I really want a plum shade but there are three different shades of purple. No matter, one is too dark and the other is too light anyway. But wait a minute...that green looks ever so sophisticated and isn't that burnt orange soooo autumnal! Grabbing one of each I browse, and squeeze just about everything else in the shop as a diversion tactic whilst I wait for a colour epiphany to happen. It doesn't.
Hating to sound like the indecisive twit that I've been reduced to, I resort to displaying three skeins in different shades before the shop owner and ask her to pick one. She chooses the orange.
'But I don't really wear orange' I said. 'I think I've only chosen it because it's autumnal outside.'
The shop owner replies 'With your colouring it won't matter WHAT else you wear with it, it will be gorgeous!'
'Well...which one would be your second choice?' Why she didn't kick me out at this point I have no idea. This time she chooses the plum....'Excellent!' I say. Gathering up the rejects and collecting two more skeins of plum I begin to feel a bit sick. The orange would be so much fun to knit with...especially at this time of year and suddenly, the finality of putting back the orange only makes me want it more! The shop owner is a saint and sees my torment.
'Why are you fighting it?' the shop owner asks. 'That pattern and your colouring are screaming for the orange...you know you want it.' Pimping wool to a knitter is like offering candy to small children, it was all over in an instant. It was the colour epiphany I was waiting for.
Quickly shoving the skeins of plum back into their cubby, I pay for the orange before I can change my mind. With one eye on the road and one eye on the orange wool sticking out of the bag, I make for home.
Here's hoping I look ever so fashionable...just like the model wearing the shawl on the pattern. And do you know what colour hers is (not on my print-out)? Plum.