Seeing Red

When I am developing the new monthly color palettes, I work on them several months in advance of publication....as you would expect. For the last 8 weeks I have been working on September, October and November. Usually it's a pretty predictable process and takes about 3 weeks to get the exact colors I want and to dye the samples. September has not been predictable at all because it needs red. One that's not too orange and not too blue  and not too pink. Just the right red.

When I am preparing a palette, I start with my giant bin of sample colors. I have over 400 recipes so far and a sample fabric for each. I spread them all out on the floor switching one green for another or trading navy blue for cobalt.  I put together the palette I like and then dye all new samples to make sure my recipes are still holding true. I might switch a few out or add some lighter or darker values. Once I'm settled I determine if and what gradient I might create.

For September, I needed just the right red. 

I usually start with the darkest value. Some of these are from my current recipes and a few are brand new blends.  Once I narrow down my choices, I then dye some lighter values.

For me, I feel like I can see the truer nature of the color by looking at the lighter values. That's where I can really see if the color is more pink, more orange or really red.  In this photo you can really see the blue and orange coming out strongly in the light values. 

I love this process! It's the best part of dyeing for me. I love mixing the colors to make new colors and often it's just a few drops of a 2nd or 3rd color that makes just the perfect hue that I'm looking for.

I did finally get the right red for the September palette, although it's not one of the ones in this photo!

Comments

[Wanda]

Oh, Red!! I love red. Can't wait to see the September pallete!

[Kit]

I want to make a quilt using all of the fabrics in the top photo!

[Karol-Ann]

Amazing process. Red is my favourite colour and I love hearing how you do your dyeing (so much more technical than I would ever be!)

[patty]

I love red. Can't wait to see the one you picked for September. How could it be any better than the ones you are showing?!

[Deb Levy]

Red and black I find are the hardest colors to dye. Can't wait to see your reds. Though the ones above are a nice range too...and as you know, one can never have enough red...of any variation :)

[Cheryl K.]

All the reds and pinks look delicious - what a treat to see!!

[tirane93]

it makes me dizzy even thinking about being that careful about fabric dyeing! your work is always gorgeous, so i guess it pays off :)

[Debbie St.Germain]

Beautiful shades of red. I hope you and your family stay safe with the coming storm.

Debbie