Message: I purchased new (thrift store) "55% hemp / 45% cotton, Dry Clean Only" unlined suit jackets. I want to dye these jackets a bright-deep yellow for "Singing In The Rain" costumes when we entertain at retirement, etc. facilities. As a volunteer, non-profit group our funds are extremely limited and I want to make my "find" into a great looking very inexpensive costume. Can I dye these? Or fabric paint them, or ? Time is of the essence as the routine is almost performance ready. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

As a rule, you cannot dye anything that cannot be washed. Sometimes dry-clean-only garments are actually washable, however. Try washing one of the jackets, and if it survives, pre-wash them all and follow the washing-machine-dyeing recipe at http://www.prochemical.com/directions/MX_WashingMachine.htm , using their PRO MX fiber reactive dye.

Yellow dye will not stain your washing machine. A home washing machine set on "delicate" will be safer than a commercial washing machine.

If the test jacket disintegrates in the machine, fabric paint will be the only option. Any acrylic paint will do in a pinch, since it doesn't much matter in a theatrical production if the fabric feels unpleasant to the touch as a result of the paint. A good source of high quality fabric paint is http://www.dharmatrading.com .

Unlined jackets are far more likely to turn out to be washable than lined ones, at least. Beware of shrinkage. Use cool or lukewarm water as much as possible.