Creating Color Palettes

I while ago I joined ColourLovers but have not had much time to explore the site.  I have been wanting to create this type of palette as an aid to paring down all the threads I pull for new designs.

So, finally I made the time to play with the purple/orange/yellow colorway I just posted a few days ago and just had to share it!  The original thread palette photo is reposted below along with the swatch palette.

The palettes are fairly easy to create, after the initial learning curve.  Just upload something off the internet or upload one of your own photos, etc. and then start choosing colors from it.  Name it, tag it, and it will be published on ColourLovers for everyone to use.  I had even used a color that didn't yet have a name so I got to name it:  Purple Passion.  It is also easy to download your newly created palette to Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.  That's where I cropped it to the right size. 

You don't have to create palettes on the site.  There are many, many gorgeous color palettes which have already been created by members that  will probably give you lots of ideas!  Its fun to browse.

I'm happy to answer any questions about creating color palettes.....or help as much as my limited experience allows.

Bargello/Needlepoint Project Update III

It's finished except for sewing on the button!  I did change the stitch at the top and like it much better.  I know, this is a beginning piece after all and I should include one of each of stitch family but the cross stitches just don't seem to work here.  So, cross, composite and loop(embroidery) and knot stitches will just have to wait their turn for another piece.  To my eye, Bargello just doesn't combine too well with what I call "fancy stitches". 

The choice of border color was also a challenge.  I first I thought of the green, but it didn't work at all and the red was too much color.  The color and blue would also work.   Of course, it all comes back to personal taste.  And then the border is really optional but since the Gobelin stitch is the perfect border stitch, I just had to add it.

I want to add at least one more colorway before writing the instruction book and making the kit available so they should be ready sometime in the Fall.   Here is the preliminary Purple colorway.  Some of the threads are wrong, but the colors are there.  The button was my inspiration for the colorway.  I have three, very strong, over-dyes in the photo above and will probably remove one of them for he final.  There are also two softer over-dyes, the yellow/cream and yellow/orange ones, which will probably stay.  Any comments? 

Now to decide on finishing.  As an introductory piece, I think it should be applied to an already completed piece, such as a pillow, tote, box or tray, with a cording edging it.  Any suggestions?

The sun just came out from behind the clouds here.  In August, San Francisco close to the ocean,  sees the sun from 3 in the afternoon until sunset.  The rest of the day is usually overcast, or foggy.  But at least it's not hot!  We're at 63 degrees.  So I am going to get outside for a little while.  It's really easy to stay cooped up all day working and forget to just enjoy!  My husband and I both work at home and it's easy to even forget what day it is. 

So here's wishing everyone a great week....take time to enjoy the little things.

Bargello/Needlepoint Project Update II

I've completed the final Bargello leg of the "X" on the intro to Bargello/Needlepoint design.....makes a big difference.  I also laid the button at the center of the X where it will be stitched.  I'm also still trying to make sure I like the softer blue/white/pale lavender for the two triangular areas at the top and right......OR if I should use the brighter color Variations which was used for the bottom and left sides for all four areas.  Comments/opinions are welcome.

I still haven't quite decided on the border color/colors.

Hoping for a finished photo in a few days.

I also put together threads for the second colorway and will scan those threads for my next entry.  I'm hoping for three colorways but still need to collect the threads for the third one + find the button.

Wishing everyone lots of enjoyable stitching time.