It is always in the early days of December when I start to speculate on what the Pantone Color of the Year will be for the year to come. I’m not sure why I am so intrigued with this annual selection, but obviously it must have something to do with sewing and fabric and day-dreaming. This year, on the 2nd of December, Pantone gave those of us, who have this particular obsession with color, the chance to vote for the family of color from which we thought 2025’s selection would come.
Well, I was WAY off! I voted for the Red Family, described by Pantone as “empowering and exciting.” This was the way I happened to be feeling on that particular day in early December. The other color families from which to choose were: Orange (radiant and hot), Yellow (energy and life), Green (deep forests and wide meadows), Blue (constancy and truth), Pink (soft and innocent), Purple (mystical and magical), Brown (rooted and earthy), Black (sleek and sophisticated), and White (pristine and peaceful).
The Color Family most people taking the poll chose was Green. Those of you who care about such things now know the Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness.” (All quoted statements are directly from the Pantone website.)
I certainly did not see that coming. Which made me really curious about this selection by people obviously much more in tune with the “global zeitgeist” than I! The more I read about the decision, the more I understood it – and, although it is not exciting as a red family hue would be, I do find it to be empowering in its own subtle way, “capturing a global mood of connection, comfort, and harmony.”
Pantone wisely suggests a “Color Palette” for their Color of the Year, a selection of hues to coordinate with the chosen color. For Mocha Mousse, the color palette is charmingly called “Floral Pathways.” Seven colors to lead us down a “cobblestone path:” a green called tendril, cornflower blue, a gentle lavender called viola, rose tan, a soft gray called cobblestone, another green called willow, and a soft white called gardenia. These are all lovely coordinates, which make me appreciate Mocha Mousse more.
Although I will not necessarily be purchasing fabric or planning sewing projects around Mocha Mousse this year, I will be thinking about it and focusing on the warm comfort and harmony it suggests.
However, what really makes me not only think in color, but also dream in color, is a piece of Thai silk just given to me from a sweet and thoughtful friend. She told me it had been given it to her over forty years ago by a friend of hers, purchased while in that part of the world. My friend had finally decided she needed to part with it as she was certainly never going to use it. Lucky me! With over four yards and over 50” wide, I have plenty to work with. What should I make?
About my long absence from this blog… I did not expect to be away for 6 months. Thank you to those of you who did not abandon me over that time. A confluence of circumstances thwarted my sewing production – and motivation – during the summer months. Perhaps on that early December day when I instinctively voted for the Red Family in the Pantone quiz, I was feeling some small spark of vitality returning to my bones. Perhaps…
Certainly, I cannot close this short post without acknowledging the joy in this season of holidays and Christmas and extending best wishes far and wide to each of you. Merry Christmas!
fiftydresses 
I was not enthused by Pantone’s choice this year. But I never choose brown, for anything except wood furniture. I’m with you on the red — and what a lovely piece of fabric your friend gave you! I am sure that whatever you choose to make will be exquisite, and I look forward to seeing it someday in the blog. Thanks for keeping it up!
Welcome back and Merry Christmas to you!
Love the fabric!
I love it that you chose my favorite red. Interesting what Pantone chose. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year’ is Cinnamon Slate. Basically brown. Huh!
When your latest blog notification popped up I must say I felt a sparkle of happiness. Welcome back😊. Personally, I find that I am leaning in to my age more lately and sewing projects have been very slow, although the satisfaction of seeing a finished garment always makes it well worthwhile. Regarding the beautiful red fabric, to me the yardage suggests a dress with a matching coat – pure luxury when fabrics are frequently so expensive.
Thank you so much, Cheryl! I had a “sparkle of happiness” reading your comment! I, too, have thought of a dress and coat, the latter perhaps lined with the silk fabric in question. Thank you for your suggestion. Happy New Year to you!
Thanks for this post. Like you, I am obsessed with color. I have always wondered how they decide on “color of the year”. How did you become one of the lucky people who were able to vote?
I would have gone with your suggestion of “Red”. I was underwhelmed by mocha mousse when I saw it. But you are quite persuasive. And there are at least two colors that go with it that I can wear.
I look forward to seeing what you make from the Thai silk. Your craftsmanship and sense of style are inspiring.
Best wishes for the holidays and a happy 2025.
Anne
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So good to hear from you, Anne. I just went on Pantone’s website and “voted” but it was to make a guess about the new Color of the Year, not to choose it. Obviously the ones who choose it are in the “Know” about current global trends. I just know what I like! Happy New Year to you as well!
Thanks for responding. Now I will check the Pantone website as well, even knowing they will ignore my opinion.
I look forward to seeing more of your posts in 2025.
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So glad to see this—have missed it. Need the inspiration!
Thank you, Betty!
What a lovely surprise to see your note pop up in my inbox today! A big welcome back. How I’ve missed your warm, cogent musings on matters of fashion and sewing. I too am underwhelmed by Mocha Mousse … which is hello, brown. Ewwww. I attribute this to having come of age in the 70s and am still scarred by harvest gold, avocado green and yes, brown.
Onto more palatable colours. Your red Thai silk is stunning, as I imagine whatever you create with it will be. In the spirit of the season, happy holidays to you!
It’s so good to hear from you, Deb! Thank you for the warm welcome… I’m happy to be back! Happy New Year to you!
If this was a joy to to read your posts! Please show us what you make with the beautiful piece of fabric!
Thank you, Kate. Once I decide what to make with the Thai silk, I shall share my thoughts! It may take a while….
indeed you’ve not been forgotten. I’ve kept bits of your posts that I look at – done for remembering instructions and done for their interest to me.
This year’s color choice is intriguing as it suggests the warm beige I wore a lot while working in the 8th grade classroom. My favorite age group. Never knew what a day would bring! Anyway – one delightful girl who was quite a good writer stayed to review an assignment and book she wanted to discuss. Her parting statement has amused and informed my color selections through time. “And you know, Miss J, you have beiged yourself out.” I laughed all the way home and inspected the next day’s clothing. Hmm mostly? Beige. My skin is pale beige. My hair then) the same too!
As I’ve aged I observe interesting color choices of my peers. Some choose all black. Some intense color. I’ve become a mix of the too with more saturated versions preferred.
This year’s “choice” reads beige in every part. Not a negative comment but an observation.
my favorite comment in your thread was that you’d not be planning purchases among those hues. I’m still chuckling.
The Thai silk is art! Can’t wait 🥰 Marjie Johnson old email: marjiejo3@gmail.com – new: marjie42@gmail.com
How I loved your eighth grade story! That comment from your student is one for the ages. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on beige (It does have its place at times!) Happy New Year to you!
I’m so glad you are back. I always enjoy your posts.
Thank you so much, Chrissie!
Merry Christmas and a warm welcome back!
Thank you, Rita – and may you have a wonderful New Year!
Welcome back, Karen! You inspire me.
Thank you, Pamela! That is really nice to hear!
From embers to sparks! Merry Christmas to you!
Janet
Thank you, Janet! I prefer the sparks! Happy New Year to you!
Karen, my eyes popped open when I saw your post. I had been wondering about you and your latest activities. I’m thrilled to see that you’re sharing with us more of your creativity. Brown is a useful color. It’s not my favorite but a fabric with a soft chocolate hue will always catch my attention. The friend who gifted the Thai silk is a friend ❤️ indeed. My suggestion for what to make with this vintage silk is a vintage Dior full skirt, fitted bodice cocktail dress with a matching evening coat and clutch. I’m inspired by the ensemble worn by Ingrid Bergman in her 1958 movie Indiscreet with Cary Grant while on their first dinner date – a divine dress and coat. I can see you making an entrance to a cocktail party, catching everyone’s attention and being the belle of the ball! Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your family. May 2025 be a year filled with joy, happiness and creativity. Peggy
Hi Peggy! What a delightful image you have created for the Thai silk. I know the ensemble you are referring to in the 1958 movie, and what an inspiration it is. I especially like the idea of a matching clutch. I just need a divine dinner date to attend… That might be more problematic than making the silk attire!! Thank you for your good wishes and I return the same to you for 2025, whose mysteries are to be discovered!
What a great read while I had my first cup of coffee today. Personally, I love brown; and I always choose it over the other “menswear basics” of grays and blues. Mocha Mousse, however, strikes me as a bit L’Eggs pantyhose straight out of the 80’s. The whole palette makes me think of that dusty “cute country clutter vibe” that was so pervasive here in New England. Let’s not go back there! I think we all need something more vibrant, just like your amazing silk fabric. I can’t wait to see what you do with it. Happy New Year!
Hi Duane, I laughed at your comment about the “cute country, New England vibe.” It’s so true! I, too, like brown, always have although it has to be the “right” brown. I’m excited about the silk. What a lovely, unexpected windfall. It has filled my thoughts with my version of sugarplums on several occasions over the past couple of weeks. No doubt it will help to color the New Year for me. I wish you a creative and productive 2025!
Mocha Mousse reminds me of the color of the 1990’s, Menopausal Mauve.
Why did the Pantone people take a poll and ignore the public’s choice? I love green and most shades go with my gray hair.
Welcome back! I missed your vintage style and wonderful sewing projects.
I suspect Mocha Mousse will be most enjoyed by the public in its edible form in 2025! In the meantime, we can choose colors to our own liking, right?? Thank you for your comment!
K
Beautiful fabric! I’m looking forward to seeing the gorgeous result of your work!
Thank you, Jackie!
Lovely to hear from you. Having been young in the fifties, I immediately pictured a full skirted dress with half inch overlapping pleats instead of gathering at the waist. Not that you should make one, just that the trip to Nostalgia Land made me happy. Best wishes for a creative new year.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I, too, often reflect with great fondness about the Fifties’ style. What an inspiration it was even to a young girl. Happy New Year to you!
Love that fabric, and so happy to hear from you! Your posts are always enjoyable and inform my sewing and fashion choices. I see a pussy bow blouse (back in trend!) and a pleated skirt, either 1 or 2 pieces.
I laughed out loud at Brwbmm’s comment above — I’ve been calling the Panatone choice “the color of non-committal.” 🙂 There are so many beautiful rich browns, this choice is curious to me – but I haven’t researched it. But I dislike mauve in any form. Incidentally, my house’s finished lower level came in that color — I’m changing it as soon as I can! Might be why I don’t use that space much?
Hi Heather, so fun to hear from you and your thoughts on color. And thank you for the idea for the Thai silk. Many decisions to be made, which is part of the fun of it all! Happy New Year to you!
Your blogposts are always thoughtful and worthy of the wait♥️
Ah, thank you, Cheryl!
Karen, I hope your spark is returning — I think it ebbs and flows for many of us, and modern life throws additional obstacles in to make it harder, as well. Red would be my choice of Pantone color for sure! Your new Thai silk would be a lovely shift dress with a matching cropped jacket w/ cap or short sleeve, or whatever length you can fit on the 2 yard length.
Happy Holidays to you!
Thank you, Joan, I loved hearing your thoughts on the Thai silk! I hope, too, for more “sparks” in 2025! May it be a wonderful year for you!
Welcome back!
I do love your well-written and very interesting blog.
And for that gorgeous red fabric… perhaps a jacket (just a little below hip length) with a small, stand-up collar. If you have enough left over, I think a table runner would be lovely!
Merry Christmas!
Robin
Oh, wow, Robin – I never would have thought of a table runner. I shall see how far the four yards go before I put it on my table, but it would be lovely!!! Happy New Year to you!
What a gorgeous silk, but better yet, your post was a joy to see. I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how things are with your. So glad you are back. I’ve done almost no sewing for me this past year; spent months on a custom shacket for my son-in-law (past college football) who doesn’t fit regular sizing. Thankfully, he loves it, so it was worth all the pattern drafting/hacking for him. Next was 7 base layer tees for DH, who can’t seem to stay warm enough these days, and finally a tank top for me that will sit in the closet until I finish the cardigan that goes with it in delphinium blue. I am mostly considering how to remake things I don’t wear for 2025, and to try copying a favorite pair of shorts and crop pants. There are so many rabbit trails available to sewists! Wishing you blessings in 2025!
Hi Kathy, I wish you blessings in the new year as well! I’m just beginning to formulate a plan (a vague one, at that) for my 2025 sewing. I’m still trying to get back to some sort of normalcy after a very busy Christmas season. Perhaps then I can anticipate the “new beginnings” with more seriousness!! I look forward to reading your posts as the year unfolds.
Welcome back to the internet. I LOVE your posts & have wondered what happened to them.
Thank you so much, Aggie! I’m really delighted to hear you enjoy my blog! Happy New Year to you!