I love how color encourages personal expression. How it’s part of every day, from what we wear to the food we eat. How color finds its way into our creative spaces and can reflect a purpose, mood, season, or thought (in ways we don’t always realize).
Today we’ll explore one of my favorite parts of color: trends. But I hope you don't get hung up on the word trend. There are so many ways you might wear a current trend; you may be wearing one right now without realizing it. I am looking at you, plaids and stripes!
Though I may not be wearing the trendiest styles, I’ve spent the last decade learning how to find, adapt, and use trends to inspire creativity. Each season when I glance at the color forecasts from the Pantone Color Institute™, my creative soul awakens. I want to see how to use these colors and how other weavers, spinners, and makers have too.
From NY fashion week, this year’s colors are described as enduring and exuberant, coming together to inspire creativity and reinvention. Image from Shutterstock
On the flip side. If you thought, I'm not sure I care about the colors for this autumn/winter. Or what if you are reading this next year? This is about this season’s colors, yes, but most importantly this is about exploring color combinations. Finding the unexpected, creating a bold look with primary colors, or using classic colors and neutrals for balance. See, this might be interesting after all.
Come along as we explore six projects from Little Looms and Handwoven and how this year’s autumn/winter color collections can be used.
Veerya
When choosing colors for this scarf, Shilpa knew what she was looking for; a maroon for bravery and strength and a yellow for competence. Detailed borders created with pick-up and Brooks bouquet add elegance to the calm weft-float patterns of the body. Using a shimmering Adobe with vibrant Fire Whirl creates a two-color combination that is full of life.
Veerya by Shilpa Nagarkar from Little Looms Holiday 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Thick and Quick Poncho
Isn’t a poncho just a blanket you wear? In this striking garment, the changing colors of a Noro cake create this color drama. An optional inkle band at the shoulder seams can add stability. Stripes and cozy garments are also very in this year, though this poncho is sure to get many years of use.
Thick and Quick Poncho by Tammy Bast from Little Looms Holiday 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Ice Float Scarf
Curious about using two heddles on your rigid-heddle loom? This scarf is the perfect introduction to the technique and will open possibilities for weaving many more structures with ease. Stay with similar shades, s two blues seen here, or opt for contrast with two complementary colors.
Ice Float Scarf by Nancy Peck from Little Looms Holiday 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Chattahoochee Poochie Towels
Adapted from a previous bag project, the crisp design and colorful options make these towels stand out. Created in a heavier fabric by doubling 10/2 cotton in the warp and weft, Sheila also used a skeleton tie-up to reduce the number of treadles needed. Recreate these beautiful earthy colors or use jewel tones for a bolder look.
Chattahoochee Poochie Towels by Sheila O’Hara from Handwoven September/October 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Absinthe Scarf
For this scarf, four colors were selected and arranged in the warp to create a subtle three-dimensional effect. The black silk weft tones down the warp but doesn’t dominate it, resulting in an elegant silk scarf. We love how the bold yellow and green work together with the other colors to create a beautiful pattern.
Absinthe Scarf by Jon Porch from Handwoven September/October 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Palaka-Inspired Canvas Weave
Palaka is a plaid originally used by Hawaiian cowboys and agricultural workers. Inspired by this plaid and another project, Kate got the idea of combining canvas weave with color in both the warp and weft in palaka-like proportions. When choosing your colors, opt for the classic plaid in blue and white or try red and white like in this example.
Palaka-Inspired Canvas Weave by Kate Lange-Mckibben from Handwoven May/June 2021. Color swatch from Shutterstock, Project Photo by Matt Graves
Enjoy all that color has to offer this season.
~Tiffany