http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/ . This link contains a lot of information and the links to each part of the cal. It only looks harder than what it is. Also you can learn more about this designer there and find more of her patterns. Oh and as a bonus, if in the future you find yourself doing this blanket and want to extend Sophie's Universe, here is a link for that:
http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/free-crochet-patterns/sophies-alternate-universe-extension-by-sonja-hollands/ . Now I have not attempted this myself yet, but when I decide to make another Sophie (which I want to do someday) I just might make it with the extension. Also there is YouTube video for each part of this cal, which will come in handy if you find yourself learning new stitches should you find yourself making your own Sophie's Universe.
I should say now that my first Sophie's Universe is not for sale. My aunt has technically claimed it as her's. Which is fine, she watched it being made from the tiny center circle to the big blanket it is now. She fell in love with it. She is truly amazed on my talent.
Now your probably wondering what yarn I used in my Sophie's Universe? I used worsted weight yarn, The brands of yarn are either Red Heart or I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. Red Heart brands can be found at various locations like Wal-Mart, Joanna or Michael's. Of course the "I Love This Yarn" brand can only be found at a local Hobby Lobby or ordered from their website. I have personally seen Sophie's Universe done in other types of yarn as well, such as crochet thread and full cotton yarn.
Colors: Just like the yarn, I used many colors in this blanket and didn't keep proper track of the colors. I believe that I could look back and name some of them. When the day comes that I make a second Sophie's Universe, I'll make sure to keep better track.
As far as the type of hook I used, it was a 5.00 mm. I would use a hook appropriate for the type of yarn that you are using. Also in the pattern, it does say to go up a hook size for the rest of the project. I honestly did not do that and it turned out just fine. That is a personal preference of the hooker/crocheter.
Washing & Blocking: For some crocheters/hookers, washing and blocking is something not typically done of a blanket. I did wash and block Sophie's Universe. I washed the Sophie's Universe in a commercial washer at my local laundry mat and then took it to a friend's house to use his rec room at his house for me to lay Sophie's Universe out on his floor and with soup and veggie cans, was able to block it. He also ran a dehumidifier in the rec room to help it dry. It probably took a few days per side for it to dry. I should also say that, no the soup/veggie cans did not leave any impressions or marks on the blanket.
Pictures: Your probably thinking, Finally some pictures of this amazing blanket! Here they are. I only have the finished product pictures. I only took in progress picture with my cell phone, which aren't the greatest quality. If and when I do a second Sophie's Universe, I'll take better pictures with my camera as I make it.
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| Full blanket |
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| Center Circle |
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| Circle Turning into Square |
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| A Butterfly |
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| Side Flower |
So that is Sophie's Universe. I hope most of your questions have been answered. Feel free to leave a comment if you should want to know more. :)
