Thursday 13 June 2013

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,

25 comments:

  1. what a really simple idea, and it's even more special because she did it all herself. Wonder where she gets that from? I have pinned because DH is a hankie-user and this would make a great gift for him!

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    1. Ahh thank you, yes' hankie user here too.

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  2. What a lovely post, and I love the result. You mentioned on the blog the other day (I think) that you love him in brown, so this is the perfect colour selection I think!

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  3. They are brilliant and I love the colour, they will never look mucky!

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  4. Ruby's done a great job - she looks engrossed in the task. I like the brown! and I especially like the one with the circles. I made myself a purple tie died duvet cover when I was 12 - it was with good old Dylon die back then too - this brings back memories. Hope Ruby's daddy likes his handkerchiefs xx

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  5. Such a fantastic idea thank you Ruby!! I remember doing this at school. We're going to use this idea for my children's grandparent gifts. Have a lovely fathers day xx

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    1. Thank you Adele. Yes, they'd make great grandparent gifts. Good for baby muslins too.

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  6. I think they came out really well! She was choosing a colour for him, not for herself. So sweet!

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  7. Awe bless her! Love how she is doing it all herself! And she chose a great "for him" colour there!!

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  8. these are awesome! We might try making some really rocking ones in bright colours. Ruby's are too genuinely nice and tasteful, they won't embarrass him at ALL when he has to take them out!

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    1. Hehe, I honestly imagined she'd choose a really bold colour, I was quire surprised by this tasteful and subdued selection.

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  9. Oh I love this idea! What sophisticated taste she has to choose such a grown up colour - Boo would have probably chosen canary yellow! I've not been brave enough to try tie-dye with Boo yet - is it really very easy?

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    1. Hi Vi!! Yes, very easy. I just gave her some elastic bands and showed her what to do. We couldn't find any rubber gloves to fit her, so just used a long-handled spoon to stir and tried not to make too many splashes!

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  10. What an absolute sweetheart, bless her for being so determined, he will be delighted!x

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  11. love these, can't wait to do something like this with Isla. I know that if i'd have given her the choice Daddy would have got pink.....

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    1. Hehe. Mind you, Ruby's Daddy would have been happy with pink!

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  12. It's very much a daddy colour ;o) Hope he loved it x

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    1. He did love it Kate, especially that she had done it all herself x

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  13. I love it when kids make something themselves - they are so proud.

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