I have finished my Sophie’s Universe, woohoo!
I say ‘my’ Sophie’s Universe, but it is of course actually intended as a wedding present for one of my carers, carer J, who is engaged but with no date set. I very much wanted to make her a special blanket for her wedding, but I also didn’t want to be pushing up against a deadline, thus the early completion.
Overall, I’m really really happy with this blanket. It’s a pattern I’ve been meaning to do for ages, and I enjoyed doing most of it (those endless zigzag hills did try my patience!). The final product is gorgeous, and I know carer J will love it. It’s definitely a very special blanket.
I probably wouldn’t do it again, centre-out isn’t my favourite way of doing blankets, but this was definitely worth it for once.
I used Stylecraft Bellissima DK for this blanket, following Dedry Uys’s original XL colourway but in a DK yarn. The ten colours I used were Single Cream, Double Denim, Sugar Snap, Orchid Haze, Crushed Plum, Purple Passion, Luscious Leaf, Crystal Blue, Totally Teal, and Perfectly Peach.
For a full list of my colour order, and how much yarn I used, you can have a look at my project page on Ravelry. I ended up playing yarn chicken with Totally Teal – I only had a gram leftover at the end! Everything else was comfortably within the couple of grams of variance that sometimes comes with balls of yarn.
I used three different sizes of hook – yes, three! I started with a 4mm hook for parts 1-3, as suggested, then went up to a 4.5mm hook for parts 4-7. For part 8 onwards, I used a 5mm hook, because the centre was bulging a little. I went back down to a 4.5mm hook for the final round of border, to keep it from ruffling.
I definitely needed to take a break from all my little squares; finishing this up has been a welcome change. I am, however, now back to said little squares. I have about 130 to go, so the end is definitely in sight. I will also be working on some other projects in the run up to Christmas, though, so I’m not going to aim at a definite finish date for that blanket. Better to go slow and not end up so frustrated I want to throw it all away…at least, that’s the theory I’m going with!
Catherine's Crochet Corner 
I have many times looked at Sophie’s Universe and thought “Ummm .. nup. Too huge for me !”, so I’m full of admiration ! 😀
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It was definitely a long haul, and a big commitment 😀
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Absolutely stunning. Love the colour pallette.
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It’s beautiful, well done. Lucky J will be thrilled.
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She will be if she knows what’s good for her 😛 nah, seriously, I know she will. She just needs to hurry up and set a date, now!
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Mavellous, but how do you work with so big size? On a table?
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Goodness, no 🙂 just in my lap, usually spilling over the side into my work basket. It’s been lovely and warm, working on it these last few weeks!
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I’m so happy for you! Sophie’s Universe as well as Kaleidescope are projects that scare the daylights out of me. I’m thrilled to hear of your success. Well done!
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There are people who have done MULTIPLE Kaleidoscopes, and I am absolutely in awe of them. Designing it and making just one of them felt like a feat of endurance 😀 but Sophie’s Universe wasn’t a slog at all, apart from the aforementioned zig zag hills. My chain stitches always pull tight so I have to pay so much attention when making chains!
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Beautiful work! I have a a cream-colored shell-stitch afghan given to me as a wedding gift 45 years ago — and it’s still going strong, still beautiful. We use it regularly. I am sure J will cherish it for many years to come.
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Hi
I too am beavering away with Sophie having done two Charlottes as gifts and felt I must have a go at Sophie.
I have to say yours is much more attractive than mine – I had always wanted to use a Schjeepes whirl and that’s what I’m doing it in – a series of yellows but it’s not coming out as I anticipated! Also it’s difficult getting used to the thin cotton yarn! I think this means I have to make another using yarn from my stash LOL.
I recently completed your Under the Sea which I enjoyed but, again, did it using yarn from my stash in greens and yellows (loosely interpreted as sand and seaweed!
Thank you for your hard work creating designs – I look forward to your next one.
Mary
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I always like the look of Whirls and Whirlettes, but then loads of the projects I see with them end up kind of…samey, I feel. I don’t always feel they live up to their promise, I suppose!
Glad you enjoyed Under the Sea 😀
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Your “Sophie’s Universe” is beautiful. Well done! Your friend and carer will love and treasure it!
I confess I do like working in the round and I agree that now the evenings are cooler it’s wonderful to have a growing blanket on one’s lap!! I am pleased you are now feeling more settled in your new home. I loved your Kaleidoscope design and have designated it as my winter project! JCrafter
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