made at home: natural dyes

Ginger Root & Bay Leaf Dye Items:

• Ginger Root and Bay leaves
• Vinegar
• Two large pots

   Soak desired clothing in a vinegar bath (4 parts of water to 1 part vinegar  to soak before the dyeing process. Chop up desired amount of ginger (I used about 3 cups) and gather the bay leaves. Bring 7 cups of water in two separate pots to a boil and add the ginger and the bay leaves into their pots. Allow this to simmer for about an hour. 

   After letting the mixtures cool after simmering  I placed the items of clothing into the pots and let them soak for about 8 hours. Occasionally rotating the clothing inside of the pots. Try and set the pots in the sun if possible. After a desired tint is achieved, wash the dyed fabrics in cold water alone and hang to dry. 

   Creating my own dyes has always been a little project I've wanted to make. I did a bit of research before conducting this dye adventure and decided to make a few changes in the process. I have been making simple tea dyes for my clothing for some time now, and I always leave those to soak overnight instead of boil. I took that concept here for the natural dyes and set them on my porch for the rest of the day in the sun.

   The dyes turned out more as a tint, which I actually really liked. The socks and tights were my favorite, and the pillow sheets and shirt were my least (because the tint was so light!). If I was to re-due this process, I would create a stronger dye, but this project is perfect for giving that "vintage feel" to a fully white item.