Look What I Made, Dedri Uys
Look What I Made, Dedri Uys shares with the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. 
Dedri Uys lives in London with her husband, 3 sons, and the family cat ‘Kettle’. When she is not working as a therapeutic radiographer or tending to her family, you will find her huddled over her hook and yarn, furiously scribbling down new crochet designs. She is best known for her Crochet Amish Puzzle Animals and Sophie’s Universe (a popular free crochet-along for a large square blanket).
Although some of her designs are complex, Dedri aims to write the patterns in such a way that even beginners can follow them. She wants people to experience that ‘Look at what I made!’ joy that comes from achieving something you weren’t quite sure you could do.
Some helpful links for those that wish to find even more fun shared by Dedri Uys:-
Website: http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/
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Instagram: http://instagram.com/barbertondaisy
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Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dedri/
If you missed this visit when in was LIVE, check Marly’s Facebook page for behind-the-scenes video and you can listen to the original audio episode: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/03/28/look-what-i-made-dedri-uys
Annie Vanaskie Watters says
March 28, 2017 at 10:54 amOh wow! This blanket is absolutely gorgeous! I haven’t made a blanket is a really long time, and I am mainly a knitter. But a friend of mine got me back into crochet just a few weeks ago. I hope to make it sometime in 2017!
Cindy says
March 28, 2017 at 10:59 amSophie’s Universe is such a unique and beautiful pattern and I want to make one for each of my three children. They will cherish this blanket forever because they will know that this was made with love. This is what this pattern means to me. I’m also trying to decide which colors to use for the Charlotte squares. Thank you for making these patterns available for free.
Siri Vranken says
March 28, 2017 at 11:02 amWhat Sophie’s Universe means to me: I have very little confidence in everything I do and because of Dedri’s incredible tutorial I was able to make something amazing and be proud of myself. Dedri, if you read this, you are my biggest inspiration and when I talk about you as designer, I refer to you as a crochet rocket scientist. All the best from my family to yours! <3
Thanks for the great podcast Marly!
Carolyn R King says
March 28, 2017 at 11:05 amI loved this podcast so much! I made my Sophie along with the CAL, but I have many more makes in my plans. My Sophie will be a treasure for my children and beyond!
Sharon Mueller says
March 28, 2017 at 11:17 amOne of the best podcasts ever..I am working on my 10th Sophie’s Universe using Stylecraft DK yarn. Mostly I make for gifts for the holidays..and the recipients are people who do not crochet but who are mesmerized with this pattern. I must say that this pattern is so well laid out that even though I knew what a back post and front post stitch was…I learned how to implement all the stitches learned within other works that I make. I started with the Block CAL and was drooling over Sophie’s Garden..mainly because this Mandela pattern made me so happy every time I saw it. I am so happy that your Sophie’s Universe has been published..kudos to you..great job!!
Bonnie Gibson says
March 28, 2017 at 11:29 amHi, I watched the podcast and enjoyed hearing Dedri’s comments! Especially the one about having her online cart full of yarn that she can’t afford just sitting there, I do that all the time! I’m just about to start Sophie, just waiting on some yarn but I hope she can teach me something new and keep me focused and busy for the months ahead. I’m truly in awe of Dedri and Sophie and hope I have that ‘Look at what I made’ moment at the end! Winning a book would be icing on the cake 🙂
Julie says
March 28, 2017 at 11:35 amI just started my Sophie after wanting to give it a try for so long. At the end of 2016 I was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer and figured I’d better get on it because nothing in life is for certain. I recently had surgery to remove the cancer and was given a positive outlook. Sophie to me means happiness and love for life 🙂
Morag Mackenzie says
March 28, 2017 at 12:19 pmOh, is this the right place to enter try competition? I’m confused, lol. Anyway, this was the first time I’ve managed to tune in to a live podcast! Wouldn’t it be cool if it was the first time I won a crochet prize too? I started my Sophie a few weeks after the CAL started out of random yarn and finished it long after it ended, so I saw others completing it, and I NEVER thought I would manage to finish it but I did, and it’s the most impressive thing I’ve ever made (and probably ever will). I made Sophie’s Garden in lilac thread and it is stunning too. I hope to make another full size one some day in more considered colours so I need the book, lol!
Joan machado says
March 28, 2017 at 12:43 pmHi I listened to the podcast and would love to win the book so I can learn all the different stitches and incorporate them for my hospital baby hats I make , I’m thinking of crocheting prayer shawls also
Aurora Benavides says
March 28, 2017 at 12:45 pmHi Marly, Loved todays podcast with Dedri. If I were to make a sophie universe it would mean that I would accomplish learning new stitches and not being afraid of color combinations.
lynnettelau says
March 28, 2017 at 12:57 pmFabulous interview. Thanks so much. Hope Marisa enjoys her copy of Sophie’s Universe Book. Sophie brings us all together.
Maude Nosky says
March 28, 2017 at 1:29 pmHi Marly, I loved todays podcast! I was so happy to find I could listen even after the live broadcast. Like so many others I adore Dedri’s patterns, she is brilliant! I have a Sophie in progress, I started her at the beginning of the crochet along then life, and Charlotte kind of put her on hold. My mom’s name was Charlotte and we lost her a little over 3 years ago so when Charlotte was released I absolutely had to make her, which I did and am now waiting to continue her. But this summer I intend to complete Sophie before working more on Charlotte. I started Sophie because it looked like a challenge, something that would keep me interested, it was and it did. I love the fact that I have learned so much already. I’ve been crocheting for over 50 years but have still learned things I never thought I could do. Thanks to Dedri, now I have the confidence to tackle more involved patterns.
Carolyn says
March 28, 2017 at 1:51 pmMy first time listening in to your podcast and I loved it! My Sophie will be handed down to my children. Such love! Planning on making another.
Carolyn says
March 28, 2017 at 1:52 pmOops, sorry. I could not see my post come through. Double love.
Sawsan T M says
March 28, 2017 at 2:08 pmHi, if I was to make Sophie it would mean that I have finally find the project I was always looking for to keep in my home and pass it to my children. Actually, I decided to make a table cover and 4 or 6 cushions. already tried the pattern with available yarn and I loved it so much. thank you very much Dedri for your great job.
Jannette Mann says
March 28, 2017 at 2:12 pmMarly serendipity was at work today. I just came from the yarn store where I purchased my Sophie’s universe supplies, sat down to screen facebook and found your podcast and who should be highlighted but Dedri. This book and some lovely wool is my gift to myself. To answer your question: It will remind my husband and me that life is to be cherished. Dedri was a charming guest and her book should be in the hands of every crocheter.
Lorraine Jones says
March 28, 2017 at 2:39 pmI would to have Sophie’s Universe so I could learn some different crochet stitches and make such a beautiful blanket that this book teaches us how to create. The colors are so pretty the way this blanket comes together.
claire sutcliffe says
March 28, 2017 at 2:41 pmFantastic podcast. Dedri is so inspirational and I love her work.
Kathleen Roth says
March 28, 2017 at 3:15 pmAmazed. I got both my knees replaced in July 2014. I did a lot of sitting for a couple months after surgery and decided to pick up crocheting. I don’t remember when, but I stumbled on Sophie accidently. Never heard of crochet along. Everyone was amazed at my work and I would always say Dedri is the amazing one. How could anyone come up with this. I have made 5 and am thinking of making another. I learned to read patterns because of Dedri and Sophies Universe.
Suzy Jacobsen says
March 28, 2017 at 3:33 pmMy Sofie, I made two years ago. I started making her to challenge myself (boy was it a challenge. My AC broke down and I was making this in the middle of a hot Kansas summer). In doing so, I re-fell in love with crochet. In the process, my husband became a fan and encourages me with every project. I learned so much in making this blanket, and plan on making more. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world!
Suzy
Cynthia Kirk says
March 28, 2017 at 3:37 pmI would love to win Sofies Universe. It is so beautiful. Love the stitches and colors.
Linda Bokdalen says
March 28, 2017 at 4:08 pmHi, Just love your work with yarn. Only crocheted for a year, but feel ready for Sophie. It is so wonderful that the crocheting is developing in such ways that it is. It’s almost like a candystore with patterns on the net, and Sophie is the loveliest of them all,for me.
Greetings from Sweden
Rae Willms says
March 28, 2017 at 7:39 pmThank you Marly,
This was the first time I have watched live, I really enjoyed it!
I used just 2 colors for my Sophie’s Universe. I have been crocheting almost 50 years and still Deidres beautiful pattern taught me things I didn’t know. It opened up my mind to new ideas, it is truly a work of art and I thank you for all your hard work and sharing it with all of us!
Rae – MN
Sue Painter says
March 28, 2017 at 8:36 pmI loved today’s podcast! My two absolute favorite designers together in one place! Completing my Sophie’s Universe was such an accomplishment for me. When I started it in February of 2016, I’d only been crocheting for about 6 months, and I managed to complete it in about 5-6 weeks. What I achieved in that process was a level of self confidence within a craft that was so new to me. I no longer look at a design or pattern and wonder “am I good enough”. Now, I find myself wondering more often “is this *pattern* good enough to be worth the investment of my time?” It also gave me the confidence to begin selling completed projects! Thank you, Marly, for the community (and the designs!) that you’ve created, and for hosting my other favorite designer, Dedri. I am so thankful for having found you both. ~Sue
Ginny B says
March 28, 2017 at 9:19 pmLoved this podcast! I’ve been in awe of Sophie’s Universe and didn’t feel I could make it. After listening to Dedri say she tries to make her patterns for every ability, I now want to make it. I will be saving up to purchase the yarn, and would love the book!
Glenna Gordon says
March 28, 2017 at 11:12 pmI have yet to make Sophie’s Universe but I’m looking forward to making it and maybe use it as a colourful wall hanging!
~ Glenna
Mary Kay Dierna says
March 29, 2017 at 11:41 amHi Marly and Dedri, I just listened to your podcast. I will tell you how you, Dedri, along with the wonderful Esther, changed my life. When I began Sophie, I unable to understand or complete any of the directions from the videos, right from the magic square, and I was crying with frustration.I must have frogged it almost 100 times…I was determined. With no luck at all, I knew there was something wrong with me. I knew I was being forgetful of late, but trying to crochet the Sophie made me so frustrated with my memory problem that I made an appointment to see my doctor. Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, which affects memory and reading comprehension. After a successful surgery, I breezed through Sophie’s Garden and a popular Mandala! Had I not tried to make a Sophie, I would have never gone to the doctor, thinking it was just me aging. Thank you so much, Dedri, for this beautiful pattern. For me it was life-changing.
With Love,
~~ Mary Kay ~~
Susan Oeltjen says
March 29, 2017 at 12:06 pmSophie’s Universe is such a beautiful pattern and looks so complicated. My daughter purchased the book and had me look through. The pictures and instructions make me think I Can Do This! I would learn so much from making this wonderful blanket.
Katie Pederson says
March 29, 2017 at 2:27 pmGreat podcast! I’d love to make Sophie’s Universe because I think it would help me overcome my hesitation for using so many colors! It’s absolutely beautiful.
Bonnie Anderson says
March 29, 2017 at 7:07 pmI would love to win the Sophie’s Universe Book. The blanket is so beautiful.
Trisha says
March 29, 2017 at 10:24 pmI haven’t crocheted Sophie’s Universe yet. When I look at it, it means color, color, color to me, which is quite inspirational.
Amberly says
March 30, 2017 at 12:06 pmSophie’s universe would be amazing to make, I would love it as an way to showcase colour and I think it would make a gorgeous wall hanging. I know it would be a project I would be eager to show off!
Chris Lopez says
March 30, 2017 at 2:14 pmIt’s such a beautiful pattern. I’ve seen a gorgeous circle vest made out the first part of the design and I can’t decide if I want to do that first or do the whole blanket. Guess I’ll do both!
Kathy Arsenault says
March 30, 2017 at 6:48 pmI just finished listening to Dedri and Marly’s podcast for the second time! I am so excited and inspired to do a larger project in crochet! My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 7 while looking in a mirror. She is right handed and I am left. I have since learned to knit and have been knitting regularly, but crocheting is very comfortable for me and gives me some warm feelings from my childhood. I would love to win Sophie’s Universe and work on a blanket for my new granddaughter!
Vicki L Lynch says
March 30, 2017 at 7:15 pmWow! This blanket is amazing as were all the other designs I looked at. I would love to work my way through this because I would learn so much and have a wonderful piece of art/blanket when I’m done.
Heather K. says
March 31, 2017 at 12:34 pmI was so excited that you interviewed Dedri! I have been wanting to make my own Sophie’s Universe for the longest time. This would be an amazing accomplishment and learning experience. I’ve tried to buy her book a couple times but they’re always sold out- good for her! I can’t wait to see what other beautiful patterns Dedri comes up with.
Diane says
March 31, 2017 at 7:18 pmWhat Sophie’s Universe means to me: Dedri – your pattern truly expanded my awareness of the beauty that crocheted projects can be. I joined the CAL tardy, worried that as a beginning crocheter that I wouldn’t be able to make the beautiful creations that I saw others working on. But your directions, pictures, and links were so, so clear and helpful that when I would show my friends in my prayer shawl group what I was working on, they’d claim I was fibbing about being a beginner. I protested, “no, it’d Dedri and her pattern – they’re so awesome. You can make this, too!” I appreciate working on a project being made all over the world, have learned so many crochet techniques, and I love looking at everyone’s color/colors (so educational) and the stories they’d often share as their projects were being made (so inspirational and interesting). I’ve made a few smaller Sophies as baby blankets gifted away, and three complete blankets (our guest room, and two of our three granddaughters). I’ll be making one for the third granddaughter soon, and have a couple more being planned in my head. Marly – thank you for a delightful interview! I will be buying Dedri’s book for my mom and me for Mothers Day, and wish her all manner of success in balancing life as she works on more patterns I hope to try. I credit your design for changing the percentage of my yarn work from 95% knit / 5% crochet to probably 50%. God bless!!!
Michelle Brewer says
April 1, 2017 at 10:25 pmI would love to try Sophies universe. I am fairly new to crochet and have really tried to learn how to read patterns and trying different ones. I think if I made Sophies universe it would prove to me that I can crochet and that I can make beautiful things. Thank you!!!
Kim says
April 2, 2017 at 6:59 amSophie’s Universe would mean to me an expansion of my crochet universe. Very inspiring – thank you for sharing!
Julie Cohen says
April 3, 2017 at 9:49 amI haven’t had a chance to listen to the podcast in awhile, but I knew that I had to hear this one. It was just great! I have made a number of Dedri’s puzzle balls for baby gifts. In fact, I have had to send directions for re-assembly!
I have always admired Sophie and would love the challenge, as well as using up some of my stash, lol!
Wendy Hamilton says
April 3, 2017 at 12:38 pmI Love Dedri! And how humble is she? Seriously, listening to her has me even more in awe of her. I am still slowly working on my Sophie. It is such an amazing pattern with so much detail. It is overwhelming how much I learn each time I pick it up and work on it. I’m making mine in fingering weight yarn from my stash and the only color guideline I’ve given myself is that I want all the flowers to be pinks, reds, yellows and oranges, the colors I gravitate to in real life flowers. I’m excited to see the end result of my Sophie and look forward to starting a Charlotte! 🙂 Thanks Marly and Tammy for all you do and for scoring amazing guests!
Alicia A says
April 3, 2017 at 1:17 pmMaking Sophie’s universe would mean conquering my crochet challenge mind. Loved listening to the podcast.
Emeile O says
April 3, 2017 at 4:56 pmI’m a first time listener and taught myself how to knit about 9 years ago. I’ve been trying to master crocheting but haven’t really gotten it yet. After listening to Dedri and the pod cast this week, I am inspired to try crocheting again and with Sophie’s choice and or universe! I’m checking it out on revelry now…so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! Love wire cutter
Louise Gingery says
April 4, 2017 at 2:55 pmWhat Sophie’s universe means to me is that I am inspired to improve my crochet skills. I loved listening to the podcast today.
Michelle says
April 4, 2017 at 3:30 pmSophie’s universe means a lot of new, interesting skills learned while make a magnificent blanket. This was my first “introduction” do Dedri. I loved getting to know her. Thank you Marly and Tammi for all the good work you do.
Katherine Zammit Marmara says
April 4, 2017 at 7:03 pmI heard about Sophie’s garden for the first time today through the podcast and had yo check it out immediately. I love the idea of such an intricate blanket being in one piece. Would love to get started on one soon.
colleenstorzek@yahoo.com says
April 6, 2017 at 6:00 amI am looking forward to making a sophie’s universe because, firstly genius needs to be celebrated =) What a lot of work went into her creation. I am a so so crocheter, so I think I will learn many more stitches and color combinations through the journey.
Judy says
April 6, 2017 at 7:28 amThank you, Marly, for the wonderful interview with Dedri. I’ve been following Dedri’s blog for two years because, as you pointed out, she is amazing and talented and I admire her work so much. But I never would have attempted Sophie–I make scarves and afghans, period. But knowing that she wrote the pattern so even those of us who are unsure could be successful makes me want to try, to push myself to do something I had been afraid to tackle. I think if I could make Sophie, I could do just about anything.
Mindi Giles says
April 6, 2017 at 12:53 pmI loved the pictures of Sophie. Sophie was my great grandmother’s name how cool is that!
Christie Hardy says
April 6, 2017 at 6:57 pmI received “Sofie’s Universe” in the mail today! Oh my goodness… it’s just beautiful! The photo tutorials look amazing. I’m a beginner, and can’t wait to get started. Thankyou Marly for introducing us to Dedri Uys!
Laura says
April 7, 2017 at 8:50 amAwesome podcast! I have had my eye on Sophie’s Universe to make for our family since it came out. But the pattern my husband really likes is Sophie meets Lilla Bjorn. I have even ordered some Cascade Ultra Pima to sample with but I really didn’t like one of the colors and I’ve seen another color way since that I like better! We are currently stationed overseas and the yarn options here are terrible. We are going back to the states in August so maybe I can find a LYS that carries the yarn then and spend some time playing with the colors without ordering them all! LOL
Kate Chrysler says
April 10, 2017 at 8:49 amMy mother was a crocheter and knitter and Dedri’s work is so reminiscent of her- My dream is to make A sophie’s Garden to remember my Mom- I have an antique painted Swedish 4 poster bed with brilliant flowers that will be the backdrop for this blanket- Can not wait! Love your podcast Marly and this was a brilliant episode!!! ❤ Kate
Shelly says
April 11, 2017 at 11:49 pmI think this pattern would be a great opportunity to learn new stitchs and end up with a great gift in the process.
Kathy Itson says
April 15, 2017 at 6:58 pmSophie’s Universe is such a beautiful thing. I do not crochet but this is my inspiration to learn. I can’t wait to start this as soon as possible.
Nancy Smith says
April 15, 2017 at 10:13 pmMaking Sophie’s Universe would mean to me – that I would be learning new crochet skills and gaining confidence and be able to say: look what I made! It is a truly beautiful design. The podcast today was so inspiring. I don’t think I have every enjoyed one as much as the one today.
Mary Radhuber says
April 18, 2017 at 2:55 pmMy goal is to make Sophie’s Universe this year!
Leanne says
April 24, 2017 at 11:21 pmI have been wanting to make Sofie’s Universe since they started showing up as finished objects on /r/crochet. It’s amazing seeing all of the different color combinations.