To Dye For!

I have been having so much fun with my custom hand dyes, I thought I 

would invite you on a day of dying. 

With the warmer weather upon us I love the luxury of taking this often messy activity outside. So I hope you don't mind taking a step outdoors with me. The first step is to make the mixture you see above. This includes salt, oil, and a couple tsp. of dye. It's that simple. In the picture you see, my shirt has already been added. It began as a natural organic cotton racer back tank. 

As you can see after a few minutes the natural color is now a brilliant red. However, it's not that easy. 

I have to stir it in this first solution for 20 min or more. By doing small batch test projects like this one, I can perfect the most rich colors. The art of custom dying has become a labor of love! 

I am still trying to come up with a name for my new red. Possibly, Strawberry Red? What a think? 

While I am diligently stirring my blushing bucket of organic cotton, my husband mows the lawn.  As you can see we practice eco friendly living every way we can. This is our beloved human powered lawn mower.  If you have ever thought of getting one, DO IT! They are actually rather easy to push. Best of all we never run out of gas, or have to worry about a cord.  I guess I will have to talk about this eco friendly tip in another blog. 

After stirring for 20 minutes or so, I add my Soda Ash. Yes this is the same stuff you use when you tie-dye. 

 Can you guess what I do after I add the Soda Ash? I stir some more! This time I stir for about a half hour. Dying takes quite a lot of stirring and time, however the results are amazing! 

Oh yes, don't forget my very technical measuring devises.  When my recipe calls for a gallon of warm water, I get my highly calibrated gallon milk jug. Works like a charm. 

Well everyone, thanks for stopping by to work on my newest color with me. 

Here is our finished project. Now if you would like to help me name this color, please leave a comment!