Some time ago I blogged about a linen jersey top I dyed, because the original white just never made it out of my wardrobe. It didn’t turn out the way I envisaged, a bit meh, but I still wore the top a lot because it had a relaxed vibe good for weekends and the linen jersey was nice and cool on hot summer days.
But after a while I couldn’t help plotting how I could improve the look. Block printing did not look a promising option, black wouldn’t show up very well and any other colour wouldn’t look much good either. But I had been thinking about whether colour could be removed altogether if one of my dyeing experiments turned out disappointing. Having something like THAT up my sleeve would be such a bonus!
My favourite dye supplier, Batik Oetoro, sells a discharge agent called TUD, which removes Drimarene K and Procion MX dyes. Success is not guaranteed, but I thought the above shirt would be a good candidate for a trial. Following instructions I boiled the linen jersey on the stove in the mixture for the time instructed, and the result was a dirty white, with orange patches where the black had been previously. Not great to wear as is, but perfect for redyeing!
I used a strong turquoise and was quite pleased with the result. The orange patches went to green and blended with the turquoise to a tropical undersea landscape. All it needed now was a block print to complete the picture. I chose this Maori turtle symbol I found on Google, transferred it and carved ot out of Eazycarve.
Laura Hendryx said:
The Hawaiian word for Turtle is also “Honu” and Did you make those pants? If so, I would love to know where to find the pattern.
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Rivergum said:
Ah! Sorry, they won’t be easy to track down, they are an old Issey Miyake pattern, Vogue 1328, now OOP. I reviewed the pattern on Pattern Review here if you want to know more: https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/84310
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Deborah said:
I love it!!
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Sarah Schwab said:
Fantabulous! You are always an inspiration.
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Carol in Denver said:
Fantastic transformation! It looks beautiful.
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Karen Saieed said:
Goodness, RG, it seems all your straw turns onto gold. This redyed and overprinted top is absolutely lovely. Im so glad you are posting again, for you inspire me so. Also loved all the iterations of the dresses recently posted. They were amazing.
Karendee
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Rivergum said:
You are too kind, Karendee.
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Cocos Loft said:
Thanks incredible! you’re so clever. And the ‘new’ top is great.
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Rivergum said:
Thanks, Cocosloft!
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Aless said:
Hi RG-I’m trying to contact you but PR won’t let me (not paid up…).My email etc is provided below. Aless
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Rivergum said:
Aless, I have sent an email to your address.
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Kangafrog said:
What a fantastic renovation. I am sure you will wear this much more than the original. Well done.
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Rivergum said:
Thanks Kangfrog! Already wore it all weekend 😄
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martha said:
Such a great ensemble! Love the dyeing story and the result. And that pants pattern you mention is TDF, isn’t it? I wish I had it in my stash!
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Rivergum said:
Sorry about the pants, Martha. The pattern is not easy to come by, but there are lots of harem pants patterns online, many free.
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Christine said:
Absolutely gorgeous. Once again you have turned something you didn’t care for into something wonderful. Incidentally, I thought the first iteration was equally lovely. Once the weather warms up here I am planning some overdyeing but like the idea of printing a motif on top. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Rivergum said:
Hi Christine, I hope you will put some pics online where I can see. We all inspire each other.
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Dawn said:
Awesome save! I would have never guessed it was the same top.
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Vonne said:
Catching up on your blog, loving all your creative and inspirational projects. What a difference a dye makes !!
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Rivergum said:
Yes, being able to learn from a mistake and try again really helps!
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sue bennett said:
It’s fabulous!
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