tie dye

The final product.

We didn't have saran wrap which was needed to wrap each bag and let them sit for 9 hours overnight before I could wash and dry them. So apt#8 gave us a box of saran wrap.

Our next door neighbor Elizabeth came into the garage to help us dye.  She also brought sturdy medical gloves because Liz and I had already turned our fingers unsightly colors.

I had the idea to tie dye reusable grocery bags for about five months.  Never you mind that I don't know how to tie dye, or that I had to buy two different dyes before I could actually dye.  The tieing part was easy because I really didn't care how they turned out.  With the patient help of Stephanie we tied the bags into nots and strips with old rubber bands.  I knew I wanted color and that my first experiment would be full of mishaps and learning experiences.  The main thing that Liz and I learned was that dying is quite messy work.  Yet, I am actually pleased with the results.

Special thanks to those who helped make this goal possible:

My dad, for giving up the bulk of his rubber bands that he collected from years of eating broccoli.

Stephanie, for encouraging the idea back in November and helping me tie bags into spectacular knots.

Liz, for not wanting to tie dye but doing it anyway because I wanted to.

Apt #8 for giving saran wrap unselfishly.

Elizabeth, the next door neighbor with gloves and fun stories to tell in the garage.

Simon and Garfunkle, for seranading us with appropriate 60s music while we dyed.

Liz, for giving me her quarter collection so I could wash and dry the bags at 5am.

Sienna and Noelle, for text messages with dying hints.