natural dyes for clothing

[mamapajama]

My ds's birthday party is coming up and I thought it would be fun to do some tie dyes. Can I make dyes naturally that really work? If not, does anyone have dye recommendations? The party will be full of 4 year olds, but I envision the adults being very involved as well. Thanks, Michelle

[SleeplessMommy]

4 year olds and dye? you are a very brave woman!

I do not expect bright colors _for cotton_ with natural dyes. But tea dying will make a permantent brown color.

If you are using wool or silk, try Wilton's paste colors (used to color frosting) and bake or microwave in water + vinegar. This will stain fingers for days. You have been warned! Koolaide will also work, but you get more color for $$$ with paste.

An alternative may be paper + crayons, then iron (adult) onto cotton material. Fewer things to go wrong! Or a commericial tie-dye kit.

[mamapajama]

hahaha. Thanks for the info. I've decided I'm not that brave. I don't care if my kids have dyed hands, but I figured others might care if their kids are red and blue, so I am saving the dye project for a smaller group than a birthday party. Thanks for the info, I do look forward to this project, (: MIchelle

[MonkeyBoys Mom]

you could use spinach, beets- just boil and reduce-

or buy frozen blueberries/rasberries- thaw and use the juices