Welcome to Sophie’s Universe Part 1. I hope you are all super excited and eager to get started! If you haven’t already read the Information Post, please take a minute to do so now. It contains important details like yarn weight, hook size, and completed size, as well as a quick outline of what to expect and which resources are available.
It is worth bookmarking that post because it also contains a list of all 20 tutorials, which I will update with links as soon as each tutorial is available.
Once you have read all of that, make a cup of coffee (or tea if you must), find a cosy corner, and come join me for Part 1 of Sophie’s Universe. And then join me for Part 2. Part 2? Yes!! To reward you all for your not-so-patient waiting we are kicking this crochet-along off with 2 Parts!
Sophie’s Universe Part 1 {Photo Tutorial}
©Chris Simon and Dedri Uys 2014. All Rights Reserved.
The first 6 rounds of this Mandala were heavily inspired by Chris Simon’s Lace Petals Square (Block 16 of the Block a Week CAL 2014). In fact, if you take away the front post stitches and back loop stitches, it is an unashamed copy of Chris’ gorgeous design. So before I could even think about publishing this pattern, I had to get Chris’ permission to use her centre. Luckily she agreed. Thank you very much, Chris!
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 1 VIDEO TUTORIAL** by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell
Translations
- Dutch Translation by Dianne Baan
- German Translation by Gabriele Rogers
- Spanish Translation by Lynda Hernandez
- Danish Translation by Tina Poulsen
- Finnish Translation by Sari Åström
- French Translation by Sandra Larvin (with Video Tutorials by Géraldine Cymer)
- Russian Translation (with Videos) by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
- Arabic Video Tutorial by Banan Felimban
Materials and Colours
For the purposes of this tutorial, I am using Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 (available from Deramores) and a 3.25 mm Clover Amour Crochet Hook
Remember to check the Helpful Tips before starting. There is some important information about adjusting your hook size to prevent bulging.
Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe
If you are interested in the colour packs for Sophie, you can find them below.
Wool Warehouse
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
- **NEW** Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – You can find the details HERE.
Deramores
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
Colours Per Round for Part 1
| Cotton 8 | Softfun | Stonewashed XL | |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Round 1 | Canary | Canary | Moonstone |
| Round 2 | Light Pink | Light Rose | Amazonite |
| Round 3 | Pink | Rose | Green Agate |
| Round 4 | Fuchsia | Bordeaux | Blue Apatite |
| Round 5 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 6 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 7 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 8 | Canary | Light Blue | Moonstone |
Abbreviations
US Terminology used (US/UK comparison chart HERE)
- BLO – Back loop only
- Bpsc – Back post single crochet
- Ch – Chain
- Dc – Double crochet
- Fpdc – Front post double crochet
- Fpsc – Front post single crochet
- Hdc – Half-double crochet
- Sc – Single crochet
- Sl st – Slip stitch
- St/st’s – Stitch/stitches
- * – Repeat instructions between asterisks the amount of times specified. This is a hardcore repeat and will consist of multiple instructions.
- () – Repeat instructions between parentheses the amount 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.
Invisible Join
If you would like to use the invisible join instead of the sl st join at the end of each round, you can find a step-by-step photo tutorial HERE. If you DO decide to use it, make very sure that you understand which stitch to join to and which stitch to start your new round in, otherwise your blanket is going to come out all wonky!
Instructions
Round 1
Into a magic ring: ch 4 (this counts as your first dc and ch 1) and then make a dc {Photo 1}. (Ch 2, dc, ch 1, dc ) five times {Photos 2 – 4}. Ch 2 and join to the third st of the beginning ch-4 with a sl st.
If you are not familiar with working into a magic ring, this video tutorial by Tamara from Moogly is very good. Please remember, when working into a magic ring you HAVE to work away your initial tail very well. If you just cut it, your whole project might unravel!
Stitch Count: 12 dc’s, 6 ch-2 spaces and 6 ch-1 spaces
Round 2
- If you are going to use the same colour for Round 2, sl st into the next ch-1 space, ch 1 and sc in the same space.
- If you are going to use a new colour for Round 2, join your new yarn by making a standing single crochet in any ch-1 space around {Photo 1}.
(Make 5 dc’s in the next ch-2 space {Photo 2}, sc in the next ch-1 space {Photo 3}) five times. Make 5 dc’s in the last ch-2 space {Photo 4}. Join to the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 30 dc’s and 6 sc’s {6 Petals}
Round 3
- If you are using the same colour, ch 1 and make a fpsc around the post of the same sc.
- If you are using a new colour, join your new colour with a fpsc around the post of any sc from the previous round. You will make the fpsc exactly the same as the standing single crochet, but working around the post of the stitch instead of into the top 2 loops {Photos 1 and 2}.
*(Dc, ch 1) in the next 4 dc’s. Dc in the last dc {Photo 3}. Fpsc in the next sc {Photo 4}.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times, omitting the last fpsc on the last repeat. Join to the top of the first sc with a sl st.
If you started with a standing fpsc, you might find it tricky to join to it with a sl st. Pull the beginning tail of yarn so that you can see the top loops of the stitch. If you cannot manage to poke your hook through both loops, you are more than welcome to join to the FLO of the standing fpsc.
You should now have 6 Petals. Each Petal should contain 5 dc’s and 4 ch-1 spaces. There should be one FPsc between Petals.
Stitch Count: 30 dc’s, 6 fpsc’s, and 24 ch-1 spaces {6 Petals}
Round 4
Round 4 is simple, but you have to concentrate! I had to frog this round a few times because I either forgot the ch-1′s or I made the stitches in the wrong spots. At the end of this round your flower will probably buckle. Don’t worry about it! See Photo 4 below.
- If you are using the same colour, ch 1 and fpsc around the post of the same fpsc as the sl st join.
- If you are using a new colour, start with a fpsc around the post of any fpsc around {Photo 1}.
*Hdc in the first dc. This first dc might be slightly tricky to get into because it is right next to the fpsc. (Ch 1, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next ch-1 space) twice. Ch 1 and dc in the next dc {Photo 2}. Ch 1 and hdc in the last dc. Fpsc in the next fpsc {Photo 3}.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times, omitting the last fpsc on the last repeat. Join to the first fpsc with a sl st. Fasten off and change colours.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 48 st’s and 36 ch-1 spaces {6 fpsc’s, 12 hdc’s, 30 dc’s, and 36 ch-1 spaces}
- Per Petal: 2 hdc’s, 5 dc’s, and 6 ch-1 spaces per petal {1 fpsc between petals}
Round 5
You will not be working into the hdc’s in this round. In other words, you will skip the first and last st of every petal, which will be the hdc’s.
Join your new yarn by making a standing single crochet around the back of the post of the last dc of any petal around {Photos 1 and 2}. Phew…I say “of” a lot in that sentence! Hehe. You are basically starting with a standing back post sc.
*Ch 2 and fpdc around the post of the fpsc between the petals. (Ch 2, bpsc around the post of the next dc) 5 times.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times. Omit the last bpsc of the last repeat. Join to the first bpsc with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 30 bpsc’s, 6 fpdc’s, and 36 ch-2 spaces
- Per Petal: 5 bpsc’s and 6 ch-2 spaces per petal, and 1 fpdc between petals
Round 6
- If you are going to use the same colour, sl st into the next ch-2 space. Ch 5 (this counts as the first dc plus ch-2) and dc in the next ch-2 space. These 2 dc’s should fall on either side of the fpdc from the previous round {Photo 1}.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in the next ch-2 space. Ch 2 and dc in the next ch-2 space. These 2 dc’s should fall on either side of the fpdc from the previous round {Photo 1}.
*Ch 2 and hdc in the next ch-2 space. (Ch 2, sc in the next ch-2 space) twice. Ch 2, hdc in the next ch-2 space. (Ch 2, dc in the next ch-2 space) twice {Photo 2}.* Repeat from * to * 4 more times.
Ch 2 and hdc in the next ch-2 space. (Ch 2, sc in the next ch-2 space) twice. Ch 2 and hdc in the next ch-2 space. Ch 2 and join to the third ch of the beginning ch-5 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Notice that the dc’s fall on either side of the fpdc’s from the previous round {Photo 2}. Notice also that I am using yellow in Photos 1 and 2 so that you can see the stitch placement better.
Stitch Count: 36 st’s and 36 ch-2 spaces {12 sc’s, 12 hdc’s, 12 dc’s and 36 ch-2 spaces}
Round 7
- If you are going to use the same colour, sl st into the next ch-2 space. Ch 1 and make 2 sc’s in the same ch-2 space.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing single crochet in the next ch-2 space and then make another sc in the same ch-2 space.
Make 2 sc’s in the next ch-2 space. Make 3 sc’s in the next ch-2 space. *Make 2 sc’s in each of the next 2 ch-2 spaces, make 3 sc’s in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * 10 more times. Join to the BLO of the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 84 sc’s
Count your stitches!
Round 8
You will be working in the back loops only (BLO) for this round.
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 2 (this counts as your first hdc).
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing hdc in the BLO of the same st as the sl st join. {Photo 1}
Hdc in the BLO of the next 5 st’s and make 2 hdc’s in the BLO of the next st {Photo 2}. *Hdc in the BLO of the next 6 st’s, make 2 hdc’s in the BLO of the next st.* Repeat from * to * 10 more times. Join to the top of the beginning ch-2 (or the standing hdc) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 96 hdc’s (worked into the BLO)
There! Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?
If you want to check your gauge, this is an excellent time to do it. Refer to the Gauge listed HERE to check if you are on the right track.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Kaitlin says
I’m just finishing Round 7 & I think there may be a small error in the directions. It says to repeat the ** 10 times, but should it be 11 times?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kaitlin, the instructions are correct. The first repeat is written out and includes the starting instructions. The second repeat is between asterisks. You then repeat what is written between asterisks 10 more times, giving you 12 repeats in total.
Thank you for questioning it, though, and for taking the time to contact me about it.
Have a good day,
Dedri
Kaitlin says
Hi Dedri.
Duh me, that makes sense. That’s what happens when I try to crochet at 11:30 at night. Thank you for replying :). This is my first CAL & am exited to see how it turns out since I’m kind of winging it with whatever colors I happen to have in my stash at the moment. Can’t wait to start Part 2 today!
Christiane Gravenberg says
Hi Kaitlin,
I had the same thought – only started yesterday and was determined to finish Part 1, at which time it was … (I leave the time to your imagination).
Sytse says
Hi Dedri,
I finally got started, as an absolute beginner, (had to start six times over as I could not even do a magic circle) but am stuck on row 5, as I do not want to change colors. On the Official CCC FB page someone suggested ending off and starting again with the same yarn. That seems odd. Do you have a shortcut?? Thanks for your help, I love the project, it will take me forever and a couple of days to get it finished, as I still have another project that needs finishing.
Sytske.
Jenny says
You have to join your yarn separately for row 5, Sytse, because you are starting off the round in the back post of the last double crochet on a petal instead of where the row 4 finishes, if that makes sense? :)
Kathlyn says
Heya Dedri! This is gorgeous, as ever. I’m using a cotton Aran, with the plan of stopping when I’m skint and restarting as I can afford more yarn. Pretty way of using up the stash, I thought!
I’m a bit confused on round 7. You say sc, but the photo looks like dc. Am I missing something in translation here (I use UK terms usually)? Thanks!
Kathlyn says
Oops, I looked again more closely…ignore me! I’m being dippy!
(I blame it on trying to crochet with a cat in my lap who really really wants to help with that pretty moving yarn!)
Dedri Uys says
Lol. Glad you sorted it out!
Marisa says
I have been using the print friendly a lot before but I can’t get it to work here, please help
Dedri Uys says
Marisa, can you explain how it is malfunctioning so that I can better assist you?
Trish Stevens says
Hi Dedri, I feel I must be a bit of a dunce, but I can’t see a print button anywhere. Where should I be looking? Can’t wait to get started, even though I am a week behind!
Jenny says
Hi Trish.
If you click on the ‘Print Friendly’ button at the bottom of each tutorial,it will take you to a printer friendly version of the tutorial that you can then print off from, or even create a PDF version.
Hope that helps!
Jenny
Trish Stevens says
Found it! Thank you, Jenny!
Kelly Wells says
I’m having issues getting the print friendly button to work. I’ve made sure my pop-up blocker was off and have tried with 3 different posts and none of them will “print friendly” for me. Anyone else having that issue?
I know I can just directly print the blog post but then I get all the comments and all. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Dedri – I love this so far and can’t wait to get started! I’m just waiting one color to arrive as its been on backorder. Thanks for all your hard work designing this!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kelly,
I have tried in various browsers and it is working for me, so I don’t know how to help you with that, sorry. The only thing I can suggest is that you try one of the other pdf services on the web? There are plenty that will print a pdf of a site for you. If you find one you particularly like, let me know and I will add a link to it in the posts for other people who struggle with print-friendly.
Dedri
louetta waters says
Yes, I can only get the first part of the info to print , none of the directions, but I am trying to print from a kindle
Teresa says
Thank you so much for all your hard work. I hope I’ll arrive to finish this challenge.
Cathy says
Hi Dedri
Thank you so much for all your hard work in getting this CAL going for all of us hookers ! One question: is round 3 using cotton 8 supposed to be dark pink and not fuchsia ? The photos seem to show the pinks getting darker. Many thanks.
Dedri Uys says
Cathy, you are SO RIGHT! Thank you. Fixing it now
Cathy says
Hi Dedri
I have today received my order of the cotton 8 yarn from Deramores minus the light turquoise unfortunately. However I have started on this adventure which I am so excited about! Just one question though: is the colour for round 3 supposed to be dark pink and not fuchsia? The photos are confusing me. Thank you for all your hard work in organising this CAL. X
Dedri Uys says
Hi Cathy. You are right, thank you for pointing that out to me. Fixing now
Rhonda Morgan says
I read cal . It is very wonderful . I tried to make it and I need to learn how to make a crochet cal . I felt that part 1 is little hard for me but I tried to best to learn more about part 1. I won’t give up to make it. Very soon I will learn and to try to make on the part 2. It give me to enjoying and keep me to busy. I won’t let me fell sleeping lol. I would like to join the class to learn different crochets and new friends
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Rhonda. You are most welcome. What is your native language?
Stevey Lupo says
Ok , yes I might have bitten off alot. I have just taught myself to crochet. But I really have the need to do this project. It has taken me several days and I am now officially stuck on row 4. Ive read it looked at the picks and read it over again. Still I am not getting my counts right. Anyone in Austin TX that could give me a hand? Or maybe a stitch by stitch photo shot. Love n light Stevey
Dedri Uys says
Glad we got round 4 sorted, Stevey.
Sherian Clark says
Could someone tell me is there a comparable yarn to what you are using?
Dedri Uys says
Sherian, which of the 3 versions are you referring to?
bethany/yarnorgy says
Beautiful pattern!!!!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you :)
Tina Diaz says
Thank you for sharing have been looking for post to try this pattern hope I can do aswell
Lydia Wynne says
Hi Dedri, love the new CAL. I have also subscribed to this news letter twice now , and receive it for a few weeks and then it stops coming, can you add me again please, as I really enjoy the crochet that you do and the information you give. Thanks for all the work you put in to producing this weekly newsletter, look forward to hearing from you soon.
Nancy Fiedler says
this looks very interesting and exciting. You have put a great deal of effort into this project. Thank you.
NOW! May I be the first to ask an annoying question…..even before I pick up the hook! I am unfamiliar with European instruction and terminology, so please forgive me and be patient. I may not need to ask any more questions, I really do ‘get it’. (mostly ;-))
When you say:
’23 x Moon Stone (841)’
Do you mean 23- 50gm/130m balls of Moon Stone color #841?
When I add all the yardages together, I get many more yards/meters than your estimate for the total needed.
I am thinking that I may do this project from my scraps/stash, and having a close estimate of what is needed will help.
(Tho have to say that the Scheepjeswol Stonewashed colors are REALLY lovely!)
thank you in advance for your response
Nancy
Dedri Uys says
Hi Nancy. I think you are looking at the normal Stonewashed instead of the Stonewashed XL. The XL is worsted weight (#4) and only 75 meters per skein. The normal Stonewashed is 4-ply (#2) and 170 meters per skein. I will be using the Stonewashed XL.
If it is still unclear, get back to me and we will figure it out.
D
Nancy Fiedler says
So that means 23 skeins of Moonstone, etc?
Thank you!
Phaedra says
Hello Dedri,
I finished the first part now, and what a very clear tutorial did you make!! Amazing, I love it!
I chose to make the large version, using yarn of my stash and mostly the colours of the small blanket.
Thank you very much for sharing your work!
Off to start the second part now…
Love, Phaedra
(Belgium)
Dedri Uys says
I am glad you like it, Phaedra. Looking forward to seeing your blanket.
Christine says
Thank you Dedri for such clear and concise instructions and photos. Part 1 completed .. time for bed.
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome, Christine ;)
Petra says
Hi Dedri,
so looking forward to this and very glad we are finally starting. I noticed that you have a German translation coming soon. If you need help, please let me know. German is my mother language and I would love to help translate if you need it/ a second person to support the translation process.
Cheers,
Petra
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Petra. I will pass your information on to Maja (who is doing the translation). I am sure she would appreciate a second pair of eyes.
Dedri
Jo Navin says
Hi Dedri! I’ve been waiting with baited breath since we met you at The Fabric Warehouse in December, and I can’t wait to get started! I felt very lucky to be there and meet you when you came to see Kay. I’m also so grateful to have your gorgeous book in my collection. Your CAL looks fab, I’ve been crocheting for two years and this will be a challenge for me but your tutorial is so great and makes it look doable :-) Luckily for me our crochet/knitting club “Yarnies” are now meeting on a Monday, so if I get stuck I know Kay will be able to help me (she’s amazing at crochet). It’ll be great to share your CAL with her and hopefully we can entice some of our fellow Yarnie friends to join us! Thank you so much for doing this CAL, I’m off to start, yaaay! Hope you have a lovely day, Love Jo xx
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jo. I hope you get a huge bunch of people joining in. I think Kay has my number and I am happy to help/explain if someone gets stuck, but as she has made SGM already I am sure she will be fine. Will you be around on the 31st of Jan? I am coming for tea! :)
Jo Navin says
Hi Dedri, yes I’m planning on being there on the 31st and I’m very happy that you’ll be coming for tea! I can’t wait to chat about your CAL and all things yarnie :-) I’ll keep in touch re my progress. Looking forward to seeing you, take care x