Have you had your colors done? Do you know what colors make you look your very best? Do you care? Do you pay attention to color when selecting fabrics for your projects?
I've been fascinated by the whole color theory and image bit for years. I own or at least have read just about every book on the subject. I also regularly read several image-related blogs. I got my colors done in 2006 by Ethel Harms, during a Palmer/Pletsch workshop. I had figured out much of the color stuff from books but it was great to have confirmation from a pro. Plus, I received a fan of swatches to make fabric selection easy.
I love the fan and use it often - for fabric purchases as well as RTW purchases. It really helps narrow down the choices. For this new wardrobe, I have selected a limited palette because I think it will be easier to manage.
I started with two basics: black/charcoal and very dark brown. These colors are in my eyes and hair.
Then I picked two accent colors: blue green and fuchsia/magenta. These are my look-at-me colors and will need grounding with one of the basics.
And for light and contrast, bright white will be perfect.
 |
| Note that in this picture, the proportion of colors is reversed - black/charcoal and dark brown will be more prominent, the green and fuchsia/magenta will be accents. |
With these colors in mind, I looked through my stash to see what I have. I found enough black wool and dark gray wool to get started, a little bit of dark brown wool crepe, and a couple of green wool jerseys. I also have enough white cotton shirting. That's a pretty good beginning, no?
Next I sent a few color swatches to Banksville Designer Fabrics with a request that they help me coordinate a wardrobe around the colors from my swatches. Last Thursday, a big fat envelope arrived in the mail and in it, a whole lot of swatches. (The three I had sent them are at the top left.)
I love the swatching service. It makes life so much easier. (And the wallet so much lighter.) Lots of lovely fabrics there - wools, silks, and cottons. I made my list today and am ready to place an order as soon as they open in morning. Here are the swatches laid on top of the stash fabrics:
**********
Thank you all very much for your comments on my previous post and the good luck wishes (I'll need it).
Carolyn asked: "So are you going to use this as the jumping off point? Will you assign patterns to these looks and sew them up? Or is this just your dream wardrobe? Oh, one more question...no white blouse?"
Yes, I will use specific patterns. This is my year to create and/or refine TNT patterns so there will be multiple iterations of each. And there will likely be a white blouse later on but... I don't know yet how cold I will be at work throughout the year, especially with all the jackets. I doubt Wyomingites rely on air conditioning as much as Floridians do. So for now, I'm going with sleeveless shells.
**********
8 comments:
Great selections. I have some problems with the notion that a woman's wardrobe is incomplete without a basic white blouse. They don't suit everyone and look very boring with a plain suit.
Oh, those cuts of fabric laying together look beautiful! Wool jersey... sigh... Can't wait to see which swatches you pick.
Gorgeous fabrics.
I'm with Gail on the white blouse concept. It doesn't work for me. I wondered at a pale blue, light lavender, blush pink or something along those lines. Light but not white.
Your plans are coming together nicely. I love your style of your wardrobe. It's clean and versatile. The color palette is warm and the prints will create some interesting combinations. Please tell me more.
Love the colour choices and fabrics. I've been thinking of getting my colours done too - I agree can make or break an outfit.
Wow, what a plan! I applaud your organization. Never thought of requiring swatching services, though here in France they would be nonexistent.
I am obsessed with colours as well and with making sure I wear the right colours. Your palette would work quite well for me actually - except I tend to invert colour proportions from you (wear more colours and less brown/black).
I will be checking out your progress on your wardrobe with great interest!
Your comment on my hair was intriguing. Thanks. My stuff had the opposite affect causing me to want to be more visible, to be truly seen and heard. We all process differently.
You are so organized! The fabric selections look wonderful together. I would have a difficult time making choices. Thanks for sharing your wardrobe planning.
Post a Comment