Registered: June 8, 2005 Location: California Posts: 1708
Sun, Dec 04, 2005 @ 9:42 PM
Have to say, I got most of the idea from a fellow SCS'er, but she used methyl hydrate, which I think is outlawed in my state. So instead I used denatured alcohol.
Here are the instructions:
1. Handwash/rinse the silk scarf to remove the starch that's present. This must be done in order for the dye to take evenly. Let dry then iron.
2. Mix denatured alcohol with a few drops of craft re-inkers. The more ink the darker the color. Make sure the craft ink is dissolved well, otherwise the bits of ink floating in the mixture will create spots on your scarf.
3. Using gloves (I used heavy duty gloves made for paint stripping), dip the scarf into the mixture. Swirl around and even let it soak in it for a few minutes to ensure even coating.
4. Wring out and throw it into the dryer.
5. Use craft ink or petal point chalk to stamp your design. Let dry for 24 hrs.
6. Heat set with an iron or throw it back into the dryer for 20 minutes.
7. To further ensure that the ink is set, make a vinegar bath (mix of vinegar and water), soak the stamped scarf and throw it in the dryer. Then iron. (this step is optional).
Have fun! It's really quite fun and not all that difficult.
Registered: June 8, 2005 Location: California Posts: 1708
Wed, Dec 07, 2005 @ 1:27 PM
actually, i was a bit concerned that it would stain my dryer too, but no worries! no staining at all. maybe because the silk scarf is fairly thin, once you wring it out from the dye mixture, there isn't much liquid left it in it at that point. And it dries very quickly.