Many of you will remember my recent posts about the #hermesmatic event in Vienna, as well as the one, where friends showed their #hermesmatic scarves.

Cynthia, one of my silk companions, missed the Hermèsmatic event in Amsterdam last year and decided to try a dip dye at home. When she told me about her DIY, I was so fascinated that I asked her if she was willing to write a guest post on my blog. And she was! Now please enjoy Cynthia’s story.

.

.

I did not go to the Hermesmatic last year October when it was in Amsterdam. I did get an invitation, but I was not sure about it. I had one H dip dye in red (the Couvertures et Tenues Du Jour worn on the featured image) that I had bought but I was not too keen on dip dyes yet. About 6 months later, I saw Instagram posts of ladies who went to the Hermesmatic, and I regretted not going so much! The vintage scarves that were dip dyed by the Hermesmatic looked great.

.

Since my chance for the Hermesmatic was gone, I decided to try and dip dye a H scarf myself. Still, I took some time before doing it. First, I did a lot of research online. Checking out all pictures that I could find of dip dyed H scarves and the Hermesmatic and dip dyeing silk scarves in general. I wanted to have a good impression of the colors and the effects on the scarves and to choose a favorite look. Then, I decided on buying an H scarf especially for this purpose, because I just could not do it with one of my existing H scarves. I was afraid it would ruin the scarf. One day, I saw on our local Ebay site an old and not so good looking ex libris scarf in white and turquoise and I bought it relatively cheap.

.

 

Then, I had to decide on a color. I already knew what dye to use, because here in The Netherlands there is only one kind available: Dylon. I had bought the Dylon for washing machines, but my family was not happy on me using the washing machine for dying my scarves, so I decided to hand wash with the dye for the washing machine. (note: when you use the dye for hand wash, you need to add (and buy) extra salt. The dye for the machine wash already has salt.) After that, I searched  Youtube for an instruction video by Dylon and I found a good one. Then I started the project. And it turned out fabulous, I thought. I was (and am) really happy with the result.

.

.

Later, I tried another one. Another Ex Libris, in white, blue and red that was too classic for me (pictures 6 and 7). It did not go so well (in the first round; it took me 2 rounds for a good result) as the first one, but did not follow the instructions well. It was also a more difficult scarf to find a right color for. I had in mind to dye my scarf a beautiful blue, but it did not take this color well and it ended up an ugly light green. I then decided to dye it again in a dark violet to get rid of the ugly green and I really like how it looks.

.

Now, I adore Dip Dye scarves. The silk is so soft and thick. I never have had problems with color running (or stains) but I guess I am pretty careful with the process. I make sure the scarf is washed clean and wet when I start coloring it, and I wash it really well afterwards until all the color of the dye is gone and the water is clean.

.

.

I do not consider myself an expert. It is more a case of trial and error. I find choosing the color the hardest part. It is difficult to predict how a scarf will turn out. It depends on the colors of the scarf, the color of the dye and how much dye you use. For example, the amount of dye (powder) is important too for the result. Less dye, lighter color. More dye, more concentrated and darker color. And of course the longer the time you use for dying, the stronger the color becomes.

.

.

Even though it can be scary, I enjoy the process very much. It is rewarding to give a scarf a little bit of extra glamour and to make it unique. I am always on the lookout for doing a new dip dye. And I still want to Dip Dye one in gorgeous green or beautiful blue.

.

.

Cynthia has written about her Hermès DIY experience on her blog La Vie En Rose: H Dip Dye / surteint.

Thank you very much, dear Cynthia for sharing your fabulous DIY!

 

Still in need of a special Christmas gift? What about taking an old or unused silk scarf and following Cynthia’s do it yourself instructions? I have some Dylon dye at home and I’m already contemplating on trying this DIY over the holidays.

Would you try a DIY dip dye of one of your (Hermès) scarves?

.

🙂       Have a very HAPPY Friday!       🙂

.