I had this cute, comfy jersey dress that I really liked, but it hung in my closet untouched for a really long time. It finally dawned on me one day that the reason I never wanted to wear it is because it was navy blue, and for some reason, I just don't love navy blue.
So, I decided that it would be worth it to try a little bleach action, and have it fail, versus never wearing it in its current state. I made this decision so quickly that I didn't take any "before" photos, so you can't see the amazing color-transformation.
I always forget to take "before" photos.
This ^ is the color that I ended up with after the bleach cycle!
This beautiful, raisin-y pink. It's actually one of my favorite clothing colors, a fawn-ish color...and so much damn better for me than navy blue.
So, the moral of the story is that with fabrics, clothing, what-have-you, if you just do not like the color, and aren't going to use it as is, there is no harm in trying bleach. Or dye. Even with synthetics...this dress is a poly jersey, and it bleached beautifully. I've tried bleaching and dying 100% cottons and had no luck sometimes, so it's always a toss-up...but such a fun toss-up.
You get to be a mad scientist of fabric for one hour, and sometimes, not every time, but sometimes, you end with something much prettier than before..
Comments (20)
thats so awesome
kim* · June 13, 2007 at 07:37 PM
You are so prettyful! I always look forward to your posts. You've got great style. :)
Can I ask what you're always looking up at in your photos?
Keep on posting your ensembles. Seriously...you rock!
Monica · June 13, 2007 at 08:14 PM
i am always half way through a project when i think "why didn't i remember to take the before picture"...i think it's something to do with getting carried away when the idea appears in your brain...very pretty, i like it a whole lot, especially the creamy trim :)
Tif · June 13, 2007 at 10:09 PM
you have guts- and look how beautifully it paid off! I love this journal of yours, thanks for sharing!
Kara · June 13, 2007 at 10:11 PM
it turned out great! and i'm surprised at how well the lacey detail held up. nice work & great idea:)
cristina - string*THEORY · June 13, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Wow, I had no idea bleaching something like that would completely change its color. How cool! Thanks Emily :-)
Michelle · June 13, 2007 at 11:14 PM
Looks great! I would have thought it would have ended up pale blue or with a tie-dye effect, but no, it looks great!
tascha · June 13, 2007 at 11:52 PM
I love that idea! I have never thought of it per sey, but thanks for the inspiration.
OH and way back in the day (err. HS) I used to intern for Kathryn at Seaplane. Yeah, like WAY back when their store was still on Belmont in SE!
Katie · June 14, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Glad your bleach experience was a good one. This dress is sooo cute!
Rhonda · June 14, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Great color! Rit dye has ALWAYS been in my fashion arsenal(though I hear there are better dyes),never thought about bleaching yucky colors,good thought.
Jungle Dream Pagoda · June 14, 2007 at 11:44 AM
I've had great luck using bleach as "dye", I bleached some dark navy velvet and got the most luscious range of shades of violet to lavender, depending on how long I left the bleach on (it reminded me of bleaching my hair as a teenager to get the perfect purple hair too!).
I've also dripped diluted bleach onto wet black velvet and got a fantastic "tortoise shell" pattern, this requires a large surface tho, preferably outdoors. I'm pretty sure bleach breaks down to salty water too.
BTW I wanted to mention how much I love both of your blogs, you are positively an inspiration to me as I'm gearing up to get my own etsy shop up and running. I make jewelry, totes, and knit/crochet items. I love reading about your creative process, don't stop!
Have a great time at Renegade too!!!
jill · June 14, 2007 at 12:06 PM
That color is pretty! I can't believe it used to be a navy blue dress! I have no idea how to do a bleach cycle, but it sounds interesting.
Erika · June 14, 2007 at 02:23 PM
oh how pretty!
Jenny Rebecca · June 14, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Such a maverick with clothes you are!
Have a glorious time in NYC!
kate · June 14, 2007 at 09:21 PM
I am big on dying to get around ugly colors and have had pretty good results, even when using RIT on wool. I've done a bit of bleaching but never ever thought to do it in the washing machine. It would be interesting to try. The color is so different from navy! How weird but how lucky. I wouldn't have tried it on synthetics either. Well, I think you're right about venturing and gaining and you have gained a pretty dress.
Helen · June 15, 2007 at 05:13 AM
Just noticed the array of socks that feature in your photos and thought you may be interested in this shop Tabio (http://tabio.com/uk/) which has fab socks and tights. Enjoy!
hannah · June 23, 2007 at 09:23 AM
thanks to your post, i remembered that i used to do that to, so i've been having fun updating some of my old or never worn clothes (some with succes and some ... not so succesful). But i love the excitement to see how it turns out. SO thanks!
karlita · June 23, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Nice new blog!
Minuit Citrouille · June 26, 2007 at 11:56 AM
What a lovely shade! And how peculiar that it came from what was originally a navy dress. Very pretty.
Maddy · June 26, 2007 at 12:35 PM
oh how fabulous!! i dye and bleach things extremely often myself. sometimes, my friends have to stop me!! :) that dress looks really pretty. in fact, i really like a lot of your clothes and your style. it's extremely unique and that's great!!
gilda · June 30, 2007 at 10:39 AM