Choosing Color
Color is a skill that can be learned over time.
There is nothing that inherently makes one person better than another at creating beautiful color combinations while weaving. Mostly it is about taking the time to explore.
I believe if we are willing to take a risk and create something that might be considered ugly, then we will be able to find the places that make our hearts sing.
Color & Structure
One of the many things I love about weaving, and about teaching weaving, is that it has a solid structure.
The threads that are running up and down on the loom (warp) are interacting in a very specific way with the threads that are going back and forth (weft).
As someone who finds more comfort in numbers and science, this grid gives me a safe foundation for exploration.
Color, Warp & Weft
The way colors interact in weaving is different from any other medium. The warp is only one part.
The weft will be laid into the warp and change it. I think of it as giving it a tint, almost like looking through a color filter. The weft brings colors that contrast each other closer together.
Even if you are not in love with your warp, it is likely that you can find the right weft color to make it glorious.
Build a stash
Work towards building a stash of weaving yarn.
When possible, add an extra 6-12” into your warp for sampling. Sample with colors that you are certain will work, but also choose things that you are sure won’t. Those are where the surprises live.
play Around!
Come and play. Be brave and try things you are not sure about. The willingness to make things that are ugly is the key to finding your own unique color expression.
We all have failures, I promise you.
I also promise you that there are far fewer people judging your failures than you imagine, and there are plenty of others who will think that “failed” weaving is glorious.
Color AIDs
Brassard Family Photos
Brassard Curated Combos
Malabrigo Colors
JOIN A WEAVING CLUB: MAKE, LEARN, STASH!
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