Those of you who know me know that I’m always trying and learning new techniques. Recently, I’ve been fascinated by the ice dyeing process.
I’ve been willing to try hand dyeing for quite some time now. Last year while researching about hand dyeing I stumbled upon the technique of ice dyeing. I was amazed by the unique results and knew I had to try it. This spring I finally took my courage in both hands and ordered a couple of dyes and the fun started!!!!
The process of ice dyeing is very cool! People often refer to it as tie dye but the process and the results are very different.
You first need to treat the fabric in a soda ash solution. This solution will activate the dye.
You then scrunch or tie your fabric [like you would do for tie dye]. I prefer to scrunch as I love the beautiful patterns created this way. You put your fabric on a rack and apply ice on top of it. Then you apply your dye. You can also do the other way round, fabric, dye and then ice.
The dye used is a fiber reactive dye.
For this one I used hot pink and orange.
With my first test I created this one of a kind top called Summer Explosion.
I didn’t have enough dyed fabric to make an entire top so I combined it with a solid jersey that I hand printed. I added a few details such as appliques and a fake pocket made with the hand dyed fabric.
