Ice Dyeing

When I saw instructions for this technique, what with it being a zillion degrees outside, and us often having ice leftover in our cooler from getting groceries, it seemed like something I had to try.

After prewashing fabric to remove sizing, oils, etc., I soaked the fabric in soda ash solution.  Next, I crumpled it up (soda ash is caustic, so wear gloves) on top of a coke bottle tray which is upside-down in my trusty large plastic bucket.  This is because I didn't want all the dye water to become murky once the ice melts.  Then, I added ice cubes on top of the fabric.  After that, I sprinkled dye powder on top of the ice cubes.  (Wearing a mask and gloves, because dye powder isn't all that good for you either).  I covered the bucket with its lid to keep the water from evaporating, and bugs from getting in.

Then, wait for the ice to melt.  So, like 15 minutes here...  I waited a few hours to allow the dye to really react with the fabric since I wanted really bright, intense colors that didn't just wash out in the first rinse.  When I came back, it looked like this: 

The yellows didn't seem to be swept away by the ice melting.  And some of that powder that looks yellow is actually green.  

Rinse out excess dye and soda ash with cool water, then wash on hot with soap until rinsewater runs clear.  

Now, for the results.  (Except not the stuff I dyed above, I actually don't have pictures of those, yet).  A random bit of muslin that I felt needed sprucing up, and a half dozen diaper tabs:

Ice-dyed muslin.

Diaper tabs-to-be.