The dyeing process is an integral part to almost any conservation project. First fabric of equivalent thread count and weave is selected. Next tests are made to find the right color. After that the necessary amount of fabric or yarn is dyed and used to conserve the textile. Sometimes a project calls for dyeing fabric or yarn the same color, but different shade to accommodate different sections of the textile.
Banjara Bag Area 1
Cotton canvas fabric was dyed in the color of the ground conserve the damaged area.
Banjara Bag Area 2
Here wool yarn was dyed in the colors of the embroidered design and tested in small areas to see if it was a match.
Indian Brokade Weaving
Before
In The Process
Tests to find the best match the background color.
After
Decorative Hanging by Alexander Calder
The surface of the textile was faded. Discolored areas were retouched using textile dye “Setacolor” by Pebeo.
Brown Test
Red & Blue Tests
Yellow Test
Madeleine Vionnet Caftan,1921
In The Process Of Dyeing.
Tests to find the best match for the missing areas of the caftan
The Final Result.
Silk chiffon was dyed (below original fabric layered on top) and used to conserve the missing areas.
Dyeing Process for Cristobal Balenciaga Gown
Attempts to find the best match.
The Final Result.
Shattered silk was used (layered on top) to conserve the gown.
