Cherry Blossom Dress

 

Cherry Blossom Dress

Taking a walk among the cherry blossom trees in Kyoto was the inspiration for this dye-painted art dress. The big blue swirls were dye-painted by hand and heat set in the microwave. The cherry blossoms and branches were created with fabric pens.

Supplies & Tools

  • Rit Liquid or Powder Dye: Royal Blue
  • 100% Cotton Dress
  • Plastic disposable container for dye
  • Spoon for mixing dye
  • Measuring spoons & measuring cup
  • Bristle brush, 1 1/2” wide for dye-painting
  • Black & Red Fabric Pens
  • Tailor’s Chalk
  • Parchment paper or craft paper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Plastic sheet to protect table

Note: Launder dress to remove any finishes that may prevent absorption of dyes. Dry and iron if very wrinkled.

Instructions

  1. Cover table with plastic tablecloth.
  2. Lay dry dress on sheets of plastic wrap that have been overlapped so plastic is slightly larger than dress.
  3. Insert layers of parchment or craft paper inside dress and sleeve areas. This will prevent dye from bleeding through to other side.
  4. Prepare Dyes: (Wear rubber gloves.)
    Measure ¼ Teas. Royal Blue dye with 1 C Hot Water. Stir well 
    Note: If tap water is not hot enough, heat water in microwave or in a tea kettle.
  5. Sketch out the placement of your swirls with tailor’s chalk before dye-painting. Starting at top of dress, brush on big swirls of Royal Blue dye.
  6. Turn dress over, and repeat dye-painting on back side.
  7. After painting back side, wipe up excess dye with paper towels. Cover dress with plastic wrap and seal outer edges.
  8. Fold to fit into microwave. Cover bottom of microwave with paper towels. Place plastic-wrapped dress in the microwave. Set on HIGH for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave. Cut open plastic wrap. Allow to cool.
  9. Rinse dress in cool water until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang dry. Iron dress
  10. To create cherry blossom branches: Insert parchment paper inside dress. Draw black branches on dress randomly and add red cherry blossoms as accents.

Details