The vibrant warm red colour was obtained by using a natural Madder dye, as the fabric is boiled wool. Wool dyes so well with madder, whereas cotton is not so vibrant. I woke up in the middle of the night remembering a pair of 1930s threadbare cotton print beach trousers that had been packed away for ages, and knew that the print would be a perfect combination and add another dimension to the dress idea. Here the fabric and antique lace is laid out on the table before cutting....and it was scary cutting it, incase it didn't work and the lovely vintage item was spoilt; but it was fine...one has to be brave!