I visited Camp Graham in Henderson, NC a couple of weeks ago to see first hand how a Girl Scout Resident Camp is run. I was able to tour the camp, meet most of the camp staff and see the Girl Scouts enjoying various activities on the camp grounds. I also had the opportunity to do a tie dye craft activity and I loved it! It was my first time tie dying shirts and I had so much FUN. I learned how to create different tie dye patterns, it’s all in the way you position, fold and tie the shirt. I also learned that using 3-4 colors is best so you can really see the design and it doesn’t bleed into one another turning the shirt brown.
The design I chose to do was a classic swirl, which seems to be one of the most popular patterns. We used Soda Ash in the water – Also known as sodium carbonate, to help the dye to bond to the fabric. We wet our shirts completely and squeezed out the excess water. To create the spiral pattern on your shirt, first lay it on a flat surface. I was at camp outdoors using a table in a designated area just for the tie dying activity. Then, put your thumb and index finger where you’d like your spiral to start on your shirt. I chose on the left over my heart or where a pocket could be. I began moving my fingers in a circular motion, spiraling the shirt around clockwise from where I started.
Once the entire shirt is spiraled, use rubber bands to tie the shirt and keep it in place. You will need to create at least 6-8 sections, so use 3-4 rubber bands on your shirt to help create the spiral pattern. I used 4 rubber bands and it was round shaped and had eight sections. Next you’ll want to choose your four colors (in this case) and mirror your colors directly across from one another in each section. I used Purple, yellow, green and jade green. The tie dyed shirt sat out for 24 hrs. and it was washed the following day.
Summer Street Style: I’m so proud of my DIY Classic Spiral Tie Dye Shirt I had to post about it. I went with a casual retro summer look and decided to pair my Classic Spiral Tie Dye Tee with some distressed denim Aeropostale shorts. This outfit matched perfectly with my Nine West Open Toe Wedge Sandals in Wine. I also rocked my purple sun glasses and MAC Up The Amp Lipstick! I honestly can’t wait to do another tie dye activity and create other patterns. Maybe I’ll shoot a DIY Tie Dye Shirt video the next time. So, what do you think… Did I do a good job for my first time tie dying a tee? How do you like my outfit?