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17 May 2010

projects for nicola: tie-dye

I love handmade things. SO much. And unfortunately for Max, I wasn't able to make much for him when he was a baby because I was in school. But this time around I have more time for that sort of stuff so I was determined to make things for this baby.

So, the first project I'm sharing with you are the tie-dye onesies my sister-in-law Amber and I made. She studied tie-dye for her senior project so I asked her if she'd be willing to do this with me. Lucky for me she said yes! (I must confess, there is some hippie in me. Tie-dye and moccasins make me happy.) Now, Amber is a MASTER at this tying thing. She tied all the spirals and v's and circles. Basically, all the really cool stuff. My claim to fame are what I call the "octopuses" and accordion fold. You know, the easy stuff. But while the tying is not my forte, I LOVED the dying part. Color makes me happy too, and the "unknown" of tie-dying is so exciting. I think the true masters of the craft know what happens when you put the dye in what places, but for me it was all a mystery. So when it came time to untie them and rinse them out it was like Christmas morning!

Anyway, here are the results:

We made 3 different sizes so hopefully he'll have tie-dye all through the summer.

We did a couple experimental ones: for this one Amber tried to get a smiley face. Can you see it? I think it would've turned out perfect if it weren't for the fact the black dye bottle kept getting clogged, making the stream a little unpredictable.



Here's the other experiment: I just balled up the onesie and put rubber bands around it. I LOVE how it turned out.


So I absolutely love all of them, but this one is probably my favorite out of them all. It just looks SO cool.


My "octopus" tie










And then we made a few for Rob. One, because he's shrinking so most of his shirts are now baggy on him. And two, so all three of my boys have tie-dye shirts (Amber made Max a bunch as part of her senior project and they were big enough he can still wear them).
Another "octopus" tie


Unfortunately I took the pictures late enough that the colors don't pop as much as they do in life, but this one is my favorite. It looks AMAZING.




I still can't believe how much fun it was to do this. And people, I am trying to convince Amber she needs to start making and selling tie-dye stuff. I mean, did you see those spirals? Uh-mazing. So if you think she should too, leave her a comment saying so. I don't think she believes me.

And that concludes the tie-dye project. Stay tuned for more!

4 comments:

  1. They turned out awesome! So many good ones.

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  2. Very fun, Jackie! Nicola will be one styling little guy.

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  3. Amber Snipes22 May, 2010 13:21

    They were pretty awesome! If I had a baby, I'd definitely buy some onsies! :)

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  4. Heather Pike26 May, 2010 10:13

    That tie dye is AMAZING. I would DEFINITELY buy some for Ava!

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