2015 Family Reunion Activity - Tie Dye

Almost every reunion since we did tie dye I have heard how much people enjoyed it so we are going to do it again this year. Below are some supplies you will need to bring (some are optional), prep works you will want to do before reunion, links to some project ideas and what you will need to do when you get your projects home.

What you need to bring:

• 100% natural fiber fabric (cotton, rayon, wool, viscose, silk); white or light colored - items you can tie-die: shirts, scarfs, tote bags, etc. - I have successfully tie-dyed t-shirts that have had screen printing on them so pull out those free shirts you have received at events
• Plastic gloves (only if you have them, do not go out and make a special purchase as I will bring some with me)
• Rubber bands (only if you have them, do not go out and make a special purchase as I will bring some with me)
• Plastic wrap or plastic bags to cover your dyed fabric to keep it damp and to take it home in

Other things to keep in mind:

• Pre-wash the item(s) you want to tie-dye to remove the sizing (sizing is what makes it look nice/neat on store shelves), be sure you do not use fabric softener or a dryer sheet. Follow the information in Step 1 at Tulip Tie-Dye Basics before coming to the reunion. It discusses selecting and pre-washing your fabric. When you get home (6 to 8 hours after tie-dying your fabric) you will want to follow Step 5 (also posted below with a few comments).
• Feel free to bring more than one item to tie-dye because the die cannot be saved to be used later, but please let everyone tie-dye one item before you start working on your additional items
• Do not wear your favorite shirt/shorts to the family reunion just in case there is an accidental spill

Here are the techniques from the package insert:

Better images of the different techniques and videos can be found at Tulip Tie-Dye Your Summer Get Inspired. Feel free to pinch, gather, twist and bind your fabric (rubber bands, zip ties and even string will work to bind your fabric) before coming to the reunion. Then you can immediately get started adding color to your fabric.

The techniques you will find at the Get Inspired link:

• Bullseye
• Swirl/Spiral
• Ombre
• Crumple
• Folding
• Stripes
• Shibori
• Sunburst

This is the process for finishing your item when you get home:

Let set 6-8 hours or longer for most intense colors. Fully rinse dyed fabric in warm water until all extra dye is removed and water runs clear - removing rubber bands if used (to avoid accidentally coloring anything in your house you might want to do this outside with a garden hose in an area of your yard that is not used often; you may also want to wear protective gloves, though the dye should be inactive by then). Fill washer to large load setting with hottest water suitable for the fabric and a small amount of laundry soap. Wash and dry separately. Wash separately the first few washes. Do not allow dyed fabric to rest wet on other items.

Feel free to comment if you have any questions.