If you’ve ever stood frozen in front of a wall of yarn, heart fluttering and brain buzzing with too many possibilities, you are not alone. Colour dilemmas are a daily occurrence in our shop. Whether it’s choosing a shade based on a friend’s advice, picking a neutral for a baby with a surprise gender, or trying (again) to break free from your “boring” black wardrobe, the struggle is real.

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of helping a customer select colours for her Mitered Corner Blanket by Purl Soho a stunning, geometric throw that lets colour do all the talking. With its clean lines and modular construction, this pattern is the perfect playground for adventurous colour combos or elegant tonal fades.

She knew she wanted something soft, something special but also something that would wear well over time. That’s when she gravitated toward Mailles à Part – Merino Yak Sock: a hand-dyed beauty from Quebec that’s as luxurious as it is practical.

Mailles à Part was the Perfect Match:

• Fibres: 70% Superwash Merino / 20% Yak / 10% Nylon
• Weight: 3-ply Fingering (100g / 400m)
• Softness Factor: Sky high. The yak fibre adds a creamy softness and rich depth to every colour.
• Durability: Thanks to its nylon content, this yarn isn’t just pretty—it’s strong enough for years of blanket snuggles.

Now, let’s talk colour. There are a few types of yarn shoppers I encounter when it comes to choosing the perfect palette:

a) The Hands-Off Shopkeeper
Sometimes I just stand back and let the magic happen. Customers will hold up skeins, put them back, circle the table, come back to the first one. It’s all part of the process and often, the most meaningful choices are made in silence.

b) The Customer-Is-Always-Right Shopkeeper
This is when I help narrow down options based on a set palette: maybe they already know the baby’s nursery colours or have a Pinterest board of inspiration. Even if that dream skein doesn’t make the final cut, I’m here to support their vision.

c) The Cat-Amongst-the-Pigeons Shopkeeper
And then there’s the wildcard moment, when I slip in a surprise suggestion. Maybe a pop of coral. A moody teal. Something that makes them stop, squint, and say, “Wait… that might actually work.”

For this customer, we landed somewhere between categories. She had an idea of what she liked, but was open to exploring. So we played. We laid out skeins. We pulled one or two she never would have chosen on her own. And eventually, after some mulling over and a few gasps of delight they found the combo.

People usually know what they love. It’s instinctual. You can hear it in their voice when they say, “Ooh, this one.”

So here’s the only question that really matters when picking your next project palette:
Do you love it?

If the answer is yes, then it’s the right choice.