Fabric Dyeing Questions

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March/April

We have a new Columnist! Jennifer will now be answering all of your dye questions. She is a textile artist and apparel designer based in Austin, Texas with lots of dyeing insights.

Let's get started:

We just bought a house from an elderly lady, and it took everything we have to get into it. The living room has lots of orange jacquard type draperies with a sort of thermal, rubbery lining. They are in very good condition, just don't want orange! Do you think they could be dyed a wine or claret color successfully? Any advice? Thanks very much! Mary Robbins
Dear Mary,
I am sorry to deliver the news that these old draperies cannot be dyed. If the color has faded to an unpleasant orange, I suggest that you look at some window treatment magazines for inexpensive alternatives. Bubble gauze (cotton) can be dyed easily, makes beautiful sheers, and can be accessorized lots of attractive ways. If the orange is still pleasing, then get busy & update with new tiebacks, tassels, etc.!!
Jennifer

Is it possible to dye a 100% Polyester gown? If so, what dye should I use? Any advice would be much appreciated. - Talia
Dear Talia,
Your polyester gown cannot be dyed. If you are in a creative mood & like the style or cut of the gown, you could construct an overskirt or overbodice, embellish with heat-set rhinestones, or even paint with metallic fabric paint. If none of these ideas appeal, look for a new dress at resale or consignment.
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

Dizzylettuce is a line of unique, creative, beautiful, and luxurious silk accessories - triangles, rectangles, and circles - that can be worn as shawl, wrap, waist and hip wrap, sash, exciting ensemble layer, and suit or coat accessory.

Take a look at the latest Dizzylettuce styles & colors at www.dizzylettuce.com.

You can contact me at 512 837 4063 or here at dizzylettuce@fabrics.net.

If you love beautiful colors, luxurious textures, rich and interesting trim accents, the creation of a unique fashion look, and beautiful clothes - you will love Dizzylettuce!

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The "dizzylettuce" Column is an opinion Column and may or may not reflect the views of Fabrics.net.