https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:19:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-334635 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:04:43 +0000 Julie 334635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, Rae,</p> <p>They do fit under my bootcut and some straightleg jeans as is. You'd never know they were there. I just figured, in for a penny, in for a pound, and go all out with modifying them. I wanted a bunch of ideas for when I take them to the cobbler is all. Thanks so much</p> <p>Julie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-334617 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:21:20 +0000 rae 334617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cool, here's the reply for public view: </p> <p>For the alterations: I would definitely have any shortening done by a cobbler. The way the cuff is made, looks like there would be two layers to work with, and you don’t want the top to look unfinished (can’t just chop away like I did with mine). I’d go as tall as you can without them showing through the jeans; that way you can still trot them out with skirts if you so wish. ETA: Saw your reply about going only wearing the boots under jeans... if that's the case, then you can go as short as you wish... as long as they don't make lumps under the jeans, it's all good. Taller will we warmer, shorter cooler. I'd personally keep as much of the original as the jeans will allow, just 'cuz I'd feel bad about the discarded leather pieces, but that's just me, personifying inanimate objects. If they fit under your jeans as-is, then you don't technically need to alter, either. </p> <p>For the color: A red color sounds great! Since I haven’t seen the dress, my advice would be to pick a red that is just a little different from the red of your dress. A similar idea to Angie’s post about matching accessories: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/01/29/matching-handbag-and-shoes/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/01/.....and-shoes/</a>. I do like Rosee’s suggestion of the cherry color but, like I said, that’s without seeing your dress. To answer another question that was brought up on your thread, none of the original color should show through after the full three coats of dye. And really, it any does show through, you can always add more dye! ETA: The texture of the leather -- like pebbling -- will show through. Distressing will not show through, but your boots don't look distressed, so I don't think that's an issue. </p> <p>One more ETA: I think you said you ordered all three colors mentioned -- if that's the case, you can test out the colors on the inside of the cuff (or on the scrap pieces if you get the alterations done first) to see what the color will be IRL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-334574 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:56:14 +0000 Julie 334574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, Rae!!</p> <p>Just realized I screwed this up again. Was going to PM you that I posted a reply, and put the reply here. But, you can see that didn't happen . If it's OK with you, copy the PM, and post it here for all to read. Figured since you sent yours as a PM, I should ask first before posting it for others to see. Is this all making sense? If anyone can figure it out, get back to me and bring me up to speed.</p> <p>Julie</p> <p>Remember, when everyone is against you, paranoia is just good thinking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-334412 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:36:35 +0000 rae 334412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie! I'm replying to your PM now. The preparer solution should definitely work for you; it was all I used to clean and prepare both my projects, and I had no problems with the dye taking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-333635 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:25:42 +0000 MNsara 333635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What fun! I vote for the #12 rojo (I think that's what it was). If any of the original color influences the result, that might end up toning down the #12?</p> <p>I'll be waiting with bated breath. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-333550 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:34:05 +0000 firefly 333550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excited to see how they turn out. I think it's difficult to predict exactly how the colour will end up since it depends on a few different factors, but I think any of the colours mentioned will work. Looking forward to seeing the next stage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-333035 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:46:07 +0000 Julie 333035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello, again, everyone.</p> <p>Have started cleaning the boots in preparation for the colour change. Some of you have been asking how the cuff is made on them so I've included some pictures to show that. It is a true cuffed boot, not an imitation cuff you can not unfold. I'm also showing the product I use to clean and condition. On the day I get the dye kit, I will clean them again with something to make sure all wax, and other waterproofing products are removed. Anyone have any ideas what I should use. Rae, would the cleaner that comes in the kit be sufficient? Did you have plenty of dye in the kit to do your boots, or should I order extra?</p> <p>There's still some time yet before I have to order, so if any of you have more colour suggestions, let's hear them.</p> <p>Julie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332749 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 03:42:39 +0000 Julie 332749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Rosee and Girl X,</p> <p> The #56 Morello Cherry is a cool suggestion, and yes, I did wonder how the original colour underneath might affect the finished colour.</p> <p> Now, the finished colour is very important, because of how I plan to wear these boots. They will be worn under very faded boot cut jeans, and using Angies PPL formula, only the toes will be visible, so I want maximum impact to catch the colours in the dress. I love this dress to death, and want to wear it often. It's the perfect companion with jeans, and now all I need is the right boots.</p> <p>If you think I'm of my rocker here, please speak up. If you think I'm onto something, I could sure use your help. I'd like to order the dye kit within the next few days, and start prepping the boots for their big makeover.</p> <p>Julie</p> <p>P.S. Please excuse my frequent posts here, it's just I'm a bit nervous and a whole lot excited </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332655 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:24:00 +0000 Girl X 332655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thought when I saw the boots was red Red RED! - so I'm jazzed that you've already gone there. I wonder (question for Rae) how much of the original colour - if any - shows through from under the dye? Because the original boot plus Tarrago #102 might actually equal Tarrago #12.</p> <p>These are going to look awesome! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332572 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:15:43 +0000 rosee 332572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm looking forward to this project /thread. I've dyed stuff in the past too, haven't used Tarrago yet but will for my next project.</p> <p>Another color consideration: #56 Morello Cherry -- it will still be reddish and complement the red tones in the dress but won't be matchy-matchy.</p> <p>Good luck! Keep us posted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332563 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:06:05 +0000 Julie 332563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've narrowed down the possible colours to two. If you look on the Tarrago colour samples here, <a href="http://www.shoetreemarketplace.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1010" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoetreemarketplace.....tCode=1010</a>, you can see. Either the 102 Bright Red or the 12 red. I have this cute little red print mini dress that I wear with faded jeans, and it has both of those colours in it. None of my boots seemed to be just right with that outfit. I'm thinking a pair of cute red boot toes peeking out from under the jeans will be just the ticket. Thoughts?</p> <p>I'm a bit excited about doing this, and already have my next victim picked out, a pair of vintage 1979 H.H. Browns Stitch Campus boots given to me by my aunt. Any thoughts on these ones? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332119 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:20:53 +0000 firefly 332119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have anything to add, except that I'm excited to see what changes you come up with. Look forward to seeing the photos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332088 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:00:42 +0000 Julie 332088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for the insight, Rae. I've had these boots for over 5 years, and I just don't seem to be getting the wear out of them that I should. The boots have an edgy style to them, and I think an edgy colour would suit. Very curious as to what alterations you would suggest, too. Don't worry about them being undamaged, as I said, I'm not wearing them enough.</p> <p>Julie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332082 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:21:17 +0000 rae 332082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eeep! So excited you'll be giving this a try!</p> <p>Hm, to give a suggestion on color, I would like to know why this color isn't working for you (too warm, too bright?) and what colors you already have (no use making a 5th pair of black boots you don't need, for example). The most common colors are dark brown, gray, and black, but ladies have red and purple boots that turned into workhorses. </p> <p>As for any alteration, I'd probably have a cobbler do it. I have an industrial sewing machine and have sewn leather before; I don't know that an undamaged pair of high quality boots would make a good candidate for a first-time alterations project. </p> <p>I will be keeping an eye on this thread to see what you come up with!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332073 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:51:24 +0000 lyn* 332073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mmm; I love those boots just the way they are.... I'd totally wear those as is! But if you'd like a change... a dark brown may be nice </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-to-try-my-own-leather-dyeing-project#post-332072 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:37:07 +0000 Julie 332072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After reading Rae's posts, and seeing her gorgeous results, I'm anxious to try my own. I have a pair of Miss Sixty boots that I think would be a good candidate. Would love some suggestions from the members here as to a new colour. Rae, how did you modify your boots? Should I keep the cuffed styling? Maybe have a cobbler do the changes? Any and all suggestions very welcome.</p> <p>Picture #1 is my actual boots, but doesn't show much detail.</p> <p>Picture #2 is the brochure picture from when I got them.</p> <p>Thanks<br /> Julie </p>