Indigo Dye Day

In pursuit of a few more blues to add to our fabric rainbow, I undertook some internet searching. I came across a simple indigo, starter kit. With a few days of the Easter holidays left to cherish, it seemed like the perfect time for a final flourish of colour. So, I ordered in the kit and prepared my fabrics ready for its arrival, both with more than a modicum of excitement!

I was certainly not disappointed. Art Van Go's kit arrived with good instructions, which was just as well because I didn't have a clue what I was doing. All I needed to add to the mix was a bag of washing soda.

Warm water, hydrous, washing soda and indigo were all mixed in various quantities, and after a little stir, I left it for an hour. The indigo dissolved, and the solution reacted to remove the oxygen, and a murky green liquid awaited.

At first, I just submerged the fabrics and left them for about 30 seconds in the dye. As they were pulled out they appeared green, but they reacted with the oxygen in the air and the most incredible shades of blue developed.

Being somewhat experimental in my dying, I dipped some fabrics quickly, half dipped others, then overdyed some avocado. I plunged in silks, linens, cotton and even a rather dull dress.

What a happy time! The best bit is I now have a vast selection of beautiful blues with which to get creative.

The grass is not too blue, our little lady has approved the dress, and my hands are looking slightly less blue as the days pass by.

Next time I will make sure I use gloves with longer wrists and I may even try to fructose 1,2,3 method. So much to try!