FDF Book Club Presents Dream State by Eric Puchner

The latest FDF Book Club pick is Dream State by Eric Puchner.  This read is full of emotion, nostalgia, and complex characters. Inspired by its tone and themes, we’ve created a color palette that captures the dreamlike quality of the stories. We’ve also paired each colorway with patterns that match the mood.

This blog will give you a deeper understanding of why I picked this book, and how the team at FDF was inspired by it.

Want to win a free book and Mini Tassels Kit? Keep reading to find out how to enter our giveaway!

Why Dream State?

Dream State is a thoughtful, layered novel about love, friendship, and the weight of past choices. When Cece arrives in Montana to prepare for her wedding, an unexpected connection with her fiancé’s best friend begins to shift her view of the life she thought she wanted. Set over five decades and touching multiple generations, the story explores how relationships evolve, how mistakes echo through time, and what it means to move forward, even when the past lingers. Dream State invites discussion about how love, friendship, and family history shape the choices we make, and whether we can truly break free from the past. It also raises questions about identity, belonging, and the quiet ways people change over time.

I picked Dream State not only for its beautifully written, emotionally rich story, but because it's set in Montana, near where I grew up and the landscapes I know well. The small-town moments, and quiet introspection throughout the novel feel deeply familiar. The themes of identity, change, and connection feel especially resonant, making it the perfect companion to the kind of slow, intentional making we value at FDF.

The Yarn

We dyed our Dream State-inspired colorways on Bear Paw DK and Bear Paw Sock, luxurious bases that bring depth and richness to every skein we dye. With a blend of 60% superwash Merino, 20% yak, and 20% silk, the yarn is so soft, with beautiful drape, and a natural warmth that complements the moody, reflective tone of the novel. The yak adds an earthy undertone, while the silk gives a subtle sheen, making it the perfect base for colorways inspired by Dream State’s Montana setting and emotional depth.

The first colorway, Lakeborn, is named for the still, expansive lakes that shape both the landscape and emotional atmosphere of Dream State. The deep, moody green reflects the calm, reflective water and the quiet beauty of those places. Just like the characters in the story, Lakeborn carries a sense of memory, longing, and connection to home, a powerful reminder of how the places we come from stay with us.

Salish Stones takes its name from the colorful, weathered stones found along the shores of Montana’s Salish lakes, places rich with history and strength. This variegated colorway blends purples, reds, and greens, capturing the natural beauty of those stones. Like the characters in Dream State, Salish Stones holds complexity.

Pattern Pairings

To accompany the beautiful collection of yarn we’ve dyed, I’ve selected a few suggested patterns that speak to the themes of Dream State.

Edinburgh Sweater by Cheryl Mokhtari

The Edinburgh Sweater is a cozy top-down knit featuring a circular yoke and a beautiful colorwork design. It’s the perfect project for showcasing Lakeborn and Bear Paw DK’s shine. The colorwork reminded me of the feeling you get when you’re in the Flathead Valley, surrounded by the Salish Mountains and very reflective of the Western Montana vibes. You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

I knit mine with Lakeborn and Ranch Romance in a size 2 for a 38'' bust. I also shortened the sleeves with a modified quick decrease at the cuff. Below is a quick guide for this pattern, however please be mindful that we calculated the yardage the best we could, as the pattern only lists how many grams of the yarn the designer used. If you are between sizes or want to make it longer please purchase an additional skein.

Mini Tassels by Karin Fernandes

It’s Mini Tassel time… This is the perfect neck scarf for a night out or wanting some stylish flair for a day of adventure in the mountains. Knit with Bear Paw Sock The stitch pattern is simple and relaxing to knit, and making these mini tassels with Karin's method was super fun! You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

Book Club Giveaway

Comment "Dream State" for a chance win a copy of Dream State and a Mini Tassels kit in Candice's Colors! Giveaway closes Friday at 11 A.M. MST.

Join the Conversation!

Connect with fellow makers and book lovers on our Discord.

The next Book Club chat about Dream State will be July 31st at 5 P.M. MST in our Discord Streaming Room, where you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts, ask questions, and swap project ideas.

P.S.  Purchase Yarn + Book to get 15% off the yarn (automatic discount at checkout), happy reading!