Dyeable: Grey is the New White

I think I'm a bit hard on clothing. I mean, I don't just wear clothes, I tend to wear them out. I get holes, spots, runs, stretched out, misshapen, stain riddled- you name it. As lately in life, shopping for new isn't always in the budget, I have a tough time tossing clothes out, especially pieces I love, even once they are in a worn out way.

Here is such an example. A lovely, white, gauzy blouse that had sadly come to be... well, embarrassingly less than white. Hang in there, gauzy, maybe I can save you!

I had never given dying much consideration before this attempt. I'm a renter and have yet to own a washing machine to fill with colorful dye baths as I so desire, and truthfully (other than tie-dying summer camp style) I never considered there might be another way. Thanks to all the bloggers and pinners that have come before me,  I have learned otherwise. Upon the purchase of a large, $2 pot from a thrift store, and a bottle of liquid dye, my stovetop and I were in business.

I chose to go grey because I love pretty much anything grey, but honestly, I also thought it was a safe bet for a first time dyer. Plus, this blouse has silver stitching details, and I wasn't sure what was going to happen to that in the process, but voila!

I couldn't be happier with the result! It hides its ugly stains perfectly and looks fresh and new again. And I love that the stitching resisted the dye- total happy accident! I wear it all the time- yep that's it in my "about" pic.

Here are some dying pointers I plan to keep in mind for future dye projects:

• Directions are on the package, read them. Again. They usually know what they're talking about- and different brands do seem to handle differently.
• Cottons and most natural fibers should accept the dye well, other fabrics and blends are a gamble/ may require a particular type of dye. Always consider the details too!
• A dye bath needs plenty of room for the garment to swim around freely. My 8 quart pot fits 1 top well and uses approximately half a bottle of dye. (I tried to do 3 items in one pot once since- MISTAKE! They all came out blotchy.)
• Salt can be added to deepen the color. (Approximately 1 Cup)
• Gentle laundry detergent can help evenly distribute color. (Approximately 1 Tbsp)
• Launder separately for the first few post-dye washes to make sure no bleeding occurs.

The advice I would offer to anyone experimenting with dying is just that; consider it an experiment! Start with a piece that won't be a sad loss if the result is less than perfection. It'll be such a pleasant surprise if it is!