Sweaters You’ll Actually Wear — Part II Colour

This is the second installment of Sweaters You’ll Actually Wear, where I talk about simple things you can think about before casting on your next sweater, to make sure it’s one you reach for again and again.

Last week, we talked about choosing a style that fits in with your current wardrobe, and with that same idea in mind, today I’ll be talking all about colour. 

Colour is an important factor when it comes to what we’re actually reaching for, and it’s essential to really examine your wardrobe and take note of the colours you wear the most. (Emphasis on wear, because your favourite bright red dress that you’ve only worn twice doesn’t count!)

When I look at my wardrobe, everything is warm neutrals and deep fall colours, with maybe a pop of yellow-green or a kiss of soft sage. And guess what — when I knit within that colour palette, items get worn a lot. But, that bright blue sweater that I made (and love!) just doesn’t get grabbed, even though the colour is gorgeous and it fits me well. 

You don’t have to be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone a little, but if we’re talking about tried and true ways to make your grab-it-everyday, wear-it-until-the-cuffs-fall-off sweater, narrow your focus to your established colour palette just for now, and save the experiments for smaller accessories. 

True story: Over the last few years, a new colour has entered my wardrobe, one I thought I’d NEVER wear – lavender. First, some yarn caught my eye at a fibre festival, so I bought one skein and made a cowl that I ended up wearing a ton. Then, the colour caught my eye again and I added it to the colourwork of a sweater, which I also ended up wearing a lot. Now, I’m planning a whole sweater in lavender, even though it’s not a “deep fall” colour, and I'm confident that I’ll feel good wearing it!