Friday, December 5, 2025

Cloud Dancer

Unexpected, underwhelming, unimpressive, ridiculous. Those were all reactions from folks in the quilting community yesterday when Pantone announced their 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer. "A lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation." Hmmm. I honestly don't know what to think, but admit to some disappointment.

But as is tradition, I'll share my Pantone-inspired quilts from the past several years.... 

:: Mocha Mousse 2025 :: "Brew"


:: Peach Fuzz 2024 :: "Keen"


:: Viva Magenta 2023 :: "Verve"

:: Very Peri 2022 :: "Red Cross Meets Very Peri"

:: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating 2021 :: "Some Like It Medium"


:: Classic Blue 2020 :: "Utterly Blue"


:: Living Coral 2019 :: "Timeless"


:: Ultra Violet 2018 :: "Grape Fizzy"


:: Greenery 2017 :: "Evergreenery"


:: Rose Quartz and Serenity 2016 :: "Pantone Meets Bias Tape"


:: Marsala 2015 :: "Sizzling"




:: Emerald 2013 :: "An Emerald Table"


:: Tangerine Tango 2012 :: "Tangerisk"

It'll be interesting to see what the selection of white(!) means as far as the upcoming Pantone Quilt Challenge 2026 next spring. Now hosted by Sarah @bysarahruiz and Audrey @cottonandbourbon, debate is underway on what the challenge should look like. So stay tuned!
Posted by at 6:30 AM
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5 comments:

  1. piecefulwendyDecember 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM

    I hadn't realized you've done so many challanges! What fun to see them. I'm not that keen on the Pantone choice, but I'm liking the Kona COTY!

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  2. EllynDecember 6, 2025 at 7:52 AM

    I love seeing your challenge quilts every year. This coming year will be difficult for sure. I'm not quite sure what to do with it.

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  3. Yvonne from Quilting JetgirlDecember 6, 2025 at 12:33 PM

    It sounds like Sarah and Audrey are thinking of ways to work with the Pantone color, and I'm curious what they come up with for the challenge this year.

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  4. FlourishingPalmsDecember 7, 2025 at 5:54 AM

    You certainly have made colorful quilts! Good for you to have kept to this annual tradition. I find Cloud Dancer intriguing. The simplicity, clarity of color opens wide many possibilities for designs. I think the color (or lack of color) - a low volume quilt - would be enjoyable to make.

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  5. JanieDecember 7, 2025 at 3:06 PM

    Well I like the sentiments of Cloud Dancer, 'Rediscovering the value of quiet reflection',
    priceless! And I think it will be a good challenge to let that idea have a center stage.

    ReplyDelete

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