And so all good things must come to an end! However, although this might be the end of Sophie’s Universe, it is only the start of your journey; be it a journey of learning, a journey of healing, a journey of friendship, or a journey of discovery.
We are going to chat about the Surface Crochet quickly, for those of you who are eager to get going. After that I will prattle on about Sophie a wee bit more (because there are people to thank and tears to be shed – at least on my part).
Part 21: Surface Crochet
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.
Translations
- Dutch Translation by Dianne Baan
- Russian Translation by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
Fake Back Post Stitches
In Parts 13 and 15 I gave you the option of making Rounds 91 and 98 as back post stitches instead of regular stitches.
This is what the “Butterfly Band” looks like without back post stitches:
This is what it looks like with back post stitches:
If you chose not to make those rounds as back post stitches, and now regret your choice, I am offering you a chance to “correct” it (without frogging all the way back to Part 13). This “second chance” takes the form of Surface Slip Stitches.
I have used Light Pink so that you can see the effect more clearly, but if I were to do this properly, I would use the same colours I used for Rounds 90 and 91. This is just personal preference and you are, of course, free to use any colours you like!
If you have never used Surface Slip Stitches, you can find a tutorial for it HERE.
If you are going to use surface slip stitches to highlight the Butterfly Band, I suggest that you use 2 strands of yarn at the same time, instead of one. This will make the stitches “pop”.
Surface Slip Stitches: 1 Strand of Yarn
Although the stitches are visible, they do not add surface interest. They just melt away into the background (unless you use a different colour like I have done).
Surface Slip Stitches: 2 Strands of Yarn
Although I have used the same hook as above, the stitches are “fatter” and make more of an impression. Using 2 strands like this will look good even when using the same colour.
Below you can see the difference between using 1 strand and 2 strands.
Surface Slip Stitches: 1 Strand vs 2 Strands
Optional Flowers
In Part 13 I said I was going to save the Optional Flowers for later. Later is now :)
I know there has been a bit of controversy about the Optional Flowers, but I quite like them. The main reason I left these ones until I was finished was because I wanted to look at my blanket as a whole before deciding which colours to use. I ended up making them in the same colour as the first lot of Optional Flowers (in Part 4).
This is what Sophie looks like with and without the Optional Flowers:
And here you can see all 3 bits of Surface Crochet.
I had originally planned to do another bit of surface crochet around the points of the 4 Petals formed by the Long Sides, but Mr. Lookatwhatimade was adamant that it wasn’t needed. He is right. He is usually right. I spent the last week in “turmoil” wondering if I should include it or not. I decided to heed his good council and leave well enough alone.
So now we are officially (and unofficially) done with Sophie’s Universe.
I would love for you to end Sophie on a “BANG!” by sharing a selfie with your sophie, using the hasthag #Selphie. If you have made Sophie using Scheepjeswol yarn, you can also use the hashtag #sophiesuniverseselfie.
I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…
Farewell Sophie Sunday!
*Rubs her hands together and settles down with a cuppa*
This post has been so hard to write. In fact, the translators will only be getting this post after it is posted. Every time I sat down to write it, I just ended up staring at the screen.
There are so many things I want to say…too many things…unnecessary things… So I will try to keep this semi-short.
Sophie’s Universe has been an amazing journey for me. I never expected people to respond so positively to it, and to give their time and expertise so selflessly!
This crochet-along has blessed me in so many ways. I have made amazing friends; people who, I hope, will be in my life for years to come! I got to see the world through your photos, which were creative, personal and beautiful! Through the South African photos, in particular, I got to feel closer to “home” than I have for years.
You were selfless and honest in sharing your joys and your sadnesses, and you have been absolutely amazing in your determination to learn, and your willingness to help and encourage others. What struck me most was how many of us have been helped through a dark time with this project. Your stories have blessed and inspired!
I would love for you to continue inspiring others, so if you have an uplifting or inspiring story to share about your Sophie journey, please share it using #alongcamesophie.
This pile of goodness represents over 1000 hours of work (not including the testers, translators, and Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell, who did the wonderful videos as if she was sitting right next to me!).
I am unbelievably proud of having completed 3 Sophies (4 if you count the prototype) and immensely grateful to Jenny and Kay for helping me when I just didn’t have enough hours in the day.
I am also so very proud of each and every one of you who have completed her!
I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this journey (voyage, challenge, pattern – whatever you choose to call it). I hope you will be able to apply what you have learnt to other patterns, and that you will continue to encourage and inspire others with your love of crochet!
Keep on keeping on, my beauties, and let’s show the world that crochet heals!
Who Helped Make This CAL Possible?
This bit is super important because without these people the CAL would not have been what it is. Everyone is always thanking me for the CAL, but these people have given so much of their time (and themselves) to make it happen. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for their help!
- Testers, Translators, and Proof-readers
- Kimberly Slifer
- Claire Martin
- Dianne Baan
- Maja Heidingsfelder
- Lynda Hernandez
- Sandra Larvin
- Tina Poulsen
- Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Susan Wilkes-Baker
- Venetia Smith
- Administrators (Facebook)
- Kimberly Slifer
- Betty Byers
- Claire Martin
- Carolyn Robinson King
- Susan Cutler Cutrer
- Moderators (Ravelry)
- Berniece
- Elfriede
- Kanjigurl (Unofficial Ravelry Group)
- Videos – Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell
- Co-host – Kimberly Slifer
- Designers
- Betty Byers – Betty’s Beautiful Border
- Chris Simon – Lace Petals Square (Inspiration for Sophie)
- Penny Davis – Dedri’s Rose Garden
- Helpful Fairies
- Jenny Lowman
- Kay Crone
- Yarn Packs – Wool Warehouse has kindly put together Colour Packs for this CAL (You can find them HERE).
- Participants – Most importantly, I would like to thank each and every person who made Sophie, and who helped others with their questions and concerns. You guys have been such an amazing, caring, encouraging group! Each and every one of you should be immensely proud of yourselves, both for making the blanket and for helping others to do so too!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
abbi says
I just want to add my sincere thanks to you and all those who have supported the conception and production of ‘Sophie’.
I have never been involved in a CAL (or a KAL) but I saw your early post and felt the need to get on board, although I was busy until about week 8. I have so enjoyed all the challenges you threw out there. I am still waiting to finish my border as I did the grannies’just in case’ but have decided to put them aside (into a separate throw) and will just do the border from week 20, minus the roses this time. I had no plans for my version but it just took over my stash and planned itself. Mine is in DK and most of them are different brands but pretty much all 300mtr balls to maintain the yarn thickness, on 4mm hook. Borderless it sits very comfortably on a single bed. It has been such fun to achieve each new stitch/round and section and has given my craft group members something to gush over each meeting. So once again, Dedri, huge and heartfelt thanks for your time, your creativity, dedication and sheer joy you have given to so very many of us around the globe. And all for FREE! You are a very generous lady. xx
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for your lovely comment, Abbi x
Carole Evans says
Thankyou so much Dedri…..I have two Sophie’s ‘on the go’ at the moment and I want to make more. You have helped me learn new stitches (I was terrified of back and front post stitches….I don’t know why)…..I am disabled with scoliosis and I suffer a lot of pain….so Sophie has helped me take my mind off the pain and helped me to relax. We’ve also met new friends across the world whilst making Sophie….it’s united women (and men) in a common goal….We hope we can do another CAL together. Thankyou again xxxx
venda de jager says
Dedri Thank you for all your effort and mostly your design! This teach me how to crochet and between you and your team and you tube I feel I can now say that I can crochet. I have only one problem. I can not find any pattern as beautiful and interesting as Sophies Universe. Thank you and your team I am very grateful.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Venda. There are plenty of amazing patterns and now you have the tools to “decipher” them :)
Karin says
Thank you so much for Sophie. normally I start a project but after a while I get bored, but with Sophie every row is interesting and I’m hooked, can’t get away from my Sophie.I told my Daughter that this will be a heirloom piece, but I made my Sophie with scrap yarn and I had to make one row of tulips with another color, and I showed it to my daughter, she said this is okay it’s handmade this is what counts and she loves Sophie.Thank you to everyone.
Dedri Uys says
Karin, you are most welcome. I am sure it is more than okay. And in years to come she will appreciate that fact!
Carol Delaney says
Hi Dedri. I just wanted to add my thanks for all your hard work. I have always been a sewer and knitter all my life but crochet has been something I always wanted to do but could never find anyone to show me. So last May I decided it had to be now or never as I was going to be 70 at Christmas. I got myself set up with the necessary things and started trawling through You Tube. I persevered and made quite a few things . I found your blog and many others and signed up for all the newsletters. I then found your Sophie garden square and I made two of those and then when your CAL came along I just couldn’t resist. I have learnt so much from doing this and I have kept up week by week. I have told my daughter and grandad her that this has to be the family heirloom now! Once again many thanks , Kind Regards Carol Delaney
Dedri Uys says
Carol, I am so proud of you for keeping up! Too right. All those hours you put in, they better treat your blanket like a family heirloom. x
Dinie says
Thank you for sharing and learning us this piece of art!
Jane says
Thank you Dedri for your design and everyone who was involved making this CAL. I have learned more during these past weeks than I have done over the past 25 years since learning to crochet. I now have more stitches to add to my work thanks to Sophie and I think from now on, in honour of Sophie, all my blankets will have names. Xx
Dedri Uys says
What a sweet idea. I love how this blanket has taken on a personality. May you make many more blankets!
Pam Beeching says
I still have a huge amount of ‘Sophie’ left to work and I’m so glad because I have all the lovely modifications and examples from the ‘Trail Blazers’ that I can incorporate into my version.
For me, Sophie came along at a time when a dear friend and neighbour was nearing the end of her rich and full life. There were times when I just sat as she slept and worked an intricate bit of a round. It gave my heart and spirit a tiny holiday because Sophie needed all my concentration which gave me energy to begin another day. My friend died peacefully in her sleep and in my arms – a gentle passing we should all wish for ourselves. When my Sophie is finished, she will mean just that little bit more to me because she incorporates the joint efforts of so many people in such a positive and joyful way- the unstinting help, all the funny tales and sad tales, the night conversations crocheted into some rounds. All memories and a great monument to the collective will to get Sophie finished. All I can say to you Dedri – and to everyone who traveled along the road to wherever we are at the moment – the start, the middle or the finish – is wow – this is one heck of a journey and thank you all. x
Dedri Uys says
Pam, what wonderful (and sad) memories. Your comment made me so sad, imagining all the “late night conversations” that accompanied your journey. Thank you for making Sophie and for taking the time to comment.
x Dedri
feza says
Thank you very much Dedri,
I can’t find correct words to thank you. For me, this CAL was a something eye-opening, inspiring and delighting. It was a long journey and I liked every step. Thanks again for your hard work, imagination and encourager words.
Warm regards from Turkey.
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome, Feza. Seeing that you are from Turkey made me feel quite excited about how far this pattern/project has reached :)
__L__ says
Hi Dedry !
Thanks a lot for this wonderful CAL. I’m late (I’ve only finished part 13 yet !). But Sophie is with me and my family since january, my baby (20 monthes old) try to crochet with me (gloups, so many knots in my wool !!), and Sophie brings colors when I need some ;-)
Promised : I’ll show you my finished one in one month, not more !!
Dedri Uys says
I am looking forward to seeing your Sophie (chewed bits and all) x
Inga says
thank you for Sophie from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all who made this journy possible! I have learned so much & sundays became my favorit day of the week. Feel a bit sad that it’s iver but the pattern is safe in my libary. If the day comes that you’ll make another CAL no one will be hippier than me. Intill then, more Sophies & CAL 2014. Have a lovely summer!
Dedri Uys says
Inga, I hope to see your Sophie soon :)
Joyce Buja says
I’m sure there will be more cal posted but I don’t think there will be another as good as Sophie.
This has been such a great learning experience for me. It amazes everyone that sees mine. I have two going at the same time.
At the end of the day I have to spend time working on them.
Please try to find another to do for us someday after you rest for awhile.
Thank you with great gratitude, Joyce
Dedri Uys says
Hi joyce.
I don’t think I can beat the reaction this project seemed to have. I am almost scared to post another one. But I probably will…
Chantal says
Bonjour Dedri, Je voudrais vous remercier pour le fabuleux travail que vous avez accomplie avec l’aide de vos amies.
J’ai pris un immense plaisir à faire ce jardin. J’ai surfé sur votre site et j’y ai trouvé une quantité de tuto à faire. Grand grand merci pour ces fabuleuses semaines passées avec vous. Je ne vous oublierai pas. Bisous
Chantal
Heidi de Bruin says
Loved every moment of my Sophie!!! Just what to thank you for sharing this special pattern with us for FREE… your tutorials are amazing! Clear and never any confusion. People like you make us other South Africans soooo proud!
Trots Suid-Afrikaans
Liefde Heid xxx
Dedri Uys says
Ag Heidi, baie dankie! xx
Sue Ames says
This has been such a joy to follow even though I have saved it for the winter months. I know that I will be able to refer back to all the comments and tips within the group. I hope (and am sure) the next one will be just as fantastic.
Kris says
How big did this turn out when finally finished? Can you pot a picture of the entire blanket laid flat do I can see the whole thing at one time? I’m visual and can’t get an idea of what it looks like finished :) thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Kris, hi.
In the Part 20 post you can see Esther’s blanket with both the squares and the border. In Part 18 you will find the final measurements for all 3 versions (as well as photos of all 3 completed squares). As soon as I have finished turning my small version into a rectangle, those photos will be uploaded as well.
Kris says
Thank you for those links! The end results are just stunning!!!!
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome!
Gurli Liljendal says
Thank you so much for Sophie. I have finished my Sophie, and I love her so much. I have started 2 Sophie more.
Greatings from Gurli in Denmark
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome, Gurli. Thank you :)
Annelies says
Thank you, thank you, for this beautiful blanket. I have learned so much from you. I will miss the Sunday morning. It was so exciting what stitches there fame again.
Dear greetings from The Netherlands
Dedri Uys says
Hi Annelies.
Thank you for your comment :)
Kim says
Dedri….I can not thank you enough for designing such an amazing work of art and allowing me to take this journey with you….You are so very dear to me and am so grateful that you have come in to my life….Love you bunches Baby Bear <3
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for organizing the CAL, and for all your help and support. You are very special to me too, Mama Bear xxx
Shweta says
Thank you s much Dedri for taking so much effort for designing such a beautiful pattern and sharing it with the world. Sophie has been a beautiful journey which I’ll always cherish. I’m sure I’ll always have one Sophie wip until of course you come up with something better :)
Dedri Uys says
I am so pleased that you are going to make more Sophies. I wonder if I will manage to make more than the 4 I have already made. I really REALLY want one in a single colour and am half considering stealing Jenny’s one…but I have to see her every day at work, so that’s not an option. She’d clobber me!
Shweta says
I think what I love most about Sophie is the colours. Everytime I go yarn shopping, I see a potential Sophie and end up buying all the available colours. And then, even after getting 8-10 colours they don’t seem enough!
Dedri Uys says
Why don’t you do a single colour one, Shweta?
Shweta says
I think Single colour will steal something from her. She will cease to be a garden…..if it’s Sophie’s Universe, it ought to be filled with lots and lots of colours….
shweta says
May be some day, I will make a single cloud too