taking the scary out of dyeing {tutorial}

September 4, 2012 Teresa Swanstrom Anderson

I've been dyeing my clothes for maybe 7 or 8 years now. It's always been easy things like a yard of felt fabric I couldn't find in the right shade for my project, or my favorite little white robe that I couldn't part with...though it wasn't quite white anymore.

I love that I can just buy a packet of dye from the craft store and change a garment into a bright {I love bright} hue that better suits me {and no longer looked dingy}.

. . Does the thought of that totally frighten you? . .

Well, this was the first time I went for it with an expensive BCBG dress. My favorite dress. Not sure what happened, but it had grey marks ALL over it. Almost like I had gotten into grease at some point and had it cleaned over and over and now the marks were just...a yucky grey. I had thought I'd keep this beauty forever because I loved the lines of it so much. Sigh. Two years didn't give me enough opportunities to wear it, that's for sure.

So after debating about it for awhile, I decided...dye it.

I had a few things that I never wore anymore because they'd seen better days, so I did a batch.

This cute top was another favorite for a long time {obviously a long time, look how little my boys are!}.

This is my favorite brand. I typically get iDye at Joann's but I know it's sold in most craft stores.

What I like about iDye is that you just toss the packet in your washing machine. You don't have the scariness of getting the dye all over the kitchen or what you're currently wearing. Could it possibly be any easier than that?!

Depending on what kind of fabric you're using, you'll need to also pour in a cup of salt or some vinegar.

I'd never done anything that I was so nervous about! I so didn't want to wreck my favorite dress. I've never messed up on anything using iDye but I also haven't done anything that I reeeeeally didn't want to give to Goodwill. With butterflies in my stomach, I just stood at the washing machine, watching it swirl around & around & around...

After the cycle was over {and an extra rinse}, it was time for a drumroll {and yes, I did eventually walk away}.

What do you think? I really love the hue of the lacy top {cotton always dyes so well} and my dress was kinda cute...but I could still see those grey stains {grrrr!}.

So I tried again. This time I just took the 5 minute drive to Walmart and grabbed a regular packet of dye. The old fashioned kind where you do it yourself.

With this kind I knew I could let it steep for a long time, ensuring a really deep color.

This is a "do what I say...not as I do" kind of moment. What in the WORLD am I doing dyeing my dress bright red/pink with WHITE JEANS and a light colored top on?

Seriously. I'm stupid.

{I prayed a lot the whole time. Shocked God didn't say, "listen lazy. I'm splashing the whole thing on you for being ridiculous." Ok, I don't really think He'd say that...but still.}

Oh also, please please PLEASE don't dye your clothes in a pot like I did. I now have a one-of-a-kind pink interior All-Clad stock pot. Sigh. I don't think Ben has noticed yet {shoot. he's reading this}. Instead use a glass mixing bowl, or even a bucket.

. . . . . . . . . . .

But it was worth it! I am so excited about my "new" dress.

By the way, this is what happens when you hand your child the camera and say, "would you please take a picture of mommy's dress?" they do just that. They take a picture of your dress...not you. Um, I meant with my face in the picture. So literal, those children!

How fun that a ruined dress can go from this...

to this...!

Ok Benny, grab the keys...you're takin' momma out!

{sorry, that was so lame...am I really leaving that in here?}

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