I had to dust off the ol’ blog this week to share this fun project…The most popular post I ever wrote, by far, was this one about dyeing fabric with natural, homemade dye. I honestly haven’t done much fabric dyeing since then, but last week my interest was piqued all over again when my mom gifted me an indigo dyeing kit.
We got to work immediately, looking all over the house for random white things to dye. The kit came with instructions and supplies (rubber-bands, wood blocks, etc.) for a few simple shibori techniques.
I dyed a couple curtain panels, a tank top, a t-shirt, a bandana, and a vintage dress. It was SO easy, the perfect way to make old, dingy-white things look new and beautiful again, and just a really fun activity for a dreary spring day.
The dye looks green until it oxidizes, and becomes a beautiful deep blue color in the end. It also stains your skin blue for DAYS, as I found out when I accidentally dipped my hand in too far, filling my rubber glove with dye…
I highly recommend this kit if you’re interested in learning some simple shibori techniques. The dye bath was very easy to set up, and the whole process of dyeing only took us a couple hours. I will definitely be doing this again…thanks, Mom!
On another note, can you believe how much snow we still have???
Nice blue hand!
OMG! You’re a Smurf! LOL
beautiful work. I have been wanting to learn shibori technique so long~ now it is time! thank you~
I stumbled upon your page today and I just wanted to say that you and your husband are incredible people and I am so inspired by what you do. I hope to one say have my own homestead and be completely self-sufficient. You two are an inspiration for future generations as well! Ps. Beautiful homemade fabric dying.
Hi Tonia! I hope you don’t find it too creepy that I found you again after a long hiatus and discovered you have had a little girl recently! Just to wish you all the best and much happiness with your family and animals going forward, kindest regards from Switzerland.
Thanks your your sweet comment!! So nice to hear from a regular reader after all this time.
Our little girl is doing great! Thanks for saying hi.
Nicely done!! Would love to see these in different colors too.
Can you explain the method you used on your tank top? Also, I plan on dyeing outside in November in Oregon. Do I need a sunny day, or a certain temperature window? Thanks, Polly
Hi Polly, I don’t update this blog anymore but if you’d like more guidance with shibori and indigo projects, you should check out my mom’s blog! She is actually currently in Japan at a 10-day indigo workshops, and knows WAY more about it than I do. Her blog is https://maplemoontextiles.com