Hopeless? Black Chenille Dress?
- Thread starter foofoogal
- Start date
MyVintageCocktail
VFG Member
Sandy, do you know what fiber the dress is? That makes a huge difference in whether it can be dyed or not.... And is it lined or unlined? Lined, I assume, and if so, what fiber is the lining?
It's a lovely dress and it would be a shame to not be able to do something with it! And, lastly, if leaving it as is to sell or use isn't an option, what do you have to lose by dyeing it? But, again, even if you decide to throw caution to the wind and dye it (LOL!), there are ways and even specific dyes with which to do it that depend on what it's made of!
It's a lovely dress and it would be a shame to not be able to do something with it! And, lastly, if leaving it as is to sell or use isn't an option, what do you have to lose by dyeing it? But, again, even if you decide to throw caution to the wind and dye it (LOL!), there are ways and even specific dyes with which to do it that depend on what it's made of!
Sky Ranch Vintage
Alumni +
Gorgeous dress. Is the background fabric slick and glossy? From these photos it looks like it's a matte finish and possibly rayon which is very tricky when you get it wet. Is the lining the exact same fabric or just similar. The lining could be acetate which is also tricky when wet. Looking forward to your response.
MyVintageCocktail
VFG Member
Sandy, I've never dyed any vintage piece before, but other members have, I believe, had some luck in doing so. But, in the past I've had excellent luck with using permanent, black wide-tip fabric marker on a very large swath of discolored acetate taffeta lining in a dress, and in touching up small areas on the outside of black dresses. The lining job matched perfectly! But, I would worry, on an area as large as what's on your dress, about a marker not matching the matte finish of your dress, or the black not matching exactly.
I don't know what I'd do in your spot.... it's a quandary. I think I'd go to the fabric store with the dress and see if I could find a dye made for delicate fabrics that doesn't need to be "set" at as high a temperature as other dyes, and maybe try to spot dye the areas (feathering into the good areas) so as not to get the item soaking wet. As Amber says, that can be problematic. Or I might try a marker or touch-up fabric paint and see what I could do with it. Even if you can't match it exactly, but could blend something in to those areas so as to make the piece wearable...
Or, sell as is and let the buyer figure out what to do. Hopefully someone will come along who has had success with this sort of work.
I don't know what I'd do in your spot.... it's a quandary. I think I'd go to the fabric store with the dress and see if I could find a dye made for delicate fabrics that doesn't need to be "set" at as high a temperature as other dyes, and maybe try to spot dye the areas (feathering into the good areas) so as not to get the item soaking wet. As Amber says, that can be problematic. Or I might try a marker or touch-up fabric paint and see what I could do with it. Even if you can't match it exactly, but could blend something in to those areas so as to make the piece wearable...
Or, sell as is and let the buyer figure out what to do. Hopefully someone will come along who has had success with this sort of work.
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
I agree with what others have said. Also, keep in mind that the beading (I don't see any chenille?) may have been sewn on with a thread of a different fiber than the dress itself. If you wet it to dye, the threads may shrink at a different rate and result in puckering on the beaded or trimmed areas. You need to determine the fiber content of the dress, which can not be done from a photo.
Circa Vintage Clothing
Alumni
I agree with Barbara: I, too, see beading rather than chenille embroidery and I also see a matte material rather than a satin.
The questions I would ask - how old it is? What is the fabric? What is the embellishment? What caused the discolouration?
I recommend that you find a professional dyer and ask their advice. My experience is that dyeing is rarely effective to cover discolouration, and the fabric is likely to be damaged as well, the lining will probably shrink. On the basis of the available information and photo an accurate result can not be obtained.
I agree that if you wanted to sell the dress, you should sell as is. An alternative could be to cut off the damaged fabric and shorten the dress, if there is still sufficient length.
The questions I would ask - how old it is? What is the fabric? What is the embellishment? What caused the discolouration?
I recommend that you find a professional dyer and ask their advice. My experience is that dyeing is rarely effective to cover discolouration, and the fabric is likely to be damaged as well, the lining will probably shrink. On the basis of the available information and photo an accurate result can not be obtained.
I agree that if you wanted to sell the dress, you should sell as is. An alternative could be to cut off the damaged fabric and shorten the dress, if there is still sufficient length.
foofoogal
Registered Guest
I am sorry I did not answer sooner. No beading at all. The flowers are black satin enhanced with chenille (like pipe cleaners?)
The background is a matte finish but possibly shined once upon a time. I will try to get better photos.
I am more concerned about the shrinkage with the lining. I will probably sell as is.
Thank you all.
The background is a matte finish but possibly shined once upon a time. I will try to get better photos.
I am more concerned about the shrinkage with the lining. I will probably sell as is.
Thank you all.