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.
Karen says
Dear, dear Dedri…I can’t thank you enough for sharing the gorgeous Sophie with us! I learned to crochet over 35 years ago but as life became more complicated with children and pets and jobs…life in general…my passion for crochet was sidelined for about the past 30 years. Last winter, while volunteering at a shelter/spay-neuter clinic I picked up my hook again to make blankets to keep our adorable patients warm during recovery. Need I say that my crochet addiction returned? I wanted to make an afghan again. I wanted something a bit challenging and found one with cables and bobbles and lots of things to concentrate on. When I was finished with it I felt so lost…I needed to find something to keep my mind active. When I first learned to crochet there wasn’t such a thing as a home computer or the internet. WOW!! was I surprised when I started checking into patterns online…and delighted that you could get so many of them for free! During my search I stumbled upon Ravelry…which lead me to something called a CAL (I had to find out what that was all about…totally new to me!) Here I found the wonderful start of Sophie’s Universe! I got a bit of a late start but have quickly stitched my way into Week 8. I have been having such a delightful journey refreshing my memory and learning new techniques. My current version is done in worsted weight with colors quite similar to the ones in your cotton blanket…with plans to make at least two more for my grown children. These may have to wait until fall…the summers in the midwestern United States get a too hot to work on such large projects.
Sophie has also helped me emotionally. She has kept my mind busy while I’ve been going through a rough time with my beloved Coonhound, Henry. We’re still not sure exactly what is wrong with him but it is probably neurological. He’s unable to keep his balance…among a few other issues. While Sophie was smaller, she used to keep him warm while he laid next to me as I hooked…lately he’s said she’s gotten too warm so he lays on the floor instead.
God has given you a wonderful gift that you so generously share with His world. Thanks to you and all the fantastic people who have helped and supported you with creating such a beauty to brighten and warm the lives of so many!
With thanks and love,
Karen
Dedri Uys says
Karen, thank you for your lovely comment. I hope Henry is ok now. Very close friends of ours have a white Golden Retriever called Chiara. They used to live with us right up until I had my second and they had their first son. Chiara is like family and the most amazing dog you will ever meet (although you might say the same about Henry). The last time they came to visit with Chiara (of course), she looked so bewildered and scared. I have never seen her like this and of course she is getting on in years (she was born in 2005), but it was so sad to realize that she wouldn’t be with us forever. Amazing how pets can be like people sometimes. Our cat is a year older than Chiara, but he’s fit as a fiddle and looks half his age. I wonder what we will do when his time comes :(
Dedri
Sarahjane says
Hi Dedri, I have just started my 1st Sophie and I am loving it!
I am an OK crocheter and have been tested on this project (Iam up to Row 32), mainly due to having to translate from American to English Crochet terms!
Thank you so much for this project, I feel you have inspired so many people.
Love Sarahjane
Dedri Uys says
Hehe. US/UK can cause a bit of frustration. By the time you finish this pattern you’ll be fluent in both terms!
Wendy says
Oh Dedri, please don’t turn out the lights as you leave the classroom as I am still sitting at the back working my way through part 6. I may be a slow learner but I am enjoying this so much. I didn’t join until March so there was no hope of me catching up, and the only stitch I knew then was sc. I show my 18 month old granddaughter my work every time I see her on face time, you should see her little face light up at all the colours. Thank you so so much for all that you have given so generously, you have taught me so much.
Dedri Uys says
Lol, Wendy! I won’t switch the light off. I’m just popping out quickly. So you have fun!!
Monica says
While I am only up to part 7, I have learned so much about crocheting. I started this CAL two weeks after I learned how to crochet beyond the chain. And now I consider myself an advanced beginner, thanks to you. Thank you so much for this great project, and I hope to finish all 20 parts, as well as all optional stuff.
And I sincerely hope there is another Sophie CAL to come.
Monica says
While I am only up to part 7, I have learned so much about crocheting. I started this CAL two weeks after I learned how to crochet beyond the chain. And now I consider myself an advanced beginner, thanks to you. That you so much for this great project, and I hope to finish all 20 parts, as well as all optional stuff.
And I sincerely hope there is another Sophie CAL to come.
Rachel says
evryone has said what I thought of saying… so THANK YOU from the depths of my heart for making 2015 worth it. Here’s to crocheting AND to all your team who have helped so many people quietly and unobstucsively. You are all very special loving people. God bless you all. Rachel
Ramona Kane says
I have started my first Sophie with plans of at least 2 more for gifts. After having to unraveled several times on the first one, I’m sure the next 2 will go better. Just love this pattern even though I never found it until Part 16 — I’m now on part 8 after 2 weeks. I’m am using up some of the yarns in my stash & just hope there is enough of each color as some are older ones & don’t know if I can match. When I finished, I’ll try to upload a picture for you — sometimes, my computer is much smarter than I am — so hope can get it done.
Lots of love went into this & I hope lots is going into mine.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ramona. 2 weeks to get to Part 8? Well done! My computer is often smarter than me too :)
Joann says
Thank you Dedri for Sophie’s Universe and the CAL. I had never heard of this whole concept before and only came across the Sophie’s Garden by chance. The pattern was so beautiful that I had to make it. Then I fell in love the whole concept of the CAL and I started immediately with Sophie’s Universe. I made mine in kind of the same colors as the Stonewashed and as I finished up the week 18, I knew that my Sophie was going to go to my daughter-in-law. She just gave birth to her first baby on Feb 1st and I know that Sophie’s Universe is going to have a happy home with my new Granddaughter.
I can’t thank you and all of the people who helped create the CAL enough. I have learned so much about crocheting. It has been a huge joy. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153389764179711&set=p.10153389764179711&type=1&theater
Joann
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for your lovely comment, Joann :) You are so generous to be gifting your Sophie!
Julie says
Dedri, what can I say. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough. I had only ever done UK trebles before. Your pattern is amazing so easy for even a beginner to follow. Esther is amazing as well, her video’s were fantastic. I have finished my CAL and have already started another. A HUGE thank you xxx
Dedri Uys says
Hi Julie. I am so pleased that you found it easy. Esther is amazing!
Dedri
Riana Reinecke says
Sad that a wonderful project came to an end. Hoever I enjoyed it so much I will be starting my second one soon. Thanks Dedrei and team!!!
Blessings and keep on hooking
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Riana :)
Maria Dolores Vella says
Sophie was my first cal. I enjoyed it immensely. Going to miss not having Sophie to look forward to on Sunday. Thank you everyone.
Sue says
I started what went on to become my Sophie’s Swirling Universe as a bit of a lark, using up a few pretty balls of cotton yarn that seemed to go together. Then it became a challenge and I went back for more yarn, promising myself I would back out if the going got to be beyond me. And then I found myself exhorting others not to give up because this delight of a pattern, this little beauty, takes whatever you do it and makes it beautiful. My ‘swirling universe’ happened because I did not take the time to understand the basic anatomy of a crochet stitch; it’s beautiful though.
And, like I tweeted to you some months ago, to me this piece of crochet will forever be bound to my second child’s babyhood. As I worked on it he started solids, started sitting, then crawling, now standing. When he teethed he bit into my Sophie. He was given his own strands of yarn to distract him from my working yarns. His toothy grins, his questing fingers — surface crochet is such delight to touch! — his pulling hands when he felt ignored, this is what my Sophie feels like.
And you know who I thank? You guys. You and your team deserve great things to happen to you. May you be given as much happiness as you’ve given me.
Dedri Uys says
Sue, of all the messages your one probably makes me the happiest. I can just imagine your little one doing everything you say he does (and has done) and I understand full-well what you mean when you say his “babyhood” is tied up in this project. I am a very sentimental person and everything I make is always so much more about the memories that accompany it, rather than the actual piece.
God bless x
Lise says
Thank you for your beautiful universe. I am a knitter and I crocheted a few projects. But Sophie has won me over. I am making the 1st one uns single color and have already bought the yarn for a 2nd one. I am on part 7 and struggling but I am hooked ( no pun intended). Thank you for this beautiful addiction xx
Dedri Uys says
Lise, I LOVE “corrupting” knitters. Both my grannies are bi-craftual (they knit and crochet) and I can knit myself, although I don’t have the patience it takes to knit. But I actually like the look or knitting more than the look of crochet, at least when it comes to stockinette stitch. My favourite stitch in the world!
Ellen Fayard says
I am actually shedding tears. Dedri you and everyone involved have the biggest hearts…to put so much time, effort and love into this. This has been amazing and the best group of people. I can’t believe I am actually finished…just finishing the border and ends. Hope this isn’t the end and looking forward to future projects and friendships. I don’t do hashtags but will post a selfie on the FB page. Thanks again for such a great experience. You’re the best!!!
Dedri Uys says
Ellen, bless you x
Thank you for taking part (and for sending me my favourite skein of yarn out of the whole lot!!!)
Minette says
I love your comment, Lorry.
Kimberly, you have been an amazing leader. I admire the way you handled the negativities and potential derailings.
Dedri, wat kan ek sê? Ek is ongelooflik trots op jou, my lief. May you sleep easy, knowing that you have spread joy over the entire globe. It has not ended… As David Phelps sings: the end of the beginning. Or, as Neil Diamond sings: Hell, yeah.
Dedri Uys says
Mamma, ek het hoeka aan die David Phelps liedjie gedink (en dit geluister) soos ek die post geskryf het. Ek het net nie geweet hoe om dit in te werk nie. Dit, en “every perfect gift comes from above” (That’s where the Joy comes from – Steve Green).
This CAL has made me feel so close to you across the waters. God is good, all the time!
Winnie M says
Thank you Dedri, for providing the world with such a wonderful piece of artwork that has brought many around the world with a common cause…to crochet together, no matter who or what you are. I discovered the CAL halfway thru, but I have my yarn and am waiting for fall/winter to come back around to work on my big Sophie for our bed. But in the meantime, I’ve been inspired by those that have done/are doing a Sophie with sewing thread. So I’ve started my own sewing thread Sophie to get me through the summer. Hopefully it will make making my big one a breeze.
Hugs from a stranger,
Winnie
Dedri Uys says
Oooh, I am hoping to buy a sewing thread Sophie off of someone and her version is amazing. Fingers crossed she will still want to sell it when it’s done :)
Penny Davis says
so sad that this has officially ended, but you are right we should look at this as the end of the beginning, i know it is a beginning for me.
Thanks so much Dedri for everything, Kimberley for hosting and everything else behind the scenes, Ester for all her time and work on the video tutorials, ALL the pattern testers and proof reading, the Translators, Administrators & Moderators, & Betty for the border pattern. There were 20 different people involved in bringing this beautiful creation to life and we are so grateful to you all.
Lastly thanks to everyone making Sophie, for sharing your pictures and advice and tips with the rest of us – that made this CAL such a wonderful experience. This was my first CAL and I hope it wont be my last.
THANK YOU EVERYONE
Dedri Uys says
Penny, thank YOU for letting me post your Square :) You have definitely made very many women happy with that design :)
pascale says
Merci Dedri pour toutes ces semaines de découverte. je vais trouver les dimanches à venir bien fade…
Dedri Uys says
Pascale, I am sure you will find something else to do very soon :)
Lorry says
I explained about Sophie in my group of positive thinkers (Abraham Hicks material). They were all amazed and said “Who knew crochet could be that deep?”
Dedri Uys says
Hehe. The people at work look at me funny when I try to explain the healing powers of a craft, so I know what you mean :)
Amy S. says
Thank you for a beautiful experience. I’m almost done with my first Sophie with plans for at least 4 more. I have another already in progress. I almost cried reading your ending. <3
Dedri Uys says
Aww, Amy, I was quite emotional when I wrote it. x