Flirtatious Fir
I just couldn't let go of this photo - the idea that sturdy brown fir cones begin as such lavishly pink little flowers intrigued me.
There is a lovely mix of browns, and even a hint of olive to set them off:
I chose midrange hues for part of the sock yarn, and pastels for the other:
Both sock colourways have been designed so that the brown hues and the red/pink hues will alternate in full rounds for most sock sizes.
I am drawn more and more to the idea of semisolids and subtle blends - even in a richly complex colourway, I like the effect of choosing hues in a similar value range. Except for specifically designed striping effects, high contrast creates a graphically intense variegation that can overshadow the colours themselves. It can be very challenging to create a balanced blend, while still honoring the spirit of the original inspiration, because light and dark are not the only factors in contrast. Warmth and saturation play a vital and sometimes surprising role, and the balancing act is a delicious blend of intellectual planning and sheer instinct.
The silk blend turned out rich and shimmering, as always:
The merino lace palette honors the delicacy of the wee blooms: