Simple Tie-Dye Gift for Father's Day

Ruby has done a great job on this handmade gift, pretty much doing the whole project herself for Daddy.

She selected the colour she wanted to use - pebble beige - which she said was a 'daddy colour'.  I was quite surprised that she didn't pick a more vibrant one from the hand dye range, and if I'm perfectly honest I'm not sure it was the right shade for the job, but I restrained myself and let her get on with it!

It's not easy to stop myself interfering helping, but she was determined to do this herself, and I guess that's what Father's Day presents are all about.

It's quite some time since I've done tie-dyeing so I consulted the very helpful guide on the DYLON site, which gives all the instructions, and Ruby chose the effects she wanted to have a go at - 'swirl', 'tying' (spots) and 'marbling'.

We used a pack of three cotton handkerchiefs and she set about customising them, scrunching them up and tying with string and elastic bands.

I mixed up the dye in the sink and she stirred it around with a big metal spoon.  I think she may have stirred a little too enthusiastically because one or two of the bands got knocked off, but hey-ho.

Once the time was up, I rinsed them out and helped her remove the ties to reveal the patterns.  A quick wash with laundry powder, dry on the line and then ironed, and they were ready to wrap up for Daddy.

Have you tried tie-dyeing?  We'll be doing this again for sure, maybe with a brighter colour next time!

Disclosure: I have an ongoing relationship with DYLON please see my Disclosure Page for full details,