Sophie's Universe

I usually approach crochet books with a certain degree of skepticism. A lot of them are too generalized or limited BUT this one is different. Sophies Universe is a book-sized tutorial on how to make the blanket of the same name. When looking at the cover photo, it might be easy to be overwhelmed by the complexity of this pattern. Ms. Uys has put together the best tutorial I have ever seen to explain it. Each round of this project is dealt with separately, in such away as to make it possible even for an adventurous beginner to tackle this beautiful project. She breaks down the directions and accompanies them with detailed and very clear photos. As far as I am concerned, this book is worth every penny.

This is an incredibly detailed pattern that was carefully tested and is free of mistakes and confusing language. The written pattern is supplemented with beautiful color photos showing details of stitch construction and there are video tutorials for the entire project on YouTube.This blanket is incredibly versatile and looks amazing in any color scheme including monochromatic. The interior square also looks great as matching pillows.If you do a Google Image search for Sophie's Universe, you will be in for a real treat! Because this pattern started off as a crochet-along, there are tens of thousands of other hookers in love with this pattern displaying their unique color sequences, alternative edging and willing to help out newcomers.My favorite part about this pattern is that you learn something new every round. Each consecutive round teaches a new stitch, making new patterns and textures. Much better than doing the same stitch over and over for months.This pattern is also great for any skill level. I had only crocheted for 2 months when I began to make my own Sophie. By using the video tutorials with the written pattern, I taught myself to read written patterns and even create my own. I've seen this same sentiment repeated constantly on the facebook group. It's a real confidence builder. There are so many delightful stitches in this blanket that even people who have crocheted for years will learn something new.If you take this project out in public, be prepared to talk about it. People love this blanket and will be in awe of how beautiful it is. They will want to know own everything about it.In fact, the pattern book should come with a couple sheets of tear out business cards to give people who want to make their own Sophie's Universe. Seriously. Sometimes I don't get any work done because I'm so busy telling people about the pattern.If you order this though, make sure you also order some stitch markers and find yourself a dedicated project bag.

Just finished this pattern… every row had its own page (and sometimes two) with not only very well written directions, but fantastic color pics taking you step by step. I would highly recommend. My only regret is that I didn’t use a more colorful yarn pallet, but I will surely make this again!

What a beautiful almost intimately written book/pattern. It’s way bigger than I expected and loaded with colorful photos and well written instruction to create, indeed, a beautiful “Universe.” I have not started this blanket but I saw someone in a crochet group I follow post a pic of her work and I had to find the pattern. I waited a week or so wondering if it was worth the price and the answer is yes, yes it is. This will be made for both my girls and after wondering why I have a million skeins of yarn but never what I need for the next project, here I have found a way to put my husbands condescending tone in the dumpster about having too much unused yarn. Bam. Perfect project for all those carts I’ve loaded up and all the yarns given to me and all the people that will now benefit from me having this pattern as gifts and not to mention my mental health. The way this book is written it’s almost like you’re crocheting with a friend that is teaching you over a cup of tea. Ha, get this book if you want to make something beautiful to pass down and eventually this book will be my daughters’ and who knows how far it will go from there? I have my Grandmothers old knitting books. Buy this because it’s one worth keeping in the family.

The best pattern book I have ever purchased. Illustrations are easy to see and instructions are very detailed and easy to follow.

This is a lovely, well-illustrated book. I'm sure it will provide all the instruction needed to make this unusual throw. However, it is not new, and it is water-damaged. I wanted to give it a 3 rating because of the damage but that is not the fault of the author. I would return it if it wasn't such a hassle to do so.

I made my first Sophie!! I loved this book!! I was able to follow the step by step, illustrated row by row pattern without much difficulty. Tip: read everything especially the hints and tips - the author knows what she is talking about!!I didn’t find any errors or typos in the pattern. This book is well written, very well illustrated and WELL EDITED! It may look daunting at first, but don’t be afraid to try this book. And don’t be afraid to substitute yarns. I used various colors of Caron Simply Soft yarns to make my Sofie, and it turned out beautifully.I would recommend this book to anyone who has a basic knowledge of crochet. It is not something for an absolute beginner. It would also be a fun project for a more advanced crocheter who wants to try something new.

This is an excellent book. The instructions are easy to follow, pictures are clear. Next best thing to a video tutorial. Agree with other reviews that this afghan is not as daunting as it looks. Also agree that it would be nice to have a spiral binding. The book is well bound so I have to place a heavier object to keep the page open. Also agree that the pictures shouldn’t be glossy. When I put a desk lamp light on it it creates a glare and is hard to see. But these are minor annoyances. I would buy any of her books again.