Over the years, I've done a fair amount of tie-dye, usually in buckets in the backyard. I've always dyed t-shirts and things like that, where splatters, uneven color, and other flaws are perfectly fine and add to the design. I've made things I loved and things that I didn't love as much, but it's always been a lot of fun.
Right before going to the Craft and Hobby Association Mega Show, I tackled my first fabric dyeing project where I actually cared about the results looking professional. My CHA 'uniform' consists of dark jeans, a nice top and a short-sleeved layering sweater. My goal was to transform a boring oatmeal-colored sweater that I never wore into something fabulous that I could layer over a black polka dot shirt.
I bought Rit Kelly Green Liquid Dye and gathered my other materials: my canning kettle, salt, an instant-read thermometer, rubber gloves and a plastic spoon. I followed their instructions for stove-top dyeing to the letter. This includes constant stirring for 30 minutes or more. (Yes, my arm was quite sore the next day!)
I followed the washing instructions carefully, with all fingers and toes crossed that it would look as good dry as it did sloshing around in the dye bath. It did!
Here's a selfie I took in the hotel room at CHA (make-and-takes, samples, and literature in piles on the floor behind me). I love the way the green looks!
I'm totally inspired to tackle more fabric dyeing projects!
LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat turned out great!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw in person and can vouch that it does, indeed, look fabulous in person. It's a pretty color that looks good on you!
ReplyDeleteI saw that sweater and it is beautiful. I have a beige corduroy skirt and a pair of peach colored linen pants that really need to be dyed. I just need to get around to it. You are inspiring me!
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