I'm Embracing my Ugly!

Shell Brook Afghan

Give me a hook and some yarn and let the designing begin!  Well, sort of.  See,  I have issues with color.  I'm admitting here and now that color is not my strong point when it comes to designing crochet patterns and then needing to sell them using the actual item I've made.  My favorite colors are Deep, Deep shades of Purple, Green, Blue and Red/Burgandy.  All beautiful to me and all colors that I have throughout my home.  They are warm and comforting and I just want to snuggle up in an afghan with those colors (Like the photo on the right which is actually one of my Faves!) and read a good book or watch a great movie or even crochet another afghan! 



While the Rich, deep colors are inviting to me, they aren't always the right colors to use for designs.  Many people love bright and cheery colors (they scare me!) and many people like the light pastels (these are pretty, but don't really speak to me saying Design something with me!).  So what do I do?  Well,  sometimes, sticking with my colors has served me well and the designs turn out beautiful.
Other times, I try to play with color and trust me, I'm out of my comfort zone and it shows at times.  

Shell Brook Toddler Dress

This was my attempt at using bright colors a few years ago :/  Ugh!!!!  It did NOT work how I hoped.  While I really Hate the colors for this, the Dress design itself is pretty in different colors.  And yes, I will be making new ones as I update my oldest patterns.  Next time though, I'll stick with colors that are easier on the eyes.

Then, there are times when things just come together and Wow!  I amaze myself, but owe some thanks to a mystery friend.  Last year, I received a fun gift basket of yarn on my doorstep on Easter morning.  I was so excited, surprised, thankful and unable to show my appreciation to the gift giver properly.  

Reversible Textured Chevron Afghan

Anyhow,  The colors that were in the basket were White, Yellow, Teal, Pink and Purple.  I thought they were all cute, but wasn't sure how they would work or if I should even put them together.  This is what I came up with.  My Reversible Textured Chevron Afghan.  And the response from everyone was wonderful.  Say What????  I made that?  Seriously?  Woo Hoo!!!

Reversible Textured Chevron Afghan

It's not glow in the dark bright colors, but it is a selection of colors that I never would have chosen to go together on my own (until maybe now).  I'm living and learning and pushing my limits and enjoying every step.  Thank you to Kim Werlker for the lecture she gave Live today on CreativeLive.com.  It was very helpful to me in accepting my good, bad and ugly and being able to share some of my thoughts and weakness with you today.   lol
If you have a business, especially in the creative industry, I recommend following Kim and getting in on her lectures and/or reading her book Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises & Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty .