Calling all costumers and crafters!!

I need help making a decision. I'm making a Professor Umbridge costume, starting with what I have already in my closet. By luck I have an old 100% wool cloak. Unfortunately it's a purple/pink with red specks, which doesn't quite work. I also have a pink dress to go underneath.

My problem is that I don't know whether I should dye the cloak. I've had it for years and have never worn (it was a gift). It's 100% virgin New Zealand wool, so I'm hesitant to dye it. My main concern is that it will shrink. It's already 'perfect', so any shrinkage will make it unwearable. I was thinking of using RIT powder, which requires hot water to work. Is there a cold/wool dye out there? Any ideas? Below are pics of the cloak with the dress, and an natural light shot.



[Poll #1004359]
x-posted

Calling all costumers and crafters!!

I need help making a decision. I'm making a Professor Umbridge costume, starting with what I have already in my closet. By luck I have an old 100% wool cloak. Unfortunately it's a purple/pink with red specks, which doesn't quite work. I also have a pink dress to go underneath.

My problem is that I don't know whether I should dye the cloak. I've had it for years and have never worn (it was a gift). It's 100% virgin New Zealand wool, so I'm hesitant to dye it. My main concern is that it will shrink. It's already 'perfect', so any shrinkage will make it unwearable. I was thinking of using RIT powder, which requires hot water to work. Is there a cold/wool dye out there? Any ideas? Below are pics of the cloak with the dress, and an natural light shot.



[Poll #1004359]
x-posted

General stuff

First, much love and props to ssfseiyakou for making me an AMAZING LJ layout. OMG yay!! If you're looking for a good layout maker she's the one for you!

I've decided not to dye the cloak. Apparently I've got a rather expensive piece on my hands. Mom and Grandma would KILL me if it was ruined, so it's staying as is. A good idea I heard was putting trim along the edge. That will also cover up the snaps that I won't be using. Perhaps I'll use a color just between the cloak and the dress. I'm still debating on dying the dress a slightly darker color...but honestly so long as I pull off the attitude then it won't matter what I look like. Booyah!

Speaking of the Pink Queen, I found THE shoes. They look great! I told myself that if I was going to get stuck with HIGH heels then they'd better be clunky. So that leaves the hat, purse, and gloves (and maybe the trim). And I'll need to make sure it's all together because I've been invited to march in the parade with 'Mischief Managed'!! *squeal!* I can't believe he asked! *bounce*

Other than that there's nothing going on. If it's not about D*C it's apparently not very interesting! lol!

General stuff

First, much love and props to ssfseiyakou for making me an AMAZING LJ layout. OMG yay!! If you're looking for a good layout maker she's the one for you!

I've decided not to dye the cloak. Apparently I've got a rather expensive piece on my hands. Mom and Grandma would KILL me if it was ruined, so it's staying as is. A good idea I heard was putting trim along the edge. That will also cover up the snaps that I won't be using. Perhaps I'll use a color just between the cloak and the dress. I'm still debating on dying the dress a slightly darker color...but honestly so long as I pull off the attitude then it won't matter what I look like. Booyah!

Speaking of the Pink Queen, I found THE shoes. They look great! I told myself that if I was going to get stuck with HIGH heels then they'd better be clunky. So that leaves the hat, purse, and gloves (and maybe the trim). And I'll need to make sure it's all together because I've been invited to march in the parade with 'Mischief Managed'!! *squeal!* I can't believe he asked! *bounce*

Other than that there's nothing going on. If it's not about D*C it's apparently not very interesting! lol!