Supplies
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Pearl Grey + Black
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- White Tights
- White Shoes
- White Fabric or White Dress
- Elastic Band
- Electrical Tape
- Large Plastic Container
- Rubber Gloves
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Table Cover
- Measuring Spoon
- Mouse Ears
- Mouse Tail
- Black Face Paint
Time
2 HoursTotal:
Difficulty
Beginner
Instructions
- Cover table with plastic and gather your supplies.
- Prewash tights, dress and shoes to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Cover the soles of the shoes with electrical tape. Cover any other areas that you do not want dyed with electrical tape.
- The balloon style dress was created from scratch using a pattern. Elastic was added inside the bottom seam to gather it and give it a more pronounced balloon look. However, you could also use an existing white dress and stitch elastic along the bottom seam of the dress to get the same look.
- Fill a large plastic container with 3 gallons of very hot water. Water temperature should ideally be 140°F.
- Add 1/2 cup All-Purpose Dye in Pearl Grey and 1 teaspoon All-Purpose Dye in Black. Shake bottles before pouring.
- Add 1 cup of salt and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent to help promote level dyeing. Stir well.
- Test dye color by dipping paper towel in the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye; if color is too dark, add more water.
- Wearing rubber gloves, lower the fabric, tights and shoes into the dyebath. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
- We recommend using ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color and increase color retention. Follow package instructions.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
- Accessorize the costume with mouse ears and a tail. Draw on whiskers and nose with black face paint.
