The Creative Influence of Color...

Free Embroidery Design #6
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How often have you purchased a pattern because it was made in adorable fabrics that appealed to your sense of color?

If I had stitched the design on the left in fall colors, it would change the feel of the design. While creating this embroidery design  I noted it was shaped pumpkin like. Do you see it?

Years ago, there was an embroidery card release with designs done in Pennsylvania Dutch colors. The card had beautiful designs but living in the Atlanta area, the Pennsylvania Dutch feel of the card was a challenge for the customers. It sat in the case at a local the store for months.  By stitching some of the designs with unusual colors in a clothing sample display, customers began inquiring about the embroidery motifs. Surprise crossed their faces as the card was revealed and soon it was sold out!

Colors influence our moods and sometimes it is hard to see a sewing pattern used differently because the colors in the sample do not always have appeal to the intended audience. Fabric that does not have the right drape (meaning it hangs poorly) for the intended garment is also a major influence but typically you see the color first and then the drape, as in a skirt.

Realtors recommend white or off white walls so that the color palette of a home does not  negatively impact the potential buyer. If the buyer loves blue and the house is mauve, it is hard for many purchasers to envision their personal belongings in the home.

Tip: Design colors can be changed and fantasy colors can add interest and dimension with fun threads.

Consider trying new colors and create your own garden of fantasy, testing out all the new threads, from twisted, shiny, neon and more. Use a color wheel, to try new combinations in your fabric selection. Pick your favorite color and select every other color next to it. Or choose every third color, or even opposite colors.

The Rainbow Color Selector wheel is very handy, especially for quilters and dressmakers, letting you compare your fabrics through windows.    It was not until sewing that I finally understood why my art teacher went on and on about color wheels.

You may have fabulous color sense, but the color wheel can  take your sense of color combinations and expand choices.  

Look at the green skirt and see the buttons, and glance at a color wheel and you will note the influence. You will see the color wheel influence on the fabric prints and combinations at stores and in magazines.

Other ways to explore colors: If you see a color combination in a magazine advertisement, rip it out and use it!

The experts are paid for their ability to choose current colors that work to appeal to consumers. You want to have your "color way" handy for when you shop.

I encourage you to experiment with a color wheel, but as a safety net, start with a fabric color that looks good on you especially if it is a color close to your face.  Change your embroidery colors in any designs you own to ones that will reflect your personality.

Be creative and influence others with your sense of color!   ~ Cookie