Girls formal dresses

[hayesktrm]

I just got back from Mervyns and found a beautiful first communion dress for DD. It was $55 and was marked down to $10. Can you believe it! It even has a little jacket and veil. My question is, would that be appropriate for formal night? Also, maybe I could have it dyed. Anyone ever done that. I know you can dye shoes, but I wonder if places dye dresses, too.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by hayesktrm
Maybe I could have it dyed. Anyone ever done that. I know you can dye shoes, but I wonder if places dye dresses, too.

My adventures in having a dress dyed suggested to me that there were too many variables (fabric content and type, seam thickness, dye quality, water softness, etc. to make it a worthwhile project...I moved on to colored sequins and beads sewn on in geometric patterns, appliques, and embroidery... Any shoe repair shop can sell a rainbow of shoe dyes that will adhere well provided the instructions are followed exactly and the fabric is prepared properly. My fear was that the finished result would look a little like a spray-on tan....uneven in places. I used to have my black/white orthopedic saddle-style shoes dyed all white, a challenge for the shoe shop to bleach out all the black first...Ok results....

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by hayesktrm
Maybe I could have it dyed. Anyone ever done that. I know you can dye shoes, but I wonder if places dye dresses, too.

My adventures in having a dress dyed suggested to me that there were too many variables (fabric content and type, seam thickness, dye quality, water softness, etc. to make it a worthwhile project...I moved on to colored sequins and beads sewn on in geometric patterns, appliques, and embroidery... Any shoe repair shop can sell a rainbow of shoe dyes that will adhere well provided the instructions are followed exactly and the fabric is prepared properly. My fear was that the finished result would look a little like a spray-on tan....uneven in places. I used to have my black/white orthopedic saddle-style shoes dyed all white, a challenge for the shoe shop to bleach out all the black first...Ok results....

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Instead of die you may be able to add color in other ways. If there is a ribbon or bow change that to a light pink or yellow. If there is a slip undernieth try to change that to another color like pink. It is a sutle difference but can be very pretty.

She also would most likely be very pretty in the all white dress with no changes especially if she gets a bit tan!

 

[dis4me]

Very interestin topic. My girls still fit in their communion dresses. I wonder if tey coul be tea dyes to a tanish color.I am not sure what the dress you bought looks like bu our look like miniature bride dresses so I would thin th girls would look silly in them on formal night if they were as is. I would love to be able to get another use out of them though.

 

[hayesktrm]

Yes, it does look like a miniature bride dress--it is tea length. Thanks for all the comments. I may take it to a dress alterations place and see if they do it and what the cost is. It might not be worth it, but it would be nice to get another use out of it.

 

[kcashner]

You really may not want to dye the dress. Frequently the lining is a different fabric than the surface, and they different fabrics may take the dye differently. Ditto for any trims on the dress. How about buying a wide ribbon for a contrasting sash, or adding some trim at the neckline (this could always be removed if you needed it for a communion dress for another child). Worst case, the plain white would be appropriate.....maybe a silk floral corsage?????

 

[hayesktrm]

Good thinking. Also, I really can't complain...I mean it was only $10.

 

[dis4me]

Originally posted by kcashner
You really may not want to dye the dress. Frequently the lining is a different fabric than the surface, and they different fabrics may take the dye differently. Ditto for any trims on the dress. How about buying a wide ribbon for a contrasting sash, or adding some trim at the neckline (this could always be removed if you needed it for a communion dress for another child). Worst case, the plain white would be appropriate.....maybe a silk floral corsage?????

Oh I never thought of that I would hate to completely ruin the dresses.I guess we will just keep ours as a keepsake.