Pantone Color of the Year

I guess I am really "out of it" when it comes to certain things. But you would think that as a quilter I would be more in tune with color trends. I guess maybe the reason I'm not is because I am stuck in the same old color palate, quilt after quilt. Civil War reproductions, Kansas Troubles, Civil War reproductions, Kansas Troubles....... They just speak to me. :)

Several days ago my youngest daughter mentioned to me that orchid was the "Pantone color of the year". What? I had never heard of this. I had no idea that there was a "color of the year". And who is Pantone? And why do they get to pick a color every year? Then, as often happens when you hear or learn something new, I heard about the Pantone color of the year three more times in the next two days! What's going on? First I had never heard of it and then I see and hear it everywhere! 

So, I did some research. And according to their website-

The Pantone Color Institute is a color research and information center that shares its color expertise with professionals in a variety of industries including fashion, commercial/industrial, contract and interior design, graphic arts, advertising, film and education. Recognized throughout the world as the leading source of color information, the Institute is used as a resource by the world's most influential media.

Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions, furthering its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. Leatrice Eiseman, America's leading color expert, is the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Wow! I learn something new every day. I knew that there are trends in colors. We all remember the 1970s with harvest gold and avocado green. And then there were the lovely dusty roses and country blues of the 80s. Thank goodness those are behind us!

All of my friends know that I am not a fan of the color purple. (Sorry Alice Walker and Oprah Winfrey.) I can do plum okay, but lavender and straight purple do absolutely nothing for me. So, this year in an effort to stretch my quilting horizons, I am making a vow to buy a piece of fabric that is "radiant orchid" in color and use it in a project. I'll let you know when I have purchased said fabric and keep you updated with my project progress (know that this is not happening in the next few weeks-so don't look for it too soon.)

I challenge you to add a little color of the year to your stash too. I'm sure that radiant orchid is coming to a quilt shop near you soon. 

Happy Quilting.....