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.
PennyB says
Will Esther be doing videos for Ubuntu? She was a lifesaver with Sophie! Between your detailed patterns and her beautiful videos, I can actually manage to follow along.
Dedri Uys says
Yes, Penny. She will be doing videos, so you are in good hands.
Susan says
Oh my goodness what wonderful news ! can’t wait…. I made Sophie over last winter, and you taught me sooo much Dedri, I am beyond excited to start all over again :)). Thank you for all your hard work x
Dedri Uys says
I’m glad you’re so excited!!!
Rachel says
I am TOTALLY looking forward to this project! I am absolutely in love with Sophie! Can’t wait to get stuck in! Any idea of an approximate date so That I can put some pennies aside for yarn (Hehehe)
Dedri Uys says
I’m glad you’re so excited. You can find the release details and pictures HERE.
Ursula says
YAY……!! Just what I need….Can’t wait now to see/partake in the new CAL…
Thanks Dedri…for your time and effort….
From a cold SA….
Ursula
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ursula. I hope you like it when you do see it. Greetings from a VERY hot UK.
Arja says
The theme sounds lovely, and word to give it a try when i see it.
It is verry exciting, and also for you xx
Lovely greets from the Netherlands, Arja
Dedri Uys says
I’m glad you’re excited, Arja. Have a lovely day!
ana says
I am so anxious for this new CAL of yours, Dedri. I love the name and all the meanings behind it. So much love can be spread through crochet.
You are such an inspiration as a human being and as a crochet designer. Always surprising us with all your beautiful creations.
Counting hours for next wednesday and saving all pennies for the needed yarn.
Love you
Ana
Dedri Uys says
Ana, thank you for taking the time to comment and for always encouraging me and lifting me up. You already live this Ubuntu principle and it shines through in everything you do. xx
Lucile Hammond says
I am so excited to start Ubuntu–it sounds great for everyone. I have crocheted for 70 years but am new to these beautiful blankets and the CAL culture. I read your comments about designing Sophie (that’s my sweet dog’s name) and bought your book. I spend so much time looking at it, and admiring it but have not started it yet. The pictures of your boys are adorable. I am also starting another CAL soon. Am I going to be sorry? I don’t think so–I am pretty comfortable living with WIPs. Thanks for sharing your talent and skills with us.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lucile :) I’m pretty comfortable living with WIPs too. It adds variety. I’m really pleased you like the Sophie book and I hope that, even after 70 years of crocheting, you still learn new and exciting tricks and techniques. Have a lovely day.
oriana merlo says
Very excited to hear about this. Only tonight I finished my Charlotte’s Dream, after completing Sophie’s Universe for my mother earlier this year.
I love how your designs work in a monochrome palette – will this also be possible with Ubuntu?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Oriana. Thank you :) I’m fairly certain it would look great in monochrome :)
Carol Derbis says
I’m so excited! Can’t wait to see what you have planned!
I guess I’ll have to work faster to finish up present WIPs and put all else aside. Is there a link to the teaser you mentioned? I don’t recall seeing it.
I’ve been hoping for another Dedri CAL – and HERE IT COMES! Hurray! I know how much work goes into these and I, for one, am so grateful to you for doing this – and am SO looking forward to it,
I’ll stay tuned….with baited breath!
My love to your beautiful family……those boys are growing up way too fast! Tell them to slow down!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Carol. The teaser was not a photo, just a jpeg saying coming soon and urging people to guess who the designer was. You will find it on the Scheepjes Facebook Page. We will do a reveal post this week.
Dedri
Debbie says
I’m so excited! Sofie’s Universe is my gold standard of CALs. Congratulations for having the energy and stamina to do another CAL so soon. You are marvelous.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you ;)
Lynette says
This is just what I need right now ! Thank you Dedri – I am a big fan! You inspire so many people all over the world. Love that you’ve called the CAL Ubuntu. As a South African living in Durban this couldn’t be more apt!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lynette. Thank you. As I hope I have shown through my interactions with others and the way I choose to present my patterns, I am dedicated to building people up and encouraging them to do more than they thought they could. It is such a high when you watch someone blossom, and so mutually beneficial :) Have a lovely day.
Donna Pianella says
I would also like to add, that I live in a small town of around 800 people, so sometimes I feel isolated,
These CALs help me feel part of a,big family and connected with like minded people. So thanks again
Donna
Dedri Uys says
That’s a very valid point. Sometimes we hide online to the exclusion of our real world, but sometimes the online world provides us with a very real (understanding) community when we find ourselves tribe-scarce in real life.
I grew up in a small town, although not as small as yours, I don’t think. As a child, I had no concept of how many people there were, just that we knew 90% of them!
Donna Pianella says
I think the title and theme of this CAL is just what the world needs and is so apt for the crochet community that a project likes this builds.
I admire and appreciate the hard work you put into these projects. Your commitment to the project shines, pattern instructions and support to all the followers. You are a living example of the theme. You help us all achieve, believe in ourselves to create something beautiful.
I came across Sophie by accident, and I learnt so much about crocheting and the the crocheting community during that journey, including How many people It United around the world.
I was disappointed when I couldn’t join the cruise, but the release of the CAL has made for it.
Thanks again Dedri
Dedri Uys says
Hi Donna. Thank you for your lovely comment. I continue to be amazed by how many people Sophie has touched in so many ways. I have made some of my dearest friends through that journey. Reading that back, it sounds like ‘fine bragging’, like my dad is fond of saying, but that is not my intention at all.
I created a pattern that I thought was pretty and I’m elated that so many people think it is pretty too. But the longevity of that CAL has very little to do with the design and everything to do with how people embraced it as MORE than a blanket; as a challenge, as a form of healing from one thing or another, as a form of meditation, as a local communal project, as a starting point for friendships…
That is one of the reasons we wanted to focus on Ubuntu, which I still experience daily from the Sophie CAL.
I hope you will join us on the next one :)
Margaret-Rose says
I’m impressed by your passion, Dedri – your motivation inspires me to think I might just get stuck into a CAL … My problem is the cost of the yarn: Scheepjes makes beautiful stuff, and it’s not as costly as some; but the amount needed is a little alarming to an old broad living on the age pension. If it were possible to purchase – oh, say, a quarter at a time, I could probably handle it. And come to think of it, is’nt it possible that batch shouldn’t really matter when it comes to colourwork ?
So, fingers crossed …
Dedri Uys says
Hi Margaret-Rose.
I appreciate that it can be very hard to scrape the money together to buy a kit. Have you got any stash yarn that you could use? If you enjoy the journey, you can always save up for the official kit and buy it later. Good luck and I hope you join us x
Jersey Girl says
Thank you so much for Sophie,
loved making it!
Am looking forward to your next project!
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome and I hope you won’t be disappointed!
Dianne U. says
This is my first visit to your website, and I have to say I love it all so far. I’ve never attempted a CAL, but you have me curious about the one coming up….so I think I’ll jump right in and give it a whirl. With you at my elbow (so to speak) I feel I have a chance that it will turn out right!
I loved the comment by Barbara Mathews. I agree with her 100% and feel we have to stay strong to get thru this trying time for our country (and our selves) There are many of us out here that agree with you, Barbara, and you are not alone. Being positive and coming from love will win in the end. It has to.
Namaste
Dedri Uys says
My testers managed to do it without videos and with only a couple of photos, so I am sure you will be able to follow along. I’ve written it as if I am sat there right next to you.
Dedri
Cheryl says
This might just help me get my crojo back! Been on a bullet journal journey instead… Maybe I’ll find a way to combine both…
So glad you’ve created another CAL.
Cheryl
aka Hookintothebeat
Dedri Uys says
Hi Cheryl. I bullet journal too, but sporadically at the moment. There is something insanely satisfying about crossing off those dots!
Elaine says
Well, I for one can’t wait to see this project. I only JUST discovered Sophie’s Universe and Sophie’s Garden in the last month. Bought a copy of the book and have collected the yarns I plan to use (from stash, no less) to make that amazing blanket. But I missed all the excitement of the CAL by years! I am very interested.
Dedri Uys says
Ooh, I hope you enjoy Sophie and that she encourages you to give Ubuntu a go as well. I love your blog name, by the way. I’ve just read through your Eye Popping post and I did giggle once or twice. I think I’m on the RK diet and I’m not even an RK!
Vickey says
This is perfect timing for me! Just last night, I realized I am nearly done [row 17] with my 3rd Sophie. I was thinking how much I wished you would have another cal. Ubuntu sounds perfect and just what the world needs now too. Thank you again for such lovely designs.
Dedri Uys says
Wow, Sophie number 3? Have you posted any photos online so that I can see them?
Adria Goldman Frenzel says
I am anxious to see Ubuntu. I am so close to the end of my Sophie. What will the yarn requirements be? Will they be similar to Sophie? I would love to order yarn ASAP. I love Sophie and can’t wait for this project!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Adria. I’m glad you’re so excited and would love to see your Sophie. We will reveal more information soon. I know it’s hard to wait. It’s hard for me to make you wait!