Happy colors

Color is powerful. We don't think about it much because it's so integral to our lives, but the colors we choose for our homes, for our clothes, and for our knitting, play an important part in our everyday happiness.  I think that a lot of what they call the winter doldrums is the lack of color in the world this time of year. Cheerful holiday decorations are gone, and things can seem a little drab. Neutrals are nice, and certainly very calm, but it's a fine line between peaceful and downright boring.  Especially in the winter, I need some happy colors. 

Happy colors are different for everyone.  Each culture views colors in a different context - for many westerners, yellow is a very happy color, while in Japan, yellow symbolizes deceit!  Regardless of a color's cultural meaning, there is a complex function of associations in our brain that gives a color its appeal for each of us.  Think about it - when you're browsing in the shop and you happen across a skein of yarn in that color, you feel your breath catch a little.  It's a visceral response.  You tell yourself, "I really should get out of my box," but you buy it anyway because it's just so beautiful that just owning it an looking at it makes you happy.  That's totally okay.  I'm making this 64-Crayons afghan, and I have all the skeins piled up in a big basket in my family room.  It makes me happy to see them there. 

If you're feeling a little drab, find a little yarn in your stash in a color that makes you happy, and whip up a little had or a pair of bright fingerless mitts. If nothing in your stash does it for you, you can stop by the shop and get a nice big dose of happy.  Especially before this weekend's snow. Happy knitting!

I look forward to seeing you in the shop and around the table - you are always welcome here.  ~Ellen