Materials:
silk cushion covers (#P00134X)
silk scarf
Dazzle Dye (Dark Blue)
Batik Pak
applicator sponges
table salt (optional)
latex or rubber gloves
scissors
plastic trash bags
plain white paper towels
cardboard
sticky stencils (craft stores )
Steps:
Fabric Preparation
- Mix soda ash and salt in water according to package directions. Soak cushion covers for about five minutes, and then hang to dry.
- Cut a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than each cushion and cover each with plastic cut from a trash bag. Insert cardboard into the cushion cover and slip paper towels under the fabric.
Resist Application
- Cut out the chosen stencils and remove the backing and black sections. Apply the clear part to the covers as desired. Squeeze one or two tablespoons of resist into a cup and thin very slightly with water. Apply it over the stencil with a sponge or your fingers.
- After the resist has dried for about 10 minutes, carefully remove the stencil . Put the stencil on piece of plastic and wipe the resist off with a damp cloth for re-use. Let the resist dry thoroughly (two to eight hours, depending on climate).
Dye Application
- Mix the dye by adding warm water to the bottle. Replace cap and shake gently . Pour one to two tablespoons of dye into a cup and add three times as much water . Pour three tablespoons of dye into another cup and do not dilute it.
- Randomly apply the diluted dye to the cover with a sponge while wearing gloves . Then apply the darker blue dye. Let it travel and blend together for variation. Apply dye over the resist areas but avoid saturating them. Blot the excess from the resist with paper towels to avoid having the dye soften it too much. Let set four to eight hours, then rinse with warm water. The resist will melt, leaving the stencil design in white.
To Dye the Silk Scarf
- Soak the scarf in soda ash/salt solution for five minutes and let dry. Crumple it into the small plastic tray it comes in. Dot dyes on for variation while leaving small areas of white. Close the box and let set for four to eight hours, and then rinse with warm water.
- Tie the scarf around a pillow form to add interest.
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