3.7.2 Color Blending in Velvet Strips
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Compared to color mixing, color blending requires precise calculation of proportions. Its technique and visual effect are quite similar to the classic Northern school technique "scattering flowers." Depending on the desired effect, color blending can also be subdivided into two types. Next, I will explain the specific operational details for everyone.
1. Segmented Overlay Blending
Preparations: Here, the ratio of the main color to the secondary color is 2:1, with green accounting for 2/3 and yellow accounting for 1/3.
How to determine the amount? Please follow the author's train of thought below.
Step 1: First, determine the size of the leaf, which is the width of the velvet row. Here, the author sets it at 4 cm.
Step 2: Then, determine the total amount of material needed, which is the total amount of silk thread. According to the formula in Section 6 of this chapter: 3 * 4 - 3 = 9 (groups).
Step 3: Divide the number of color-arrangement groups based on the ratio. Green, being more abundant, can roughly be arranged into 6 groups. Yellow, being less, can be arranged into 3 groups according to the ratio. The two sets need to be tied separately. At this point, the preparations for segmented overlay blending are complete.
Operational Steps for Segmented Overlay Blending
(Diagram labels: Green total 6 groups: First five groups of seven strands each as one group / Last group split into: 3 strands + 2 strands + 2 strands
Yellow total 3 groups: First group split into: 2 strands + 2 strands + 3 strands / Last two groups of seven strands each as one group)
01. Arrange the threads as shown in the diagram. Split the rightmost group of the green velvet row and the leftmost group of the yellow velvet row into a state of 3 strands + 2 strands + 2 strands each.
02. Comb the velvet separately for each row. Overlap and secure the two velvet rows at the split sections, allowing the different colors to blend into each other. The width of the combined velvet row is 3.8 cm.
03. The overlapped velvet row is as shown in the diagram.
04. The spacing between the brass wires is 2 cm. Proceed to make the velvet strip according to the normal steps.
05. You can flatten it to see the effect.
2. Whole-Section Overlay Blending
Preparations: Here, the ratio of the main color to the secondary color is 3:1, with green accounting for 3/4 and yellow accounting for 1/4.
How to determine the amount? Please follow the author's train of thought below.
Step 1: First, determine the size of the leaf, which is the width of the velvet row. Here, the author sets it at 4 cm.
Step 2: Then, determine the total amount of material needed, which is the total amount of silk thread. According to the formula in Section 6 of this chapter: 3 × 4 - 3 = 9 (groups).
Step 3: Based on the number of groups, we can calculate that a total of 7 × 9 = 63 strands of thread are used. Green accounts for approximately 48 strands, and yellow accounts for approximately 16 strands. The two sets need to be tied separately. Arrange green into groups of four strands each, totaling 12 groups. Arrange yellow into groups of two strands each, totaling 8 groups. At this point, the preparations for whole-section blending are complete.
Operational Steps for Whole-Section Overlay Blending
01. Arrange the threads separately for each row.
02. Overlap and secure the two velvet rows at the split sections. The width of the combined velvet row is 3.8 cm.
03. This allows the different colors to blend into each other. The spacing between the brass wires is 2 cm. Proceed to make the velvet strip according to the normal steps.
04. You can flatten it to see the effect.
05. Everyone can compare the effects produced by the two blending methods.
3. Mixed Application of Color Mixing and Color Blending
This type of method can blend multiple colors, giving the leaf a variegated effect.
Operational Steps
(Diagram text: Seven strands per group, 8 groups total; 2 strands, 2 strands, 2 strands, 3 strands)
01. Arrange the colors as shown in the diagram.
02. The left velvet row is color-mixed using method two of the Suzhou embroidery thread mixing technique.
03. Overlap the two velvet rows. The width of the combined velvet row is 4.3 cm. The spacing between the brass wires is 2.2 cm.
04. Flatten it to see the effect.
05. The final colors after setting and trimming the shape are as shown in the diagram.
Summary: In reality, the variation and arrangement of colors, as well as the proportions for blending, are highly flexible. Once we deeply understand their inherent patterns, we find that there is no need to rely on overly complex formula derivations. This is the profound embodiment of "the great truth is simple." However, for the author, clearly articulating one's own thought process and arrangement rules is crucial, as it helps beginners better comprehend and learn from them. Once past the novice stage, one can cast aside the constraints of formulas and create freely.
