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.
Terry Magram says
Hi Dedri,
I’m in the middle of Sophie and have to admit I’m not so great at written patterns. I couldn’t have done this without Esther’s wondeful videos. Is it too soon to tell if she will be doing a tutorial of this project?
Dedri Uys says
She will be doing tutorials, so you will be fine :)
Cindy says
I just purchased the Sophie’s Universe Crochet-Along book! I followed along with all the beautiful pictures and posts but was unable to make her at the time due to caring for my loving mother who I lost in March. I’d show her all the pictures she loved it but being out of work I couldn’t afford to make her. Mom would say you’re going to crochet her one day! I bought the book although I had all the releases saved because I can picture my Mother flipping through the book and loving it. I was just getting ready to purchase the yarn to start her. I think I’ll hold off and purchase the yarn for the new CAL so this time I can work with the group. I know my Mom would have loved this one just as much! Dedri you’re the only designer my Mom knew by name she didn’t crochet but loved the craft.
Can’t wait to start the new one!
Thank you for all the joy you gave to my Mom and myself!!
Dedri Uys says
Cindy, what a lovely comment. You’ve made me quite emotional with that. I am so honoured that I could play a part in your journey (without even knowing it) and that the pictures brought joy to you both. I just know that you put a bit of the love you hold for your mom into every stitch you make. I hope you can follow along x
Dedri
Delilah says
Oh Dedri!,
Ubuntu is a such a beautiful concept! I am so excited for this CAL. I will make every stitch with Ubuntu in my heart. Thank you for all that you do and share. I made Sophie’s Universe with love in every stitch, and gifted it to my daughter and new son in law. They love it too!
Peace and love and best wishes from Delilah in Canada
Dedri Uys says
Hi Delilah :)
I love your enthusiasm for the theme. I’m so glad your kids loved their Sophie. Have you shared a photo anywhere?
Dedri
Patrice says
I’m thrilled, I can’t wait. I will be putting everything else aside! I just warned my hubby, that I’ll be very busy soon. Your Sophie saved me! (Literally).
I can’t wait, put I’m repeating myself.
Thank you so much!
Patrice
Dedri Uys says
Hi Patrice :) I’m glad you’re so excited. I hope you are going to enjoy it!!
Carol Ashworth says
Can we know what yarn yet?
Dedri Uys says
Soon :) I know, it’s torture!
Vilma says
Not only are you an amazing designer Dedri but you are an amazing teacher. I love your soft soothing voice. I can’t wait for this one!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Vilma. Thank you very much, but I’m afraid the ‘soft soothing voice’ belongs to Esther who did the videos for me. It’s epically soothing, though, isn’t it?
When my husband first met her in real life (we’d arranged to meet her and her husband for dinner when they came to London), we had a lovely time. When we got home, he turned to me all of a sudden and went: “She’s the Sophie voice!” I said, YES! How did you not realize that? Did you think we were just going to dinner with random strangers? He’d obviously not listened to a word I had said about arranging the dinner, and it had taken him all night to place her soft soothing voice :)
Kathleen says
Am so looking forward to this CAL! I started crochet as a form of therapy to cope with a dark time in my life when I nursed my lovely sister, I felt the medication route was not for me. I would practice my stitching on many a long night when neither of us could sleep and after her death my lovely new hobby kept the dark thoughts at bay! I found ‘Sophie’ by chance earlier this year, just when I was ready for a new challenge and I love everything about this beautiful pattern, well except back post single crochet! Am on row 60 so will soon be done and eager for next project. Sorry for being depressing but I wanted to let you know how much your hard work has meant all the way over here in Scotland. The group is a joy and am sure the next one will be also. Loved the sentiment about Mandela, he was loved the world over, of course, but was held in such high regard in Glasgow so it would be a fitting project.
Good luck x
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kathleen. I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I cannot imagine what you went through with her. I am glad that crochet helped you get through your dark times and am sure that every stitch you made was made mindfully and with love. I am also glad that you like the theme of the CAL. Mandela was a great man and such a wonderful example of Ubuntu.
Dedri
Maggie Lewin says
Oh WOW Dedri – Im really happy you are doing this and amazingly I guessed right :). I just know this is going to be amazing. Hugs.
Dedri Uys says
Heehee. I saw your guess and had to sit on my hands not to say YES, It’s ME!
Susan says
I’m sooooo excited xxxx
Dedri Uys says
Me too!
Christine Ballantyne says
Hi trying to find the taster that was released on the 18 July can’t find it please help
Dedri Uys says
Hi Christine. We haven’t shared any photos yet. They just shared a teaser image (not a photo), asking people to guess who the designer would be. We will share photos next week.
Ita says
I have my yarn ready to start Sophie’s Universe but I might have to do this new cal first as it is so much fun to crochet with lots of people from all over the world.
Dedri Uys says
You might find it helpful to start a bit of Sophie before the CAL. It will familiarise you with my way of writing and a lot of the techniques we will be using in this CAL. You don’t have to. I’m just saying, if you need an excuse to start anyway…
Barbara Mathews says
As an American living under the Trump-Putin regime, the title of this project resonates with me.
“I am”…. I am one person.
“because we are.” …. Alone, I can accomplish some. With others, we will accomplish much.
This gives me hope.
Thank you.
I am because we are.
Dedri Uys says
I can’t imagine how volatile things must be over there at the moment. I just watch in shock! I’m glad you like the theme. I think it’s so important to realize that we are more than the sum of our parts.
Elaine says
Wow, what a wonderful and descriptive name – Trump-Putin Regime! It so fits – sadly. I am an American as well. I have never participated in a CAL that crossed national boundaries. Very exciting.
Margaret-Rose says
It’s really good to read you: we Downunder dwellers need to be reminded that there are Americans who are – well, kind of frustratedly disgusted with their political situation. Not that I meant to venture into the realms of politics …
Sonya says
So excited to view the review! I’m sure it will be magnificent!
Mj says
LovedSophiess can’t wait
Sheryll Gray says
So excited for the reveal!!
The upcoming cruise will be such a relaxing break for you after all the CAL excitement!!!
Dedri Uys says
Yes, but also a lot of work going into that!! I can’t wait :)
Julie says
This makes me ridiculously happy. Can’t wait to see it!!
Dedri Uys says
:) I’m glad I could make you happy x
Avaya says
I am so excited!!! I am sure it will be as beautiful as Sophie’s Universe or maybe even more beautiful (if that is possible).
Dedri Uys says
Oooh, the pressure!
Stilyana says
Dedri, I am so happy it’s you that has created this year’s Scheepjes CAL. You’re an amazing designer, just can’t wait to see your next masterpiece! So thrilled, and the whole concept of Ubuntu is so important in today’s modern world… I just had to write a comment, my first ever on your blog :)
Thank you so much for your dedication and talent!
Dedri Uys says
Stilyana, thank you for taking the time to post your first comment :) It is an extremely important concept, and one we need to embrace!
Boukje says
O my, i lust jumped up and down in my seat when i read that you are the designer of the new scheepjes cal. I know its going to be a blast!
Thank you Dedri for doing this, i’m a big big BIG fan of your work!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Boukje. I think I jumped up and down in my seat all of last night :)
Tanya says
Beautiful blog post, Dedri! Beautifully said about Ubuntu and our crochet comunnity. I do experience it the same way. Can’t wait to see what you have created.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Tanya. Our community is amazing, isn’t it?