Fabric Dyeing Questions

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October Questions

Hello --
I am writing to see if it is possible to dye my wedding dress black. It's not a typical wedding dress -- it's actually an off-white evening gown that I got at Sak's 5th Avenue. If it is indeed dyeable, I would be able to wear it to many other black-tie events.
The dress has three layers, and is made by Carmen Marc Valvo (Style Number 1411.3). According to the label, the first two layers are lining and made of 100% nylon. The third layer is the shell, made of 63% rayon and 37% polyester. My concern is that dyeing the shell may be difficult, because it's sort of crocheted, and has a lot of small beads. If you'd like to see the dress, they have a picture of it (although in red) at:
http://www.carmenmarcvalvo.com/gallery/retail/gallery.asp?galleryType=petites&image=7138&offset=12
If it is indeed dyeable, do you have any suggestions on how to find a place that will do it? Even better, do you know of a place in or near Washington DC that you can recommend? I'm not concerned about the cost -- even if it's a few hundred dollars, it will still be cheaper than going out to get a new dress of the same quality.
Thank you very much!
Dena
Dear Dena,
I really don't think it's possible but here are 2 resources to check out:
www.sampledyeing.org
www.fabricdyeing.com
I understand your desire to conserve resource & to utilize the dress a few more times. But sometimes it just comes down to what is possible. Nylon can be dyed, but it takes really hot water, which could damage the rest of your dress, especially the rayon part. The real kicker is the polyester content, which will not take dye at all. Still, check it out with the experts & see what they recommend.
Jennifer
P.S. Dena,
Thank you for sending so much detailed information! It really helps, & I enjoyed looking at your lovely dress.

Hi there,
I just purchased a striped King size comforter made of 50% cotton 50% poly. I am thinking I would like to fade it slightly as I am going for the vintage surf look and want to make some pillows with a faded vintage surf design.
This is a brand new comforter - so I don't want it to look too old, too soon! Also - since it is king size - I am sure I will need to take it to a laundro-mat with an industrial size washing machine. I have read a little about washing with rock salt. What are your suggestions for the safest way to fade this fabric without ruining it?
Thank you,
Denise
Dear Denise,
I really don't have too much advice on this matter, except to try it. Try one load with rock salt, & if you don't get much result, then try a bit of chlorine bleach with rock salt. Take small steps & see what you get. You could also try hanging it outside in the sun for a few days. Another alternative is to make a cover that resembles more like what you want. Don't be too attached to the outcome, because you are embarking on a big experiment!
Jennifer

hey there, how are you doing
i was wondering if you could give me some tips for denim... on how to make a lighter wash on them, the vintage look is what i am going for. how can i do this? and is it possible with household items?? and what do u think is that best method to put holes in jeans? please write back, thanks for your time - *queen deep
Dear Queen,
Carson Kressley recommends washing denim with rock salt to distress. I recommend about 2-3 cups per small load. Use detergent as well. Don't put any other garments in the washer at the same time. You can also visit www.ritdye.com - they have a feature on "antiquing" using Rit. As for the holes - I suggest that you start small & then wash a few times. You can always make a hole bigger if you want. Cut a slash only, not a round hole. Remember this is all an experiment, so don't be too attached to an exact outcome.
have fun,
Jennifer

Hello Jennifer,
I would love to wear my wedding dress again and I’m wondering if it could be dyed (I’m flexible on colour). The fabric is 50% Nylon, 50% Polyester (lining 100% Acetate). There is some embroidery & “crystals” in the very simple bodice, spaghetti straps, a-line, no train. Is this a possibility, and if so, how would I go about doing it?
Shelley
Dear Shelley,
I am sorry, your dress cannot be dyed. Pack it up for posterity, sell it on consignment, or give it to charity or maybe a friend. Go shopping. Take a look at my July & August columns for more on this subject.
Jennifer

hey
i was wondering if its possible to dye polyester? i have an apicot coloured dress and was wondering if it would ruin if i dyed it black?
thanks ashleigh
Dear Ashleigh,
Sorry, you can't dye this dress. Polyester cannot be dyed outside of highly controlled, potentially toxic conditions in the factory.
Jennifer

Is there anything special about dyeing corduroy? I have a pair of cream colored corduroy pants that I need to dye white. Can I just put them through the washer with Clorox bleach to make that happen? Thank you so much for your help!

gina
Gina,
Try it & see. It's not the corderoy part that is crucial, it's the fiber content. It's possible that you may have good results if your fabric is all cotton.
have fun,
Jennifer
P.S. Technically removing color is called discharging rather than dyeing.

Is it possible to dye a white; lace veil, some sort of antique white. The wedding dress is antique white decorated with satin, lace and beads. Do you have any advice?
James
Dear James,
Only if the veil is nylon or rayon lace. If it is polyester, you can't change the color. Even if you have the right fiber content there, this is going to be a big project to get just right. I think it would be much easier to look for matching lace.
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer
I've been dyeing some t-shirts with a cold process dye technique and I was tring to figure out how I can create a worn out look. Is there a process that one can give tshirts a vintage look. I know that for jeans there are various techniques such as sandblasting etc. Is there a process one can do at home?
Thanks.
Shirin
Dear Shirin,
Search the internet for cotton dyeing techniques. There's loads of stuff out there. Here are some place to look & to post questions:
www.dharmatrading.com
www.prochemical.com
Look through yahoo groups to see if there are any on fabric dyeing, in particular special effects dyeing.
You could try washing your shirts with rock salt (2-3 cups per load) & also experiment with color discharger from Dharma (start with a little bit!!!).
have fun,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
I am so happy to find your web-site. I have a question about how to clean an all cotton quilt that is embellished with appliqued teddy bears. It is a Christmas quilt with whites, bright reds, blues, and greens. The back of the quilt is white. Which has yellowed in a few places. The appliqued teddy bears are holding various little gifts and toys. They have button eyes, etc... This quilt is handmade, and is about ten years old. I am afraid if I get it wet the colors will run.
Do you have any suggestions,on how it could be cleaned?? Do you know if there is a place to send quilts to have them cleaned?? Thanks for your time and consideration. Nicole
Dear Nicole,
If the quilt is only about 10 years old, I would not be too concerned about the colors bleeding. Most modern fabric is colorfast, & most quilters wash fabrics before constructing. However, if you are really worried about it, you can wash it in Synthropol, available from www.dharmatrading.com. This is a very concentrated detergent that dyers use in order to carry away excess dye without having it stick in the washer or on other fabric. It is particularly crucial for tie-dyers - imagine rinsing out excess dye, it seems likely that the whole garment would end up muddy if something like Synthropol were not used.

As for restoring or treating quilts in general - I hate to advise you directly since quilts can be fragile, valuable, etc. If you do not have a quilt store or expert in your town, I suggest that you call the Quilt Store here in Austin: 512 453 1145. See what they say.

good luck,
Jennifer

Hi
I would like to find out if I could use fabric dye on material that’s 70% rayon and 30% polyester? I would like to dye it black as it’s currently purple. Would it work? Would it ruin the material? Would the dye leave streaks or patches because from previous experience, it left a pair of pants rather patchy. Please advise as this is a rather expensive dress. Thank you.
Bernice
Dear Bernice,
The simple answer is no. I wouldn't recommend trying it. If you want to seek professional help, consult with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com.
Sorry,
Jennifer
I read all your latest questions and answers. I see that tencel is dyeable but I also have the problem of a single bleach spot on a great dress. Does the bleach also affect the dyeing of tencel as it does for denim? Are the dyes offered by Dharma much better than Rits products? It seems their instructions are more complex with lots more steps.
I tried the website you listed to have someone else dye a fabric: www.sampledyeing.org/ This does not appear to be a valid link. I tried www.sampledyeing.com also with no better results. Is there a better address?
Jean
Dear Jean,
Bleach is a disaster on any fabric. It can't be overdyed easily. You can talk to Sherry Smilo at www.fabricdyeing.com for her opinion.

The reactive dyes are very different from Rit dyes. They are much brighter, deeper, more saturated, & color- & light-fast. They have many more color choices & it's possible to mix colors with great results. Yes, they are a bit more complex to work with but definitely worth it.

Thank you for letting me know about sampledyeing. I don't know what is going on with them. Perhaps they are no longer in business.

Dear DizzyLettuce:
I was wondering how to dye or if I can dye a pair of black velvet pants. I accidentally splashed some bleach on them and just want to dye them back to black. Will the bleach spots just come out a lighter shade or is it possible to get the pants back to black. If so, how many boxes of dye should I use?
Thanks for your help.
Beverly
Beverly,
You can't repair this damage yourself. Bleach spots are particularly difficult. They change the fiber so that it no longer takes the dye. Consult with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com & see if she can fix it up for you.
Sorry,
Jennifer

im doing a science fair project on the affects of light on fabric. I am going to see if you get the fabric lighter by fading it in natural sunlight or by using a flash camera. i was told that for every flash a camera has on fabric is like 4 days worth of natural sunlight fading. I was wondering if you could give me some info on this topic because you seem very well educated on fabric fading. thanks!
Sincerely,
Carly
Dear Carly,
Try it & see what happens! Remember, the premise of the scientific method is to make a theory - x causes y, for example - & then to set about disproving it. If you can't disprove it, then you can postulate that it might be true.

I really don't know about flash bulbs, & I am unclear how much time in the sunlight it takes to actually fade something. Try different kinds of fabrics to see if there is a variation based on the fiber content.

In my experience, acetate is the most unstable fabric. I have had acetate velvet fade just sitting in the closet. Silk will fade & sun damage, too. Cotton & linen are more sturdy.

Keep me posted on your results!
Jennifer

 

You can ask Jennifer questions at dizzylettuce@Fabrics.net.

Jennifer Thompson Miller: I love my work in beautiful textiles, color, trim, and design! I am a devoted student of fashion history and love vintage and vintage-inspired looks. For many years, my main focus was fashion sewing, using natural fibers in beautiful colors. In recent years, much to my delight, I have learned color mixing and silk dyeing. This has added a vibrant, versatile dimension to my fashion design.

I learned design and needlework from my mother and grandmother, and I am very grateful for their inspiration and instruction. Some of my earliest memories are spending time in the fabric store, while my mother designed and picked out fabrics for glamorous outfits. From the age of ten, my mother and other fashion-conscious ladies would ask my opinions on fabrics that they were combining.

About Dizzylettuce

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