Good morning you beautiful not-so-patient bunch! I thought that I would feel a huge sense of relief when I wrote my last post, finally outing myself as the designer for the next official Scheepjes CAL. Instead, I have been bouncing up and down since Friday, too excited about showing you what it looks like to sit still for more than a minute at a time. And now I can finally show you (!!!!) AND tell you all about the Ubuntu CAL 2018.
This is Ubuntu! This is my new baby and my absolute pride and joy.
Ubuntu (n): the belief that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards others.
If you would like to know more about why we chose this name and theme, please see my previous post HERE. You can also find links to all the parts HERE (as they become available).
What IS the Ubuntu CAL?
I have designed a hexagonal blanket that celebrates unity and humanity towards others. The design is detailed, but not overwhelming. For the overall feel, I took inspiration from traditional painted African huts (Google Image Search HERE). The inspiration for the shape, however, came from the carpet at the last Blogtacular I attended in 2017. Up until that point, I was still very unsure of which direction my design would take, but when I looked down at the carpet, surrounded by dear friends and flying high on all the talk of supporting each other and lifting each other up, I had a little ‘Eureka’ moment.
Finished Blanket Size
Due to the shape of the finished blanket, we have provided three measurements: Sides, Short Diagonal, and Long Diagonal. Below, you will find the measurements for all three ‘sizes’.
| Small | Medium | Large | |
| Long Diagonal | 120cm/47.3” | 151cm/59.5” | 192cm/75.5” |
| Short Diagonal | 104cm/41” | 131cm/51.5” | 167cm/65.5” |
| Sides | 60cm/23.6” | 75.5cm/29.7” | 96cm/37.5” |
Dates and Pattern Release
The CAL begins on the 12th of September 2018 and it will run for 12 weeks. Written-only PDF pattern pieces will be released weekly at 12:00 UK time for the duration of the CAL. You will find them via the official Scheepjes CAL groups (on Facebook) and the Scheepjes website:
You can also add the pattern to your Ravelry Queue HERE.
Resources
- Ubuntu Inspiration
- Ubuntu CAL Information (including links to my weekly photo-alongs)
- Special Stitches and Techniques
- Add this Pattern to Your Ravelry Queue
Pattern Support
Video tutorials will be available from It’s All in a Nutshell (UK terms and Dutch).
Although I have not done step-by-step photo tutorials for this CAL, I will be following along with you, sharing a photo of each complete round and tips and tricks for tricky parts. My testers all managed to create the blanket with only a couple of photos, so with Esther’s excellent video support, I am confident that you will thrive. Please see Suggestions below.
Translations
Official PDFs will be available in UK terms, US terms, Dutch, Czech, German, French, Finnish, Hebrew, Swedish, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Official Ubuntu CAL Kits
There are 3 kits: Small, Medium, and Large.
Kits will be available from most Scheepjes retailers on the 22nd of August 2018.
- Wool Warehouse (International)
- Black Sheep Wools (International)
- Deramores (International)
- Caro’s Atelier (Netherlands)
- Knotty House (Canada)
- Jimmy Beans (USA)
- More Retailers
All three kits contain an official CAL label, a button, and vintage stitch markers (I love the stitch markers).
The Medium and Large kits (only) also contain a goody pack – see Goody Pack below.
Small Ubuntu CAL Kit
This kit contains:
- Scheepjes Cotton 8
- an official CAL label
- a button
- vintage stitch markers
Price : €39 / £36 / $48
Medium Ubuntu CAL Kit
This kit contains:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed
- an official CAL label
- a button
- vintage stitch markers
- goody pack (see Goody Pack below)
Price : €108,50 / £98 / $133
Large Ubuntu CAL Kit
This kit contains:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed XL & River Washed XL
- an official CAL label
- a button
- vintage stitch markers
- goody pack (see Goody Pack below)
Price : €210 / £189 / $259
(I shouldn’t have favourite children, I know, but this large version is my favourite of the favourites I ‘don’t have’.)
Goody Packs
The Medium and Large kits come with a goody pack that contains everything you need to make your own beaded friendship bracelet (inspired by the CAL design). Instructions for making the bracelet will be provided, don’t worry!
I’m very excited about the fact that we will get to learn a new non-crochet skill (quite a mindful skill, actually). And when you have made your bracelet, you can wear it with pride or gift it to a friend :)
Suggestions
If you have never followed one of my patterns and would like to familiarise yourself with my written style or the techniques you will use in this CAL, I highly recommend having a look at my Special Stitches and Techniques post (especially the bit about gauge), written specifically for this CAL.
You can also try one of the following three (free) patterns while you wait:
Social Media
Please use #ScheepjesUbuntuCAL when you share on social media so that we can follow your progress and marvel at your work.
I cannot wait to start this journey with you!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Greg says
I’m super excited to start this! I’ve not long gotten into crochet through your Sophie CAL. So I’m really looking forwards to joining a CAL as it runs. I love your designs. I’m not sold on the colours. They aren’t me so I’m not ordering the pack but I’ve ordered Stone Washed XL and River Washed XL in colours to my own tastes to match the colour scheme in my lounge so that it will get plenty of use! Especially as it will he finished just in time for the cold weather to arrive!
Greg says
I am a little worried though that those diamonds might mean a LOT of ends to work away. I hate working ends away.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Greg. The diamonds are single-colour, so except for when you add a new ball, there are very few ends. The half-diamonds have a fair few ends, but again, not that many compared to most pieced projects. The border has ends as well, but with 6 sides, your crochet-to-end ratio is very small.
Jenny says
Greg, we look forward to seeing photos of your chosen colours!
Hope you enjoy the Ubuntu CAL regardless :)
Jenny
Kate says
Its quite lovely actually, my first love is Sophies Universe however, your style of writing patterns is wonderful. I love the colours of the large but only would make a small. Have fun
Faye says
Honestly squealed like a little girl when I read your post last week. I check your blogs regularly and noticed you have been quiet this year :) Have three WIPs at the mo, but they are nearly completed. Time to sweet talk the husband, cook him his favourite meal and tell him I need more yarn (even though I hoard the stuff anyway). It’s a gorgeous design, thank you Dedri, roll on September!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you so much for your excitement, Faye. Hoard? I say ‘collect’. Just because yarn takes up more space than stamps is no reason to NOT call it ‘collecting’ :) Yes, I used to collect stamps and have an amazing array.
Michelle Randall says
Dear Dedri
Fantasmagories!
The most beautiful creation I have ever seen (apart from Sophie’s Universe). I fell in love the moment I saw it.
I am definitely going to make this Ubuntu blankie.
Thank you for sharing your talent and feeding my addiction.
Looking forward to this project.
Evelyn says
Hi I live in tampa, fl. Where can I purchase the yarn for my cal blanket.thank you
Dedri Uys says
There is a link to a list of Scheepjes stockists in this post. If you click through to it, it brings up a map with the location of all the shops. You can then click on the one closest to you and see if they are stocking it. I hope that helps.
Elle says
Ok then, since no one has commented thus far, I will be the first and say…
So disappointing for so many reasons!
Still a huge fan xo
Kogi Naidoo says
Why are you disappointed? Its gorgeous, but what is most important is the underlying message, the theme and the fact that it is released on Nelson Mandela’s centenary, which makes it even more special….and the more you look at it the more you see the symbolism of unifying a nation.
Fay says
I’m not sure what there is to be disappointed about. Both the blanket and the theme are beautiful. I know from all previous patterns I’ve done that the pattern will be amazing too.
Engela says
PRAGTIG Dedri!!! Ek kon nie wag om te sien nie. Jy’t my verlede week so opgewonde gemaak. Ek sal waarskynlik nie dadelik kan meemaak nie (is nog besig met ‘n ander CAL) maar sal dié een op my ‘to do’ lysie sit.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Engela :) Ek is bly jy hou daarvan. Geniet jou ander CAL :)
Lucy, Kent ~ England says
Congratulations on your new CAL and huge thanks for giving me a new word to live by – Ubuntu
I already live by the phrase “speak for those who have no voice” and “Live begins just outside your comfort zone” now I shall add Ubuntu which I have been trying to live without realising it.
Now I shall spread the word. Sadly I won’t be joining the CAL as a) I don’t do social media and
b) it is sadly not my style, I’m more Charlotte’s Dream but good luck.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lucy :) I’m glad you like the word and theme and how wonderful that you are already embracing and living it. It’s a pity that you won’t be joining us, but I completely understand. Some things just aren’t your cup of tea and life is too short to waste time (voluntarily) with things that don’t make your heart sing. (That doesn’t count for doing the dishes and cleaning – unfortunately, we HAVE to do those).
Have a lovely day.
Kristina Hill says
Is it strange that I have tears in my eyes as I read about this incredible design and CAL? I’m in awe and SO excited. You bring people together around the world from all works of life to create something so beautiful.
Dedri Uys says
Oh I am so pleased that the theme moves you. Thank you for your lovely compliment x
Cecelia says
Hello! Where can we find the yarn requirements/amounts needed for each size of the CAL? I’d like to participate in the CAL, but I do not want to purchase one of the kits. How much yarn will I need for the large version? Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Cecelia. Exact amounts will be stated in the Tips and Tricks PDF which will be released a week before the CAL starts.
P. Waide says
GOBSMACKINGLY gorgeous beyond description. Cannot WAIT.
Becky says
It is beautiful!!
Patrice says
I LOVE IT. I will be using Scheepjes colour crafter, which I have already except for the cream. I have order it already! I made a promise not to buy yarn in 2018, boy, am I crazy. Oh well, the year is nearly over, well that is what I keep telling myself.
I loved following your photos, but Ester is so easy to listen to, it will work well I’m sure.
Thank you for all you hard work and thank you to the tester, ( lucky lot).
Dedri Uys says
Hi Patrice :) Esther is VERY easy to listen to. Thank you for acknowledging the testers. I am sure they will appreciate it.
Kate says
This is amazing! Once again I am blown away by your talent. I am pre-ordering the kit for the small blanket from my local supplier. I also want to make a second small blanket in different colours. I can’t seem to find how many balls of each colour I need though. Can you provide the breakdown?
Thank you. I am so excited to start this. Can’t wait for September 12!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you :) All that information will be listed in the Tips and Tricks PDF, which will be released a week before the CAL starts.
Maggie Lewin says
WOW, its jaw droppingly gorgeous and I love Stone washed and river washed and the colours and the extras and the idea of the friendship bracelet. Decided on the medium for me this time :) You have had a second “baby” as gorgeous as the first and I love her.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you dear Maggie xx
Emily Youngker says
How very exciting! Your design is stunning!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you :)
Becky says
Beautiful!
Will there be a list of color quantities in case we want to buy yarn locally?
Dedri Uys says
All the quantities will be listed in the Tips and Tricks PDF.
Rosie C says
Oh wow, been waiting for this since it was announced and I LOVE it. Feeling so excited and I want to buy my yarn now… somehow I will have to wait :)
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Rosie. It’s torture waiting, isn’t it?
Theresa Noble says
So so excited For this CAL Dedri! I sitting here “fan girl-ing”
The design is just gorgeous, actually, it’s breath taking!
Thank you for designing something so beautiful and full of such meaning and, for graciously sharing it all with us. I’m truly humbled by your talent and generosity
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Theresa. I am very glad you like it x
Debbie says
I live in New Zealand. How can we get the pattern?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Debbie. The pattern will be available as free weekly written-only PDFs for the duration of the CAL, which starts in September.
Suz says
I live in New Zealand too. I regularly buy from Woolwarehouse in the UK and they have the kit for the cheapest price in NZD. I can’t wait for my kit to arrive and get started in September!