Sunday, September 07, 2014

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2015

Top Ten Women's Colors: En Plein Air
Pantone released its list of the top 10 women’s color for Spring 2015 this week which coincided with the first day of New York Fashion Week. Spring 2015 will move towards a softer and cooler color palette that will feature pale pastels, neutrals and understated brights. 



“Many feel compelled to be connected around the clock because we are afraid we’ll miss something important. There is a growing movement to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still”, said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Color choices follow the same minimalistic, ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated. Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air". It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors and can also be used to describe other activities where a person partakes in an outdoor environment.

Aquamarine An airy, ethereal blue with a cool, dreamy feel. Invokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters.
Scuba Blue This cool turquoise shade adds excitement to the pallet restoring our sense of carefree playfulness, while invigorating the body and mind.
Lucite Green A soft, serene green with a minty glow offers a fresh sense of clarity.
Classic Blue A strong and reliable anchor to the color palette that inspires calm, confidence and harmony.
Toasted Almond A sun-tanned neutral, offers timeless, comforting warmth. 
Strawberry Ice A light, nurturing coral tone that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a flattering and healthy glow.
Tangerine An energizing, non-jarring take on orange that adds a bold pop of color for spring.
Custard An all-encompassing yellow emanating warmth and happiness.
Marsala This compelling and cordial hue that is much like the fortified wine that lends its name. The color is inviting and exudes confidence and stability.
Glacier Gray A timeless and unobtrusive gray that adds a sense of graceful relaxation as another practical neutral. 

Bibhu Mohapatra     |     Barbara Tfank     |     Alice & Trixie

Click here for the full Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2015

Monday, September 01, 2014

BRAMBLE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2014
The Bramble stitch is also known as the Raspberry, Cluster or Trinity stitch. The right side is richly textured with raised diagonally staggered clusters while the back side has a flat but interesting texture.

It has great history in Aran knits where it is rich in symbolism. The stitch is used in combination with other stitches and cables to produce beautiful sweaters and afghans.

The Bramble stitch adds great texture to knitted projects. The texture ensures that the fabric doesn’t curl making it a great choice for edgings and borders.



Bramble Stitch
(Multiples of 4 + 2 stitches)
Row 1 (RS) Purl.
Row 2         K1, *(k1, p1, k1), p3tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 3         K1, *p3tog, (k1, p1, k1); repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 4         Purl.
These 4 rows form the Bramble Stitch.