Tie-dyeing Fashion

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32385, 26 August 1970, Page 2

Tie-dyeing Fashion

Tie-dying is the latest fashion fad to arrive in Christchurch. Jeans and Tshirts are blossoming out in all manner of odd blotches and patches of colour. If you want to transform a pair of plain shorts and top, slacks and tunic, or hostess trousers, just tie them up in knots and stir them in a pot of dye. They will come out wonderfully wild and It is unlikely you will meet a look-alike. The process has not changed much since it was begun in ancient civilisations such as in Java and Peru. Equipped with rubber band or string for tying, liquid or powder dye, colour remover, rubber gloves, shallow pans and some plastic wrapping the home dyer can let her imagination run riot Wet the fabric first, then fold or pleat it The basic tiedye. knots and methods are quite simple. The rosette knot is the easiest. The fabric is drawn up and held with rubber bands, two or three inches for small splotches, more for larger circles. Another Way

Using the same principle make a doughnut knot by pushing the centre of the fabric through to the other side and fastening it with rubber bands. The fabric covered by the bands will remain its original colour. More colour can be introduced by loosening the bands slightly and ringing the undyed areas with other shades. Apply the additional colour with an eyedropper or meat baster. Streaks can be produced by pleating the garment. Take its outside edges and gather the whole gapnent into both hands, and tie it The number and width of bands creates different effects. AU sorts of colour-ways can be produced by another method using plastic wrapping. Tie the fabric in knots, cover the knots with the plastic, and secure them. Dye I and then rinse the fabric. Remove the plastic, tie all the 'knots to each other and dip

in dye of a contrasting colour. Cottons, cotton jersey, silk, satin, and velveteen are the most suitable fabrics to use.