Color of the Year

Submitted by Liz M.

Each year, many companies select a “color” to promote in fabrics and design. I have followed a couple of them for the last few years and been interested in the choices. There does not seem to be any pattern; lights, darks and brights all show up. These colors are forecasting interior design, fashion and, ultimately, our fabric choices.

I have been interested in Pantone as it is an industry standard for graphic design. Marketing consultants use the palette and stipulate the colors to promote consistency in a company’s brand and logo.

Pantone (click here for website) has chosen Classic Blue for 2020 shown above.  In the past, the colors have included the following:

Why are the colors selected? Do they represent a feeling, an attitude? Do you like them? Would you use them in your home or quilts?

Kona Cottons by Robert Kaufman (website) is the other group of colors I follow. Their choice for 2020 is Enchanted.  Colors for previous years are shown below:

These colors seem more contemporary to me. I don’t think I would paint a wall in Highlight, but I might sew a pillow or two to add a pop to my couch!

Quilt challenges abound each time a “color of the year” is announced. Have you participated in any of them? If so, we’d love to see a picture in the comments! What surprised you about the challenges and the quilts that were entered? I love blue and the Classic Blue from Pantone is calling my name…