What’s the deal with black polar fleece?
srgreene_ | Posted in Fabric and Trim on
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Several years ago, at a sewing convention I purchased some yardage, purple and black. Now I’m trying to make a anorak out of it, but don’t have enough fabric to complete it (I find that out, now that almost everything is cut out–don’t ask)! I’ve purchased several black polar fleeces, got the whole sample pack from Malden Mills, but nothing seems to work. The problem is that they aren’t black enough, or really they aren’t shiny enough. Anyhow my fabric has a sheen, the threads are kind of shiny, and every black I try to use with it looks like charcoal grey. Does anyone have any idea where I can get some shiny black polar fleece (or anything that gives a good imitation–I’m flexible, make that desperate)
Replies
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Well, you're learning one of the hard realities about the color black. It's really hard to dye a good black, and there are many different versions. When i used to dye black silk in a pot on my stove, I added mustard yellow to make it blacker (go figure).
If i were you, i would just choose the best black PF you've found, and use it. If it appears in a couple of locations on the jacket, it'll probably look very intentional and just fine (charcoal goes with black, right?) And noone else will know you had this problem....
One last resort is to ask the Rain Shed if they have a shiny-ish black Polarfleece. They're very helpful, and sell a lot of different ones. You can reach them at 707 NW 11th St., Corvallis, OR 97330; 541-753-8900.
*If you do it right it can be pretty amazing. I have a Mark Eisen jacket i bought in a thrift store - It is made out of two nearly but not quite identical shades of the same turquoise. Each half of the front & back differ as do the sleeves and the collar. You could always claim to be quoting him. Make two jackets - You may also want to emphasise the seams with decorative top stitching or piping . Depending on the colors you use it will either make the color differences dissapear or highlight them.Sarag
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