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Colour Confidence in Embroidery


Synopsis


Each aspect is clearly illustrated by example and includes tools for selecting colours, choosing shades that enhance our embroidery, why some shades blend better than others, and the importance of contrast with light and shadow. There are projects to represent each colour group including stunning roses, camellias, fruit and the much sought-after bee-eater birds, but the highlights of the book for any stitcher have to be the chapters on colour combinations and complementary colours. These include more than 200 stitched examples with DMC thread keys, plus schemes to help choose colours for your own projects.
Colour Confidence in Embroidery is the first of its kind on this subject and a valuable resource for any embroiderer. Although based on long and short stitch shading the principles could be applied to any surface or counted thread embroidery.

Trish Burr

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding the Color Wheel

* Introduces the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
* Explains the relationships between complementary, analogous, and monochromatic color schemes.
* Real Example: A rainbow-colored embroidery design, where the primary colors (red, blue, yellow) are complemented by the secondary colors (green, orange, purple) and the tertiary colors (yellow-green, blue-green, etc.).

Chapter 2: Selecting Colors for Embroidered Projects

* Provides guidance on choosing colors based on the intended mood and purpose of the embroidery.
* Discusses the importance of considering the background fabric color and texture.
* Real Example: Embroidering a cozy blanket in warm, earthy tones to evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Chapter 3: Creating Color Palettes

* Explains different methods for creating color palettes, such as the 60-30-10 rule and the analogous color scheme.
* Emphasizes the importance of creating a balance between contrasting and harmonious colors.
* Real Example: Developing a palette of pastel pink, blue, and yellow for a delicate floral embroidery design.

Chapter 4: Blending and Shading

* Introduces techniques for blending and shading colors to create depth and dimension.
* Covers the use of split stitch, long and short stitch, and couching stitch for shading.
* Real Example: Embroidering a realistic rose by blending shades of red, pink, and white to create volume and texture.

Chapter 5: Using Colors Creatively

* Explores advanced techniques for creative color expression.
* Discusses the use of variegated threads, metallic threads, and beading to add interest and enhance textures.
* Real Example: Adding iridescent, gold-colored thread to a bird embroidery design to create a shimmering effect.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Color Issues

* Identifies common color problems such as color bleeding, color fading, and uneven coverage.
* Provides solutions and tips for resolving these problems through proper thread selection, embroidery tension, and washing techniques.
* Real Example: Preventing color bleeding by using color catchers in the washing machine when laundering an embroidered piece.

Chapter 7: Color Confidence in Practice

* Features a series of embroidery projects that demonstrate the principles covered throughout the book.
* Includes detailed instructions, color charts, and design templates.
* Real Example: Embroidering a sunset scene, using a combination of warm and cool colors to create a vibrant and realistic depiction.