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.
susie says
I have literally just finished my Sophie!! I must admit..Sophie and I had a bit of a falling out a couple of months ago, she stayed on the table for a few days until I could figure her out!! She taught me so much..how to give things time, take it slowly and enjoy the beauty of her..of life..She has shown me that I can do anything..even if I don’t think I can..and she took a hectic day and turned it into a good night..all the twists and turns turned into a tapestry of love that I will gift to my daughter for Christmas..Thank you for sharing such a beautiful pattern..xo susie
Jenny says
Hi Susie. So glad you are on talking terms with Sophie again!
Jenny :)
maarib says
finally I finished it, I ordered the same yarn your used and it turned out fabulous, I believe it took me 3 weeks to finish it, i got obsessed with it, i almost ripped my shoulder and back from croching, but i did take few days off I didnt want to, but i went somewhere and its too big to move around, but overall it was a wonderful experience i will defiantly redo it in the future but with different colors.
Dedri Uys says
No way! You finished a Sophie in 3 weeks? That’s amazing!!!
Cheryl Humphreys says
Getting ready to try Sophie’s Choices on Sophie 4. Opted out on this section with the first three. Looking forward to seeing how number 4 turns out with this section added on.
Thank you again for such an amazing pattern. I never tire of it xxx
Cheryl
Dedri Uys says
It’s always good to hear from you, Cheryl. I’m wondering how many Sophies you will end up making!
Kim says
I literally just finished! I saw a picture of a work in progress a while ago and knew I wanted to make one too. My sister had gifted me a pile of different amounts and shades of blues that I combined together to make a large sophie….I love how it turned out looking like a stained glass window…and it only took me 18 days from start to finish (1 part a day). Thank you so much for such an amazing pattern.
sincerely,
kim
Dedri Uys says
Wow, you must have spent every waking moment crocheting! That is amazing that you got it done in 18 days. I wish I was that fast!!
Torice says
I’m finishing my Sophie right now, I’ve been mulling over whether or not I was going to add the squares and border, but as I get closer to finishing my final round, I find that I’m so happy with how it looks (and also I’m so ready to put it on my couch) that I know the squares aren’t necessary.
Thank you so much for the awesomely beautiful design. I’m new to reading patterns and you did such an amazing job, my only regret is I waited so long to start.
Thanks a million for all the inspiration,
Torice (rhymes with Patrice)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Torice.
Firs of all, I have to say that I love the way you told me how to pronounce your name. I have a very good online friend and tester, and I kept pronouncing her name wrong until we had spoken for maybe the tenth time and she finally told me I was saying it wrong!
I am so pleased that you like Sophie and that you found it easy enough (relatively) to follow.
Have a great week,
Dedri
Lesley Jackson says
Ahh not only are you amazing at producing such wonderful crochet, you also produce awesome children, they are beautiful Dedri xx
Dedri Uys says
Haha, you know just how to warm a mother’s heart, Lesley. Thank you ;)
Gurli Liljendal says
Hi Dedri
I want to thank you for this wonderful pattern.
It’s just amazing.
I have enjoyed it so much and I have learned so many new stiches.
I have used your colours in Scheepjes Soft Fun and I love the colours very much
I have started no. 2 Sophie and no. 3 Sophie.
Have a very nice summer.
greatings from Gurli in Denmark
k
k
susan lawlor says
thank you so much for the fab sophie…. all my friends are so jealous. you have brought
real art into crochet …. well done and enjoy your lovely family susan
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Susan :)
Candi Dzurella says
I stumbled on Sophie last month reading a review of Loops & Threads worsted weight yarn, on sale at Michaels for $2/skein. One of the reviewers included a picture of her Sophie. I was blown away by how beautiful it was but hadn’t done much crocheting for many years. I chose some of my favorite colors at the Auburn CA store & have just completed Part 4. I have learned a lot & more importantly, have not been bored once! Big decision ahead whether to continue until it becomes a square again. I joined a knitting class about 9 yrs. ago and we meet weekly to knit/crochet together now. It took looking for yarn to make a giraffe for baby grandchildren to introduce me to Sophie; the most addictive, interesting and gorgeous pattern ever. All in my group loved it so I expect some will try this. Thank you a million times!
Jenny says
It is good to see Sophie spreading her love everywhere :)
Jackie says
Hello Dedri,
I came across your fabulous website and Sophie design about a month ago by accident.
What a wonderful accident it was!!!
I wanted to thank you for sharing this wonderful design. I am more than a beginner but not quite an intermediate and I am thrilled with what I have accomplished so far. The tutorials, picture and video are fantastic. I am doing the large blanket and purchased the colour pack as I fell in love with the soft colours. I have a long way to go but am enjoying every stitch. Already planning another Sophie with my own colour choices!!!! Many, many thanks again, to you and your team, should you publish a book I would definitely buy it to add to my collection. x
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for your lovely comment, Jackie. When this CAL is over I am going to take a nice long break and figure out how I want to present the pattern as a whole.
Dedri
Kathryn says
Finished! I am so pleased, as when I started in April I had very little knowledge of crochet. I have enjoyed this immensely, and I’ve already started on my second Sophie. Thank you so very much for sharing the pattern with us and for providing such clear instructions.
Dedri Uys says
Kathryn, wow. You must have a lightning-quick hook. I am so pleased that you have enjoyed the pattern enough to do another one.
Pam Previti says
Please, Dedri, do not let anyone or anything deter you from sharing your artistry with the world. Sophie’s Universe brings together crocheters from across the globe to create a work of art. What an awesome accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your time and talent.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Pam. I apologize for throwing my toys out of the cot. I have no intention of stopping…just slowing down.
Rona says
Thank you so much for this beautiful blanket pattern Dedri, I have only just finished part 2 of it but I am loving it and can’t wait to be able to carry on with it, every one I’ve seen a picture of on the website has been absolutely gorgeous. you and everyone who has helped with this are so generous to share it with us and I give gratitude every day that there are beautiful people such as yourselves in this world. Thank you again from my heart,
Rona xx
Karine says
Thank you very much Dedri. So many times I thought of you: what a lot of work it must have been to design this blanket. Thanks for providing us with all those beautiful photo tutorials. Thanks for meeting all this new people and their gorgeous color combinations and different views on crochet.
In this group I’ve discovered crochet with sewing thread.
I will follow you with the extra parts.
Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Karine. I am glad you are so excited :)
Terry Borrero says
Dedri Uys,
I love, love, love, this pattern. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful pattern with me & the world. And for free no less!! Your talent is amazing. While I have just started my blanket I can’t wait to finish so I can make another.
Also, if you ever decide to sell a book / booklet with the entire pattern with photos, I would buy it in a minute!!! I really really do hope this will happen as I would love to have a hard copy of this pattern and I do not have a printer.
Anyway, Thank you so much again for sharing this beautiful, amazing, lovely, ( I could go on and on with adjectives) pattern.
Kindest Regards,
Terry Borrero
Dedri Uys says
Hi Terry. I am looking into a book, so fingers crossed :)
I am so glad you like the pattern.
Ingrid says
Dear Dedri,
Thank you very, very much for this amazing and fantastic journey!! I have enjoyed every round I’ve crocheted so far (have not totally finished part 18 at this moment). And what a lot of new things I have learned; I can use this in all my future crochet projects.
I hope you will keep inspiring us with other crochet projects and maybe a new CAL in the future? :-)
Xxx
Dedri Uys says
Guys (or should I say girls?), thank you so much for all your wonderful comments! I really wish I could reply to each and every one of them, but today has been a crazy day on the email/message front and I will be reading (and answering) lovely messages until the wee hours.
Thank you for your support and encouragement…and for reminding me of what’s important.
xxx Dedri
Whitney Ruth says
Hi Dedri,
I’m working on the small version, from the cotton 8 kit, and I’ve run out of light turquoise with 3/4 of the last round of it remaining. I’m planning to order more, but wanted to also order the colours and quantities that will be needed for the optional border. Any chance that you could let me know what I need now, so that I can place my order?
Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Whitney. You will need to do a little bit of math (depending on if you are going to follow the instructions for making her rectangular AND adding a border, or only adding a border. This post might be helpful: https://lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/estimated-yardages-for-the-optional-squares-and-optional-border/
Whitney Ruth says
Thank you Dedri, that is very helpful! I should have known that you would be two steps ahead and already addressed the topic!
Julie says
Dedri, Thank you so much for this amazing project!! It’s keeping me sane after my work day ends, I’m amazed how much I’ve learnt, I love the project, am so proud of how far I’ve progressed. Your talent is amazing, that you have shared this with us all is incredible, your time and patience and attention to detail is awesome! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Xxx
Lone Lykke Joergensen says
Dear Dedri
Thank you for an incredibly cozy and educational CAL.
I was so glad for your patterns so I have to make some more blankets.
I would have never believed that a CAL could be so addictive and exciting, but it has Sophie’s garden, and I love it.
Looking forward to next CAL