Saturday, November 3, 2012

Changing colors

How many of you change colors in a pattern? I want to start going to my thread stash first instead of always just buying the called-for threads. But then I worry about it not looking right. Yes, I think I need to stop worrying so much about this fabulous hobby of ours and just go with it.

So, what do you do? And what is your process?

I started Thankful Quaker this morning. Stay tuned for a pic!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

9 comments:

cucki said...

I just stitch it like chart..I never did it but I saw some lovely color changes
Good luck with yours xxx

ArchangelDecker said...

I change colors all the time. I love doing it! :)

Lonneke said...

Changing the colors will make your project unique, there will be no other like it!
I say: go for it!

Claudette497 said...

I change colors on about half of my charts - if they have less than maybe 12 colors it's almost a guarantee I'll swap. My process is something like "Rust? bleah. I'm using 666. Pale yellow? gag. I'm using 745." It makes a lot of pieces more gaudy than the designer intended, but gaudy suits me! I like a lot of quaker/colonial/geometric designs, but the palettes are so dreary; I change them to my rainbow colors and I'm happy. Throw all the threads you were planning to swap on the fabric and if you like how they look...why not?

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

I'm more likely to change the fabric first then alter the colours to co-ordinate. I often can't get the same fabric used in the States.

Like Claudette I'm more likely to change colours on a smaller chart than a larger one. Although I do change backstitch colours on my Miras and Joan Elliott's. I also completely changed L&L Celtic Christmas to be a bride! That involved stitching the sleeve three times until I got the colours right!

I also find that dye lots change over time so what might have been perfect in 1997 when the designer chose it may not be the same colour now! So that would call for a sub.

I also have my "scraps bag" where I put all the leftover thread from kits that doesn't match my DMC threads. I use these alot for cards when I just need a pale blue for example.

Jennifer M. said...

I go with the colors in the chart. I check my stash to see if I have the colors before buying them. I'm too indecisive when it comes to choosing my own colors.

Jen

Catherine said...

I've done both! Sometimes it depends in budget or time to get to my LNS ~ then I'll go stash diving. Or if the called for threads are way off from the cover photo and I love the way the photo looks, I will try and match those colors. Or if I choose a different fabric.....so many wonderful reasons and ways to make a piece truly one's own. Just have fun with it!

SoCal Debbie said...

I usually follow the chart but on the Prairie Schooler designs I choose brighter colors. I have a DMC color card with the actual floss samples so I can see another color that is close to what I need and see if I have that one in my stash instead of running up to Michael's.

Adria said...

I change colors all the time. I often change the color of the fabric and the original colors do not look good. I often times make the colors richer in tone and most always change pastel hues to meet my color sensibility. By changing colors you make a piece your own, rather than the designer.