Hello friend!
Not sure there is much that could make me happier than being in my pajamas, in the garden picking tomatoes . . . oh wait, yes! Me, pajamas, garden, tomatoes— wearing a scarf knit up in CALEDONIA BLUE YARN!
Yes. That is right. In the book Three Skeins of Caledonia Blue a magical yarn helps a woman reconnect to joy in her life. CHANDI AGEE, owner + founder of Expression Fiber Arts read the book and was inspired to create a colorway. And today, (for a limited time) it is available for order in sport, crema worsted and yak silk fingering weights!
above is a Weekender by Andrea Mowry
knit up in CALEDONIA BLUE in a crema worsted weight
Chandi attended Squam in the Spring of 2021 (our first time gathering back up after the isolation and challenges brought on by the pandemic) and she had a powerful experience that—as anyone who has ever attended Squam will understand—is hard to put into words, but the buoyant feeling she came home with could be described as uplifted, joyful, renewed. She loved it and reached out to let me know how significant the experience was for her and, that she wanted Expression Fiber Arts to support Squam so others could have some of that same connection to community and creativity that she had found.
Fast forward to last winter when Chandi read an advance copy of Three Skeins of Caledonia Blue and said— you know, we could bring this magic yarn to life . . . and here we are!
So much gratitude to test knitters: Katri Sampson, Kate Albus, Mari Wagner, Kirsten Stoudt and Sheila Hogg!! (pattern details below)
WHAT :: A KARAL
What’s a KARAL, you ask? It’s a Knit + Crochet + Read Along.If you choose to join in on the fun, you’ll connect with a community of other knitters and crocheters who will be reading Three Skeins of Caledonia Blue together, while also working on some magical creations with yarn inspired by the book. Below are the deets on how you can be a part of this lovely online gathering.
WHAT :: CALEDONIA BLUE YARN
This is an extraordinary, Limited Edition* yarn that Expression Fiber Arts has hand-dyed to bring the mythical yarn of the novel to life. Caledonia Blue is a luminous, speckled medley of dazzling aquamarine, Caribbean blue, and turquoise with soft hints of sky blue, navy, and emerald. Caledonia Blue is being dyed onto luxurious Yak Silk Fingering, silky Crema Worsted, and squishy Buttery Sport yarns. Choose your favorite weight, and then get ready to make something absolutely stunning! Limited Edition color means that it will disappear from the Expression Fiber Arts website without notice never to return, so be ye advised . . .
WHERE
Participants will receive a three-month pass to the SQUAMLOVE Community We will have a dedicated space for the KARAL but you will get to participate in ALL that the SQMlove community has to offer.
WHEN
- The Skein One Kickoff will occur on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
- The Skein Two discussion will occur on Tuesday, October 15, 2024
- Skein Three Wrap-Up is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024
During the event, there will be three live sessions, all of which will be recorded, so you can watch at your convenience. Throughout the event, you’ll be encouraged to knit or crochet something with as many skeins of Caledonia Blue as you like.
There will be three sets of prizes!
Projects using ONE skein
Projects using TWO skeins
Projects using THREE skeins
HOW
- Purchase a book to join in the fun. Then, simply send an email to: elizabeth@squamartworkshops.
com, and use the subject line “Caledonia Blue KARAL” (YES! If you have already bought a book you are so very welcome to join the KARAL) - COUPON CODE BOOK:
Through 12:01 am (Eastern) on 8/4/2024, use coupon code: love+friendship to take 10% off of Three Skeins of Caledonia Blue
Coupon is good for both paperback + e_book. - Purchase one, two or three skeins and choose your project!
- COUPON CODE YARN:
For one week from today, use code: 10caledonia-blue to take 10% off the luscious Caledonia Blue colorway!
WHY
In the novel, Mathilde, a recent widow suffering from depression, falls under the spell of Caledonia Blue yarn while at Rhinebeck. The yarn launches her on an adventure that changes everything for the better. It is a reminder for us all; when we are at our lowest point, creativity can be our pathway home. In the KARAL we are going to discuss and explore the themes in in the book of: mothers + daughters, sisters + friends, lifelong friendships, and of course, the story of a woman who has been afraid her whole life, but who finally finds the courage to make her life her own.
Because the book is divided into three skeins, there will be three online meet-ups so we can focus on what happens in each stage of the journey.
Remember! 10% of each and every purchase of Three Skeins of Caledonia Blue goes directly to SEEDS to support their cultural programs and workshops that celebrate and support Indigenous arts, artists, and Native communities throughout North America. (photo courtesy of SEEDS)
PATTERN INFO FROM PHOTOS ABOVE
The knitted Weekender Sweater by Andrea Mowry really allows the subtle color variations in Caledonia Blue to shine through. Or how about the adorable, knitted Lolo Hat by Brooklyn Tweed? It’s a beautiful sideways garter stitch hat with ear flaps. Turn the Dip Dye Raglan by Camilla Vad into a single-color version, and use Caledonia Blue Crema Worsted for the entire, snuggly sweater. Or cast on the Pebble Beach or the Simply Curious Shawl by Helen Stewart. Crocheters, check out all of the Expression Fiber Arts fingering-weight, sport-weight, and worsted-weight patterns to find the perfect project to showcase the fabulous Caledonia Blue colorway!
That’s it for now. Sending you big love.
Be gentle with yourself.
bisous, Elizabeth
