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Hello, my name is Miss Funnel Cake and I am a DIY failure. It’s OK to admit this… we all have DIY fails sometimes and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Meet my failure:
I decided to dye crinoline #2 and in true Miss-Funnel-Cake-fashion, I hastily decided to do it in my washer this weekend. In my mind, buying a large metal bowl to try and cook red hot dye on my stove and figure out somewhere to pour it out without staining my bathtub, kitchen and/or myself seemed like a bad idea.
So I went the washer route. But you see… I have a small, front-loading, eco-size washer. Maybe this was not the best idea… Whatever.
(Image via Imbiex)
With the help of Mr. Funnel Cake, I read the German instructions of the dye I purchased last week and off I went! I cut open the dye packs, emptied them in my washer, poured in the vinegar, stuffed in my overly puffy crinoline that I had hastily wet in the bathtub, and recklessly set the machine to 95ºC/203ºF.
Herein lies my problem: I probably did not wet the crinoline properly. Not being completely soaked, the bunched up crinoline did not take the dye evenly in the washer… and the washer did not do the greatest job of mixing everything.
The result is, in the words of an OSU designer professor, “Not good. It’s bad.”
How will I pull off an Ashlee Simpson jig in this spotted mess?
Mr. Funnel Cake said he liked it and it reminded him of tie-dye. I told him it reminded me of bloody tampon. I’m not wearing that on my wedding day.
Is it salvageable? We’ll have to see. Today I’m heading back to the pharmacy to buy more dye and try again.
What’s your biggest DIY fail?
*Pictures personal unless noted.
Oh Funnel. The bloody tampon…We could send you some Rit dye…
It sounds like you’ve identified the problems, so good luck with try #2. (I know when I dyed mine, it was completely soaked, and I’ve heard bad things about using a front-loading washer.) The only other thing I can think of would be to make sure it’s the right kind of fabric for the dye. Good luck!!
I would say dye it again… and I hope you don’t take it too hard that I too saw bloody tampon before even reading your caption. You might also look into the iDye brand, it seems to be a little more professional than something like Rit.
LOL I didnt mind it until the bloody tampon comment .. now thats ALL i see !
LMAO @bloody tampon!!!!! Haha! Don’t worry, you’ll get it right!
I don’t think it looks bad, after all won’t you only see the bottom of the layers anyway?
I was considering dying my crinoline (after your last post) and had found some instructions onlined that called for using a big rubbermaid-type tub and pouring boiling water in. I don’t remember the link for those instructions, but perhaps you should re-dye and try something like that? I also remember reading that front-loading washers and dye don’t really get along….
Just a question: does it really matter if the top is spotty? I mean, if the bottom 6″ or so is good, then that’s all that will be seen (at least, by all but the bridal party…and WB), right?
I knew there was a reason I’ve never tried dying anything in my dinky front load eco washer!
Oh goodness!! Bloody tampon sent me over the edge! Aww! I am arts and crafts retarded so I know how you feel! Hope you figure something out! 
Bloody tampon, bahahaha! Let’s hope the next try turns out better!
I literally cracked up after reading bloody tampon. Hilarious!
Oh lord, FC… I feel for you, but that bloody tampon quip made me roffle. I hope you can salvage it!
Good luck with the second dye job! But I agree with CameraGirl … no one is going to see the top part except you! (Er, and us. ^_^)
Haha it does NOT look like a bloody tampon! Dyeing fabric, especially a fabric that’s not absorbent is hard. Don’t beat yourself up. I think it will be fine with your dress over it. Although you’re going to want to give it a clean water wash before you put something white on top of it. (I’m sure you already know that but it’s worth saying)
I just discovered your blog and it makes me happy!
I have yet to get engaged, so things are still in the unrealistic dreaming stage, but I really hope to have my ceremony at Holy Cross church in Columbus, and the reception at Franklin Park Conservatory…. and I definitely want a nice bright dyed crinoline, though I think I’d be a bit nervous about the dying process!
I totally thought tie dye at first…but now all I see is tampon. Hope the re-dying goes well.
Hey Ladies,
I don’t suggest dyeing crinolines, as they are all made with nylon (well at least those that I’ve seen).
Nylon is plastic. Synthetic fabrics do not pick up dyes uniformly (if they even pick them up at all).
So it’s not your fault; you’d get those results regardless. It’s the fabric
Natural fibers are great for dyeing though
I think it’ll probably take it with a second dye as long as you get the same color. And I don’t think what’s already dyed will get darker. Good luck!
i also thought it looked like tye dye like your FI did! now of course i see bloody tampon!! and i am wondering the same as the others - if the bottom is okay, does it matter if it even dyed throughout?
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Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, Ohio Age and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application Engineer Engagement Date: May 30, 2010 Wedding Date: October 2011 Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatory About Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
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