I would be vastly overjoyed to win this as I've embarked on some historical reproduction sewing and suddenly can't use knits to cover up my lack of tailoring skill!

Having done a lot of dyeing of silk, here are a few comments on this method...

--> The vinegar isn't "helping set the dye," it IS setting the dye, because you are making an acid dye bath. Making the dye bath very very warm will help as well, as silk likes heat with an acid dye.

--> More heat + more acid + more dye + more time will make this a darker color. But it's really important that the coffee be fully dissolved to prevent speckles... not a bad idea to pour it through a filter or piece of pantyhose if you are worried about that.

--> One option for keeping a bath warm with food-safe dyes would be a crock pot.

What a nice little article. It's hard to get a skin tone on silk that isn't too orangey, and I look forward to trying this one out.

Threads, thank you so much. My expensive custom jeans had a defective zipper... and I was able to replace it myself with this tutorial. As somebody with less than no interest in ripping the waistband apart, I really appreciate this web page!

I wonder if the fabric will still take dye with the gelatin in it. This might make for an interesting shibori method....

Why do I need Threads on DVD?

Two words: PAPER CUTS!

The tip that I was given a few years ago has been so ingrained I almost never think about it anymore: New project? New needle! Needles are cheap compared to the frustration you may encounter if your needle develops a burr or a bent tip. Choose a new needle for every project and pick the right one for your thread and fabric.

For fitting, my copy of Nancy Zieman's "Fitting Finesse" is always on hand. I used use "Busy Woman's Sewing Book" a lot, but it has vanished somewhere in the workroom! I really wish I could have found it for my notched lapel problems the other day...

It would be a lot of fun to dye the organza strips in multiple shades of the same color and then make the flower! Great tutorial!