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Meet Marsala

Marsala is Pantone's Color for 2015.
PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2015 - Marsala 18-1438

It is described as ¨a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth¨ says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute.  She goes on to say:  ¨This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.
FHI Color Specifier Replacement Pages Pantone TPX Fashion + Home
All the shades of Marsala
Although I personally find the Pantone ad campaign for this year's selection over the top, the colour itself is wonderful.  Marsala will work for both men and women and for all sorts of skin tones.  This dark red-brown colour is versatile because it pairs well with lots of colours from orange and cooper to dark teals and metallic grays.

So what have yarn manufacturers done with Marsala?  The most evident thing is they are not calling the colour Marsala.  Instead it is being referred to in more conventional terms like wine, merlot or burgandy.  I assume marsala reminds most of us of a special meal in an Italian restaurants, but that doesn't translate very well to a colour.  So check out what yarns I did find:

Referred to as a burgundy by this Etsy wool dyer.
A Madelinetosh yarn called Lolita






Lion Brands Superwash Merino Cashmere in Wine

This colour is one that would work well in Fair Isle knitting because of its ability to play well with others yet it is also capable of making something stunning all on its own.  I especially like that it will work for both genders and with a wide range of skin tones.  Neither could easily be said for last year's colour - Orchid.  Marsala, Pantone's 2015 Colour of the Year is winner IMHO.  Now I can only hope I have this colour in my stash so I'm not tempted to do more yarn shopping.





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