Colored petticoats are nothing new. Ladies have worn them off and on throughout the ages as fashion trends have dictated. Who could ever forget Mammy's rustling red petticoat in Gone With The Wind? These days, however, they are mostly spotted on brides.
Yesterday, I shared some blue crinolines in my Monday Morning Blues post, so today I thought I'd share a few easy tips for how to dye your crinoline or petticoat any color you want. This is such a fun way to personalize your look and add a flash of unexpected color. I so wish I had thought of this when I was getting married!
As far as choosing a dye goes, you have a few options. Store-bought dye is cheap, easy to find and comes in a wide range of colors. The downside is that it is usually loaded with toxic chemicals. Homemade dyes are all-natural, non-toxic and easy to make, but are less predictable so you may not get exactly the color you were going for. And generally speaking, plant-based dyes work best on natural fibers and may not be appropriate for all fabrics.
Homemade | If you want to learn how to make your own plant-based dye, check out Crafting a Greener World for an easy tutorial. Pioneer Thinking also has an informative how-to that includes a very useful color chart.
Store Bought | If you prefer to go with a store-bought dye, Rit has a great website with lots of info about dyeing techniques and even a color formula generator to help you create exactly the right shade. Once you have the recipe for your chosen color, just follow the directions on the box to dye your crinoline in a washing machine, bathtub or sink.
No-mess iDye is another super easy option for 100% natural fabrics. (There is also an iDye poly for synthetics) All you do is toss the packet in the washer with your fabric, add some salt or vinegar depending on the material and then send it through a wash cycle. Interestingly, the packets are not actually paper, so they completely dissolve in water. Look for it in your local craft store or find it online at Fred Flare.
Proceed at your own risk... With any dye, know your fabric's fiber content and follow the directions exactly to avoid botched jobs and stained bathtubs.
To find out how a few real brides fared dyeing their own petticoats, be sure to visit That Bride to learn about her Adventures in Crinoline Dyeing and A Backyard Wedding for some great tips on how to soak up any extra dye in your washer and dryer.
Lastly, don't forget to let your bridesmaids in on the fun! How smokin' is this group? You can see more pics from this awesome wedding over at Rock n' Roll Bride. Will you be sporting a colored petticoat?
Images Sources: Pink, Red, Orange, iDye, Hot Pink, Bridal Party
