Banner Sponsors

kbonsall Dec 2, 2005

My sister in law wants me to make her a tie dye bear... should I tye dye before I cut it out or after the bear is put together?  Should I tie dye it like you would a tie dyed shirt?

patsylakebears Dec 2, 2005

I would do it before I cut, and yes I do it the same way tie knots in the mohair. I am sure others will have suggestions

kbonsall Dec 2, 2005

Thank you for your suggestion  :hug:

Jare Hares & Bears Dec 3, 2005

Dye before you cut.
Tie-dye like you would a Tee Shirt.

WildThyme Dec 3, 2005

That sounds neat Kimmy!  Could you use that technique they do where they sort of tie it up with cotton string, then dye, then undo the strings, then tie it up again and dye another color, etc.... I'm imagining that it would be pretty tough to actually knot the mohair itself, especially if you are just working with a fat quarter or something.....  I know very little about tie dye! 

Off topic... we just painted out library, and my husband went out and bought this enormous oak desk with a return that houses the computer.... it has one of those handy little pull out keyboard shelves and I am just NOT INTO it at all! I seem to be making twice as many typos than I usually do, just because of the angle of the keyboard, etc..... UGGGGG!   You are all going to have to forgive me a bit till I get this worked out!

Beary truly yours,
Kim Basta
Wild tHyme Originals

Kirsten Dec 3, 2005

I've heard that some people cut the pattern out of the mohair first and then dye it, but not sure if that would work in this case. Let us know what you end up doing.....

starlite Dec 3, 2005

Kim
What kind of effect do you think she wants
If you want circles then you could 'paint' the dye on
This bear is called Century Sunrise and I painted the fabric with dyes of graduated colours to give the sunrise effect - so maybe that would do ?? Draw bear pattern first then paint dye - wash after then cut out bear etc
Hope you get on well doing the bear and I look forward to seeing the final product  
  :hug:
Anne

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 3, 2005

Ooohhh.... very cool, Anne.  I haven't ventured into dyeing yet but I think I may have to find some time and bravery to do so at some point soon.  The effects you can get are spectacular!  Great idea, to paint on the dye!  And super cute bear!

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 3, 2005

Neat-o bear, Anne!!

psichick78 Dec 3, 2005

Anna, what a terrific bear!! The dye job you have done is fantastic.

matilda Dec 4, 2005

this is what I did
I drew the pattern onto the fabric and then painted areas with dash's of colour. that way I could control the outcome.
And if you are wondering what it is hanging on him. They are stump work leaves in mohair and ultasuede, with berries.