Dyeing Hankercheifs

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The Fremont Sunday Market always has an interesting selection of used and vintage goods- so imagine my excitement at finding vintage hankies for about $1 each- usually around here they run $4 and up, even for the plain ones! Now since I am actually using these, I select mine more for the thin fabric so they fit nicely in to pockets.

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I decided to dye these to test a kit I am planning to put together- I want to offer a kit for people who want to try their own natural dyeing for yarns and fibers, but it will work on fabrics, clothes, etc too. Anyways!

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I dyed just two hankies, just ones with separate lace borders since I wanted to see how the lace parts would dye up differently.

I started by scouring the hankies with soap to make sure there was no oil or other stuff on them that would prevent good dyeing, then let them soak.

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After soaking (and no, I don't know why this turned out pink in the photo, as they are white) the hankies are mordanted, which allows them to absorb dye better and makes them more lightfast.

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