Introduction: Dyeing a Top to Repair Faded Spots

By Saint Salvage
About: Saint Salvage of NJ is about being ecofriendly by giving thrifted and vintage items new life. I upcycle them, style them and sell them at my store: http://www.storenvy.com/SaintSalvage. I also DIY, and use Ins…

I have a top that I modified a few years ago. It was an oversized white Tibi dress that I bought at a thrift store. I had dyed it pink and sewed on embroidered denim that came from a pair of jeans from my mom. I then cut off enough fabric to leave at a tunic length, and leave the pockets functional.

The top was worn many times over the years, until one day I wore it while cleaning the bathroom. To my shock and horror, I noticed bleach spots!!!! My mother passed away earlier this year, so this top is very sentimental to me. I resolved to save it. So..... I was thrilled to find some great Rit dye.

Step 1: Supplies Acquired

I bought two boxes of Rit Dye's "Color Perfect", in the color "Passion Pink", Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue, and a package of Jacquard's Soda Ash. I also used Q-tips (I have plenty at home), a large plastic trash bag, my ironing board, a clean plastic trash can, and a plastic hangar.

Step 2: Apply the Dye

I'm not going to lie here. This step was time-intensive, but I consider it to be a labor of love.

I laid out the top on my ironing board, with a large trash bag underneath. The collar area was where I started. The Aleene's glue went around the borders of the denim to protect it. I allowed the project to dry 24 hours before applying the dye.

I used the Q-tip to work the dye around the denim first, to get in the details. Then, I used the dauber that came with the kit, and dabbed it from top to bottom. I had my favorite music blasting, and it kept me moving to get the dyeing done in about an hour.

Step 3: Treat the Top With the Soda Ash

I took the freshly dyed top and put it into the soda ash and warm water rinse/soak, per the instructions on the Jacquard pouch. Then, I rinsed it with cool water and put it in the rinse cycle in my washing machine. When the washer cycle finished, I promptly hung it on the hanger.

Step 4: Enjoy the Finished Top

I wore the top the next day. It has a little bit of color variations, but I really love the top. It has new life, and it will get many more wearings.