DIY Life

When I was a youngster, I remember days where I was bored beyond measure. I would listen to the click-clack of my Mother's knitting needles as she would tell me stories of her youth in Germany, while I would unravel the ball of yarn for her.

Most kids won't sit long enough to help with mundane tasks, but I bet you could get yours to sit still on a rainy day if you ask them to help you dye yarn with food coloring. Suse of Pea Soup has a tutorial showing off her gorgeous pictures of yarn that she dyed with the help of her 8 year old son.

You'll need a box of food colors, a microwave-safe bowl, the child(ren), wool yarn, and vinegar, which helps set the dye. Adult supervision is needed when handling the hot water, so that the kiddos don't burn themselves.

For more help dyeing wool and other fabric, check out how to dye with fruits and vegetables, and how to dye with Kool-Aid.

[via: Whip Up]

Gradient tights (also known as "dip-dyed" or "ombré") have been hot on the fashion runway in the recent past, making notable appearances at Prada and Lacroix; other clothing that fades gradually from one shade into another, in a few large, diffuse stripes, will also be visible this spring and summer.

Jennine, of the style blog The Coveted, badly wanted a pair of ombré tights, but found that the rare pair she could find were too expensive for her to justify the purchase. Instead, she treated a pair of light-colored tights to a home dye-bath.

A simple special process is used, so if you're interested in getting this look, read more about it after the break.

Leave the harsh food-colorings and egg decorating kits on the shelf. This Easter try something new and natural: dye your Easter eggs with natural coloring.

This handy table lists the various ways that you can achieve rich natural colors. Complete with a description of the color along with mixture and setting instructions, you'll be ready to make your own dyes.

Boiled onion skins for example, will give a deep yellow/gold coloring. A blue/teal color is derived from chopped red cabbage and vinegar, while simmering an egg in grape juice will give you a blue/purple stain.

Canned produce results in a lighter color, while adding vinegar deepens the pigment. Setting times vary among dying agents so keep the table on hand for reference. Make sure you leave extra time for your project because some colors require overnight setting.

Making natural dyes isn't just a way to achieve more earthy colors, and better looking eggs, but a fun challenge for your holiday weekend.