Overdyed Cut Velvet

I tried my hand at a fun project this weekend... dying velvet.  If you've been here before, you know about my crazy obsession affection for vintage cut velvet fabrics. I have a pretty good variety of colors and patterns, but, at times, I find myself craving something a bit brighter. Last year, one of my sweet customers on Etsy (who makes the most gorgeous bags at Ladida Handbags) told me about her experience with dying velvets.  And that's when I turned to Rit Dye.  For these first attempts, I chose velvets that had light backgrounds and could withstand hot water.

For the pink, I tested a piece taken from a used bates bedspread. As you can see if the first photo, it started out as yellow, tan, and cream. The end result was a pretty mix of light and dark pink, orange, and yellow.

The next piece took a bath in teal. (If you give this a try, I suggest covering everything with a layer of plastic and towels and get yourself a cute pair of long rubber gloves.)
Once it reached the desired color, I hung it outside until it was just slightly damp.

Then I popped it in the dryer to fluff up the fibers.

And here is what this one looked like before,

Although I really like the original colors, especially the yellow, its nice to have the ability to create a piece of hard-to-find cut velvet in the color I want.   :D

I hope to turn these pieces into small bags and pouches this week.
What about you, have you ever tried overdying fabric?

Vintage Cut Velvet Fabric Collection

I have been collecting cut velvet fabrics for a number of years now. As I am quite taken with them, you probably have seen me gushing about them here, here, and here  or using them in projects here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.  whew...you get the idea.    (and no, I don't really expect you to visit all the linked posts, it was just to make a point)

Anyway, I have come to the realization that I have to start letting some of them go.  I did sell a few pieces on Etsy earlier this year, but I recently came across 2 more beauties, and it is just way more fabric than I can ever use myself.  One of this summer's finds was a vintage velvet bedspread. Gorgeous and unused, with the original paper label. There were a few storage stains in one corner, which allowed me to cut it up for projects without feeling too guilty.

And the other recent acquisition was several yards of an upholstery fabric in a pretty dusty blue cut velvet with a damask pattern.

So, I have reluctantly started to list many of my selfishly hoarded treasured cut velvets on Etsy.  Of course, a sizable amount will still remain mine...all mine.  lol
And the rest of this post will just be pretty photos of them because I just can't get enough.  :)

Have a great week, everyone!