I can't tell you how many times I have seen one of my designs done in different colors and I've said "I wish I had thought of that." It's true. In the moment when I'm designing I have a "vision" for the design. That vision is an expression of my likes and the things I surround myself in my personal life.
Designing is very personal but so is stitching. I have heard people pass over a design because it isn't in their colors, saying if only it were in red, blue, yellow. . . . . . .
Let me show you just how easy it really is to go from my vision to your own. Let's start with "Home of a Needleworker (too!)." The design has a red, white and blue color-way.
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The dominant color is blue and if your home is void of blue, this could be a problem. The dilemma most people have with color changing is that they simply cannot get a vision for the design any other way other than the way it was originally stitched. So how do you even begin to make changes?
First, ask yourself what color you would like to see in the design and pull it from your stash. Next, using the cover of the pattern as the work space, lay it on top of the color you'd like to replace. You can blur your eyes a little, squint . . . . but what you are looking for is a general idea of what the design my look like stitched in "your" color. You don't have to replace every color, maybe just the dominant one(s). And if in doubt just choose neutrals or those colors found in nature like browns and greens.
The four examples I've shown above have had a minimal amount of change yet they look very different from the original. After you decide on the main color, go ahead and pull the rest of the threads listed on the pattern and lay them on the fabric. Look for contrast with the background and color harmony.
The pattern I chose to illustrate changes in is an easy one to work with. Granted, many patterns are very complex and take designers hours if not days to complete color choices. But when it's an easy one like this pattern, you can do it with relative ease and have fun in the process.
Happy Stitching,
Diane
Thanks for the hints on changing colors. What is really interesting is seeing how different elements pop when the colors change. I had never really noticed the heart in the house until I saw it in the red house.
ReplyDeleteDiane, Great post! I remember the first time I changed a color from what the designer had chosen and I was SICK! I thought I had lost my mind. I am a rule follower and it was so hard to step outside the box. Now, it doesn't bother me so much. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Paula I felt the same way the first time I did it years and years ago. It's kinda funny thinking about going from changing a color to becoming a designer. I took a pretty big leap!
DeleteI am glad you don't mind a stitcher changing something in your designs to suit their decor colors or personal preferences. I just finished stitching "Winter Band Sampler" 1 over 1 and eliminated the alphabet. I think it turned out so cute, and plan to maybe stitch all of the seasons the same way.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you send me a picture of it!
DeleteGreat tips on changing thread colors. Thank you for sharing. Have a good day:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for encouraging stitchers to do their "own thing" with your designs. I often make a small (or maybe even a big!) change but wonder what the designer would think, so it's great to know we have your approval.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for anyone but myself (obviously) but it seems to be a practice most designers feel comfortable with. We know that no one is saying we did a bad job choosing colors, rather the stitcher is just saying "this fits me or my home better." And from where I stand, that's perfectly ok. :)
DeleteWOW! I change colors all the time. I look for a good design and then start making it my own. For example, I changed the colors and fabric on the original Home of a Needleworker--a friend saw it and asked isn't that a Little House design, yours looks different. She had not purchased the design because she did not like the color palette.
ReplyDeleteUnless someone sends the needle police to my home, few but myself will ever know the colors have been changed.
Exactly my point! Sounds like you are doing just fine and didn't need my post at all! Keep stitching and enjoy those color changes. :)
DeleteI LOVE the white one!!!!! You're so talented, my dear friend
ReplyDeleteI recently ordered some of your designs and cant wait for them to arrive, this is one of the ones I chose for my sewing corner. I think I like the white one but not sure about the dark windows. I do love the blue original though. Thankyou for sharing your ideas. I change designs too to suit our house or depending on who I make it for.
ReplyDeleteKeep the windows "open" and don't stitch the dark insides. It will suit your taste better and lighten the house up!
Deletei just bought that pattern but haven't stitched it yet. looking forward to it. denise
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your patterns, thanks for your advise,
ReplyDeleteI make at this moment, The Family Sampler,
much greetings Gerrie.
Nice, simple tutorial and making a few color changes to personalize your projects. Your designs are simply charming and obviously match your sweet personality. Thank you for sharing your talent with the stitching world.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting such a sweet comment. :)
DeleteYou are right of course, I do that occasionally myself - nothing complicated - just small changes. :)
ReplyDeleteDiane...what is the design in the header of your blog, please?
ReplyDeleteLynda, that is a condensed version of the Elizabeth Hancock reproduction sampler. You can see it on the LHN web site. :)
DeleteYou make it sound so easy! I have changed some colours or substituted if I am feeling really brave. Do you have any hints on working with variegated thread, as you use it quite often. Thanks for beautiful patterns...
ReplyDeleteKaren, using hand dyed thread that changes colors subtly makes changing even easier. Take for instance the design The Gathering Room. The leaves are veined in the design, a stitching journey that adds time to the finish. Eliminating the two colors of DMC and choosing one variegated hand dyed color gives the design a very different look. Use your imagination . . . the possibilities go on and on.
DeleteThanks, Diane for the hints. I'll definitely keep it in mind next time I switch colours. I actually stitched this design with different floss than the ones charted. I tried to base the colours off the original but ended up stitching the words in a variegated colour :) I hope you like it too.
ReplyDeletehttp://veronicaoyh.blogspot.com/2012/02/first-2012-finish.html
Hugs,
Veronica.
The variegated words are a great addition to the design Veronica. Congratulations on a great finish.
DeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteI love your designs. I also love that you encourage stitchers to use whatever colors appeal to them. I stitched this design with the house and flowers done in Weeks Dye Works Lavender. I loved how it turned out. You can see it in my blog http://amandasneedlenook.blogspot.com/ Just type in Home of a needleworker in the search and it will come up.
Thanks for all the great designs!
Amanda I love the coloring! I adore lavender. . . . congrats on a great color change.
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