Hand-Dyed Silk Tops: Where Craft Meets Color
A Love Affair with Color
As a teenager, I spent countless afternoons at Hancock Fabrics with my mom. We both adored fabric, and the chiffon and crepe section was always the highlight. I remember walking down that aisle, each bolt grouped by hue—vibrant oranges melting into pinks, sultry indigos fading to violet. I could have stayed there forever, letting those rich, saturated colors fill me up.
That’s the feeling I want to capture in every silk tee I dye: pure, radiant color that makes you pause, smile, and feel something.
Wearable Art, One-of-a-Kind
These hand dyed silk tees are not mass-produced. I start with white silk crepe de chine and use fiber reactive dyes and resist techniques—many borrowed from traditional tie-dye methods. But unlike loud, clashing tie-dye, I work in complementary palettes that result in more nuanced, elegant color stories.
Each shirt begins as a blank canvas and becomes something entirely unique—never to be repeated. It’s truly wearable art, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Behind the Dye: A Peek into the Process
Milk Chocolate & Rust
This shirt began with a simple idea. I stitched a loose pattern across the silk and dyed it in a soft cocoa brown. After washing, I felt it needed more depth—so I stitched a second pattern and dyed again in a warm rust. The result? A rich, earthy tone with layered visual texture. You won't see another one like it.
Mid Day Indigo
This one was pure experimentation. I found quirky rubber sink drains at the dollar store and used them to sandwich the fabric, creating a crystalline resist pattern. The dye danced through the layers, forming a beautiful interplay of deep indigo and shimmering highlights. It's mysterious, moody, and unforgettable.
Not Just Beautiful—Incredibly Wearable
I live in these shirts. When it's hot out, nothing keeps me cooler than my Marling Originals silk tees. Lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant, they feel like a dream against the skin—and they style effortlessly.
Pair one with linen pants and sandals for an easy resort look. Or dress it up with wide-leg silk pants, a sheer scarf, and statement earrings for a breezy evening outfit. These tees also layer perfectly under my marbled jackets and vests.
The Ultimate Travel Companion
Going somewhere? These silk tees are made for travel. They pack small, resist wrinkles, and mix and match easily with your favorite basics. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or building a minimalist capsule wardrobe for a longer trip, these pieces go the distance—while making you look and feel extraordinary.
Limited Editions, Unlimited Possibility
Each silk tee is dyed by hand—no repeats, no reproductions. When you see one you love, don’t wait. These are limited editions, and once they’re gone, they’re truly gone.
So go ahead—claim the one that speaks to you. Your wardrobe (and your future self) will thank you.