A Brief History Of Patchwork For March 2018

Colour Stories

For centuries, patchwork has been practised as both practical and decorative crafts. Read on to know about its evolution over the passage of years…

Peek Into A Colourful Universe Of Patchwork!

Although it is closely associated with quilting, patchwork is a different needlework technique, with its own distinct and interesting history. Patchwork or 'pierced work' involves sewing together pieces of fabric to form a flat, colourful design.

Though very little is known about patchwork before the 18thcentury, there are few surviving examples. The Quilters' Guild Collection preserves one of the earliest known dated patchworks, the 1718 Silk Patchwork Coverlet. At that time, patchwork was a ladies' leisure pursuit.

There were improvements in technology in textile manufacture using printed cotton fabrics at the end of the 18thcentury, which continued into the early 19thcentury. For those who could afford it, expensive and printed cottons were often pieced together using the mosaic patchwork method, which also required another expensive commodity paper to produce the templates. Simpler and cheaper fabrics were used by the lower classes with simpler designs. By the middle of the century, cottons were losing importance.

The introduction of roller printing had made cottons cheaper to produce and it became widely available. In 1856,Mauveine, the first synthetic dye was produced, followed by a wide range of bright colours, and the fashion shifted from printed cottons to vibrant velvets and silks. They were available as cushions, throws, tea cosies and table covers, adorning the Victorian homes.

The 20thcentury was a period of great fluctuation. The two world wars and a dramatic shift in society led to a scarcity of available materials and decline in traditional skills. Traditional quilts lost its charm owing to competition from commercially manufactured alternatives. However, some people could still see its value, and continued to practise, teach and research patchwork, leading to an eventual resurgence of interest in the 1960s and '70s.

In 1979, The Quilters' Guild was formed with the intention of ensuring the traditional crafts of patchwork were passed on to the next generation.

It was adopted by the fashion industry in the 1960s as a 'look' associated with the hippie culture, not just a technique. By the end of the century, patchwork was closely associated with women.

At present, patchwork clothing is quite fashionable in most countries of the world.

Hope you liked reading about this colourful work of art!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For March 2018

1. There is a research that suggests that the type of television you watched when you were a child has a great effect on the colour of your dreams! While approximately 80 percent of all dreams are in colour, there are a small percentage of people, over 55 years of age who claim to only dream in black and white. Research from 1915 through to the 1950s suggest that a huge majority of dreams are in black and white but the tide turned in the sixties, and later results suggested that up to 80 per cent of dreams contain some colour. Isn't this fascinating?
2. We know that you know that cheese is made from milk. And we all know that milk is white. So how in the world does the milk that comes from the cow end up in the dairy as orange cheddar cheese? Puzzled? Let us explain; Cheddar cheese is only orange because they dye it orange. Originally, the colour of cheese changed with season due to the diet of the cow. Farmers started dyeing it to eliminate seasonal colour fluctuations. This escalated to the present day orange colour. Interesting isn't it?
3. Gold was first discovered as shiny, yellow nuggets. "Gold is where you find it," so the saying goes, and gold was first discovered in its natural state, in streams all around the world. No doubt it was the first metal known. But have you ever wondered where does gold get its shine from? It is all thanks to excited electrons! And Gold is yellow in colour owing to absorption of light when a d electron jumps to an s orbital.  It is owing to special relativity that gold has the yellow gleam.

Colour Quotes For March 2018

• "Pink isn't just a colour, it's an attitude!"

  - Miley Cyrus

• "Colour and I are one. I am a painter."

  - Paul Klee

• "I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn't say any other way things I had no words for."

  - Georgia O'Keeffe

Colour Tips For March 2018

1. Ever wondered what "Cutting in" means? It is when you use a brush to paint all of the edges and corners of a room. It often requires being on a ladder or step-stool for the edge around the ceiling, and you have to reload your brush with paint quite often. Use an out-of-the-way location where errors will not be so noticeable. Use a tapered trim brush that you have pre-moistened with water. Shake the brush several times to force the water out. Thoroughly load up your brush with paint so about 3/4 of the bristles are covered in paint. Draw a thick line of paint, called a "reservoir," about one inch from the edge. Then push the brush so the bristles flare out and draw a line exactly on the edge.
2. Professional painters usually take a "load and go" approach to painting. They mostly load the bottom 1 1/2 inches of their brushes with paint, tap each side against the inside of their paint container to knock off the heavy drips, and then begin painting. However, most homeowners often take a "load and dump" approach of dragging the loaded brush along the sides of their container and wiping off most of the paint. This actually does no good. Refrain from going the "load and dump" route and opt for the "load and go" for better results.
3. Whether you buy cheap or expensive roller covers, washing them before their first use is essential as it gets rid of the fuzz that inevitably comes off once you start painting. What you need to do is wash them with water and a little bit of liquid soap, and run your hands up and down the covers to pull off any loose fibers. This method is called "preconditioning covers." You can start using the roller covers right away—you don't really need to let them dry once you wash them.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For March 2018

1. Every colour elicits a unique and different emotional response from the viewer. Most of the movies show yellow, the colour of the sun, as a colour for cowardice. In Buddhism, yellow has far more positive connotations. It stands above all as a symbol of humility and renunciation and therefore is the colour of the robes of monks. Some Germans associate yellow with envy. In French, those who 'laugh yellow' are certainly not the calmest or jolliest of fellows. Isn't it fascinating how the same colour evokes or triggers a different emotion in different parts of the world?
2. Crimson hues stand for a variety of strong emotions, from love to anger to embarrassment. It is not just the English speakers who see red. In France, you might be rouge de colère meaning 'red with anger', while in Romania you could find yourself'vedearoșuînfațaochilor' which means literally 'seeing red in front of your eyes'. Red is also associated with anger in German, but if your blood is really boiling then you are positively prismatic: a hopping-mad Berliner might sichgrün und blauärgern meaning'argue oneself blue and green'. Interesting, isn't it?

Colours & Fashion For March 2018

We bet you never thought of going grey to up your style quotient. You better think again! Several celebrities from Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Rihanna to Kylie Jenner have sported gorgeous grey locks and given their nod to this hair colour trend!

It looks edgy and pretty both, working well with all kinds of complexion and hair texture, be it curly hair, straight hair, frizzy hair or sleek hair. There has never been a better time to embrace those greys. Instead of fighting those colourless strands, take the plunge and go all out! Whether you opt for chic, platinum silver or choose a moody, ash grey, this colour is sure to make heads turn!

Colours & Gems For March 2018

1. Chrome Diopside
   It seems like nature has gifted the long hard winter months of Siberia with rich green to treat the eyes. This challenging landscape is home to the world's primary source of Chrome Diopside, a Diopside gem variety that is coloured by chromium, the important element that also gives emerald its rich green colour. It is mined in a remote region called Inagli in Eastern Siberia. The luxurious deep green colour combined with transparency give the stone a glow and adds more value. It has low hardness, making it prone to scratches. It is a recent entry into the mainstream gemstones' market.
2. Gaspeite
   Gaspeite is a gemstone that is cut into cabochons and beads for jewellery. It is a rare mineral with few notable occurrences. It is named after its original occurrence in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, Canada, where it is found in the Gaspé mine, Murdochville. Those who have used this stone have found that it possesses strong healing properties. It is believed to have excellent metaphysical properties to aid weight loss and to help clear clutter. It has recently become very popular among gem and mineral collectors, mostly due to its rarity and its slight similarity in appearance to the rare green turquoise.

Colours & Nature For March 2018

1. Meet the Sun Parakeet. It is also known as the Sun Conure. This beautiful parrot is medium-sized, native to north-eastern South America. The adult male and female look similar with predominantly golden-yellow plumage and bright orange-flushed under parts and face. It has a nicely proportioned figure, neither slim nor stout in profile. It looks appealing to those who are drawn to exotic bird species and is the most popular avian pets in the world today. Conservationists are working to protect the species as it is believed to be globally threatened.
2. Take a look at this gorgeous petrol blue and white butterfly. It is called the Sapho Longwing, a native of Costa Rica and certain rainforests in Belize. Sapho Longwings differ from other butterfly species in that they only breed on one specific plant. Now isn't that extraordinary? The caterpillar of this species is quite choosy, breeding on just one species of Passion Vine called Pittier's Passion Vine. There are actually only a few species of butterfly that use just one plant species as their caterpillar plant. Imagine what will happen if the plant goes extinct?!

Décor

Wondering What Are The Must-Have Tools For Painting Furniture?

Want to paint a piece of furniture, but not sure where to start? Look no further! Here are the must-have tools and supplies for painting your furniture.

1. Mask
   Safety first! Do not start any painting project without a mask. Once you start painting a piece of furniture, you can usually take the mask off as long as you aren't using spray paint. Also, anytime you are dealing with an old piece of furniture, ensure that it doesn't contain lead. You can do this with a lead test. If it contains lead, do not sand it. Either paint directly over it or get rid of it. Also, remember that masks do wear out over time so make sure that you replace them.
2. Heat Gun & Scraper
   The second on the must-have list is a heat gun to strip paint off your furniture. Using a heat gun to strip furniture is by far much less messier than using a liquid stripper, which is why it is best to invest in a good one.
3. Sandpaper and/or Power Sander
   If you do strip furniture, you are going to have to sand it lightly before painting or staining it to give it a smooth surface. Use a plain old sandpaper or a sanding block or with a power sander.
4. Wood Filler
   You will need wood filler if you have to cover up old hardware holes, dings or scratches in your furniture. Use a good one to create a smooth backdrop for painting.
5. Tack Cloth
   Tack cloths are necessary before painting any furniture. It will pick up any dust or dirt stuck on it, making sure that you don't mess up your finish.  The best way to get the smoothest finish is to not have any dust at all and you can achieve this using a tack cloth.
6. Tarp, Old Blankets or Sheets
   While it is quite easy to scrape paint specks off the floors, it does take time. If you are planning to paint something on floors that you care about, put a tarp or old blanket or sheet under the furniture piece.
7. Primer
   A good primer before applying your paint is recommended if you are using a regular latex-based paint and don't want to sand your furniture beforehand.
8. Painter's Tape
   A masking tape is important for any paint project – be it your walls or furniture. Don't forget it if you want to protect areas that you don't want painted.
9. High Quality Paint Roller, Paint Brush, or Paint Sprayer
   Your paint rollers and brushes can make or break your paint job. Hence, invest in good-quality brushes, rollers and a paint sprayer.
10. Paint
    The last and the most important is high-quality paint. For furniture, you can opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish in either latex or an oil-based paint.

It is always a good idea to have a few things close by before you start a painting project. And what's more, with new innovations in the industry, things are getting more hassle-free. You can take the advantage of automatic painting tool available in the market to paint your walls with ease!

Do You Know The Best Paint Colours For East Facing Rooms?

It is important to consider natural light and the direction the room faces when choosing a colour for it. Learn how to tailor your colour choice to the type of light you will most often experience in an east-facing room...

East-facing rooms receive a soft dose of sunshine in the morning, but as the sun rises, you will also notice a lot of shadows. The sunlight is clear, bright and not particularly warm. As the morning moves towards noon,the room will be bright without much warmth and will have a cooler look.

The light in east facing rooms can appear to be a slight blue. It would be great to use blues that have a touch of green in them for a softer and more inviting look.Greens that have a hint of yellow will work well to infuse some warmth.

You can use colours that are a bit warmer coloured and less neutral. You can use a beige base, but if you have some good 'colour' mixed in, it will help to fight off the grey light of the room.

If you go for cool paint colours or grey neutrals, you should opt for warm accents and texture to your room to add some balance and visual warmth.

To create as much light as possible but still retain some warmth, look at pale greens, which will come alive in the morning sunlight. Since the light will undergo changes throughout the day, it is good to pair these with a darker tone on woodwork or furniture so that the walls appear lighter in contrast. If you want to use a white, remember to choose one with a green or blue base.

It is always a good idea to run a test with your chosen colour schemes. We recommend painting out a sample onto an A4 paper or card to see how the colour works in your living space, move it around the room and check the colour at different times of the day so you can see how the colour is affected by the light. Don't paint the colour directly on the wall as it won't be the actual colour if the existing wall colour isn't white. Good luck!

How To Choose The Right Paint Colour?

Choosing paint colours for your home can be quite a challenge. Worry not, we are here to help! Read on to learn tips for picking the perfect colour that is right for you and your space…

1. Start With An Inspiration
   You can derive inspiration from the things that you love and what interests you, including any hobby or possibly colours you like to dress up in. A good way to try out lots of colours without any commitment is using augmented reality apps that show you how colours would look in your living space.Opt for a palette that reminds you of a good and pleasant memory or captures the spirit of a happy experience in your home.
2. Use Testers
   It is always a good idea to buy testers in a few shades and paint a large enough area on a few different walls so that you can see how the light hits it at different times of the day. However, remember not to test the colours against white walls because it will throw the colours off. It is recommended that you leave the test areas up for about a week so that you can see what the colour will look at different times of the day and in different light.
3. Test Your Paint Colours Against Furniture And Fabrics
   It is imperative that you test the colours not just on the walls but also against your sofa, table, or other items to see if it works well. You don't necessarily have to match it, but you do want the undertones to go nicely.
4. Pick The Right Sheen And Undertones
   You need to understand the basics of the different finish choices such as flat (matte), eggshell enamel, flat enamel, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel and Hi-gloss enamel. When picking the undertones, look for the darkest shade on the paint swatch. It is where the colour is the most obvious that you will know which undertones are going to show up, even in the lightest shades.
5. Have a colour theme throughout your home
   If you are going to play it safe and go with one colour, it is recommended that you go a few shades lighter or darker in one room or even on one main wall. It is a great way to add depth and visual interest to a space.

We understand that committing to new paint colours is scary. Hopefully with these pointers you will know how to choose and use the right paints in your home. All the best!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For March 2018

Is your child not as respectful and courteous as you would like? You can instill more discipline with some decorative principles of Feng Shui in your home. Read on to know about it…

Bring An Air Of Discipline With Feng Shui!

Feng Shui is often referred to as the Chinese art of placement. Metaphorically speaking, Feng Shui is to a house what acupuncture is to a body. When applied properly, Feng Shui is a tool that can correct problem areas like difficulties dealing with children.

You can try some Feng Shui in your child's bedroom if you would like your child to be more respectful, obedient and gain self-control.

Here are some easy-to-do tips for your child's room. These pointers will affirm to your child how important he or she is to you, and it could be all it takes to make a happier and a more respectful child.

• Make the child responsible for the room.
  Children's respect for others begins with having respect for themselves and their rooms. Do insist that they keep their rooms tidy and make their beds themselves.
• Clear away excess.
  Cluttered rooms distract the focus of the child. Get rid of all unnecessary or seldom-used items. Also, ensure that there is nothing stored under their bed.
• Arrange the bed correctly.
  Make sure that the child can see the door of the bedroom easily and there is no obstruction in the way. Avoid placing the bed against a shared wall of a bathroom, where there is a view of stairs or a bathroom, or under a window.
• Create a study area.
  It is necessary that the child is focused on education, an important factor in creating respect for authority and learning self-discipline. Place a small globe and a lamp, both symbolic of education in your child's room.
• Create a "Wall of Fame."
  Designate a wall, preferably the South wall where certificates, drawings, awards, trophies, and photographs of the child can be displayed.
• Use earthy colours.
  Paint the child's room an earthy colour like brown, beige or green if the child is hyper-active and difficult.
• Censor wall hangings.
  Unpleasant images have no place in a child's room and should be removed immediately. A child cannot focus if he or she is scared, even subconsciously. Make sure the bed is not reflected in any mirrors either.

Hope you find these Feng Shui tips handy in disciplining your child. Good luck!

Reiki For March 2018

Wondering how to lead a happier and healthier life? Incorporate some of these Reiki-based techniques and achieve a true state of happiness. Read on to know more…

Discover Happiness Using The Power Of Reiki!

The word 'Reiki' itself means healing energy. It is believed to help identify your negative thoughts, your fears and your anxieties and in turn change those habits. Take a look at these five effective techniques.

1. Learn To Be In The Now
   Keep an alarm on your watch or phone every hour for eight hours. Take a break for three minutes and notice things around you. Observe the colours, temperature, people and the silence. Pay careful attention to your surroundings. This exercise helps you be aware of your surroundings and ultimately aware of yourself in the surroundings.
2. Simplify Meditation
   Meditation simply means to place your undivided attention onto a single thing. The objective is to quieten your mind and for that you need to go to a place where you won't be disturbed. According to scientific research, meditation helps to decrease the fight/flight response, causing a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Meditate by taking eight deep breaths and focus on something you can see in front of you. It could be anything – a tree, a desk, or a wall.
3. Learn To Live Without Anger
   Never let your emotions control you. You can change your reactions and decrease your anger by walking, breathing or even jogging. Try to be the other person in the same situation. Notice what they see, hear and feel. Then, be an observer and notice what you would see, hear and feel as someone standing close by.
4. Understand That You Are What You Think
   Stand in the mirror and repeat the words "I am sad". Your posture changes – your head drops, shoulders slouch and breathing changes. Now utter the words "I am happy" and see the body language change again. Find a word every week to repeat to yourself in front of the mirror. Make a list of your good traits and attributes and chant it.
5. Have An Attitude Of Gratitude
   It is always a good idea to kick-start the day with five things in your life that you are thankful for. Do this daily and you will soon start saying it automatically, keeping yourself upbeat and positive.

Hope you find this article handy in your quest to happiness! Good luck!

Vaastu For March 2018

A prayer room is supposed to be the most auspicious and sacred room in any house. Here is some beneficial Vaastu advice for you to incorporate while designing your prayer room…

Make Your Prayer Room Vaastu-Compliant!

Your prayer room is not only a sacred place but should also exude a positive aura so that you can get into a meditative state. According to Vaastu Shastra, prayer rooms should always harness positive energies through their design and direction.

Here we have put together a quick guide on prayer room Vaastu tips to help you get started.

The location of your prayer room is crucial in defining its auspicious aura. The direction for the prayer room is the north-east followed by east and north as Vaastu Shastra propagates the north-east direction so as to harness maximum energy from the sun.

If you are designing a new home and can decide the layout of your house from scratch, then it is best to avoid the basement or higher floors of the house for your prayer room.

Ensure that the prayer room has a low ceiling. A pyramid-shaped or gopura-like top will ooze positive energy, helping you slip into a meditative state with ease.

Once the layout and structure of your prayer room is ready, place the idols a few inches away from the wall and at least six inches from the ground. This will ensure continuous air flow around the idols.

If you are wondering where to store all the spiritual books and related items, place it towards the south-east with no storage above the idol, making sure nothing obstructs the sunlight.

Create a meditative atmosphere using light colours such as white, light blue or light yellow. If you opt for marble, then white, pale yellow or ochre would work well as such colours help keep the room bright, while dark, loud shades can distract while praying.

Use bright lamps in the north-east direction to keep your prayer room bright and illuminated, making it comfortable for you while you pray.

Now that you have a handy prayer room Vaastu guide, it is time to revamp.