Knitting and Crochet Blog Week Day 4:  Colour Review: What are your favourite colours for knitted or crocheted projects? ...um, lets see, could it be grey and yellow or yellow and grey? or what about just yellow, yellow, yellow,  grey, or grey.

*cough* Yes, I think we have covered that one, so let us look to the future:

Over the last few months, I have been drawn more and more towards off-white undyed yarns. It started when the lovely Jen at Artesano sent me some samples of Manos Fino and Artesano DK, both in cream. The 2 hanks sat on my desk for ages and I just couldn't get them out of my head--something about the nakedness of them really appealed to me. That is where the colour inspiration for Alchemilla came from - I just knew it had to be in cream - partially to fit in with the colour scheme, but mostly because I just loved the idea of being enveloped in foamy waves.

(free download)

I think designing a crochet item in off-white gives the piece an instant vintage flavour, reflecting the creamy tones of vintage doilies and lace. I like the idea of combining this retro element with more modern shapes and fibers, sort of honouring the history of crochet, while still making sure it is relevant today.

Off white is also a colour that photographs really well here in Scotland, with our indirect sun and browny greeny purpley grey landscape. In a very sunny environment, white and cream have a tendency to blow out and stitch detail is lost.

Almost all of my recent swatches have been in creamy shades and three out of my last six yarn support requests have also been off white.  I can see a trend developing...

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Just a quick note to say that the competition to win my book, Crochet at Play and the yarn to make a Fox Stole of your own is closing today! Don't forget to enter.

Also, my blog book tour has kicked off with Natalie at Bambino Goodies and another chance to win a book and some yarn!

Want to try before you buy? The Mermaid Tail Pattern has been published in the Guardian!