Dyepot Redux

Still talking about dyeing fabric/garments, and this is the project that started it all for me. Last year I was browsing various style blogs and came across a photo of a linen duster. I can't remember which blog now, but the photo showed a white duster, in a sheer linen fabric, in a boxy style reminiscent of Eileen Fisher (which it might have actually been). I believe the blogger mentioned that it was from a sample sale, so the picture was the only guideline I had. It seemed like a potentially useful garment for my life -- a little extra coverage for summer sleeveless, but light and airy to not add (much) extra summer heat. And to add to its appeal -- I had a pattern that closely mimicked its style lines -- Kwik Sew 3732.

Finding a sheer, see-through 100% linen was the first challenge (more on that later) but once sourced it was an easy process to adapt the pattern -- which was mostly lengthening the bodice and the sleeves -- and sew it up.  Once finished and on the hanger it looked like the perfect summer accessory. And then I put it on.  I'd sewn the pattern before, so fit was not a problem, but there was something about it that just didn't work for me.  At first I thought it was too plain -- too minimalist -- too lab coat. Maybe if I introduced some decorative hemstitching to the seamlines? In the end though I simply hung it up in my closet, where it stayed until my recent clear out.

I'd been thinking a lot about what colors suited me now that my hair was no longer dark, and it finally came to me just what was wrong with my duster.  It wasn't too plain, it was just too white -- I now needed more contrast.  

So, dye to the rescue.  I wanted color, but still nothing too dark in order to keep things light and summery, so I went with aquamarine.

It was just enough to leave the lab coat vibes behind, and it was a color that looked good with the many navy garments already in the closet. Now, it can join the working garments instead of hanging uselessly in the closet.

I didn't have a lot of luck finding the fabric I wanted to use in my sources for apparel fabric, but on a lark I looked at the offerings in home dec fabrics -- bingo! -- sheer woven linen. Most likely meant for sheer curtains (which might also be a good source of fabric) but it worked up just fine for a duster.  Granted, not many of us would want to end up looking like Granny's sofa, but there are often lots of fabrics which can slide easily between apparel and home dec, so it is worth checking out what's available. One of my favorite jean jackets was made from a rustic cotton from the home dec line of Tommy Bahama -- now I'm wondering how that might look with a cooler toned color over dyed?