Fabric Dyeing Questions

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April Questions

Hi jennifer,
I am going to be a bridesmaid in the summer and I just bought a pink taffeta dress. I was wondering if I could later on dye the dress black? My friend bought a pink dress in poly satin and poly chiffon, is this dyeable?
Dear Debbie,
Sorry, these can't be dyed. Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 for more info.
best,
Jennifer

After reading your articles, I pretty much know the answer to dying this gold'ish Beautiful / Shinny Dress. It is 60% Rayon, 31%acetate, 9% with mylar metallic. So, If I can not dye it, can I Stain it? I want it Dark blue or Black. Thanks for any information you can give me.
I know you really want this dress to be another color, but the answer is no. Accessorize with a darker color or else go shopping.
Sorry,
Jennifer

Do you know where I can order the dye for Levis Blue Jeans? I want to redye the jeans that I have now. Thanks.
Jeff,
Dyeing jeans is tricky because the threads of denim are white in one direction. You can overdye, but you will get a sort of flat effect. You could try it if you are willing to experiment! Check out the fiber reactive dyes & the industrial dyes at www.dharmatrading.com. Read all instructions carefully.
have fun,
Jennifer

Hi, I have a polyster jersey that I am trying to paint numbers on. On the front, the logo has been dyed on somehow by the makers of the jersey, but I do not know how to do this. I was wondering if this product http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1930-AA.shtml?lnav=paints.html would work for painting/dyeing numbers on or if their is another product I can use to do this. I was also wondering how i need to heat it once aplied. Thanks
Hi Dusty,
give them a call at Dharma & ask this question. I don't know as much about fabric painting projects.
best,
Jennifer

I have a prom dress for my daughter and she wants to dye it from a pale pink to a ivory. Is this possible? Thanks.
Sharon
Sharon, please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 for basic information on your prom dress.
http://www.fabrics.net/DizzyLettuceArticle.asp
Jennifer

What is the best temperature to was cotton & algodon jeans? I understand algodon is just a cotton in itself.
thanks
Betty,
Algodon is Spanish for cotton. Follow manufacturers directions for best results. If you have any questions about shrinkage, wash cold & line dry.
Jennifer

Hello,
I just purchased some polyester curtains, a sheer lace, that are too white. Is there anything I can do to them to make them the antique color I'm after, ivory, beige or ecru or anything that less white?
Thanks
Hello,
I am sorry, you can't change the color of these sheers. Polyester can't be dyed except in factory conditions.
best,
Jennifer

Jennifer,
I have a tatted baby cap that was handmade for me in 1948. I would like for my granddaughter to wear it for her christening. Her dress is white and the little cap has "yellowed" and is an ecru color. Could I bleach it? What would you suggest to whiten it without harming it?
Thank you so much
Hi Susan,
Soak the cap in mild detergent & about 2 T of oxyclean. This stuff works wonders on vintage textiles. Rinse carefully by hand.
best,
Jennifer

I am interested in dyeing my slipcover to my chair and ottoman. It is a denim fabric that has faded to a very light blue and is pretty sad looking. I have never done this before and have no idea where to start or what product to buy.I would like to dye it red. do you have any advice or suggestions?Thanks. Carlene Weaver
Hi Carlene,
You might be able to dye or overdye the slipcover, but it won't be red. Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 to get the basics. If it will fit in your washing machine, you can try it using the supplies at www.dharmatrading.com or www.prochemical.com. If it's too big for that, consult with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com.
best!
Jennifer

I am a Brownie Troop Leader and I am wanting to dye some plain white t-shirts a faded (worn-looking) brown. Kind of like Army brown. Then I am going to have them screen printed with something. I would like to use a natural dye - both to be economical but I am not completely dead-set on it. I don't want to go buy a brown dye because I fear they will get too dark. I thought I could dye them brown and then put them through a bleach wash, but I fear they will just get spotted. Is this information I should be able to find on your website? There is way too much information to sort through there - that is wonderful if you have the time, but I don't.
Please advise me if you can. And - thank you in advance. With much appreciation....
Dear Dona,
Everything that you need is at www.dharmatrading.com. Get some ready-to-dye shirts from them & experiment with dark brown or brazilnut reactive dyes. Get a couple of extra shirts to practice on. You can do the whole thing in the washer. You will also need soda ash, synthropol, & ordinary table salt. The darkness or saturation of the color depends on how much dye you use, so start with a little. Read over all their instructions & write back if you have more questions!
best,
Jennifer

This morning, in an attempt to spray water on some wrinkled pants, I realized the bottle had a mixture of beach and water instead of just water. I immediately ran to the sink to wash away the beach. Some of the dye came out...I rinsed them and hung them to dry. When they were almost dry, sure enough, I could see a slightly beached area where I had sprayed. I am not sure what type of fabric is involved here. I think the fabric is polyester or gabardine (which I think might be polyester also) Is it possible to dye this fabric? They are navy blue and the area is not completely beached. Also, is it o.k. to use domestic dyes as found in craft stores? Thanks for any help on this.
Hi Cindy,
I don't think there is much you can do. It's not possible to dye over bleached spots & polyester cannot be dyed in any event.
Sorry,
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.

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