Princess Leia Princess Leia Hoth & Bespin city costumes

Well, I dyed my fabric again. It is not true red. It is more on the deep, deep pink side of the spectrum. But considering the fact that I have brick red chiffon that is a little too dark red and not enough pink (for my tastes), I think the two will work well together.

In case someone wants to replicate the dye-ing process with the more correct instructions:
I had 19.5mm silk charmeusse from Dharma trading company (55" wide). I dyed 6 yards of fabric.
I had picked the Jaquard acid dye there called Vermillion. Buy the 8oz jar.
The 6 yards were a little over a pound. 4oz of dye was recommended by the Dharma guy on the phone. <1 pound should use 2oz of dye. 1-2 pounds should use 4 oz., etc.

Instructions from the site with my editorials in []:
These directions are for top loading washing machines only.

1. Set the washing machine to the hot wash/cool rinse and longest wash cycle. Fill water to the lowest level appropriate for the amount of fabric being dyed. [Dharma suggested getting the water as close to simmering as possible--like 180 degrees. I turned up my hot water heater as far as it would go a couple of hours before starting. I would also suggest boiling some water on the stove and pouring it into the machine while filling the machine and then adding another couple pots of boiling water about 1/2 way through. I was told that red takes better with VERY hot water.]

2. Get fabric wet then pull out and set aside. [I did this in cold water before starting the hot water filling cycle.]

3. Add dye powder and agitate until dissolved.

4. Add clean wet fiber and agitate for a few minutes.

5. Add one cup of vinegar being careful not to pour directly onto fabric. Let agitate a few more minutes. [I put the vinegar in before adding the fabric so that I would be sure not to get it on the fabric.]

6. Let machine run through cycle OR for maximum washfastness, stop and reset washer to maximum cycle length. Do not let the washing machine drain or start a new wash cycle. You just want to lengthen the time the fabric is in the dyebath. After resetting, let washer run through cycle.

7. Remove fabric from washing machine. To ensure that all of the excess dye has been removed, you may want to run the fabric through another wash cycle with cool water and some Synthrapol.

8. Run washer through a large rinse cycle to remove any excess dye in the washing machine. [I use about a cup of bleach in an empty wash cycle to rid the machine of the dye.]

I also pre-wash my fabric using the Synthrapol to get rid of excess oils and stuff that might interfere with the dye.

Hopefully that helps someone in the future so they don't have to go through the same process of following wrong instructions from the company.

***
So aside from the dyeing, I was ironing my fabric today in preparation for cutting this weekend. And wow! *happy sigh* Silk feels wonderful. I know that satin and poly are easier to come by and sometimes are less expensive (but not always!). But I'm really going to feel like a princess in the silk. It is so delicate.

Pics and such when I have more accomplished...

 

Isn't silk wonderful?

Glad to hear the dyeing went well, and can't wait to see the pics!

 

I love silk as well. I am working on the Bespin gown now. I will post progress pics soon but it wouldn't be until the end of the year for this one

 

We know that it is not exactly a "whip it up" type of costume, so take your time.

As for me, I've finished 2 of the triangles from the upper flowers down and one is complete as of tonight.
I have the tunic mostly done. I am waiting to finish the pants and the belt to decide on where to hem the bottom of the tunic.
The shoes are out to the dye-ing place.
So I'm making progress--but not much of anything that would make a good pic.

 

I can't wait to see the finished product, Kim!

 

yay! I look forward to seeing more progress! It's going to be absolutely beautiful when it's done!

 

A-D I really can't wait to see yours! I know it will look stunning! Are you going to wear it to Sydnova?

 

Bummer A-d!! But that's totally understandable, the Melbourne event sure does sound like fun! And it's always good to meet up with family Definitely a good chance to go. I can't wait to see the pictures!

I will be doing this costume, I have all the fabric, but unfortunately jsut not the time this year with all my uni commitments (final year with placement next semester eeeek!). But I'm very hopeful that I can start work on it when I graduate in November

 

Ooooops! Silly me, I'd totally forgotten about it!I just emailed it to you Hope it helps!

 

I can't wait to see your pictures, Adalia-Durron!

 

Wow!!! That looks amazing Tanya!! You've done a brilliant job, Definitely doesn't look like a paint job! Very beautiful!

 

Ah but so worth the results!

I'm going to be doing both (An embroidered overdress and a painted one to wear whilst I embroider) so I'll experience both!! *sigh* Seeing yours really makes me want to get started!!

 

It turned out so well Addie

 

Wow. Everyone's gowns look so lovely. So much work done with love.

I was convinced by my hubby to do a more "girl" type costume for cons than my armor; I have been playing with the Bespin gown since Dragon Con 07. I've got mockups going on, and have captured stills and researched photos I could find. Thanks Padawan's Guide !

I can find pics with good embroidery of the bottom of the cape but none of the top of the pattern. Does anyone have a good photo of it? Or would some one be willing to share a pattern?
I may be getting in deep, but it'll be worth it

Jen

 

I have PMed you!

Good luck with everything! This one is too on my to-do list!