What your fabric choices reveal about you
The colours you wear reflect who you are and how you feel. When your colour choices also suit you, that is, they make you look good, getting dressed is a quick and confident process. No more "What will I wear?"
If you are to wear the colours that reflect who you are it helps to get clear about what your strengths are. I am a big believer in focusing on strengths over fixing weaknesses. When you do focus on strengths momentum happens. You use what you are good at to make change and see progress.
When you understand strengths, it is fun then to understand how to project those strengths visually. Colour is a powerful way to do that because it is instant and subconscious.
Not sure which colours suit you?
This article is about understanding your strengths and matching the colours to those strengths.
- Discover your Character Strengths through colour
- What does your sewing colour palette say about you?
- Matching Character strengths to your favourite sewing colours
- Red Threads: Are you bold or brave
- Feeling Blue? or just wise and thoughtful
- Yellow fabrics: is your sewing style all about positivity and growth
- Why sewing green might mean you are a team player
- Orange you excited? Find zest and leadership in your fabric choices
- Your fabrics, your character: What do you do next?
- Ready to dive deeper? Join the Fabric Formula Waitlist!
Discover your Character Strengths Through Colour
I first heard about this Character Strengths assessment from Vanessa Van Edward's book "Captivate".* This book is full of research about understanding self and others so you can communicate with confidence.
I highly recommend Via Character Strengths assessment to understanding your strengths.
If you have not done it: STOP reading now, click this link and go do it.
Print out your report emailed to you when you have completed it and put it somewhere you can see it on a daily basis. You now have a constant reminder of the things you are naturally good at.
A summary of the Character Strengths
A few years ago I asked a group of Grade 7 students to do the Character Strengths a quiz.
One of the kids, who had been described to me by a teacher as quirky, came to me afterwards and said, "This has to be wrong, it says I am Brave." I looked at him and said, "You are one of the bravest kids I know."
He responded to heckles from class mates with curiosity. He asked questions no one else did. He presented his work in front of the class with thoughtfulness. He was an absolute joy to have in the class. He wasn't quirky, he was brave and curious and I think he will go places.
I like this list of Strengths because you see the categories and language they use in value statements of schools all the time. So if they resonate with an 11 year old then they can resonate with most people.
They also align with the characteristics of a sewer. Those who get a garment made despite all the odds. I love this list and I see it time and time again in my customers and in sewing groups that I belong to.
The Via Strengths are divided up into six (6) categories:
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Humanity
- Justice
- Temperance
- Transcendance
Wisdom
1. Creativity – Thinking of new and productive ways to do things. You enjoy experimenting with new ideas and approaches.
2. Curiosity – A strong desire to learn or know more. You are interested in exploring new topics, ideas, or experiences.
3. Judgment (Critical Thinking) – Being able to think things through and examine them from all sides. You make informed decisions based on careful reasoning.
4. Love of Learning – A passion for mastering new skills or bodies of knowledge. You value gaining deeper understanding, regardless of the outcome.
5. Perspective – Seeing the bigger picture and providing wise counsel to others. You offer valuable advice and insight in complex situations.
Courage
6. Bravery – Facing your fears and challenges head-on, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. You take action in difficult situations.
7. Perseverance – Persisting through obstacles to complete tasks. You don’t give up easily and finish what you start.
8. Honesty – Being truthful, sincere, and authentic. You live by your values and speak the truth, even when it’s tough.
9. Zest – Approaching life with enthusiasm and excitement. You are energetic, upbeat, and fully engaged in what you do.
Humanity
10. Love – Valuing close relationships with others and being able to express care and affection. You build strong, trusting bonds.
11. Kindness – Being generous and compassionate. You perform good deeds and are considerate of the needs of others.
12. Social Intelligence – Understanding the feelings, thoughts, and motives of yourself and others. You navigate social situations effectively.
Justice
13. Teamwork – Working well within a group or team and being loyal to those around you. You promote cooperation and collaboration.
14. Fairness – Treating everyone equally and justly. You have a strong sense of justice and avoid favouritism.
15. Leadership – Encouraging and organising others to achieve a shared goal. You lead with wisdom, humility, and integrity.
Temperance
16. Forgiveness – Letting go of resentment toward those who have wronged you. You give people second chances and focus on moving forward.
17. Humility – Having a realistic view of your achievements and acknowledging the contributions of others. You don’t seek the spotlight for personal gain.
18. Prudence – Making careful and well-thought-out decisions. You are cautious and deliberate in your actions to avoid unnecessary risks.
19. Self-Regulation – Managing your emotions and behaviours effectively. You stay in control and maintain discipline, even in challenging situations.
Transcendence
20. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence – Noticing and valuing beauty, skill, and excellence in various domains of life, from nature to art to human achievements.
21. Gratitude – Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen in your life. You regularly express appreciation.
22. Hope – Expecting the best for the future and believing you can help bring it about. You are optimistic and believe that good things are possible.
23. Humour – Seeing the light side of life and making others laugh. You enjoy making others smile and appreciate the fun in situations.
24. Spirituality – Having a sense of connection with something larger than yourself, whether it’s a higher power, nature, or a sense of purpose. You find meaning in life.
What does your sewing colour palette say about you?
When you know your top strengths it is then fun to understand how to express them in colour.
I focus on my top five (5) strengths daily. If I am not tapping into at least one of these during the day, then I start to feel unfulfilled. For me they are Judgement, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Honesty, Forgiveness and Creativity.
Your strengths may change as you grow and mature, but for me, in my 50s, they have remained unchanged for quite a few years now.
I have chosen to match the classic 24 Colour Wheel with the 24 Character Strengths. I think there is something serendipitous about the same number existing in both.
Matching Character Strengths to your favourite sewing colours
Each colour carries its own meaning, and whether you're consciously aware of it or not, your fabric choices are highlighting aspects of who you are.
The colour wheel above uses saturated colours and the ones you use will vary in hue depending on your Colour Type.
| Strength | Colour | Reason |
| Creativity | Violet | Violet represents imagination, originality, and creative expression. |
| Curiosity | Yellow-Green | Yellow-green symbolises growth, exploration, and a thirst for knowledge. |
| Judgment (Critical Thinking) | Blue | Blue conveys calmness, clarity, and thoughtful decision-making. |
| Love of Learning | Yellow | Yellow signifies brightness, intellect, and a love for gaining wisdom. |
| Perspective | Blue-Violet | Blue-violet embodies wisdom and deep understanding, offering a broad view of situations. |
| Bravery | Red | Red stands for courage, strength, and the willingness to face challenges. |
| Perseverance | Red-Orange | Red-orange suggests energy, determination, and the drive to push through obstacles. |
| Honesty | Light Blue | Light blue represents sincerity, transparency, and honesty. |
| Zest | Orange | Orange exudes enthusiasm, vitality, and excitement for life. |
| Love | Light Red-Violet | Light red-violet is associated with warmth, affection, and close, meaningful relationships. |
| Kindness | Light Yellow | Light yellow radiates positivity, warmth, and generosity, reflecting a kind nature. |
| Social Intelligence | Light Red | Light red is connected to awareness of emotions and building strong, heartfelt connections. |
| Teamwork | Green | Green symbolises harmony, cooperation, and working together for a common purpose. |
| Fairness | Light Blue-Green | Light blue-green represents balance and fairness, being just and equitable in relationships. |
| Leadership | Light Orange | Light orange reflects inspiration, enthusiasm, and the ability to guide and influence others. |
| Forgiveness | Light Yellow-Green | Light yellow-green evokes renewal, healing, and letting go of past wrongs. |
| Humility | Light Green | Light green symbolises modesty, growth, and being grounded in one's abilities. |
| Prudence | Yellow-Orange | Yellow-orange is associated with careful planning and balanced decision-making. |
| Self-Regulation | Light Violet | Light violet reflects discipline, control, and maintaining balance in emotions and behaviours. |
| Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence | Blue-Green | Blue-green conveys a deep appreciation for beauty and the extraordinary in life. |
| Gratitude | Yellow-Orange | Yellow-orange radiates warmth and thankfulness for life’s blessings. |
| Hope | Light Yellow-Orange | Light yellow-orange symbolises optimism and the belief in a positive future. |
| Humour | Light Red-Orange | Light red-orange represents playfulness, joy, and bringing laughter into life. |
| Spirituality | Light Blue-Violet | Light blue-violet suggests a sense of higher purpose, transcendence, and connection to the divine. |
Sewing is such a personal experience, and the fabrics and colours you select often resonate within you in some way.
It’s not just about making a garment—it’s about making a statement, even if it’s a subtle one.
So next time you are picking out fabric, take a moment to reflect. What do your choices say about you? And could those colours reflect your unique strengths and characteristics? You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself through the colours you sew with!
Red Threads: Are you bold or brave?
When you think of red, what comes to mind?
For many, it’s the colour of boldness, passion, and strength. If you find yourself drawn to sewing with red or its variations—like deep crimson (cool) or fiery scarlet (warm)—it might be a reflection of your fearless nature. Red is often associated with bravery and the courage.
You could go so far as to say that you’re not afraid to take risks, whether in fashion or in life. Red, in all its shades, has long been a symbol of energy, action, and determination. Those who choose red are often seen as confident and willing to face challenges head-on.
Cool (more blue), neutral and warm (more yellow) reds
Feeling Blue? Or Just Wise and Thoughtful?
Blue is one of the world’s favourite colours, and it’s easy to see why. We are surrounded by it.
From soft sky blue to deep navy, blue evokes feelings of calm, stability, and wisdom. Sewing with blue communicates your thoughtful and reflective nature. Blue is closely tied to traits like judgment and perspective—qualities that help you see the bigger picture and make balanced decisions. Maybe that is why we see it in business so often.
Light blue tones, such as baby blue or powder blue, are associated with clarity and peace. You value serenity and clear thinking in your sewing projects. In contrast, deeper blues like royal blue and navy embody a sense of authority and confidence, often tied to wisdom and strong leadership.
Blue-violet, sitting between blue and purple on the colour wheel, adds an element of introspection and creative insight. It’s the colour of those who seek knowledge and enjoy offering guidance to others. If you’re drawn to these shades, it may indicate your thoughtful approach to sewing—and to life.
So, next time you sew with blue, ask yourself: are you expressing your inner wisdom, judgment, or perhaps a desire for deeper understanding?
Cool (more blue), neutral and warm (more yellow) blues
Yellow Fabrics: Is Your Sewing Style All About Positivity and Growth?
There’s something undeniably uplifting about yellow.
My husband's favourite flower is sunflowers. It evokes memories of travelling with his mum, whom he was very close to. She was fun and up for anything with her grandkids.
Yellow radiates positivity, energy, and optimism. If you’re drawn to sewing with yellow fabrics, it might reflect your mindset—one that’s curious, hopeful, and always looking to grow.
Yellow is often linked to learning and intellectual curiosity. Like sunflowers opening to a new day, it symbolises new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Do you find yourself gravitating toward yellow when you’re excited to try something new or are in a phase of personal growth? It may not be a coincidence! Yellow fabrics might represent your readiness to embrace change and explore new techniques or projects.
Beyond curiosity, yellow also embodies hope and the belief in positive outcomes. When you sew with yellow, it can reflect your optimistic outlook.
Why Sewing with Green Might Mean You’re a Team Player
Green is a colour deeply rooted in nature, symbolising balance, harmony, and growth.
Sewing with shades of green—whether it’s a soft sage or a bold emerald—it may reflect your collaborative spirit and strong sense of fairness.
Green is closely associated with teamwork and cooperation, traits that are essential when working towards a common goal. Those who choose green often value harmony and enjoy creating a sense of unity.
Do you find yourself sewing for loved ones or contributing to community projects? Green tones might be reflecting your desire to bring people together and nurture relationships. Whether it’s a thoughtful handmade gift or a piece for a group project, green fabrics carry a sense of inclusivity and balance, making them perfect for someone who values fairness and collaboration.
It’s a colour that promotes calm and understanding, ideal for creating an atmosphere of cooperation.
Cool (more blue), neutral and warm (more yellow) greens
Orange You Excited? Finding Zest and Leadership in Your Fabric Choices
If you are someone who gravitates toward bright, cheerful fabrics, chances are you’ve worked with shades of orange!
Known for its lively energy, orange is the colour of zest, enthusiasm, and leadership. It is the reasons it is one of my brand colours.
Sewing with orange or its vibrant variations—like tangerine, coral, or burnt orange—suggests that you have a bold, adventurous spirit. You’re likely someone who isn’t afraid to take charge.
Orange is often associated with people who bring energy to a room and inspire others to action. If you find yourself sewing with this colour, it may reflect your natural leadership qualities. You’re someone who loves to create, initiate, and motivate, whether you're organising a sewing circle or taking on a complex project with confidence.
Beyond leadership, orange suggests a zest for life. A passion that shines through in everything you do. Choose orange fabrics when you’re feeling optimistic and full of creative ideas. It embodies the vibrant, forward-moving energy you possess.
Next time you sew with orange fabric, embrace your inner leader and know that you are sewing with the colour of boldness, creativity, and cheer!
Your Fabrics, Your Character: What Do You Want to Sew Next?
Considering the fabrics you choose might be more than just a matter of style, but also reveal to others something unique about your personality and strengths.
Take a moment to think about your fabric collection. Each of the choices might be reflecting different aspects of who you are.
For example, if you love working with vibrant reds, you might be someone who embraces challenges with courage and confidence. If blue shades are your go-to, perhaps you value wisdom and calm reflection. Yellow fabrics could suggest that you’re in a phase of growth and optimism, while green might indicate a collaborative, harmonious spirit.
As you plan your next sewing project, also consider what these fabric choices say about the person you are sewing for.
Reflecting on your fabric colour choices is a playful way to understand yourself better and align your sewing projects with your personal strengths.
Ready to Dive Deeper? Join the Fabric Formula Waitlist!
Now that you have an understanding of the meaning of colours and how you can use them to accentuate your strengths, lets get the HUE of those colours right for you so they truely make you sing.
To know which hue of blue, red, green or yellow suit you, the "Fabric Formula" will help.
It will ask a series of questions to define your Colour Type and give you guidance on pattern scale a density for your body shape and size (for men).
In addition you will be able to order a collection of fabric swatches that suit. A perfect companion to fabric shopping. Feel confident every time you make something, it is going to look good.
It is currently in production!
Be the first to get it when it is live: go on the waitlist here.
* note the book title link is an Amazon affiliate link. Every little bit helps me to keep delivering for you.
