Color – Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys

I had a couple of white shirts with pit stains I just couldn’t seem to get out, despite trying all of my pinned tips. I really liked both tops, so rather than throw them away I decided to dye them and disguise the issue.

I picked out purple and lime dye at Micheals, which then sat around for several weeks due to a super busy schedule. Then one day it rained and I thought, “What better project for a dreary day than infusing some color into my wardrobe!”

I dug out a tub I use to do my foot detox soaks and gathered the other supplies needed.

The directions were fairly simple to follow. Step one: Add salt to hot water and stir.

Step two: Add dye and stir (after watching the cool color swirls created first!).

Step three: Add item to be dyed. The directions said to stir continuously for 15 minutes, then let sit for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. I wanted a dip dye or ombré effect, so I decided to divide the 15 minutes into thirds, one for each section of the shirt, then let the whole item sit for 45 minutes.

That theory didn’t work exactly how I envisioned on the first shirt. Instead the entire shirt looked about the same color. It could be because the material was synthetic and not cotton like they recommend, but I didn’t think that would make much of a difference.

The second shirt was, cotton so this time I only stirred occasionally during each 5 minute portion and removed the entire item after 15 minutes. That seemed to create the ombré effect I wanted much better. I rinsed both tops and then washed them before hanging them to dry.

Throughout this process my assistant did nothing to help other than supervising from her favorite spot on the couch!

I think both turned out ok and I’m glad I decided to add more color to my closet.

I’ve worn the purple top a few times now and think its a nice casual piece. I haven’t worn the green top yet, but plan to pair it with slacks and a cardigan for a casual work outfit. What do you think? Improvement or just a cover up?

I don’t remember where I first heard about the trend of painting your home’s front door purple, but the instant I did I was sold. And soon after I started noticing several purple-hued doors around Kodiak. Now that I’m in Anchorage, I’m usually too busy watching the other drivers around me to notice door colors, but I’m sure there are a few out there. Apparently, the trend is spreading because I found several examples on Pinterest!

Our builder’s foreman called the other day saying it was time to pick out our front door, which brought the idea of a purple door back to the forefront. We picked out this door with a craftsman style leaded glass insert, but apparently that one is special order and takes 3 weeks to arrive. Unfortunately, our builder needs to install the door next week, so we told him to get something they had in stock similar to what he’d had in the models we’d seen. This is the style he chose as seen on another of his builds. I tweaked it to be purple in Photoshop, granted not the exact shade I’d choose but close enough for a visual (sorry for the rainy picture, but I didn’t feel like traipsing through the mud to get a closer shot).

I’m not crazy about it, but it is nicer than just a plain door. Unfortunately I then saw this one (also tinged purple via Photoshop) on another of his models and like it better, even though it’s just a different glass insert. I think it fits our ‘craftsman’ style more. I’ve asked him if that style is the same price and if so, can we get that one instead. We’ll see what he says.

Regardless of which style we end up with, I think a purple door will add a nice pop of color to our entry way since the house will be tan with a medium/dark brown roof. I’ve considered adding faux shutters to the windows later on, which I might do in the same color to contrast with the pretty window box planters I’d want to add if I did add shutters. Because one project always leads to another right?!

Now I have to pick just the right shade of purple for said door. I’m feeling a bit like the lady in this ACE commercial who wants a purple, but not a PUR-ple. You know, the perfect color. I’m thinking something deep and rich like an eggplant. Something in this shade would be nice. We picked up a swatch of Behr’s Mata Hari at Home Depot today and really like it.

I’m considering having them paint both the exterior and interior door purple. It might seem a little odd, but it is my favorite color and honestly, having one side purple and the other side white seems just as strange to me, so in a way it makes sense. Maybe only in my head though. What do you think? Should we paint both sides or just the exterior?