I had previously promised a tutorial on my DIY ring sling that I carry my youngest around in, but I admit that is slow coming as I dyed my fabric and I am really not in love with the results. I learned from an old friend, and subsequent reading that RIT dye is the worst and should not be used especially if one is dying something to carry around a baby in since babies often chew on fabric. RIT dye is not colorfast to fabric which means that the chemicals leach out in your wash, and in baby's mouth if baby is a chewer. A better option is what is called procion fiber reactive dye. On a whim I purchased some, the previous photo here is my first venture and this was my second but it still did not come out as I had imagined. So, I am just sitting on the fabric for a bit before deciding what to do, when I make the decision I will post the DIY for how to make the ring sling.
Here is what I have learned, I need to go into dye-ing with no expectations an then I will not be disappointed, because if I did not have in my mind a certain look I was going for, I might have liked both of the dye jobs I have now done, but alas, I was too specifically desiring a certain ombre' look.
Here is what I have learned, I need to go into dye-ing with no expectations an then I will not be disappointed, because if I did not have in my mind a certain look I was going for, I might have liked both of the dye jobs I have now done, but alas, I was too specifically desiring a certain ombre' look.
I bought the fiber dye powder and mixed it with warm water and salt in a mason jar. The trick is to mix the dye powder really strong and into hot water and let that sit awhile before adding the salt or the dye powder will not disolve. I used two colors, chocolate brown and burgandy. But, when you douse the fabric with dye, it looks so different then when it is done that it is hard to see what the final outcome will be like.
Here is the fabric soaked and sitting, I let it sit for about 8 hours with the dye on it so it would absorb the color really well, some people go much longer (24 hours) but I was afraid that the cats or another outdoor animal would mess it up if I left it outdoors that long.
Here is the fabric soaked and sitting, I let it sit for about 8 hours with the dye on it so it would absorb the color really well, some people go much longer (24 hours) but I was afraid that the cats or another outdoor animal would mess it up if I left it outdoors that long.
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Here is the final product, again, I am not thrilled with it so I am not sure I want to use up my sling rings on this piece of fabric, so I am just waiting. But I did learn some valuable things that will be helpful in making my next one, I want to make a baby gift soon for a friend who is due in October, hopefully that dye job comes out better.
