
I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.
When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size. From the 1940’s, the fabric was a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.
It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label. I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.
After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went. I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.
So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!
Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared. Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!! Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE – Magicvintagespy
A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE – Magicvintagespy
Well I didn’t know my washing machine could even be used to dye clothes, so I’m impressed.
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Yes, but caution always. Be prepared for splashing – wear a smock or work clothes as you might get stained. Use the lowest level possible so that stains to the machine are minimized (and splashing, too). Use a hot wash and cold rinse and always start with a FULLY wet garment going into the dye bath. These are general guidelines – takes practice. Start with things that you’re willing to lose.
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Yeah I wouldn’t actually do it (I don’t know enough about it) but I’m just shocked that it can be done at all
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Oh, there are many little secrets. . . . . . . .Thanks for commenting!
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