Sulwe — Banned Book Colorway

Inspired by Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, this literature-inspired colorway honors a beautifully written and deeply necessary story about colorism, self-worth, and belonging. Sulwe follows two sisters — one dark-skinned and one light-skinned — who experience the world very differently, revealing how deeply societal bias shapes identity from an early age.

The book was challenged and banned for confronting these realities directly, despite the fact that colorism and unequal treatment exist whether acknowledged or ignored. Nyong’o’s story affirms that difference is not something to be erased, but something to be named, understood, and honored.

That message carries into this colorway. Thoughtful tonal shifts and layered depth reflect the journey from invisibility to self-recognition, creating a palette that feels gentle, intentional, and quietly powerful.

Sulwe is a celebration of seeing oneself clearly and reclaiming joy — translated here into fiber with care and purpose.

🎥 Be sure to check out the video show-and-tell clip in the photos for a closer look at color and texture.

Available Yarn Bases

This colorway is available on various Laughing Cat Fibers yarn bases.

Half Skeins Available

Half skeins are available on select bases:

Sock / Fingering: 218 yards per skein
DK: 123 yards per skein
Worsted: 109 yards per skein

Half skeins are offered on the following bases only:

• Chartreuse Cat Sock / Fingering

• Lambkin DK

• Pixie Bob Cat Worsted

Please select your preferred base and skein size from the dropdown menu.

Yarn Base Details

Chartreuse Cat Sock / Fingering Yarn
75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool (21.5 micron) / 25% Recycled Nylon
4-ply
Half skein available · 218 yards

Siamese Sparkle Sock Yarn
75% Superwash Merino Wool / 20% Nylon / 5% Silver-Toned Stellina
2-ply · 438 yards per 100g skein

Manx Cat Recycled Nylon & Falkland Wool Sock Yarn
80% Superwash Falkland Wool / 20% Recycled Nylon
2-ply · 437 yards per 100g skein

Maine Coon Cashmere Blend Fingering Yarn
80% Superwash Wool (19 micron) / 10% Cashmere / 10% Recycled Nylon
4-ply · 437 yards per 100g skein

Maine Coon Cashmere Blend DK Select Yarn
80% Extra-Fine Merino Wool (21.5 micron) / 10% Cashmere / 10% Recycled Nylon
4-ply · 246 yards per 100g skein

Lambkin DK Yarn
90% Extra-Fine Merino Wool (19.5 micron) / 10% Recycled Nylon
4-ply · 246 yards per 100g skein
Half skein available · 123 yards

Siberian Sparkle DK Yarn
75% Superwash Merino Wool / 20% Nylon / 5% Silver-Toned Stellina
4-ply · 231 yards per 100g skein

Pixie Bob Cat Worsted Yarn
100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool
4-ply · 219 yards per 100g skein
Half skein available · 109 yards

Sphynx Cat Superwash Bulky Yarn
100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool (21.5 micron)
3-ply · 105 yards per 100g skein

Pattern Shown in Photos

Patterns shown are for inspiration only and are not included with this purchase. Sample pieces may be knit by Laughing Cat Fibers or by independent sample knitters using Laughing Cat Fibers yarn.

Please Note

All yarn is hand-dyed; no two skeins are identical.

For larger garments, alternating skeins is recommended for the most even color flow.

Colors may vary slightly depending on screen settings and lighting conditions.

Create Boldly.