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.
sandie says
Thankyou so much for a wonderful journey, I have been crocheting for a number of years, but have learnt so many new skills. I am submitting my sophie in the local show here in Darwin, Australia
Thankyou again for your time and creativity
Dedri Uys says
Good luck, Sandie! I hope you win something :)
Mariana says
Thank you so much for this wonderful project. It has been a huge part of my life for the past couple of months and has given me the time to just become quiet before God while I crochet….to link to your 5 things to do while crocheting :) While I crochet I get to talk to Him and just become aware of everything around me and what I would like to accomplish in His name.
Sadly I have developed a serious shoulder problem in the last couple of months and have been advised to lay down the hook for a while, so my Sophie isn’t finished. Will the pattern be available for a while or should I rather download it now?
So looking forward to finishing her and to start on a second one for my mom. You make us South Africans so proud! Keep up the good work. Many blessings to you and your family!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Mariana. Although I don’t openly preach on my website, I do believe that crochet is my ministry and that God can touch lives through it. It doesn’t matter people don’t know that. All that matters is that He does. Every stitch I make is prayerfully and gratefully done. Thank you for your contribution! I hope your shoulder gets better soon. The pattern will remain available, so no need to rush :)
Ann Marie says
So true. With out Him where would any of us be? This is my gift to God also. every stitch for him.
Helena says
Hi Dedri, just want to thank you for an amazing journey you have taken us on. It is the first CAL that I have ever done, and it has been an amazing journey! I have learned so much, mostly patience waiting for the next week to be released! What a wonderful talent you have! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us!
Inge says
Thanks Dedri for this wonderful pattern. I´m working hard to finish it because the local yarnstore asked me if I want to show it at a Textile event this summer.
It´s a special event in june and august organized by the local textile museum, how cool is that!
I´ll be sending you pictures at the face-book group and ofcourse put your name on it.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Inge
Dedri Uys says
Inge, wow. Well done! I can’t wait to see some pictures :)
Jenni says
Dear Dedri,
Thank you so much for bringing me (and so many others) the great gift that is sophie! I must admit, when I first saw the magnitude of the project I thought I’d just do the central mandala square and leave it at that, for I don’t have much money to buy yarns…but my little princess sophie insisted on growing- and I rejoiced doing every new round! I still do, now am doing the Butterfly Band.
You are a great inspiration. Big hug for all your hard work and updates- pictures and texts don’t just magically appear on a website, putting all this info here to use (for free!!) is huge amount of work.
I want to try other colour combinations too, so I’m already dreaming about another sophie….
once again, thank you so much for this!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jenni.
It does take a fair bit of work, but it is worth every minute!
I am so pleased that you have continued on. When I first started crocheting I didn’t have enough money to even buy yarn, so I can appreciate money being tight. I have found that second-hand stores (thrift shops) are an excellent source of cheap yarn.
Dedri
christine says
hoi dedri
hier een berichtje uit nederland ,ben nu pas begonnen met de sohie maar vindt hem geweldig en ben vol overgave begonnen.
bedankt voor dit hele mooie patroon!
groetjes christine
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Christine :)
Gail says
I posted a comment yesterday in which I thanked Dedri for the tremendous work she has done in designing this beautiful piece of Art!
I am surprised that my comment is not posted!
Is there a problem?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Gail.
There is a huge problem, Gail! There aren’t enough hours in my day!! I am trying to get to all the comments as quickly as I can. I have not had time to read (or reply to) your previous comment, but will do so as soon as I get home from work.
Gail says
Hi Dedri
Already received your comment and replied to it
Many thanks for reading and replying to all comments!!
Do understand about not having enough hours in a day!!,
Many thanks
Love
Gail
Marietjie Wagner says
What a wonderful challenging journey I had. A ton of thanks to each and everyone that made it possible.
alta says
Deidre thank you. What more can I say that all the other lovely ladies have not said. This Sophie will be a good fond memory to me. I am only at row 97 now. Three weeks of crocheting. Looking forward to more crochet along projects. I am dying to start on a hoodie for my 2.5year old grandson. Stay well
Dedri Uys says
Hi Alta :) enjoy your last 3 weeks of Sophie! Have you already chosen a pattern for your grandson?
Susan Nieuwoudt says
Dedri thank you very much for sharing this wonderful very clear Sophie’s Universe. I am still working on mine but have inspired lots of others to try your Sophie to learn wonderful new techniques even older hookers like me and also lefthanders because with careful reading and seeing your clear instructions I am able to make this wonderful blanket for myself.
Thanks again for sharing this with the whole world.
Susan
Dedri Uys says
Susan, I am so pleased that you found it easy to follow x
Karen says
Thank you Dedri for giving me Sophie. Each Sunday morning I would sit with my iPad at the ready waiting for 9am! It was like Christmas once a week :-)
My story – I am 49 and in November 2013 got given the bad news that I had Motor Neuron Disease…..why me? I’m only 47? I have got to retire from a job I love in the NHS! My daughter has just given us our second grandson, he’s only one month old, my other grandson is only two, will I live long enough for them to remember their ‘Nana’???……that was 18 months ago, now my thoughts are – what a gift that diagnoses was, I no longer work 13 hours plus a day, getting frustrated that the NHS was being driven away from patient care and was all about targets. I now spend my days with my dogs, doing all the crafts I never had time to do. I taught myself crochet last year as knitting took too much arm power, and boy I wish I had started sooner, I just love it! I’ve taught my mum, a devout knitter ‘tried crochet but couldn’t do it’, to crochet (miracle!), her words ‘I’m never going to knit again!’. We are in the process of selling our house and moving to Somerset, next to the sea surrounded by fields, my husband, Andrew, won’t be working a 60+ hour week. And finally both my grandson, Elliott and Oliver, know their Nana x
Sophie has been integral in my healing, each week I’ve grown more positive as my Sophie grew and blossomed. I’m so proud of my Sophie, it will be my daughters one day when I pop off (but I’m not planning on her getting her hands one it for a long time yet!) so thank you Dedri and all of your helpers for giving me this gift. 18 months ago my life was ending, now I know that it was just the ending of one story but now I’m starting my new story and Sophie was my opening chapter. So to anybody else out their that gets given a terminal diagnoses just remember you can’t have a rainbow without rain. I’ve found my rainbow and it’s beautiful……open your eyes and look for yours, it’s there somewhere just never stop looking xxxxx
Dedri Uys says
Karen, what a wonderful, inspiring story. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but commend you for grabbing life by the “horns” like this. I think I’m going to print your comment out and stick it on my fridge!
Karen says
Thank you Dedri x
Karen says
Thank you for your wonderful pattern, its most inspiring and I have learnt heaps its the most complicated pattern I have ever done to date. I have been making mine for my daughters 5th wedding anniversary on June 26 and I’m up to Part 16. I’ve been trying to keep it a surprise for my daughter as I started the Chain Reaction Afghan and she has seen and loved the squares from this but then I fell in love with Sophie. So I’ve had to hide it every time she comes over- not so easy to do when its pinned out for blocking. I’m making mine in cotton as even though its winter here now, it doesn’t get into minus temps and well we only add the quilt to the bed for about 2 months of the year so a cotton cover can be used year round. Now I’m trying to make my small Sophie which is only just under 1.2m square big enough for a QS bed cover. Hope I get finished in time. I’m combining some of my
Dedri Uys says
Hehe. I am just trying to imagine you scrambling to hide a blocking Sophie when your daughter rocks up!
Shirley Barkley says
I have joined the sophie’s universe journey quite late in the game. I just started it 2 weeks ago. I’m getting ready to start part 4. I wish I had seen this when it first started so I could have started on it earlier but I am so grateful that I can just join in at a later date and work it. I decided to make it using yarn from my huge yarn stash and my mom’s huge yarn stash…….but now I have seen it done in all one color and it looks amazing….I may just have to do another one! thanks so much for all the hard work at putting this together! I am truly grateful for all you have done. I can’t wait to get my sophie done!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Shirley
How special that you can incorporate your mom’s stash in your blanket. It makes it much more of a memory piece :) You just take your time. The instructions aren’t going anywhere.
Trisha Young says
Dedri…I was thinking if you haven’t already decided on your next project have a look at Dale Chihuly’s blown glass artworks and maybe consider teaching hyperbolic crochet as your next creative lessons that could really get imaginations going places. Blown glass and hyperbolic crochet make a great marriage for inspirational ideas. I found some real interesting sites showing all different creative ways to make interesting hyperbolic motifs…one included a futuristic clothing design. Pinterest has some neat hyperbolic designs that I have been inspired by.
Dedri Uys says
Thrisha, that’s a brilliant idea. I have always been intrigued by hyperbolic crochet, but have just never gotten to it. I will investigate as I do love a bit of blown glass too!
Donna Nix says
Everyone has already stated how truly great and amazing this project has turned out. Can’t thank you enough for everything. I have completed one Sophie and I am on Part 5 of a second Sophie. However since I have seen a one color Sophie I will have to make another–for myself!! The cream color is fabulous–I didn’t know where to look next! So thank you again! I’ll let you know when I complete my Sophie. Looking forward to more of your projects. Oh yes any chance of a book(let) of Sophie? It would be great.
Donna
Dedri Uys says
Hi Donna.
Thank you. The pattern will be available as a complete pattern later this year.
Dedri
Gail Adegbite says
Dear Dedri
When I first saw Sophie’s Universe, I was amazed at the beautiful pattern and textures you have created!!
I quickly looked through the yarns I had on hand and started it!
I am now on the 5th part and it has been a truly uplifting experience
I have been crocheting since I was in primary school and am now 58 years
I love thread crochet but your afghan continues to thrill me…..
I would love to try it in thread too!
I am enjoying it so much and my daughter who is visiting from Ireland is amazed too
Thank you for a one of its kind, out of this world experience!!
Thank you for sharing it with us for free…..
I am really grateful
Will be trying your other patterns too!, I am truly hooked!!
Best regards and love
Gail
Dedri Uys says
Gail, finally got to it :)
Thank you for your lovely comment. I am curious to know where you live (I think maybe England if your daughter is in Ireland?) I am amazed that you’ve been crocheting for so long. Most people I know (including myself) give up for a few (many) years and then get back to it later. Did you ever take a break, or has it been a life-long hobby?
Dedri
Gail says
Dear Dedri
Thank you for replying!
I live in California, USA now. I have truly been crocheting since I was about 9 years. I learnt the basics from my grandmother and then taught myself from books but thread crochet has always been my passion!
I am a medical practitioner and worked in West Africa for almost 30 years before retiring and settling in California! I don’t think I have ever taken a break except for a few months when I could not get the cotton thread size 10 in Africa and I used Nylon Twine!!! So it has truly been a life long hobby!
Thanks once again, I look forward to doing the block CAL of 2014 too!
Looking forward to your next projects
Much love
Gail
Dedri Uys says
Wow, West Africa as in Namibia? Some of my descendants came from there (De Witt’s Mines) and my parents-in-law farmed for Aaron Mushimba for a few years (in Okahandja). How amazing that you have always crocheted. I wish I had never given it up. I was taught by my dad’s mom at 7 but never really liked it. I only started properly again when I was pregnant with my second son (at 27). But I don’t look at those years as wasted. I don’t think the “bug” would have bitten me quite as hard if I had kept crocheting in the intervening years.
Blessings,
Dedri
Trisha says
Thank you so much Dedri for the inspirational work you have shared with all of us. I am just now finishing my last winters blanket project and meanwhile I have been following along waiting for your work to finish so I can see the final project in completion. I am planning on making this my next winters project to start this fall. This was just what I needed to help me have something to look forward to doing during the long winter next year. Crocheting gives me a reason to get up in the morning and makes each day a little brighter and your project creates the challenge I need to feel like I’m creating something memorable and I hope it will become another heritage piece in our household. Looking forward to see what you challenge us with next year :- }
Dedri Uys says
Hi Trisha. Crochet chases me out of bed at silly o’clock as well, so I understand what you mean. Thank you for commenting :)
francine pickett says
i haven’t finished my sophie yet(only up to part 11) but i am so looking forward to the finished blanket. my granma on my mom’s side died while i was making this and i will always remember how working on my sophie made waiting for news of her much more bearable during that terrible time. thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your talent with the world.
Miranda says
I have been following Sophie’s universe for so long, my Sunday’s will be so empty. Or will they? My mom has seen my progress and is begging for one for her bed, and this has been such an amazing CAL, thank you for letting me participate! (And I know it’s early, but already hoping for another!)
Dedri Uys says
Hehe, I am on “design holiday” or more aptly a holiday from design :)
So pleased you are contemplating a second sophie :)
Hester says
What a inspiring and full of challenge this CAL is. I’m in Part 7 and really can’t wait to see what every row has in store for me. Thank you for this exciting project!!!