Part 18 is the Last Official Part of Sophie’s Universe. Next week, we will look at optional squares/rows for growing Sophie into a rectangle. The week after that, we will look at the optional border. The week after THAT, we will cover the optional surface crochet and a few other bits and bobs.
I am a sentimental little thing, so I love the fact that I am sharing the last official instalment on Mother’s Day (US/SA). It seems fitting. These Sophies are like my babies, which makes me their crochet-mommy. Feel free to share photos using #mothersdaysophie.
So happy Mother’s Day and Happy Sophie Sunday!
Sophie’s Universe Part 18
©Dedri Uys 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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 18 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.
My large Sophie has come out smaller than estimated. My final size was 1.65 meter (5’5″), which is 6″ short of the 1.8 meter (5’11”) of my “prototype”.
| Colours for Part 18 | |||
| Click on the images to enlarge them. |  |
 |
 |
| Cotton 8 | Softfun | Stonewashed XL | |
| Round 110 | Fuchsia | Bordeaux | Canada Jade |
| Round 111 | Light Turquoise | Rose | Moonstone |
| Round 112 | Moors | Cyclamen | Corundum Ruby |
| Round 113 | Heath | Heath | Garnet |
Abbreviations
US Terminology Used (Basic US/UK comparison chart here)
- Bpsc – Back post single crochet
- Bpdc – Back post double crochet
- Ch – Chain
- 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.
Instructions
Rounds 1 – 109
You can find the links for Rounds 1 – 109 HERE.
Round 110 {Second Part of Diamond Pattern}
In this round, you will complete the Diamond Pattern by making some more “zigzag hills”. The first and last “hills” on each side are formed differently to the rest. Pay special attention when making them. Pay extra special attention to the placement of the first treble and look at the photos or the video if you need help.
Join your yarn by making a sl st in the eighth hdc at the start of any side (Photo 1).
*Make a tr in the stitch that contains the first sc from Round 107. To do this, insert your hook from top to bottom into the stitch containing that first sc, making sure that you work to the left of the first ch-3 from Round 107 (to the right if you are left-handed). You will need to twist your work a bit to get into that stitch. See Photos 2-4. Ch 3 (Photo 5). Make a sl st around the back post of the next sc from Round 107 (Photo 6).
(Ch 3 – see Photo 7. Skip the next 3 st’s from Round 109 and make a sc in the next st, which will be the hdc made into the bpsc from Round 108 – see Photo 8. Ch 3. Make a sl st around the back post of the next sc from Round 107) 47 times (Photo 9).
Ch 3 (Photo 10). Make a tr around the top of the last ch-3 from Round 107 (Photos 11 and 12). Skip the next 3 st’s from Round 109 and sl st in the next st, which should be the hdc made into the bpsc from Round 108 (Photo 13). Ch 4 (Photo 14). Skip the last 5 hdc’s of Round 109. Sl st into the ch-3 space from Round 107, which you will find behind your work (Photo 15). Ch 4 (Photo 16). Skip the first 7 hdc’s of the next side and sl st into the eighth hdc (just like in Photo 1).*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, making your last sl st into the first sl st of the round to join. Fasten off and work away your tails of yarn.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 196 st’s, 384 ch-3 spaces, and 8 ch-4 spaces behind the corners – not including sl st’s {188 sc’s and 8 tr’s}
- Per Side: 49 st’s and 96 ch-3 spaces– not including sl st’s {47 sc’s and 2 tr’s}
Round 111 {Diamonds – Base Round 4}
The first and last zigzag “hills” from the previous round (on each side) do not have a sc at the top of the “hill”. When making your back post sc’s around these hills, insert your hook behind the treble AND the ch-3 just like you would if they did contain a sc.
Join your yarn by making a standing half-double crochet in any ch-2 corner space from Round 109. (Hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in the same ch-2 space (Photo 1).
*Skip the first (hidden) stitch. Hdc in the next 6 st’s from Round 109 (Photo 2). Make a bpsc around the top of the first zigzag “hill” from Round 110 (Photos 3 and 4).
(Hdc in the next 3 st’s from Round 109, between the sc’s that form the “zigzag hills” – see Photo 5. Make a bpsc around the next sc from Round 110 – see Photo 6) 47 times. There should now be one zigzag “hill” left. Hdc in the next 3 st’s from Round 109. Make a bpsc around the last zigzag “hill” from Round 110 (Photo 7). Hdc in the last 5 st’s from Round 109 (Photo 8). (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in the next ch-2 corner space (Photo 9).*
Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join to the top of the standing half-double crochet with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 832 st’s and 4 ch-2 corner spaces {196 bpsc’s and 636 hdc’s}
- Per Side: 208 st’s {49 bpsc’s and 159 hdc’s}
Round 112
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next hdc 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 each of the 208 st’s across. Don’t accidentally skip that first (hidden) stitch. (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 half-double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 848 hdc’s and 4 ch-2 corner spaces
- Per Side: 212 hdc’s
Round 113
You’re not going to like me very much! This round has 864 st’s, 848 of which are back post stitches. But as this is the Last Official Round of Sophie’s Universe, I am sure that you will forgive me :)
- If you are using the same colour, sl st into the next hdc 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.
* Make a bpdc in each of the 212 st’s across. Don’t accidentally skip that first (hidden) stitch. (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 half-double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Counts:
- Total: 864 st’s and 4 ch-2 corner spaces {16 hdc’s and 848 bpdc’s}
- Per Side: 216 st’s {4 hdc’s and 212 bpdc’s}
Note About Curling
So…one final blocking for my “babies”.
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
Due to the weight and size of Sophie the Large, she had become quite stretched in places (I guess that is what 4 months without a bath will do to a blanket), so I washed her before the final blocking. I am pleased to say that everything bounced back into place and “tightened up”. It did mean that I had to employ quite a bit of elbow grease to block her, but I am so excited about the outcome!
I asked the boys to come “pose” for me. Pieter and Jaco obliged…
… but when Xandi finally agreed to be in the photo too (unusual for him not to be first to volunteer), this is what happened.
I tried to get a nicer photo, but they were just being too silly. Plus I was standing on a ladder with the ceiling fan threatening to decapitate me, so I thought it prudent to abandon the endeavour.
If this part marks the end of your Sophie journey, I would like to thank you for joining us and for all your encouragement, comments, helpfulness to other members, and general all-round awesomeness. You will never know how epic this journey has been for me, all thanx to you guys!
If you are going to continue on with us for the optional squares (next week), the growing options (week 19), and the miscellaneous (week 20), I hope you will continue to enjoy the journey :)
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.
preety says
such beautiful work…. i just keep coming back to see the work and colours….. though i haven’t started my sophie yet…. planning to start someday… please keep it here….. and big thank you for sharing such beautiful pattern….
Phillippa Hutchinson says
Wowsers, each and every week an amazing creation comes forth, thousands of people around the world come together, and incredible bonds of friendship, love, support, creativity and strength are formed. This is much more than an awesome pattern and CAL, it has become a world wide unity through crafting. Congratulations Dedri and team on such an overwhelmingly incredible journey and life changing project. All your time, effort, patience and beautiful personality have meant so much to so many of us, for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart, to the moon and back. xoxoxoxoxoxox
Caroline O'Neill says
Thank you Deri for this wonderful CAL. I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years and have made countless items from dainty Irish crochet lace to king size afghans, but this has been my most enjoyable project ever. Thank you so much to you and everyone involved. You all deserve Knighthoods!
Caroline O'Neill says
DEDRI not Deri. So sorry my phone is Welsh!
Dedri Uys says
Lol…Actually, what would be awesome is if Prince William and the Duchess would accept a gift from me. I would swap that for a knighthood any day xx
Dianne says
Thank you for such a wonderful project, I am behind as life interfers but I will get there.
Lia de Kock says
Just wanted to once again say THANK YOU for the opportunity to be part of SU CAL2015!! This has been one of the most amazing journey’s EVER and definitely the most beautiful pattern I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing it with everyone all over the world! I have learned so much doing this! Thank you for all the time, effort and love that you put into this, it is definitely appreciated!!! Hope you were spoiled rotten on Mother’s Day! ♥ – Worcester, South Africa
Ciska Rogers says
Lia, can you please send me a photo of your Sophy, I want to start one but cannot decide on yarn and colours yet.
What type of yarn did you use? I live in Newcastle KZN .
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lia. Thank you for your comment. My sister-in-law (and best friend) worked and lived in Worcester for a year after we graduated (we studied together). One of my best memories of Worcester is an unplanned visit to South Africa and surprising her in her doorway. I love that crochet has made the world smaller again for me. It is so hard to be so far away from the people and country I love.
Mooi bly,
Dedri
Lenocka says
Thank you for this wonderfull pattern. Yours tutorials are amazing, and Sophie is most gorgeous pattern I have ever seen.
Mari Johnson says
I can’t thank you enough for this creative masterpiece you have shared with us. How many people have you inspired to stretch their imaginations, to believe that they can learn how to make something of heirloom quality? For me, I will forever be grateful for your generosity of spirit.
Marietjie Wagner says
Many many thanks Dedri for all the uncountable effort you put in this CAL. Sadly I have only one row left on my Sophie. Will miss crocheting her. Learned so many new stitches. Sophie became part of so many people worldwide. This pattern is just a thousand times WHOW!!!
Elle says
Dedri no amount of words could properly thank you for taking us on this glorious journey. I think I purposely don’t ever catch up because I don’t want it to end. I am on Part 18 so I will catch up this week. You’ve given me a huge crochet spark after many, many years of idle hooks. Sophie is truly beautiful…a work of art. You are amazingly talented. Hope to see you on the crochet front again soon. I’m not going anywhere yet though
…planning on continuing with the extras so will be with you and the group for a little longer.
Ellen
Stacy Manning says
This pattern is amazing !! This has been by far, the most complex thing I have ever crocheted. I wasn’t sure I could do it, but the instructions and tutorials were the best, easiest to follow I’ve seen. Dedri, you are
amazing ! Thank you for sharing this with so many :)
Penny Mann says
Thank you for the CAL. Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s day. I am starting one for my mother. I showed here a picture not stating why and she just loved it. Thank you again. Picture is really cute. Beautiful CAL.
Jen says
Dedri, I want to thank you for not only designing and sharing this beautiful work of art, but for helping to bring crochet to an art level. Sophie’s Universe is most definitely a work of art, love, and labor…a piece that will be a family heirloom for all who are gifted with it.
I appreciate your willingness to not only offer the design for free, but for your hours of dedication, attention, and assistance to all who are attempting to create Sophie.
I look forward to seeing more of your works, take care, Jen
Sheila says
Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern, Dedri…you have given so much of yourself and your time to helping us all create a little bit of heaven here on earth! Thank YOU!
Donna Nix says
Oh I love my Sophie!! This will be a Christmas present for my oldest granddaughter. However, my youngest granddaughter (17 and a young crocheter) is wild about Sophie too. So I will be starting another Sophie very shortly for her surprise Christmas present. Thank you so very much for this fabulous (and very generous) pattern. The instructions and pictures were amazing! I can’t wait to finish Sophie–but I’m not making her rectangle. Just adding the border and anything else that you may include. Again, thank you so much for sharing Sophie with us.
Bobbi says
Thank you so much for this fabulous journey with you. I think I will go all the way to Part 20 with you. This has been so much fun. Your boys are just precious. My grandchildren are older now but they still act silly at times. Again thank you and can’t wait to see what Part 19 and 20 brings.
Earen says
Thank you for this wonderful design and experience. I had not crocheted before last December, yet through your thoughtful and clear way of teaching I have learned so much. Just before the beginning of Sophie’s Universe, I had asked if you thought a long-time knitter could tackle such a project, and you assured me that I could. I thank you immensely for giving so much of yourself to this project. My best to you and your family. You deserve some much earned time together to relax and enjoy life. <3
Evie says
Ack! I cannot wait to start this! I have all the patterns printed out, I have all the yarn ready to go…but alas, I have to finish my son’s blanket first. This is beautiful! Thank you so much~
Happy Mother’s day!
Sue says
Thank you for this, Dedri. I hope to complete this much at least before I stop. We’re moving cities in a few weeks, so I have a lot on my plate just now.
Love to the three manlings!
Hollianne Valentine says
I am so happy to have been a part of this incredible journey. Sophie’s Universe is by far the most beautiful piece I have ever had the pleasure of crocheting and it was completely painless as you described the steps so clearly and so well! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with the rest of us, your “babies” are nothing short of amazing and I look forward to seeing what other incredible pieces of art you put out in the future. Now, I’m off to start an Amamani! :)
Kathy Robertson says
What can I say about Sophie. She was a mysterious girl who became a wonderful friend. I had never participated in a CAL before, mainly because I am very adverse to stitching blocks together (they tend to find a forever home in a bin). So, realizing this was a continuos work I gave it a try. I’ve been crocheting for 50+ years and I can safely say this has been my single most gratifying experience with hook and yarn. Thank you xxxDedri and all your helpers for a great yarn party!