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Unleash your inner Matisse with this swirly sweetie dress!
This project is just plain fun! Grab some dye, a couple of brushes and start swirling to your hearts delight. The whole shebang then gets heat set in the microwave.
Super simple!
Here's how...

Posted by edie d. from New York, New York, United States • Published 18th January 2010 • See edie d.'s 41 projects »

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Crafterella added Swirly Art Dress to Twiggy 23 Apr 11:55
Anna M. added Swirly Art Dress to Clothes 30 Dec 00:30
greenstyle added Swirly Art Dress to To-make list 22 Sep 05:29
Regina K. favorited Swirly Art Dress 11 Sep 21:42

Step 1
If the dress is new, wash it to remove any finishes that might prevent the dye from absorbing properly. Iron it if it's very wrinkly cause it's hard to paint on wrinkles.

Cover the work surface with a plastic covering. Lay out the dry dress on sheets of overlapping plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic is larger than the dress.

Insert layers of parchment or craft paper inside the dress to prevent dye from bleeding through to the other side.
Step 2
Grab some rubber gloves. Measure and mix up these dye colors in plastic containers. Stir well.

Color #1
2 Tbsp Golden Yellow + 1 Cup Hot Water
Color #2
1 Tbsp Scarlet + 1 Tbsp Tangerine + 1 Cup Hot Water
Step 3
Starting at the top, brush big swirlies of the Golden Yellow dye. If you're a bit skiddish about going freehand, you can sketch out the placement of the swirls with some tailor's chalk first. When you've got all your yellow swirls done, start brushing big swirls of the Scarlet/Tangerine dye overlapping some of the Golden Yellow. Starting to look cool, right?

Now turn the dress over and repeat the dye-painting on the back. Wipe any excess dye with paper towels.
Step 4
When you got your mini masterpiece just the way you like it, cover the dress with the plastic wrap and seal all the outer edges. Fold it so it will fit into your microwave.

Cover the bottom of the microwave with paper towels. Now place your plastic-wrapped dress in the microwave and nuke it on HIGH for 2 minutes. I love this part! It's so Judy Jetson.

Cut open the plastic and let it cool. Rinse out the dress in cool water until the water runs clear. Wash it up in mild detergent, rinse and hang dry.

There ya go... a nifty little bit of art for your wardrobe! I'm finding the pattern is super fun for layering. Give it a go and see for yourself.