I feel like the title of this post should have been ‘!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’ or ‘Stop the Presses’! Something to echo the speed and sound of my heart racing away in my chest! It has been more than three years since I embarked on the Sophie’s Universe CAL (crochet-along). I kept meaning to do another CAL, but the amount of work that goes into a project like that is staggering and I felt so overwhelmed that I couldn’t even contemplate tackling something so huge again…
…until Scheepjes asked me if I would like to design their 2018 CAL. Surprise!
If you made Sophie’s Universe or Charlotte’s Dream, you will know that I spend A LOT of time on my designs. I want them to be unique and I want them to be interesting and complex. I want them to tell a story! Once I have created a design, I want the pattern to be written in such a way that an adventurous beginner can follow along. I want everyone who participates to have all the tools they need to not only follow my pattern but to grow in their knowledge and love of this wonderful craft of ours. I want them to walk away feeling inspired and empowered. I want them to look at their work and feel like a child running up to someone they love, pride glowing in their face, saying: ‘Look at what I made!’
With so many things on my ‘I want’ list, it takes me a very long time to get to a place where I feel marginally ready to share a big project with the world. In this case, it took more than a year and a half (and MANY testers) from first being asked to design this project to finally being able to share it with you.
I cannot tell you what it is yet and I can’t show you any photos. You will have to wait until next week for that. But I CAN tell you that I have put my heart and soul into creating something I hope you will love.
I can also tell you the name of the CAL: Ubuntu.
The word Ubuntu in a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity towards others” or “I am because we are”. Through Crochet-alongs, I have found a community that constantly reminds me of the essence of Ubuntu: connection, community, and mutual caring for all. We wanted to honour and celebrate that in this CAL, both in the design and how we choose to engage with each other as we embark on this journey.
This project means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled that I will soon, once again, be swathed in the happy hubbub of a large communal project! I hope you will be able to join us, whether you are an old hand at CALs or have never done one before and would like to see what all the fuss is about.
It’s going to be a blast!!!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
ps. Scheepjes released the first teaser for this CAL on Wednesday (18 July 2018), which was also Mandela Day. I think this is so fitting, because Mandela showcased the spirit of Ubuntu in his daily life and interactions with people, as well as in the legacy and teachings he left behind. In fact, when Obama spoke at Mandela’s memorial, he spoke about Ubuntu. You can find the clip HERE if you would like to see it.
Pat says
Hi Dedri, I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that we are fellow South Africans?! What a lovely surprise! As soon as I saw the word “UBUNTU”, then I saw the name Uys and I new! Are you now living in the US or still in SA? Where ever you are I hope you are happy and well. My fingers start itching come winter so am browsing the internet for something to do. I really want to make a whole lot of jerseys and blankets etc for those who don’t have much or anything. I want to give them to our church and they can pass them onto those in most need. So I guess what I’m really looking for are quick and easy patterns from booties, to everything in between, to blankets. I only want crochet patterns {I am an old woman now and my hands are not too great as I have arthritis, very debilitating!!!! And frustrating, but I really want to try. We live in KZN and as I always say our winter only starts in August as thats when our rains start and believe it or not and can get pretty cold! Anyway, nice to have a chat to a fellow S African. Take care, stay safe and be happy.xxx
Dedri Uys says
Hi Pat, lovely to meet you. I am South African, yes. We live in the UK now but my husband and I are both Klein Karoo children. I hope your hands don’t bother you too much this winter. Mooi bly!
Hita Sheth says
Hi Dedri, i am looking for Ubuntu CAL 2018 Pattern, i made 2 Sophie’s CAL 2 of them and for my future grand kids. few years back and now i am interested in making.
can you please send me link to week to week with pictures pattern if possible.
Thank you Hita
Jenny Lowman says
Hi! All the links are here in this Blog link
BW Jenny
Rosie Bunn says
I bought Ubuntu medium kit as a lockdown project as it spoke to me as what the spirit of community has been throughout and I felt very strongly drawn towards this as a blanket that would be something coming out of these days. the little wooden button that you put in the middle is “Be someone’s rainbow” – just a perfect way to finish the blanket off as we remember all the rainbows of lockdown. I didn’t get to it until Easter as I had promised myself that I would finish other things before starting something new. It has been an absolute joy to do, with great instructions and Esther’s wonderful video’s when they were needed. Her reassuring voice so calming if you were feeling any doubt. I love the colours – such harmony and they will be perfect in my new home when we move next year.
Thank you for a delightful time making this Dedri – it has been well worth the wait – joyous creation. A wonderful pattern and i would happily make another. Perhaps I will turn to the bracelet next!
Jenny Lowman says
Oh what a lovely story of Ubuntu! We are delighted that you enjoyed your journey with your blanket so much. Charlotte awaits you, if you haven’t fallen for her charms yet ;)
Anthony says
Ubuntu is my first CAL and is by far the most complex and most intricate project I’ve worked on.
As I patiently await the release of the part 3 pattern instructions I felt I should thank you for introducing us to the essence of Ubuntu and for creating and sharing such a beautiful design.
Ubuntu really is a work of art!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you so much Anthony. You aren’t, by any chance, the Anthony I met at Yarndale?
Anthony John says
I am indeed the very same Anthony.
Dedri Uys says
:) Now I can put a face to the name x
Peggy Urban says
Thank you, Dedri, for Sophie’s Universe. My daughter, daughter-in-law and I have all made beautiful blankets from your wonderful pattern. We all love you and are excited about Ubuntu, what it stands for and the chance to make another beautiful blanket.
Peggy Urban
Dedri Uys says
Hi Peggy. Thank you for your lovely comment. It warms my heart x
Cheryl R Rueby says
I loved the Sophie’s Universe very much. I have always been a knitter but that turned me on to crochet and so I have ordered the the yarn pack for the large Ubuntu afghan. The colors are lovely. I can’t wait to get started on this new project.
Dedri Uys says
I am SO happy to hear that Sophie ‘made’ you crochet. I hope you enjoy doing Ubuntu with us x
Joanne says
Hello Deidre. Do I have to purchase the whole kit or can I just purchase the pattern. I live in South Africa and it will be difficult to get this (as you may well know), but would love to make this beautiful afghan. Many thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Joanne. The pattern will be shared for free. There is no need to purchase anything. Mooi bly. Dedri
Katy Oglesby Joelsen says
Can people still buy the Ubuntu CAL leatherette label, button, markers, and loom if they choose to do their own colors. I have done Sophie’s Universe CAL in my own color choice so I still want to have access to the special items.
Can you help with this Dedri?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Katy. I remember you from Sophie. How are you? Unfortunately, these items are only part of the official kits sold by Scheepjes. But you are more than welcome to join us with your own colours x
Robin Jones says
Dedri,
With you at the designing helm, Ester at the video helm, Sheepjes at the yarn helm…..OMG, I can’t even begin to think how awesome this is going to be! I was just able to preorder the medium kit on Woolwarehouse ( a birthday gift from my mom – yay mom!) and they are selling like hotcakes! I fly every week and a half and the stewardesses are so excited to see me working on something. One said to me, “Have you ever heard of a CAL?” Then she showed me a photo and I said, “Oh, you made Sophie!” she was so excited I knew about it :) Now, the only thing better would be another book!!! Thanks for all the hard work, in my opinion, YOU are a rockstar!
Dedri Uys says
I love it when I hear stories like that! Thank you :) It can’t be fun flying that much, though. Or do you enjoy it?
Kathleen says
Hi, Dedri-
I love reading your posts and working your intricate patterns. I love seeing what others do (I’m still in awe of the tiny sewing thread Sophie’s Universe), and I never fail to be amazed at your thoughtfulness and generosity, both in sharing your designs and your knowledge. Your generosity in sharing the fruits of your labor and your heart has added light to my life.
I started crocheting again 5 years ago when my 16yr old daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I wanted something positive to do as I sat in endless waiting rooms, and crocheting has been that, as well as a way to give back to others. As I’ve improved my skills and gotten more adventurous in what I hook, I find that every time I bring out my latest project, it attracts folks to ask questions, to remember someone else who crocheted, to ask what I’m making and for whom, and one time, to solve a clear math problem evident in my sweater design- sort of a waiting room miracle. When you add in all the wonderful people I’ve met online, all the generous designers who share their work and ideas (and the folks like Esther who share support and teaching) it makes clear that you’ve chosen this CAL’s theme very, very well.
Thank you, for all you do.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for that lovely comment Kathleen. That is exactly how I feel and what we wanted to celebrate. I hope your daughter is doing much better x
Michèle says
Wowww ! I’ve to crochet your “Ubuntu”…
I believe n Live “Ubuntu” … it’s “Oneness”…
Dedri Uys says
It is a wonderful principle to live by :)
Cleary says
Oh this is so pretty, I can’t wait. Hopefully I can save up enough for the small kit. Thank you so much for doing another CAL.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Cleary :)
Georgina says
wow! can’t tell you how excited I am to hear this news, I have made umpteen Sophie’s so will look forward to another great cal from you love the Sophie Book by the way and thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to the crochet for us to enjoy xxxx
Dedri Uys says
Hi Georgina. I’m glad you like the book and enjoy Sophie so much!