Dying silk

bugsaboo · 15 July 2010 at 8:00PM

Hello!
Hope this is the right place to post.
I would appreciate some advice. It's a bit of a long story as well! Bought a nice silk dress at xmas - in the sale, but still dear. Wore once, then lost weight so got altered. Then wore again and had a bit of a female "leakage" onto the back.:mad: Dry cleaner can't get out, have tried washing in machine, soap, saliva etc all to no avail. Now it also has a slightly lighter and non-shiny patch where I've tried to remove the stain. So someone at work suggested I dye it. Mt question is, should I cut my losses and sent to the tip? Should I try dying and if so what brand of dye would work? Dress is silk/acetane (5%) and polyester. I've looked on the dylon site but it said that the dye would come out a lighter shade so I don't know if I can get a dark enough colour to cover the stain. Or does anyone have any other tips for what to do with it?

It's this dress
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STUNNING-KAREN-MILLEN-PETAL-DRAPED-SILK-DRESS-10-150-/110541616878?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Women_s_Clothing&hash=item19bccb36ee

but I got it cheaper than that

I am gutted and hate the thought of chucking it out but can't wear it as is. So help much appreciated
Thanks a lot

jackieglasgow · 15 July 2010 at 8:20PM

Have you tried neat washing up liquid, stardrops or biotex? Biological soap powder too is good for those type of stains. If you have tried all these (try scrubbing on the reverse with a wee nail brush), then you've got nothing to loose by dyeing it have you, if the alernative is the bun? What colour were you going for? Black shouold definitely work OK. Its a gorgeous dress, good luck. X

bugsaboo · 16 July 2010 at 9:26AM

I have tried washing liquid etc.
I'm worried the dye will make it grey not black, but you're right, I have nothing to lose. Thanks!

jackieglasgow · 16 July 2010 at 9:37AM

You're welcome. You could also try doing it twice if the first time isn't deep enough.

Primrose · 16 July 2010 at 10:28AM

If you can't find a suitable dye, don't waste the whole dress. If you're any good at sewing, cut it off at hip level and it will still make a lovely top with a dressy pair of black trousers.