Seeing Red

Red is the colour at one the end of the visible spectrum, opposite that of violet.  (See the "R" at the right of the spectrum range (below)?  And the "V" on the left?)

Source: Wikipedia

Add Some Red, She Said
- art quilt, M. Blank, 2015

I'm guessing though, that most textile afficionados who are fond of red aren't concerned with how it's seen with the eye, but rather how it makes us feel.  Most of us are familiar with the old adage about not waving a red flag in front of a bull, as it could cause the bull to charge -- and then we'd be in deep trouble!

Whether or not the adage is true in real life, the colour red has long been recognized as a colour that stimulates, excites and invigorates us.  It's known as a colour that denotes power, confidence and strength -- to whit, the British red coats, or advice to women in business to wear red, so as to be successful when doing battle, whether on the field or around a board room table.

Red is also associated with good luck, joy, energy, creativity, beauty, fire, heat, blood, martyrdom, passion and sexuality -- across a wide range of countries, cultures and religions.  Red, red wine is said to be good for you (all those anti-oxidants), with a glass a day acting as a boost to one's immune system, increasing bone density, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, lowering cholesterol -- and more.  All that and it aids relaxation and digestion (as St. Paul advised his young protege, Timothy, "...take a little wine for thy stomach's sake." - 1 Timothy 5:23)

As far as fashion goes, not everyone feels able to wear red well, but take heart!  There are so many shades and tints of the colour; it simply takes some experimenting to find out what's right for you.

Of course, not all reds need be worn near the face.  One can still enjoy red accents in one's wardrobe: a bit of trim on a jacket, a touch of red jewelry, a red tie or mittens, gloves or hat.  Perhaps a flash of red socks peeking out from the cuffs of black pants?

And reds can be combined with other colours to make a stunning check, plaid, or stripe!


At this time of year, reds are used as cheerful accents in Christmas and other holiday ornaments -- wreaths, floral arrangements, gift packaging.  The colour livens up the season -- a counterpoint to our cold weather and days filled with grey skies, snow and slush.

So this week for our Super Special, we're offering you a touch of red -- in a super-wash wool just right for those accents to a wintry wardrobe.

Diamond Luxury Collection

Pure Wool Superwash

 100 grams = 183 metres (200 yards)

100 % wool

Regular Price: $11.00 per ball

Sale Price: $2.75

Two shades available!

Colour #925 - Burgundy

AND

Colour #926 - Garnet

So...gather your needles or your hook, dig out a pattern for a simple hat or mittens or...whatever!...and gather up a ball of red yarn for some cheerful holiday yarn-crafting.  What a delight it will be for someone you love to find something red peeking out from his or her stocking on Christmas morning!  Maybe you could even knit or crochet that stocking...?

Anyway you slice it, I hope you'll come to agree with me...and with my daughter (who's getting a red hooded knit jacket for Christmas)...

Red is Best!

In other news...

Black Friday?  No way!

Stay tuned because...

Moonlight Madness is coming!  Moonlight Madness is coming!

Thursday, November 29th

6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Specials throughout the store

as we help the City of Lacombe

Light Up the Night

**Written by Margaret, happy TCL employee who loves to wear -- and knit with -- RED!