Crushing On Emerald Green for 2012!

Looking for a gorgeous jewel tone to add to your wardrobe?  Well, how about kicking it with Emerald Green!  It’s lighter and brighter than darker greens, and deliciously rich in tone. I first spotted it on the runways and it’s still going strong for a bold 2012 fashion look! Can you just imagine how flat-out gorgeous, emerald green jeans would be this spring??  Well, whether it's a simple accent or full elegant ensemble, you're friends are gonna be "green" with emerald envy with these styles!

So, let's get this fashion train rolling.  I found this pretty ruffled top on a sale rack at the end of the summer.  Score! White's not my thing, so I decided to go emerald with it.  This is a quick, easy dye project so it can be done in no time at all.  Rit has done all the work for you with the ColoRit Color Formula Guide. The recipe for this enticing shade is #582 on the Green 3 color palette but I've got the recipe here in the tutorial as well. It's a sweet blend of Rit Lemon Yellow and Evening Blue! I think the top came out pretty delectable, don't you?

And hey, did you happen to notice the fun detail on the ruffles?  The white polyester thread doesn't take the dye and creates this super cool contrasting top-stitching look. Kinda really love when that happens!

OK gals, here's the tutorial for ya...

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye:  Lemon Yellow, Evening Blue
• White Ruffled Top, 100% Cotton  (from The Loft)
• 2-Cup Measuring Cup & Measuring Spoons
• Spoon for stirring dye
• Dishpan or bucket
• Paper Towels
• Fabric Scrap for testing dye color
• Salt
• Dishwashing Liquid
• Rubber Gloves
• Plastic Table Cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Prewash top to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

2.  Weigh the dry top to be dyed using a food scale.  The top weighed 4 ounces.  As a guideline, ½ cup (half bottle) of liquid dye will color up to 16 ounces of dry weight fabric.

3.  Deep Emerald Green is custom color #582 in the Rit Color Formula Guide, located on the Green 3 color palette.  This recipe will color 1 ounce of dry weight fabric.  After doing some testing, we created a new dye/water ratio based on the weight of the top.  If you are dyeing a larger item, you will need more dye and more water.

4.  Dye Preparation:  Wearing rubber gloves, shake dye bottles and measure ½ cup  Lemon Yellow and ¼ cup Evening Blue plus 4 teaspoons into large measuring cup.  Add ½ cup salt and 2 cups very hot water; stir well. 

5.  Fill dishpan or bucket with 2 gallons very hot tap water (140° F).  Note:  If water is not hot enough, heat some water in a tea kettle or in the microwave. 

6.  Pour dye solution into hot water and stir.  Test dye color to be sure you are satisfied.  Note:  If color is too light, add more dye.  If color is too dark, add more water.

7.  Wet top in warm water and squeeze out excess water.

8.  Immerse top in dye bath and stir continuously for 15 minutes or until desired color is achieved.  The longer the top remains in the dye bath, the darker the color will be. (Color will appear lighter when dry.)  Stirring helps to ensure an even color.

9.  Remove top from dye bath and squeeze out excess dye.  Rinse under cold running water until water runs clear.  Then wash shirt in warm water with mild detergent, rinse, dry and iron.