Since I wore this jacket today for "dress the decade," it reminded me that I wanted to post an SYC success story.
Back in 1994, I had bought this blazer when I attended the very first professional conference where I made a presentation. So I had some emotional attachment to it. While I have always loved the cut, with many buttons and with the princess seams continuing up to the shoulders, the original color was a soul-sucking beige that never really flattered me.
Two years ago during one of my closet clean-outs, I realized I hadn't worn it in about 6 years, but I wasn't prepared to toss it because of sentimental value. So I investigated the possibility of dyeing it. I found a mail-in dyeing service in NYC that charged only $25 to dye a garment one of 8 basic colors (more expensive to match a particular color). The caveat was that only natural fibers will take the dye, and this jacket is 50/50 rayon & polyester.
I called them up and asked what would happen under dye, and the sales rep said probably the dye would take partially. So I took a risk and requested the bright blue dye and sure enough the blazer came back a pleasant, heathered blue that has a nice texture somewhat resembling the current trend of garments made with "space-dyed" yarn. The jacket did shrink circumferentially by about a size, as the dyeing service had forewarned, but with a bit of steam and stretching on the bias, it fits without a problem.
I love this blazer now more than ever - a true SYC success!
What is your experience with dyeing?
This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.
If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.
