Color Theory 20 - Blue

In the last episode of Color and Meaning we explored the color Green.  I had a poll at the end of that post asking about how you use red in your fiber art or quilting. Here are the results:

I see we have at least one green hater in blog land! Let’s see how we do with the most popular color:

 

Blue

“I need the shade of blue that rips your heart out. You don't see that type of blue around here.” 
― Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon

 

The old cathedrals are good, but the great blue dome that hangs over everything is better. 
Thomas Carlyle 

 

Oh, 1994, April 27. There won't be a day like that ever again. I mean, the sky was blue, with a blueness that had never been there before. 
Desmond Tutu 

 

Blue is the most popular color and the color of the most popular article of clothing. Blue symbolizes trustworthiness and dependability, just like your favorite pair of jeans.

 Blue is a calming color and symbolizes stability, wisdom and faith. It’s the color of the sea and sky.

 There are lots of shades of blue from electric blues that are dramatic to cold blues to deep blues that are associated with expertise and stability.

 Blue is a popular color for advertising products such as computers, airlines, water purification products and cleaning products. It’s not popular for advertising food. Blue is the least represented color on our dinner plates and is considered an appetite suppressant.

 Blue ribbons symbolize the best and there has been a blue room in the White House since 1837.

 Blue has primarily positive meanings

Trust

Loyalty

Wisdom

Confidence

Intelligence

Heaven

Piety

Health

Tranquility

Power

Seriousness

 

Negative:

Sadness

Depression

 

In culture:

 In Mexico it’s the color of mourning

In China it’s associated with east and Spring

In Iran, blue-green symbolizes paradise

In India, the God Krishna has blue skin

In Catholicism, blue is associated with the Virgin Mary

 

Blue phrases:

Out of the blue

True blue

Blue ribbon

Blue blood

Blue laws

Once in a blue moon

Feeling blue

 

In quilting, my unscientific survey of fabric that I sell, blue is the most popular color for quilting. I guess that makes sense since we make half our quilts for men and most of them want everything in blue.

 How do you use blue? You can check all that apply.

 

How do you use blue in your quilts?
	Blue is my favorite color and I have a huge stash of blue fabric.
	Blue depresses me, I avoid using it.
	Blue isn't my favorite color but I do use a lot of it.
	Blue is the most requested color for quilts I make as gifts.
	I prefer deep, dark navy and indigo blues.
	I prefer bright electric blues.
	I prefer sky and true blues.
	I prefer pale, soft blues.
pollcode.com free polls

Comments

[elle]

I am not a blue person. Not sure why. Pink and blue is really upsetting. ;^) Robin Egg blue is what I like and it is more aqua which I luv. But it is good to try things and I do have some in my stash. The gifts, ya know! lol

[Jody]

Blue is my least favorite color, but I do have some in my stash--sometimes a quilt just needs a piece of blue! It doesn't depress me, I just don't care for it.

[Gene Black]

Very interesting! I learned a few "blue things"

[Jean S.]

I love blues, but don't really have a large stash. I've purchased blues for specific quilts but generally it's not one of the regular things I buy. Don't know why really, because I do like the color. Thanks for the interesting info Vicki.

[Amy]

Blue is so darn easy to use! It plays nicely with so many other colors! I'd have a hard time not using blue (in a non-monochromatic)in a quilt!