Now that the Halloween costumes are done, I've had some time to work on some more fun projects. As much as I enjoy sewing Halloween costumes, it feels like a lot of work, for one dark, cold night where (at least here in Massachusetts) chances are good you'll have to throw a coat on. I've been hoarding onesies and fabric dye for a while now and finally got the courage to try it. I mainly followed Dana's instructions with a few modifications along the way. 
I used Dylon permanent dye that I bought at Joanns. The only part of the instructions I followed was to add the salt. Here's what I did differently
- They recommend 4 cups of water, I used about 8-10
- I used more fabric than they recommend
- I left the fabric in dye overnight instead of 45 minutes
- After rinsing in cold water, I washed in the washing machine
- I dried mine in the dryer. The instructions say to dry "away from heat"
I used a few different brands of onesies and definitely noticed a difference in the color absorption. I didn't pre-wash them though, which I've read can make a difference. I dyed maybe 30 onesies total and found that the Target brand worked the best (without pre-washing)
For whatever reason, I had the most trouble with the pink. By the last batch (the yellow) I felt like using enough salt and mixing a lot is key. The salt is supposed to help the fabric absorb the dye, so for the yellow I added more salt since I was using more water than recommended. I also mixed much more than I did for the previous batches and I felt like the end result was the best.
I also tried some woven fabric. I had a white fabric with white polka dots that you could hardly see. It dyed really well and I like it much better than before. 
So fun, and much easier than you'd think!
Over the past year or so, I've dedicated more and more time to sewing. With all the amazing blogs and craft books, I've felt so inspired. But I've learned one thing about myself, I'm a bit scattered and find myself dabbling in different things. I get bored with a project quickly and can't stick to one thing. As a result, my sewing space is full of bins and shelves of different kinds of fabrics and supplies. So, I've decided that I NEED to clean out a little and work with what I've got and try try try to not buy too much new stuff. It's really hard....but so far so good. Here are a few things I've worked on. I started my craft fair life sewing a simple tunic jumper dress. It's a very fun and easy project, but needed an update. So I added a box pleat to the top and made this cute dress from some red corduroy on my shelf from last Christmas. I especially like the polka dotted facing.
I made another version with a more summery fabric and decided to add a decorative button tab. Can you tell I love polka dots!
Since I've discovered re-purposing, anytime I hit the thrift store, I usually return with armfuls of sweaters for felting and shirts for making shirts for the kids etc. Another new item I've discovered is making onesies from old T-shirts. I love that you can find colors that you might have a hard time finding in a fabric shop. And the elephant applique is really fun!
With all the destashing, I did treat myself to a little bit of new fabric. I bought a yard of this heart print on sale with the intention of making a tunic for my 4 year old, but was also feeling the onesie inspiration. I've got the tunic cut out and should have it sewn up soon....unless I get distracted by another project.....
And now for the shameless plug. All these items are for sale in my esty, shop: www.zaaberry.etsy.com. Click on over and take a look!
Now that the Halloween costumes are done, I've had some time to work on some more fun projects. As much as I enjoy sewing Halloween costumes, it feels like a lot of work, for one dark, cold night where (at least here in Massachusetts) chances are good you'll have to throw a coat on. 
I used Dylon permanent dye that I bought at Joanns. The only part of the instructions I followed was to add the salt. Here's what I did differently
I used a few different brands of onesies and definitely noticed a difference in the color absorption. I didn't pre-wash them though, which I've read can make a difference. I dyed maybe 30 onesies total and found that the Target brand worked the best (without pre-washing)
For whatever reason, I had the most trouble with the pink. By the last batch (the yellow) I felt like using enough salt and mixing a lot is key. The salt is supposed to help the fabric absorb the dye, so for the yellow I added more salt since I was using more water than recommended. I also mixed much more than I did for the previous batches and I felt like the end result was the best. 
I also tried some woven fabric. I had a white fabric with white polka dots that you could hardly see. It dyed really well and I like it much better than before. 
So fun, and much easier than you'd think!
