So, I am officially the 3rd place winner of SYTYC. It was super fun being a part of the competition but I have to say I'm a little relieved I'm not scrambling to get a project done this week. Thank you THANK you to everyone who supported me week after week. I appreciate every. single. one of you. Especially my family, they are fantastic and my number one supporters.
I had a project in mind that I wanted to do for the finals so be looking for that in the {not so} near future. Just kidding I'm hoping to get it done sooner than later. Here is my final project/tutorial for So You Think You're Crafty.
I have never ever attempted dying fabric. The thought just stressed me out. I have to say it was really fun. I love that this competition has challenged me to go outside my normal "craft" areas. I love it. I also love how this tablecloth turned out. I used the same dye for the darker and lighter ruffle but varied the time it spent in the dye bath. Now that I got my first time using dye out of the way I have added a couple more projects on my list that include more RIT dye!
Materials list:
-around 5 1/2-6 yards of white muslin
-RIT Dye I used "Petal Pink"
Start out by measuring your table. Mine was 33 x 33inches. So, I cut 1 square that was 34"x34". Set that aside. Then, cut 4 rectangles that measure 29"x33" (These are for the sides.) Hem the 3 sides of these pieces. The top will be sewn to the top piece so it doesn't need to be hemmed.
Next cut 12 strips that are 12" by the length of your fabric. At least 64" to get a good ruffle.
Once all of your pieces are cut, you are going to dye the fabric. I decided to leave one ruffle white on each side. Mix up your dye according to the directions. Make sure you let it dissolve all the way or you will get random dark spots...I'll show you my fail later on...
Dip 8 ruffles in the dye. I used the sink but have heard great things about the washing machine. You can choose what's right for you. The middle & lightest ruffle only stayed in the dye about 7 min and is still a little darker than I had hoped. The darkest stayed in 40. You can pull your pieces out from time to time to check on the color.
Wash them after they are finished dying and dry according to the directions on the box. My ruffles got all tangled up in the dryer so it might be easier to hem them before so the loose threads don't tangle??
It turned out fine though after I ironed the crap out of them. Ha. Here you can definitely see the spots where my dye didn't dissolve all of the way and stuck on to my fabric. No matter how much I tried to scrub the spots out it didn't go away so beware.
Next, I hemmed every single piece of fabric I cut. Even the side pieces. You do not have to sew the entire rectangle, just two sides and the bottom.
Then, you will ruffle the top of each "ruffle piece" just like we did
here. Sew the ruffle onto the side pieces. White on top, Middle will be the light pink, and Bottom will be the darkest pink. Once all of the ruffles are sewed on you will sew each side piece to your top piece and you are finished!
This tablecloth is just asking to be used at a party. I can picture the cutest dessert table on top. Or maybe stacked with presents, or a drink station?? So, so fun. I hope you love it as much as I do!
