Remember back when we got our conference room slash hotel-ish parsons chairs on Craiglist for $25 a pop?
We always envisioned cheerful apple green ones (and even tried a crazy chair-painting project with limited zero success) so in the end we admitted that slipcovers or reupholstering would be the way to go.
And after a long a$$ time spent going back and forth between the merits of slipcovers and reupholstering we decided that slipcovers would ultimately be the best choice for us (since we love the idea of tossing them into the wash). But we didn’t want anything fussy and long for fear of taking the dining room from hotel conference room to hotel banquet hall. So first we did some serious slipcover seeking and found a silhouette that we both liked. We landed on a no longer sold Pottery Barn option because we both appreciated the clean-lined mostly-fitted look and the short skirt for that show-me-some-leg effect
But alas, they weren’t the green tone that we wanted and they weren’t the right measurements to fit our chairs. Oh yeah and they weren’t even sold anymore (and when they were they weren’t in our budget anyway). After a bit more digging we came across some off-white ones from World Market with the same basic silhouette and they were a lot closer to our chair’s measurements. Although they didn’t come in a happy apple green color (and instead were off-white) I’m no stranger to dyeing things (like my wedding dress), so I thought it might be fun to give green dye a shot.
But of course being the cheap-o that I am, I hemmed and hawed and didn’t even show them to John at their original $60 for two price tag. I know, I know- $30 per slipcover isn’t a bad price but for some reason I was just too scared to pull the trigger. So that tab remained open on my computer for a while without me taking any action- not even just the show-your-husband-and-see-what-he-thinks kind. Then I got an email from World Market saying that a lot of their dining stuff was on sale. Dining stuff? Does that include slipcovers? Off to that always-open slipcover tab I flew, and hit refresh. Bam, $20 off!
Instead of $60 for two they were marked down to $40 for two (just $20 a pop). Heck, I doubt I could have bought fabric and thread to DIY my own slipcovers for that price (especially if you factor in a laaaaarge margin of error and hours spent screaming into a pillow). And my nightmare was ending up with eight slipcovers that were wonky and abnormal (since repeating the same steps eight times would surely yield some being looser or longer or weirder than others).
Yup, $23 slipcovers definitely sounded like the perfect complement to my $25 chairs. So I did that little tap-your-man-on-the-shoulder-and-tell-him-you-found-something thing and then waited to gauge John’s interest. And he proved that I know him well, but not that well. His response? “We should get ten instead of eight. That way if we have any dyeing issues we have extras on hand and if we don’t need them we can return the extras to the store to avoid shipping fees (World Market is nice like that).”
I’m used to him saying “we don’t need that.” So I can’t argue with a man who wants to buy more of something. Especially such a practical man with such good points about dyeing and returning the extras if we didn’t need ’em. Alrighty then. Ten it was. The total for all 10 slipcovers including shipping and sales tax came out to $232, which made each slipcover just $23 a pop (with a possibility of recouping $40 if we didn’t have any dyeing issues and returned the extra two to the store – for a total of $192 spent).
So we ordered them and waited what felt like forever for them to show up (in reality it was probably around 2 weeks) and then I excitedly unwrapped one to slip it onto our chairs to judge how good the fit actually was…
Talk about a womp-womp moment.
I realized I could probably attempt to tailor them myself to get a better fit, but that’s still waaaaay outside of my beyond-beginner skill set (I know someone will tell me it’s easy and I can do it but I’m all about working up to stuff like that and messing around with idiot proof projects like pillows and runners while I build up my confidence). So instead I decided to take the easy way out and wash one in hot water to see how much it would shrink up. Just as an experiment. Into the wash it went and I waited for the beep to signify that it was time to toss it into the dryer about a half hour later.
As I went to put it into the dryer I decided to check the tag to make sure it was ok to put it on high heat (for maximum shrinkage). That’s when I saw that the tag said “dry clean only.” Whaaaaaat?????? Who the heck sells slipcovers that have to be dry cleaned? Isn’t the whole point of slipcovers to be easy to just toss into the laundry pile?
Perhaps in an act of defiance (or sheer lunacy) I decided to high heat dry it. I had already washed it in hot water so I just went for it. I was hoping it would come out fitting really well and then I’d know that I could continue to machine wash them at home (because dry cleaning slipcovers isn’t an option for someone like me – I mean I can machine wash my sectional’s slipcovers, so why would my dining chairs be allowed to be high maintenance?).
When it came out of the dryer it was all warm and delicious and it didn’t look like the cover for a dollhouse chair or anything so I was semi-enthused. I ran over to one of my chairs and slipped it on. Holy bananas, it was almost a perfect fit. Still a tiny bit loose on the sides, but perfectly fitted nearly everywhere else and the slight imperfection of the semi-loose sides didn’t bother me (we’re down with the casual lived-in look, and actually worried that the dining room would feel too formal, so it was a pretty great place to end up).
This story will probably perpetuate the we’re-perfect-and-nothing-ever-goes-wrong-here-in-YHL-world stereotype (we’re so not – more on that here) but it was one of those “ahhhhhhh” sound effect moments where angels sang and the clouds parted and a beam of heavenly light shined down on the amazing little slipcovered chair. I have no idea why it worked, but I guess it was just one of those crazy risks that paid off. Whatever, I’ll take it. And just because I love a little side by side comparison, here’s a slipcover before I washed it (in hot water and high heat dried it) next to a newly washed and dried version of the same one:
And the great news is that the covers are super thick- so none of that crazy pattern beneath them shows through – even on the chairs in front of the window with the light shining down on them. Whew.
So although I definitely still have plans to dye them apple green down the road, it’s immediately nicer not to have all that crazy hotel pattern going on in there. Although with the white walls it’s all a little… white.
We’re actually thinking that we want to paint the walls before we dye the chairs, just to be 100% sure that once the walls get a soft gray coat of color that we won’t want to keep the off-white covers for some reason. We don’t expect that we will (since they look dingy in comparison to the crisp white trim and built-ins thanks to their off-white coloring), but you know, just in case. If there’s anything that this post demonstrates, it’s that I can take my time when it comes to pulling the trigger (and then I can snap and defy the washing instructions of said item with a devil-may-care attitude while furiously biting my nails the whole time). Lookout world, I’m a wild child.
Pssst- Oh em gee. Who watched Jersey Housewives last night? What do we think about the new girl (Melissa I think) vs. Teresa? Either way, Momma Manzo is always my favorite (I love to watch her & her boys hang out in that kitchen, throwing cold cuts and talking jibberish).
Donna Huebsch says
WOW! Can’t believe what great results from the wild laundry experiment – the post-wash fit is great! It cracked me up that you found the “DRY CLEAN ONLY” tag between washing and drying :o)
Ivette says
The slip covers are PERFECT! I cant wait to see if you dye them and how the turn out. I’m dying to die my sofa slipcover, but i have a front loader, so I’m curious what steps you are going to use on them? Any ideas?
YoungHouseLove says
No ideas yet- but when we get there we’ll share all the deets!
xo,
s
Jenny B says
The slipcovers look terrific and I LOVE the white. However, being the mom of a toddler (and a messy toddler at that), I’d be afraid that I’d be washing them after every sitting! I might have to wash them anytime he walked by them because he has to TOUCH everything! What about the lovely navy blue color behind your shelves:)
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve always been in love with the idea of apple green so we’re hoping that will “cover” enough over the years. We can always redye them darker later on though!
xo,
s
Jenny B says
The apple green will definitely be gorgeous, too!
Randi says
It doesn’t appear this way in the pictures, but can you see that crazy pattern through the white slip covers in person?
So glad the washing/drying method worked for you!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, they’re super thick so nothing comes through. Even the ones in the window with the sunlight streaming in on them. Thank goodness!
xo,
s
Randi says
That’s great! If you decide to leave them white, then no worries!
Kristina Strain says
Wonderful! I have my own slipcovers-with-angelic-choir story to tell, though mine involved making the things (just two) from scratch. So glad you got yours to work, and hope they hold up to machine washing!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo. You go girl.
xo,
s
Val says
Holla back! The only time I pay attention to a dry-clean only tag is if something is tailored+complex+lined (as in, a suit jacket). Way to go for it!
Wouldn’t dye before paint be better? I’ve always heard that it’s better to pick out your textiles before painting, since you can get paint in any color but your fabric choices are usually more limited (and if you’re dying something, not always predictable). Just a thought.
YoungHouseLove says
I think it could work either way since we’ve been in love with gray walls and green chairs for a while- so either way we’ll probably end up there.
xo,
s
Diana says
APPLE. GREEN! APPLE. GREEN!
That’s my vote.
I was DCO stuff all the time, FWIW — usually if you line or lay flat to dry, you’re fine. I don’t do silk, but most everything else.
DanielleR says
I love your new slipcovers, great idea! And very nice that you can wash them because fabric anything always makes me nervous cause I have naughty pets lol.
PS – Was I the only one super mad at Ashley for crying like a spoiled brat because Jacqueline said she needed to get a second job and pay for her own place if she wanted to move out? She just seemed to fully expect them to foot the bill when she suggested it, cause it was “too hard” for her to get up in the morning and go to her internship everyday and work til 6 … Boo hoo! That one needs a reality check lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah I like Jacqueline! I was so happy for her when she had her son (after all that trouble last season) but why wasn’t he on the show last night? I kept looking around for him!
xo,
s
DanielleR says
I like Jacqueline too, she’s not very dramatic but she seems very sensible. I WAS LOOKING FOR THE BABY TOO! I saw CJ her other son in a clip, but I was dying to see the baby and he was nowhere to be found. And Teresa’s daughter Audriana has such pretty eyes!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! She’s such a cutie. And we couldn’t believe how much the kids had grown! Or how much Teresa looked like Gia when she was younger in that pic with her brother. Twins!!
xo,
s
Marissa says
Awesome! I do this trick quite often when I find great pieces of clothing on ebay in a few sizes too big (a size 10 wool J Crew skirt will shrink to a size 6 after 25 minutes in a hot dryer). Are the slipcovers at all transparent? Can you see any of the wonky pattern through them?
YoungHouseLove says
Thankfully they’re super thick so nothing shows through, even in front of the window with the sun shining in on them!
xo,
s
Junebug says
They look great! I’d keep the extras just in case of a tear or spill down the road. Plus, you never know if the apple green dye will wash consistently or if it might fade out during a spot clean. Maybe I’m not much of a risk taker. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I’m thinking the same thing. It all comes down to whether we feel like the extra $40 spent is worth the “insurance.” Might end up keeping them just in case! Haha.
xo,
s
Marla says
Hot diggity! You’re amazing and inspiring. Hmmm, now how should I jazz up my dining room?
Georgia Rowe says
I really like them white, it makes it look the whole rooms already finished! amazing what a new slip cover can do!
I cant believe your luck, if i tried to shrink them they would be chihauhau sized dining chair covers!
Robin says
What a great find! And how great they shrunk to fit!
You could always pin some batting on the chair back before applying the slipcover to make the fit tighter, but they look great the way they are.
I think the slipcovers are shrunk into their final size. It’s unlikely they’ll shrink with further washing but they may loosen a little and get wrinkly after use and need washing to “tighten up” again. (Like your fitted bedsheet goes on tight as a drum initially and then starts to wrinkle after a few days?)
Can’t wait to see the dye job! Are you going for a solid green color? I think some fabric paint and stenciling or stamping could be interesting, too. (You have two extras!)
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’ll probably go solid with the chairs since we’d love to have some bright patterned curtains and don’t want to go too crazy. Haha. Who knows where we’ll end up though!
xo,
s
Cher says
They look fantastic. Jersey housewives was off the wall. I thought there was going to be a mafia hit after that christaining. I am glad to find out that I am not the only one with crazy tv viewing tendancies. :)
Melissa says
I had to guffaw slash giggle at your ” it’s all a little… white” dining room, given the whole-house color scheme of your last abode. ;-)
Sarah M. says
I love that you couldn’t purchase them just yet at the $60 price tag. I am the exact same way. I just wait a while before I feel like it’s cheap enough to purchase, even when it’s already a great price! Those chairs already look 100% better! Taking a chance pays off! :)
Adriane Wacker@FortheLoveofPainting says
I like the white a lot…maybe not kid friendly but they look sharp!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
Gorg. I, too, love the off-white slipcovers, but apple green is practically my middle name. Can’t wait!
Chris Loves Julia
Heather says
We have slip covered furniture all over our house. If you want it to stay the same size, wash it and give it an extra spin cycle to really get any excess water out. Then put the slip cover on while it’s a little damp and it should form right to the chair… and most of the wrinkles will come out. I use a bit of wrinkle realease spray for any stubborn wrinkles. No dryer needed and it works great!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- thanks for the tips! You’re a slipcover pro. Haha.
xo,
s
Chery says
There is a company we have purchased form several time called Stretch and Cover ::
http://www.stretchandcover.com/slipcovers_C_270_Dining_Chair_Slipcovers
Their products are very nice, clean up beautifully, come in various styles AND sizes,and have the awesome clips that help keep everything in place. The prices aren’t all that bad either and the stock changes frequently.
The caveat :: Their site is HORRENDOUS right now. Very difficult to navigate and hard to understand, but if you can slog through it, you might find your apple green cover (although not right now, ‘cuz I looked.
Amy says
I have to admit, I would have boxed them back up. ONLY because I’m such a rule follower.. dry clean only.. LOL. Pretty cool they shrunk to just the right size though. I actually really like the color.. and I think painting the walls would be a great idea.
DVR’d and just watched HW of NJ. OH.. my.. Theresa and her family are a total mess!! Very entertaining though. I agree Manzo’s rock.
Natalie says
Alrighty, I’m sending you a virtual bear hug for this post. I’ve been looking for a slipcover for my parsons chair FOREVER! I’ll have to try this… A million thanks.
Paige says
I just wanted to mention that the washing instructions for my couch slipcovers say to wash and put on the cushions wet, to avoid shrinkage. This may be something to keep in mind for future washing.
My slipcovers are off-white and they are very hard to keep clean, especially with our new puppy. I also debate on dying them but they are huge since I have a couch and love seat and I am very nervous about consistency.
Jayme & Mendi says
Great post! I’m so happy that it worked out for you the way that it did!! And geez, talk about good timing for World Market to put “dining” goodies on sale! It was meant to be. ;) Can’t wait to see the outcome after you put some gray paint up on the walls.
Love YHL so much!! It’s great to have a local Richmond couple to stalk…I mean enjoy. Hahaha! Seriously, great job!
Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
http://www.herlatenightcravings.blogspot.com/
YoungHouseLove says
I fully expected dining stuff just to be furniture and stuff- so when it included slipcovers I was totally shocked!
xo,
s
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
That is so cool! I’m so happy they worked out for you. When you were saying they were too large, I was yelling at my computer screen, WASH AND DRY THEM! You were two steps ahead of me. Congrats on the new slipcovers. They look super tailored. =)
Courtney says
OMG.. Can I just tell you I have been dying to talk to someone about last night’s episode. How hard did you laugh when they were talking jibberish and Caroline new exactly what Christopher was saying? That was too funny. I can say that I already really dislike that Melissa girl. Stirrin’ it up .. I can already tell that’s her favorite hobby.. to stir it up. Drama!
The slipcovers look amazing. I have one on my sofa that’s a bit big but its like a stretch cordoroy. I doubt that would shrink. What kind of fabric are the slipcovers?
YoungHouseLove says
Melissa’s sisters seem to love drama too. Like how they kept exchanging glances and saying things like “it should be interesting.” Grrrr.
As for the slipcovers, they’re linen and cotton. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Courtney says
They totally do.. Teresa said, “If I’m garbage then why did you invite me.. and Melissa’s sister said, “Because it was a technicality. She started the entire thing! (I love Teresa’s Dad by the way- he was so right in telling his son he is selfish!)
Andy Cohen may be the biggest genius on the planet! I love Bravo!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah I was surprised that he set his son straight. Although I couldn’t believe how drunk his son was. Insane.
xo,
s
Isabel says
I actually chuckled out loud when I saw the first picture. I love those “sound effects” sites and there never seemed to be a more appropriate time for Sad Trombone: http://sadtrombone.com/
I love a happy ending though: http://hallelujahbutton.com/
They look fantastic! And the loose sides are barely noticeable. I’m showing my utter lack of knowledge in domesticity, but would they shrink more after subsequent washings?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love those sound effectes! As for the fit, I’m pretty sure I maxed them out in the shrinking department with my high heat wash and dry (and from now on plan to wash them in cold and tumble dry them on low so they don’t continue to shrink just in case). I’ll have to report back about how it works!
xo,
s
Bree says
well I’m thinking you guys appear perfect b/c you have that crazy spark of genius that artists have. Your guesses, hunches, and mistakes are easily made into brilliant solutions.
Those chairs look awesome off-white…I actually really love that soft causal look.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s very sweet! I think it’s funny because sometimes the crazy things we try don’t work at all! Remember the chair painting failure that we linked to in this post? We definitely have some bad luck along with the good. Haha.
xo,
s
Kyla says
HAM FIGHT! Love the Manzo kitchen. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Sometimes I scream Ham Fight from the other room to John. Just for giggles.
xo,
s
Kyla says
I tell my hubs “cuz we’re thick as thieves” :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, another great Momma Manzo quote. I work that in when I can too! And sometimes John mentions his aspirations for a strip-club-car-wash.
xo,
s
kyla says
HAHAHA!!!! Just saw the carwash comment. Love it.
Ali Miller says
Just an FYI, I have worked at a restoration dry cleaners both on the management as well as production side, and this tidbit might help you out.
Many garments that say dry clean only are just fine to wash and hang to dry. It really depends on the material, and you could look up rules for which fabrics are okay to machine wash, but I can tell you that your instinct will be probably be right. If it’s cotton, sure it is okay to dry it and it will most always shrink up.
I love your will to make things right and you are WAY better at taking risks in this regard than me. You guys are a great inspiration and I hope that this tidbit might help you in your future fabric endeavors!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! Always helpful to hear from an insider. Haha
xo,
s
Becky says
RHONJ is just crazy! I love the drama and that it’s not in my life. I can’t even believe how dramatic it was! Theresa’s brother is a pistol, that’s for sure. Who knew when Danielle left, there would still be this much craziness going on. I can’t wait to see what happens. Oh, if only Dina would come back!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! I loved Dina! She should totally come back.
xo,
s
Kristie says
Two things:
1. Caroline Manzo for President in 2012
2. My personal dining chair slip cover saga has more drama than a Housewives drama.
Here’s a tip from a real live Jersey housewife:
Now that your covers are pre-shrunk, don’t dry them all the way next time they go in the wash. Just a few mins in the dryer to get the wetness out and put them on the chairs damp. Much easier to wrangle on that way.
OK. That’s really three things.
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips AND your presidential nomination! Haha.
xo,
s
Katie says
LOVE the slipcovers! Can’t wait to see that room evolve with paint, doorway & slipcover cover. Fabulous. As to RHNY … Speechless. I think that Melissa is a piece of work. The crazier everyone acts, the more normal and admirable Carolyn seems. Honestly, I love that show more than I can bear. I’ll even sit through the commercials to watch it live because I don’t have the patience to DVR it for later!
Jessica Z. says
Hooray for the stars aligning for this project! And I really really like the way they look “au naturel” next to the dark wood of the table. But I’m a sucker for the contrast of dark wood and white fabric – it’s a crisp yet warm look. So I actually think it is smart to paint first and dye second.
It’s gotta make you soooo much happier to work in the office when you aren’t catching glimpses of the hotel conference room fabric all day long!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! It does. Even though our backs were to those crazy conference chairs- we knew they were there. Haha.
xo,
s
Lauren says
Does the crazy conference room green and blue print show through the white slip covers?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope- I definitely would have returned them if it did! The slipcovers are nice and thick so nothing shows through- even in front of the window with the sun shining down on those chairs. Whew.
xo,
s
Jessica says
What a find with those covers… that’s awesome!
Jersey Housewives was great last night! The whole Teresa vs. Melissa thing should be interesting… drama drama!
Liz says
Great to know that the slipcovers do shrink a little. I bought them to use with some cheaper chairs from Bed Bath and Beyond – which is almost the exact same size as the ones from World Market.
Btw, I think they look fab white, but can’t wait to see what you end up doing!! Maybe some green trim?
Jason says
I saw dry clean only in the screen shot of World Market for the chair and I was like how is she going to dye something that is dry clean only? Then I figured that is why you linked to your dry clean only dress dying adventure. But, it was still a surprise to you! How funny, glad it worked out…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yeah I guess I just don’t read labels very carefully. Haha.
xo,
s
Rachel says
I never pay attention to “dry clean only” labels, except when something has intricate beading or tiny pintucks or something like that. They probably said dry clean only because they knew the covers would shrink! It worked out perfectly for you, of course!
I also wanted to mention that I found 6 apple green velvet parsons chairs at HomeGoods the other day, and I thought of you guys! (This is my new blog obsession; I’m trying to incorporate as much of your advice in my 800 square foot condo as possible!)
Leslie says
LOL! I’m glad the dry clean only slipcovers worked out in the washer/dryer! I had a similar situation last week when I bought a new shower curtain. I checked the tag just to see what it was made of and noticed it said “dry clean only”. I had a similar response as your’s. Who dry cleans their shower curtain?!? Looking forward to seeing the progress of the dining room!
Anne says
Very nice! I know you guys are like me and like to “name” your stuff; I heard that if you name it, it performs better and lasts longer, especially electronics, and cars ;P
Might I suggest “Tina” (as in Tina Turner) for all of the chairs?! You know, short sexy skirts, showing lots of leg? haha
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it. Hilarious.
xo,
s
Angela says
I think you should name them after the Eight-is-Enough kids: Nicolas, Tommy, Elizabeth, Nancy, Susan, Joanie, Mary, and of course David can be the one that you don’t keep around the table (since he moved out).
YoungHouseLove says
I’ve never seen that show! I’ll have to check it out and see if the names “fit” – haha.
xo
s
Hanna says
They look very nice!!! Way to go for courage and experimentation! Can’t wait to see the walls painted and they slipcovers dyed! I actually really love the white but everything you have done with color has been so great — I can’t wait to see!
Katie says
That worked out so nicely – I totally dig the show-me-some-leg look. I didn’t even realize that short slipcovers like that existed. And I hope you do dye them – just because I think dying things is fun.
Amanda B. says
Y’know, after you paint, if you find you still like the creamy white chairs, but still need a pop of color, you could add a slim lumbar pillow in bright fabric to each chair. A few hidden hand-stitches on each side would hold it in place for zero fussiness (and would pull out in no time if you want a change). If it were only, say, the thickness of a quilt instead of a full stuffed pillow, you’d get the look of a pillow without the bulk and probably still a comfortable seat.
Congrats on your luck with the shrinking! Gotta love when a gamble works out!
Torrie @ a place to share... says
Genius. Pure genius.
(i know it wasn’t *totally on purpose but still…) ;)
Barb says
Bravo…who would have thought they would fit so perfectly? Excited for you! Glad you are rid of that crazy hotel pattern. Made ya dizzy!!!
Aimee says
oh em gee, is right! Holy cow, you guys always have the best luck :) It would be been DISASTER in my house. And yes, RHONJ was AWESOME last night!
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
I’m the queen of laundry errors (but sadly mine don’t usually work out, ha!) For example, yesterday I did several loads of laundry and then realized that the new detergent I bought was not actually detergent, but rather fabric softener. Whoooops! :) No wonder the cap was so small. Anyway, I’m so glad your mishap worked out…the slipcovers look amazing!
And I’m a fellow NJ Housewife fan. I think this season is going to be awesome…lots of drama already!
YoungHouseLove says
The very first of baby laundry I did bled all over itself (I didn’t separate colors and whites- duhhhh). I’m laundry illiterate!
xo,
s
Christie says
Loving the slipcovers. I know they will be awesome once you dye them. I love seeing all the progress you guys have made. Keep up the great work. :-)
Michelle says
Nice work on the shrinky-dink slip covers! When you are ready to dye them you might check out an art supply store (not Hobby Lobby but more like professional art supplies) and get your dyes there. They will have a variety suited for different fabrics/blends and a much larger color selection. I’ve also found that these professional dyes give you much richer, saturated colors than RIT ever even thought about. Good luck and wear gloves!
Michelle says
Oh, make sure you get the setting agent too so your color stays true.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo
s
threadbndr says
Another good source of dye materials is a local knitting/weaving/fiber arts type store. They usually have dyestuffs for both synthetic and natural dyes and the mordants (aka the “setting” agent).
Be sure to ask for dyes that work on plant fibers (cotton and linen), not for wool. There is a difference.