Tie Dying With The Masses - How To Group Tie Dye In The Classroom-Summer Camp-Or For Parties!
Several years later and I was in The Brightside Tie Dye Emporium in Brattleboro, VT. Upon checking out with a bag of goodies, I noticed a small sign that announced that the owner was running a class in tie dying. I signed up immediately and soon learned the mysteries of making eye catching, non-fading t-shirts in myriads of colors and patterns. Beyond using the information to create pieces to sell at local farmer's markets, I also used it in school and summer camp so that kids could make delightful pieces of their own. The pride they showed when wearing shirts they made themselves was justified. They were truly gorgeous.
I'm about to describe the method I used with the groups of kids. I'm sure there are different and better ways, but this worked great for me. The dyes to use are Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes. I always bought mine as a dry powder so that the dye would have a much longer shelf life. If you want to do this on a limited scale, try buying three or so colors. Remember, the colors can be mixed! Dyes, chemicals, and squirt bottles can be bought from the source given at the bottom of the article, though there are several other purveyors, too. Pro just happened to be the company I used. They also sell small booklets detailing how to create certain designs are are well worth the few dollars they cost. Any other materials may be purchased at the local Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or grocery store. The key is that I wanted the shirts to be non-fading and last a long, long, long time. If fading is not an issue, Rit Dyes are far less expensive and much easier to use. If you want to create something that will be regularly worn and still stunning three years from now, here's the deal...
Here is our method for group tie dying. It's a lot of work, so roll up those sleeves and enlist the parent volunteers!
1) Buy the shirts on sale. We get Large and Xlarge for sixth graders. I do not take pride into account when we do shirts. No one that I've met wants a shirt that looks like Spandex! I put several mothers in 4XL, and though they said they would use them for sleep shirts, they sure looked comfortable!
2) You will now need to wash the shirts to remove any grease that was left on the threads from processing. Wash shirts in HOT water with ¼ cup of washing soda or Pro-Dye Activator and ¼ cup of Synthrapol. Rinse on COLD. Dry shirts
3) Put a different number on the tag of each shirt in permanent marker.
4) Make a solution of 5 gallons of tap water to 3 cups of soda ash or Pro-Dye Activator. You will need four or five batches of this in one tub. I use my large sink for this. Add the shirts; up to 18 at a time, and let sit in the solution for 15 minutes. Squeeze out and put in washer. Set washer to final spin, and spin with no water coming into tub for rinse. Place shirts in a garbage bag to prevent them from drying.
5) Mix dyes with distilled water up to one week before dying. To one quart of distilled water in a blender, add the following:
¼ cup of dye
Fuschia
Bright Orange
Golden Yellow
Deep Purple
Raspberry (reddish purple)
½ cup of dye
Turquoise (FOAMS!)
Kelly Green
Cobalt Blue (FOAMS!)
1 cup of dye
Better Black
6) Store the dyes in squirt bottles and clean milk jugs.
7) Keep folded shirts on a "grid table" when dying.
8) Wrap shirts in seran wrap. Get this from a kitchen / restaurant supply firm.
9) Let shirts sit wrapped for two days.
10) While filling washer (top loading only), take rubber bands of clothes and toss in washer (12 - 18). Wash and rinse on cold. Then wash on HOT with ¼ cup of synthrapol and rinse cold. Dry in drier.
11) Wash with dark clothes the first few times, but shirt will be colorfast.
Dyes and supplies are available from Pro Chemical and Dye Company of Somerset, MA.
Have fun!
Related Tags: activity, activities, party, birthday party, summer camp, field trip, tie dye, tie dying, school fun
Thomas Smith owns and operates Wonder Workshops, an online supply mecca of retro toys, puzzles, puppets, magic tricks, books, novelties, and DVDs, all based in science, math, and problem solving. Tom also presents hands-on, mind-on science workshops for teachers and parents around the country. To find out more about the workshops and store, be sure to visit http://www.wonderworkshops.com You'll be glad you did!
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- A Pirate Birthday Party - Grub and Swag for Me Buckos
Pillaging and plundering is what me lad likes best. 'Twas no surprise he asked to have a swashbuckli - Why and When Piano for Children
Learning music is an enriching experience. It is said to not only broaden a child's imagination, but - Avoid Dangerous Toys for Toddlers
Santa's elves make all kinds of toys at the North Pole. From lavish electronic devices to simple boa - Play Equipment-Get Kids Outside and Off the PlayStation!
Today’s play equipment allows you to create a safe and happy play environment in your own gard - Ultra Cool Homeschool Chemistry Experiments
Chemistry is an exciting subject for kids of any age, especially if you set up a natural discovery e - Outodor Kids Activities That Will Keep Them Occupied for Hours
There are many benefits to encouraging your child to engage in an outdoor kid activity. Any outdoor - Brainwash Your Kids To Success!
Since our children are born, we can't help but to be proud and dream of the wonderful life that lies - Plan A Kids Circus Clown Birthday Party
Celebrating a birthday party being circus clowns is a very unique idea. This idea just makes this p - Spending Summers At Girls Camps - Great Vacation Alternative
Want your girl to do more during her summer vacation than sit at home and become addicted to soap op - Finding a Teen Tour for Your Kid
For many families the summer represents a time to spend time together as well as apart to experience
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Party with Winnie the Pooh and Friends in Hundred Acre Woods
When Eyore and Winnie the Pooh get together with Tigger in the 100 acre woods things as ordinary as - Consumer Reports-High Chairs
You'll want a stable, sturdy model that can stand up to spilling, kicking, and regular cleaning for - Science Fair Projects -- Are You Ready for Judgment Day?
The involved and energetic student has spent weeks, perhaps months on a science fair project. And no - Entertainment in Manchester
They say that a city's entertainment and recreational options speak volumes about that city's prospe - The Real Truth About Teen Girls and Dating: Six Tips You Must Know
If you look around and listen to what TV, music, and your friends tell you, you probably will feel l - Keep the Punch "Fizzing" - A Cool Science Fair Experiment!
Good for students looking for an exciting project, as well as party hosts who want their drinks to l - Uncover Truths about ESP - A Revealing Science Fair Project!
For science fair or for fun, find out whether extrasensory perception (ESP) is for real.There are tw - History of Arcade Games
The first video game machines appeared in the and were mainly coin-operated. To play the game, you s - Cool Science Experiment Keeps Your Car Warm
Will environmentally friendly anti-freeze work as well in your car as commercial products?Most autom - Witness by Example
When I was a teenager, I didn't know anything about Jesus. But if I could go back in time, and be a