Dyeing Experiment

[viennabelle]

I found some really great ribbon for my chemise a la reine dress...cute flocked stuff with a pattern of cherubs and ivy. It wasn't expensive, it was really wide...and really bridal!  Colors were limited to cream or white, neither which would look very good with a white dress. So, I bought four yards and started experimenting with it. The stuff is either acetate or polyester satin, with unknown flocking on it. I tried fabric paint (pepeo and some old deka I had on hand)--it worked, but totally changed the hand of the ribbon. I tried a couple of dyes on samples, but it resisted the dye.  Then I tried something I'd heard told as a technique for synthetics. I dissolved the dye in an alcohol-water solution (about 1:4 parts), then added my sample as it boiled.

It worked on the sample, though it shrunk about 20%.  I went ahead and mixed up more dye, set the full length in and let it simmer just below boiling.  After about ten minutes, it came to a nice light blue shade and I put it in my rinse bucket.

Now mind you--I followed the proper precautions. I did not use any food pots. I worked outdoors in full ventilation.  I wore a respirator, gloves and a rubber apron.

I'll try to take pics to show my results...

Comments

[boneorchard.livejournal.com]

I want to see! I am still searching for the right ribbon for my doll's dress.

Also, if you are interested, I may be getting together a wholesale rococo doll wig order from Jakelz. I have been coveting her wigs for ages!