium version and following my colourway, you should have 118 meters of Light Blue left at the end of this part.
Yarn Needed for Rounds 93 – 97
- Small: 46 g (156 meters)
- Medium: 80 g (225 meters)
- Large: 167 g (251 meters)
Abbreviations
US Terminology Used (Basic US/UK comparison chart here)
- Ch – Chain
- Dc – Double crochet
- Hdc – Half-double crochet
- Sc – Single crochet
- Sl st – Slip stitch
- St/st’s – Stitch/stitches
- Tr – Treble crochet
- * – Repeat instructions between asterisks the number of times specified. This is a hardcore repeat and will consist of multiple instructions.
- () – Repeat instructions between parentheses the number of times specified. This is a lower level repeat.
Special Stitches
- Standing Stitches: Standing sc’s, hdc’s, and dc’s are stitches used to start the round without the need for the traditional beginning chain. Links to tutorials are supplied in each relevant round.
Anatomy of Stitches
It has come to my attention that some of you have missed the post about Corners and the Elusive Hidden Stitch, which looks at the anatomy of your stitches when working in the round. If you are still finding it hard identifying which loops belong to which stitch, please look at THIS POST.
I have noticed that a few people are confused by my mention of the first (hidden) stitch. It is true that this stitch is not always hidden, especially if you know what to look for, but by placing emphasis on it I am gently reminding you (and myself) to pay attention to the placement of that first stitch.
Instructions
Rounds 1 – 92
You can find the links for Rounds 1 – 92 HERE.
Round 93
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next dc and into the ch-2 space. (Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are using a new colour, join your yarn by making a standing double crochet in any ch-2 corner around. (Dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same corner space.
*Skip the first (hidden) stitch. (Dc in the next 14 st’s. Ch 5 and skip the next 5 st’s) 8 times. Dc in the last 14 st’s. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 corner space.*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 520 dc’s, 32 ch-5 spaces, and 4 ch-2 corner spaces
- Per Side: 130 dc’s and 8 ch-5 spaces
Round 94
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next dc and into the ch-2 space. (Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are using a new colour, join your yarn by making a standing double crochet in any ch-2 corner around. (Dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same corner space.
*Skip the first (hidden) stitch. Dc in the next 14 st’s (see Photo 1). There should now be one dc left before the ch-5 space. (Ch 7. Skip the next dc, the ch-5 space, and the next dc. Dc in the next 12 st’s) 7 times – see Photos 2-5. Ch 7. Skip the next dc, the ch-5 space, and the next dc. Dc in the next 15 st’s. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 corner space (Photo 6).*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 468 dc’s, 32 ch-7 spaces, and 4 ch-2 corner spaces
- Per Side: 117 dc’s and 8 ch-7 spaces
Round 95
Your butterflies will look a bit scruffy at the end of this round. Just tug on them a little bit to straighten them out.
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next dc and into the ch-2 space. (Ch 2, hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are using a new colour, join your yarn by making a standing half-double crochet in any ch-2 corner around. (Hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in the same corner space.
*Hdc in the next 16 st’s (Photo 1). Don’t accidentally skip the first (hidden) stitch. (Ch 2 – see Photo 2. Make a tr between the second and third of the 5 skipped stitches from Round 92, encasing the ch-5 and ch-7 spaces from Rounds 93 and 94 – see Photos 3-5. Ch 2 – see Photo 6. Hdc in the next 12 st’s – see Photos 7 and 8) 8 times. You should now have 5 st’s left before the next corner space. Hdc in the last 5 st’s. (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in the next ch-2 corner space.*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-2 (or the standing hdc) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 516 st’s, 64 ch-2 spaces, and 4 ch-2 corner spaces {484 hdc’s and 32 tr’s}
- Per Side: 129 st’s and 16 ch-2 spaces {121 hdc’s and 8 tr’s}
Round 96
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next hdc and into the ch-2 space. (Ch 1, sc, ch 2, sc) in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are using a new colour, join your yarn by making a standing single crochet in any ch-2 corner around. (Ch 2, sc) in the same corner space (Photo 1).
*Skip the first (hidden) stitch. Sc in the next 17 st’s (Photo 2). (Make 3 sc’s into the next ch-2 space – see Photo 3. Sc in the next tr – see Photo 4. Make 3 sc’s into the next ch-2 space – see Photo 5. Skip the first (hidden) stitch and sc in the next 11 st’s) 8 times. You should now have 7 st’s left before the next corner space. Sc in the last 7 st’s. (Sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 corner space.*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 680 sc’s and 4 ch-2 corner spaces
- Per Side: 170 sc’s
Round 97
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next ch-2 space. (Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are using a new colour, join your yarn by making a standing double crochet in any ch-2 corner around. (Dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same corner space.
*Dc in each of the 170 st’s across, making sure that you don’t accidentally skip that first (hidden) stitch. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 corner space.*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 696 dc’s and 4 ch-2 corner spaces
- Per Side: 174 dc’s
Note About Curling
You will be relieved to know that this is the last week (apart from at the very end of the blanket) that I will be asking you to block. Remember that this isn’t necessary. Your blanket will straighten itself out in the next few weeks. But if you want to take a pretty picture, block, block, block.
Annie’s has some good advice for Blocking Afghans and Other Large Pieces.
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
This part of the pattern was tested by Kimberly Slifer, Claire Martin, Maja Heidingsfelder, Lynda Hernandez, Susan Wilkes-Baker, Venetia Smith, and Dianne Baan.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Thomasean says
Hi! I decided to quit dithering. I’m going to use the colors you used. My gauge is usually loose. When I looked at the directions from the beginning, the yarn amounts were estimates. Since you are further along do you have any suggestions of colors that might be underestimated if you are a loose stitcher? I’m not worried about having too much left over…I’m worried about running out. I am following you on instagram , twitter and I’m a part of the FB group as well. You can answer me the easiest way for you :) Thank you so much for doing this! I know this will take me to a new skill level.
Dedri Uys says
Hi,
I have just published some tables showing my yarn usage per round up to Round 14. I will update the tables weekly. I suggest buying the yarn I have bought, and then assessing your usage half-way to see how much more you are using. How much extra you will need as a “loose” stitcher will depend very much on if you are only a little over, or a lot. If you are very concerned, buy an extra skein of each colour and use the remainder to either “grow” Sophie or make matching cushion covers.
glenda says
Thank you. I’m not good at crochet but soon as can want to try. Its really beautiful.
Liz says
Hi Glenda, I wouldn’t worry about your competence/experience. I only picked up a crochet hook for the first time in 30 years about 4 months ago and have been happily hooking away ever since. Ive managed to make two blankets so far; one in self striping pink C2C and another in a rainbdrop stitch of five colours for my grandchildren. Ive got two ‘Sophie’s’ on the go; one in three colours and the other in the Scheepjes Stonewashed XL colour way that Dedri recommends here. If i can do it, Im sure others can. Just take your time, and let your creativity shine through. Enjoy
Linda says
Good evening Dedri…
Just read the Sophie universe 14 email and just had to ask …Is that your son’s full name (Xandi) or a nickname? I’m making this Sophie for my soon to be 10 year old granddaughter “Xandira Rain” we call her Xandi for short. I’ve never heard anyone use that name before and was wandering where you came upon it? Is it a common name over by you? I live in the USA ….Long Island New York and it’s definitely not common here!
I do love the fun I’m having working this Sophie for her and find the colors … different stitches of each row keeping me interested to see what’s next. I’ve taken her with me many places and have given out your website quite a bit. CHEERS to you for your awesome talent and generous heart to share that which you have created with your blessed hands and mind.
I’m the type that always changes patterns that I do….Not yours…love it just so much. Next one will be solids or just 3/4 colors. I tend to like things analogous, monochromatic…just beautiful shades of color. So this Sophie is different… She’ll be around for a long time….as will the thousands that are being made world wide.
With sincere thanks, appreciate for your kindness and for adding beauty and design to the crochet world.
Fondly, Linda
Susan says
I came late to the party and have been crocheting like a fool ever since. I’m up to part 8 now, and love every stitch! I’m self-taught and had put down the crochet to make jewelry for several years, then picked it up again to have something different to work on in the evenings. This project is perfect for me — challenging and fun. Since I only started with the first 4 parts, I started with the Stylecraft DK Special yarn that had a color list included, so I have to adapt the instructions to my yarn. This only adds to the challenge. I just want more and more and more! Love the mandala start, too. Love the colors, everything!!! Thank you, and keep it coming! I’m now a big fan of yours!
Jenny says
I can relate to your words there Ella! Sophie really does leave us wanting more each week :)
Mariana says
Love it! It just keeps on getting better and better. Your hard work is much appreciated by all who follow you. I am a bit behind, but it is actually working to my advantage as I have a better understanding of what will work best going forward with my colour combinations :) This is a keepsake being made for generations to come – thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Sharon says
I am enjoying crocheting every stitch of my Sophie, however, I must crochet loose as I have run out of canary Softfun yarn with about a foot unfinished in Row 88. My turquoise is also depleted. Would you kindly tell me what colors are needed for the remaining weeks after 14 so I can place a reorder with Deramores for the yarn I will need to finish my Sophie. Many thanks!
Momma says
Thank you so much for a fabulously well written and photographed series of instructions. I was just reading what you were predicting on the Deramores 2015 BLOG competition piece you have written and I agree whole heartedly. I think your CAL is exactly the trend for the near future. I only started crocheting 2 years ago (I was taught to knit at 10 yrs old but never really got into it until I became a momma) – I am addicted to crocheting and find myself tackling ever increasingly challenging projects because of patterns like yours. You are guiding me like you are sitting next to me and I have tried techniques and stitches I would never have thought I could…. thank you Dedri, I love the crochet community, Ravelry is just brilliant and talented bloggers like you are fuelling the craft fire :) xxxxxx
Jenny says
Momma, you have perfectly described how I also feel about Dedri’s wonderful patterns! It really is like she is sitting by your side guiding us through every stitch :)
Diane says
I’ve haven’t done an afghan like this. It’s been so challenging. The butterfly is really neat. Thanks for putting this together.
This is going to be a bedspread in my spare bedroom.
Jenny says
I love the butterflies too, Diane! We look forward to seeing photos of your Sophie :)
Leslie says
Would like to join even if I be way behind it’s absolutely beautiful
Jenny says
It is never too late to start creating your own Sophie, Leslie! We hope you enjoy your journey along with all the other Sophie lovers :)
Kem says
Just when I think I cannot be more impressed with a pattern…boom, there it is!! I am still back on row 88. I was caught up at one point, but put it down cause I so love working on this project, I didn’t want to rush through each week’s clues. Dang, now I wish I was caught up, can’t wait to do the butterflies and NOW I know the reason for all my blue skeins. I was verifying my stash for this project just today and was worried about all those blue skeins…I should have known better. This is just amazing!! Thanks again Dedri and your helpers!!!
Debbie says
I have just found this beautiful pattern and have printed it out ready to start…CAN’T WAIT.! Thank you sooo much for sharing this. You are a very talented and generous person thank you!!!
Debbie
Jenny says
Good luck with your journey Debbie! We love to see everyone’s progress so don’t forget to share your photos with us all :)
Rebecca Dunkley says
Ihave just started on my sophies universe, I have just started part four so have a way to go and I am making two at the same time for the centres of my universe :) I can’t wait see them completed
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rebecca. I am so pleased that you have joined us. Have fun!
Helena says
Love it! Just printed my instructions and are now going to start these little beauties!
Thank you so much for this amazing project! To work something like this out is an incredible gift! Well done! And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful talent with us! It is greatly appreciated!
Dedri Uys says
You are very welcome, Helena. I hope you enjoy the journey :)
Sue Dennis says
I have just started this project it is well written love the pictures they really do help. The video tutorials are also superb.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Sue :)
Kimberlie says
I can’t wait to get to this round! Your hard work is so so appreciated!!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Kimberlie ;)
mona says
Dear Dedri,
The surprises you give us every week are wonderful! I am totaly addicted to Shophies universe, I started two weeks after you did but thankfully I have caught up with you.
Thank you very much for all your effort and for sharing this beauty.
Dedri Uys says
You are welcome, Mona. I’m glad you’ve caught up.
Inga says
Yes! Love this CAL so much! Butterflies here I come
Sue says
Oh, super! I made these butterflies for the shawl last year and really enjoyed them.
Dedri Uys says
Which shawl is that, Sue? I’d love to see it.
Edith R. Gonzales says
Hi Dedri, so these are the mystery butterlies that i inquired about. I am excited to begin this part. I finally caught up to Part 13 last week. Thanks for your project that’s keeping me busy and allowing me to relax. Take care.
Dedri Uys says
Yes, Edith. Not much of a mystery, are they? I am pleased that you caught up and that you’re still enjoying it. I’m looking forward to seeing a photo of your butterflies :)
Heather Abbott says
I have loved making Sophie. I have been excited about the butterflies after the hints last week. Thank you for such a lovely design.
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome :)