Tie Dying is making a comeback in fashion this year. . .even though I always thought it was wonderful. You can make the same look an easier way without the messy containers of dyes, rubber bands and stained hands. Here is how I do it:
Use any 100% cotton, silk or wool garment. I buy cheap cotton T-shirts but you can also use what you have.
Materials
• Markers- thick chisel style because they have more ink.
• Rubbing alcohol
• Dropper and or spray bottle to apply alcohol
• Plastic covering for your table
• Gloves(not required)
• Ironing board/iron to set
Lay the plastic down to protect your surface and lay your garment flat on plastic. Try a few spots first by making a few dots with the marker. If you have a t-shirt or a folded garment – it will bleed to the back too. That is OK and what you want. Apply a squirt or spray of rubbing alcohol on top of the color marks. Watch as it expands and creates a neat design.
Let go of expectations and continue adding more colors with the marker on the dry fabric areas. Warning:do not draw an image- for example, a cat – and expect it to come out looking like a cat. The colors once, the rubbing alcohol is added, will spread and seep into one another. Let go of expectations and see what happens.
After you get the design you want – just iron to set the colors! You can throw in a hot dryer alone to set too. I have been known to take white garments with stains on them and do this process too. It is a great way to refurbish a piece of clothing. I have also colored numerous silk scarves as gifts, white cloth shoes, a white cotton back pack and a makeup case. Use your imagination and create!
Tina T. Ames is an artist, homesteading and blogger and simple living instructor in Western New York State. Connect with her at Simply Abundant Living, on Facebook and Etsy. Read all of Tina’s MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.
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