It’s easy to get into a color slump – we’ve definitely all been there. The good news is that it’s just as easy to reinvigorate your creative senses and get inspired! One trick to creating color combinations for knitting is by beginning with a picture that makes me happy or evokes a strong feeling. By having a tangible reference or goal, it is something you can refer back to in your color selection process to help guide you (instead of being overwhelmed by indecision)!

After I’ve decided on a picture, I choose a yarn that I want to use for the color palette. It’s a fun challenge and forces me to choose unexpected combinations by paying attention to the smaller details that are sometimes overshadowed by the main elements. For example, here is a darling kitty and an equally sweet color palette in Lindy Chain.

Lindy Chain (L-R): Swan, Blush, Celery, Ash, Black

I like putting together these palettes whenever I am feeling the urge to explore color. Having many of these done ahead of time in a variety of yarn lines means I am ALWAYS prepared with loads of ideas when it’s time to start a new project. I’ve included a few more of my most recent favorite color combos to show you literally anything can become inspiration for your next project.

A moody walk at the waterfront is just the thing for creating a subtle, yet evocative color palette.

Palette (L-R): Bittersweet Heather, Larch Heather, Ciel, Silver, Ash

Tiny succulents are bursting with inspiration for a modern and cheery palette, I love the tiny speckles of coral and red on these lovely plants.

Comfy Worsted (L-R): Honey Dew, Silver Sage, Crème Brulée, Rosehip, Hawk

A trip to my favorite vintage store is guaranteed to be chock-full of inspiration, I love how the smallest details can inspire such cozy color combinations.

Wool of the Andes (L-R): Grizzly Heather, Camel Heather, Cloud, Dove Heather, Firecracker Heather

Here are some of my favorite ways to get started:

• page through old magazines (hint: anything Martha Stewart is an instant win!)
• get out into nature or go on a walk and start snapping away with your camera phone
• don’t edit as you shoot – you might end up deleting a picture that has something wonderful waiting to be seen
• go through old photos of your favorite vacations
• when all else fails, try Pinterest or Design Seeds – always an endless source for inspiration

What are some of your favorite ways of putting together color palettes? I’d love to hear your process and advice!