Thursday, August 23

Colors and inspirations

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   Often times I am complimented on the color combinations that I use in my kitchen cloths. Many of you have commented on how cheerful, fun or playful some of my cloths are...

Well, how DO I decide on colors? I will let you in on a little secret, but don't tell anyone or my reputation will be ruined. :) In actuality, I am a graphic designer and I love working with color. (Even though my wardrobe mostly consists of black!) But sometimes even I have difficulty in either deciding on or visualizing a color combination. This is what I do for inspiration when I am stumped...

...Think about something in your possession or that you have come across that you absolutely love. A piece of clothing that makes you feel like a million bucks or an upholstered piece of furniture you love to have in your room. Is there a fabric handbag that simply makes you smile? Perhaps you have passed a bolt at the fabric boutique that you adore but you don't know why. Chances are that the color combinations caught your attention. Sometimes those very colors can play a role in your attitude and can even reach out and inspire you!

 

The Log Cabin dishcloth and my tulip vase.

 

To create your next work, why not simply emulate the colors contained in your "favorite" whatever-it-was??? There is essentially no visualization involved, since the concrete color evidence is right there in front of your eyes. If it is not portable - simply snap a picture of it to capture the color essence. This is also a great way to try something a bit more trendy using contemporary color combinations. Home decorating, fashion, nature and even food combinations are fair game! Sometimes I target color combinations found when knitting from a particular variegated yarn. I pull two or three colors out that I love when knitted next to each other.

Now sit back, reach from your stash and start painting with yarn.

Be a Picasso.

Here are a few of the inspirations that I have used recently:

Multi-band dishcloth and my latest handbag.

 

One of my favorite coffee mugs and a Multi-band dishcloth.

 

   I added a new venture to my knitting repertoire. Simple + Elegant + Functional = Winner! The Irish Hiking Scarf. The next logical step after learning cables from my latest KAL. I am enjoying this very much. Of course there is much more knitting involved - 62 or so inches, but a pattern that can easily be memorized. Thus far I have just about 14 inches accomplished. Some of the scarves that I have seen were so luxurious and beautiful that I simply was itching to try.

Here is my knit-a-long for August using Bernat Organic Cotton in Olive:

and here is my latest project, yes, The Irish Hiking Scarf which I simply consider to be an "extra long dishcloth." I am knitting two, but the pictured scarf is in Cotton Tots which is extra soft.

Oh - and rumor has it that Hakucho is doing some great things for the environment. Take a look at this!

And last but not least - here are a couple of photos of recent cloths that I knit using Sugar & Cream Pinky Stripes yarn. It was fun knitting these up but I think that after a time, this yarn would tend to make most cloths look the same. I must say that there were beautiful pinks! I wish that Lily would make the pastel pink that they use in this yarn as their soft pink. I was never a fan of the S&C Rose. The patterns that I used here are The Accidental Bobble Cloth and The Grid Pattern.

Have a lovely day-into night and my wishes are that I may have inspired one of you in the tiniest way and not just in the area of knitting! Thank you for stopping in to take a peek at this little corner of my life.

Sneak previews -

Coming next: Baby care instruction tag

 

Coming soon: My blog contest - Prizes!

 

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15 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for the input on your color choices, I've always admired the colors you use, They just have such a "cheerful" feel to them, Eye candy if you will. That looks like the Irish Hiking scarf!! I've knitted that! With wool though :o) I love it, even though here in Oklahoma we don't have much need for scarves :o)

Lil Knitter said...

CeElle, your cloths are so beautiful...as usual. Love the scarf. I just learned cables myself and would love to give this one a try. I am going to have to do the ballband...keep putting it off but yours are so pretty. I can't take it anymore. I've never seen one with the same background color like yours..with brown going through entire cloth. Love it!

Surviving said...

What a great idea about the colors. I'm working on a blog template and that actually gives me something to think about. Thank you!

I like the cable dishcloth and scarf. I'll be adding that to my list of things to make.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your points of inspiration. The mug and cloth on the last picture is my favorite.

The Irish Hiking Scarf was the second thing I ever knit. It is a great knit. Once that first 6 in is finished, it just flies. Don't forget your fringe! If you are still hooked, there is the irish hiking hat and fingerless gloves too.

magnoliasntea said...

Wonderful instructions from a pro! Thank you for sharing your secrets; simple yet astonishing results. (You could charge $$ for this kind of post.;)

I'm an IHS blog member! Small world..have you posted your progress to the blog?

The contest sounds like loads of fun. Can't wait!

hakucho said...

You are so sweet to let us in on your color selection process. I'm going to keep that in mind when picking colors in the future :)

happy knitting :)

Lil Knitter said...

I just had to tell you...after reading your blog last night..I cast on my first ballband. I get it now! I feel like such a blonde..lol. Thanks so much for your advice, it was such an inspiration! I can't wait to get it finished and post a photo on my blog.

DawnK said...

You sure have an eye for color! I love all the dishcloths photographed next to the object that gave your your inspiration! I enjoyed reading your post!

hakucho said...

Oh, CeElle...I love the pinky stripes cloths...very pretty. I have to find some of the stripes yarn :)

THE KNITORIOUS MRS. B said...

Again and again you inspire me with your color play! You are very innovative in your use of commaon stitches too! Thanks for the tips about color theory according to Ce Elle!
Hugs!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your comments about color. I quilt and knit and have read tons of books on 'color theory'. Sometimes I feel like I am color blind; I buy some yarn or fabric and when I use it, it just isn't quite right. Your comments are a simple way to look at color and make so much sense. I can't wait to try your 'theory'.

Marianne

CraftyCarole said...

beautiful beautiful colors... I found you via Flickr and am so glad I did! My SIL is an artist as well and most of her wardrobe is black and white! (with an occasional splash) but she loves to accessorize at times with bright colors. I'll be back soon to visit.

Thanks again!

Lacey said...

Thanks for the sweet comment. Your blog is beautiful! That log cabin cloth, inspired! Such happy colors. :D

Anonymous said...

Thanks for letting us in on your secret. You have a great color sense, and your cloths are always stunning. You've definitely elevated the dish cloth to an art form :)

Corinne said...

I stumbled upon your lovely little blog yesterday. I am in love with your patterns and color combo's. Your are a genious with color and also with a camera. I am SO trying to steal your buttons, but I can only do that with html codes. Let me know if that is possible to get. Thank you so much for such a wonderful blog and also for the delightful little tags!! I joined the yahoo dishcloth KAL. Thank you!!