Color … it’s all around us and evokes emotions good or bad but NEVER indifferent.

“Think of the power color has. When we see someone’s wonderful, newly-knit sweater, our first impression is of color. We are aware of its yarn and stitch pattern and silhouette, but the first thing we notice, mention, remember is its color… color has the potential to scare us. Why else would 80% of knitters insist upon knitting the garment in the exact color in which it is shown?”

excerpted from Knitting Experience: Color by Sally Melville (XRX Publishing, page 3)

So, when I had the chance to join a webinar, sponsored by color gurus from Pantone, I jumped at it. Today, I spent a lovely 30 minutes hearing all about the “color of the year” for 2014: Radiant Orchid.

This color is described as:

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.

Isn’t that just a lovely description. I love this color … almost as much as I loved the 2013 Color of the Year: Emerald!

This has all gotten me on a “rabbit trail” of sorts … to learn more about color and its effects on all of us. This, I am sure, will help me be a better designer, but more importantly … it’s a fascinating journey. I’m now anxiously awaiting the arrival of Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color

… history and color theory all rolled into one volume … one more could I want? Look for more about my color-adventures over the next few months … and beyond!