I’ve just been updating a few bits and bobs in my wardrobe…
when I get bored or dissatisfied with a particular item but it’s still in perfectly good nick or I still kinda like it because of a good shape/style or I put a dangload of effort into finishing it off particularly well or whatever; I will not toss it out. Instead I ‘avvago at re-vamping it somehow.
And this often includes dragging out ye olde dyepot and potions, aka dyes, eeeeeeeEEE heheheheheheheeeeee!! That was an evil witch’s cackle there, just in case my written word did not adequately translate to the spoken word, ahem.
So, revamp-eroonie; DONE.
Exhibit A; my little yellow cotton corduroy skirt. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I was just getting meh about it. Plus the clear yellow colour was a bit sharp and not one of “mine”. Since my khaki dress I have been thinking more about “my” colours and having more of them in my wardrobe. Sorta de-wintering my wardrobe and autumn-ifying it some more, if you will.
I used iDye in Brown and a tiny touch of the True Red, and got this rather wonderful deep caramel colour, in the top picture. Hehe, it’s funny; because actually I was aiming for mustard! important moral of the story; you should never ever never dye something that you are so much in love with that you couldn’t bear an unexpected outcome. Potential dyers, engrave that on your dye pots as it is one of the Commandments of Dyeing.
Anyway, I could not be happier with this super yummy, albeit unexpected, colour.
Unsurprisingly, the poly satin I used for the lining and bias binding did not take up the dye one tiny little bit.
Exhibit B; while in the mood for dyeing, I also got out my pale blue, supposedly silk shirt (all original construction details here) and gave it a facelift. Supposedly? well it was sold as silk, but its mild lack of enthusiasm for taking up the dye speaks to some synthetic content, ahem. Not that I mind! it’s been a wonderful blouse and I love the shape unconditionally. Just that it has faded drastically and its colour was now palling on me; or should that more accurately read, appalling on me? Yeah, probably.
Anyway, it got treated to iDye in True Red.
Much better!
Now; compare the new colour of the previously same coloured cotton bias binding … that strong red was what I was aiming for, although I like this warm tangerine colour just fine. I’m just going to enjoy it as this colour for a while; and if I still want the deep true red colour I’ll pick up some red dye suitable for synthetics and give another whirl. See how we go.
Exhibit C; not a biggie, but I switched the yellow buttons on my forest green Miette cardigan for new deep green ones.
I think it’s going to be a tonne more mix ‘n’ matchable like this, since previously it pretty much went ONLY with my mustard dress below, or with all-white ensembles. The yellow buttons were a distraction, I can see that now. My mistake. Also, I think the lacework shines a little more than it did before.
So, that’s it!
In my current sewing news; I’m still struggling away with embroidering my felted wool, for my 1 year 1 outfit ensemble. Every now and again I have to lay it aside and do something else. It’s wearing me down a bit but I am certain I am going to love the finished piece and am quite excited to see it all come together. Ever onward and upwards!
my tutorial on basic dyeing here
I can very much relate to your surprise dye results, having encountered the same thing myself on occasion. One thing I have noticed is that sometimes stitching doesn't dye (depending on the thread used of course) and I now think very carefully about dying topstitched pieces and whether the thread will look OK against the colour I have in mind, just in case the two don't compliment each other!
I too have been colour analysed as suiting autumnal shades and I can see for myself that I look best in these. However I still struggle with being drawn to bright/contrasting colours. I think it's a personality thing too, sometimes it's so cheery to put on something bright! Anyway my hope is that with age will come reason!
I haven't been on line as much recently but I just want to say I have been enjoying your blog as much as ever. The lace motifs on your last dress were particularly pretty. Thank you Carolyn x
Thank you so much Philippa! that's really sweet of you to "visit" 🙂 Yes, polyester thread rarely takes any dye at all, and usually I don't mind. If it's a really glaring difference, like say, white thread on a dark item, I've been know to even unpick the more obvious areas and re-topstitch in a darker colour. But it's a pain, I agree 🙂 I think if you really love something then please do go for it! even if the colour is not strictly one of "yours". Life is too short to be too restrictive with ourselves, don't you think? I like to keep my colours in mind, but not to let them rule my life; or more accurately, my wardrobe!
That's genius! And I love "your" colours 🙂 I've got into dyeing stuff a bit recently, I love that even if you can't find the exact right colour you can make it (or some other surprise colour, as you say…) But I hadn't thought of using it to revamp things I was a bit tired of – I might go and see what I can transform 🙂
I love the little red tweed look skirt in the second last pic. Do tell if it has a story of its own.
thank you carolincairns, and yes, it does! I bought the silk/wool tweed in Tokyo when I visited for the first time, and met my now good friends Yoshimi and Novita… I made the skirt here, and also made for my daughter a matching skirt here. 🙂
Beautiful improvements! It can be hard onerous to do these kinds of tweaks, but it's always very satisfying when something goes from being ignored in your closet to being loved again. I finally got around to lowering the armholes on a blouse of mine and setting in new sleeves, and suddenly it's one of my favorite makes again.
I love your refashion dyeing the garments! Though I loved the colours before, too, I can see that the changed coloures suit you even better! What a difference with changed buttons! I love the earthy, saturated colours of autumn. So for a long time I wore its warm colours, my hair being coloured with henna. After returning to my natural haircolour (though dyed), I had to realize that I am a summer. I quite struggled first with those greyish colours but have accepted them now. 🙂
Thank you SaSa! Yes, I struggled with my colours for years too; when you love colours you want to wear them all, don't you? I do!
Yes, I agree soft greys and pinks and blues look just lovely on you, so I think you are right about you being a "summer" 🙂
I love the tangerine color you got on the pale blue tunic. It's a lovely shape and a beautiful color! Dyeing intimidates me but maybe I will consider it in the future.
Always love your dye posts as the whole process seems sort of mystical and magical and then poof! beautiful! What is also inspiring from this post, is your attention to detail. Those little things…. that sort of really might not be so 'little'?! Appreciate the way you share not only the end results, but also your thought process, actual process and comparison results with us. Love 'your' colors! 🙂
Thank you so much Lisa! I love "my" colours too, actually I love all colours, and don't really want to eliminate any, actually! But a change is as good as a holiday, right?! 🙂
They definitely look much more you now! The way you maximize your use of all of your fabrics and projects continues to be inspiring. I've been thinking I need to dye a couple of my older pieces/fabric yardages to make them suit me better– it's just trying to find the time right now!
I like all of the garments better now, I think you took a bold but rewarding step! I'm a little sorry that the yellow buttons had to go though, but I totally get why you did it! Also I'm so excited to see your outfit for one year one Outfit!
very nice results. and I enjoy your wordplay as well 🙂
I love it when you dye things, now when I dye something, I am like "Carolyn". So brave and sometimes unexpected results.
thank you so much Rosemary 🙂
That is great changes, thanks for the inspiration.
We must be on the same wavelength! I just revamped a bunch of pieces I was no longer satisfied with in an indigo vat and I'm wearing them with new-found zeal. I especially love your "silk" top and sweater button upgrades 🙂
Everything looks lovely, Carolyn. I must remind myself of the beauty of dyes. I really love the caramel cord skirt – yummy!
Love all of your revamps. That tangerine shirt is fabulous!
Excellent results, and a great way of reviving garments you have got tired of. I really much try this in my wardrobe – and possibly stash with some of the lurkers.
So smart to change up these pieces with a bit of dye. Love the new color on the blouse, especially!
Very successful changes. Those colours really suit you.
thank you Jean Margaret! I love these autumnal colours, it's sometimes hard to find them in the fabric store all ready to go though 🙂
As always, I like your work with the dye pot 😉
It is a great way to give new life to existing clothes and your new colours are lovely (although personally, I'm a sucker for yellow skirts…)
I am due a dye dip. My white trousers are looking quite like chewing gum! Jo x
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