RADIANT ORCHID: Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2014

Today Pantone® announced RADIANT ORCHID 18-3224 as the Colour of the Year for 2014, a vibrant and captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.

“An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society,” said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

Fashion
Radiant Orchid was a shade that dominated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and has already made its way onto the red carpet.

Beauty
This modern and versatile shade enlivens the skin with a blend of both cool and warm undertones. It's a flattering hue and makes all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Celebrities have been quick to embrace this colour through the use of eye shadow, liner, lipstick and nail polish.

Interiors

Radiant Orchid is an adaptable colour that can spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. It complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a beautiful combination when paired with turquoise and teal. It is an uplifting and bold colour without being overpowering.

While Emerald, the 2013 colour of the year, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the colour wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.

DOUBLE EYELET RIB

STITCH OF THE MONTH – December 2013

The Double Eyelet Rib is a variation of the rib stitch that creates a lovely texture featuring columns of eyelet lace. It can be used for edgings and cuffs where a ribbed pattern is required or can be used as an inset panel. The ribbing tends to ‘shrink’ through the width which should be taken into consideration if using it as an all-over stitch pattern.

It’s a popular pattern that is prominently featured in baby patterns but is also used for socks, scarves and afghans.

Double Eyelet Rib Stitch

(Multiples of 7 stitches + 2)

Row 1 (RS):  p2, *k5, p2; repeat from * to end

Row 2:  k2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end

Row 3:  p2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, p2; repeat from * to end

Row 4:  k2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end

These 4 rows form the Double Eyelet Rib stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog     knit 2 stitches together

RS         right side

skp        slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over

yo           yarn over