I cannot tell you how hard it has been for me to keep this Sophie’s Stool a secret!! Every time I walk past it (or steal it back from the boys), I get such a rush of happiness. I’m so pleased that I can finally tell you about it :)

When Scheepjes asked me if I would like to design a stool cover, I immediately thought of using Sophie’s Mandala, which is the centre of Sophie’s Universe.

I decided to keep the sides and socks plain so that they would complement the top, not fight with it. I also wanted a sturdy fabric that would hug the stool well. Linen stitch has always been one of my favourite ‘plain’ stitches. It is quick and easy to make, but it doesn’t look boring – especially when each round is done in a different colour.

The cover and socks are made in Catona, which is 100% mercerized cotton (sturdiness again). I chose the same shades as those used in the Cotton 8 version of Sophie.

Each stitch of this project was a joy to make. I think I smiled more working on this than I have in the past year – and I have smiled (and laughed) A LOT this year. The Sophie pattern in all its guises has become a companion and trusted friend. I cannot imagine the day when working it up will no longer bring me joy. We wanted a way to celebrate this joy, so when it came to choosing an inscription for the buttons, what better than ‘Live, Love, Laugh’?