Pretty in the City

Posts Tagged ‘dye’

Hippie Tie

From Hippie Art, to Creative Fashion

Tie-dye is considered a fashion art form just like beading and embroidery. It is a practice that concentrates the tint color in the textiles by tying or folding them to create different shapes. Its origin started out in Asia with antique techniques in dying fabrics. It is highly associated with hippies, surfers and bohemians, but today, it reappears to combine with bracelets and other accessories of ethnic inspiration. Today it’s not a trippy starburst rainbow; it has been replaced with irregular arcs and stripes often seen in cocktail dresses and even casual tops to combine with jeans, shorts or mini skirts. Tie Dye is also a popular look for a day out at the beach, whether in a skirt or a sarong, tie dye is often seen around the most famous beaches worldwide.

Nothing said “hippie” better than the psychedelic color explosion and unique designs from the old style of tie-dye; it is one of the most ancient forms of fabric design, by human manipulation. Dye can only penetrate loose fabric; it has to be as close to 100% cotton as possible since it does not stick to polyester. Just lock some sections by adding pins, tying fabric in knots or with rubber bands and this way, the dye cannot reach these parts of the fabric, therefore creating a rainbow of colors and a unique design.

Hippies included a little creativity by adding peace signs and hearts to their visual trippy designs. This technique became a hippie ritual since it was an anti-commercial “do it yourself” characterization of owned fashion. Today, designers are turning to this again, trying to own their designs and making them special so they can stay away from imitators or regular people who try to do it themselves so they can afford some shopping money.

Tie-Dye was reborn in the 80’s when a new generation started wearing the shirts their parents wore when they were youngsters at Woodstock, other than shirts these included tie-dye sheets, socks, and bags, among other pieces. Tie-dye was and is still the style of choice for people who need a little psychedelic wardrobe to remember the old days, tie-dye will never die.

Now it’s your turn to try some creativity with your wardrobe, look for your favorite shirt or dress, fabric dye, gloves, rubber bands and a bowl. Damp your clothes in water and fold it as if you were making a paper fan, continue doing this in other areas and hold them with a rubber band or a clothespin. Once you have gathered the sections to dye, place it in the bowl, put on your gloves and mix the dye in the bowl. Do the same thing in the other side, stirring your fabric so the dye penetrates well. You can leave it on for 24 hours, and then rinse with warm water and let air dry. Use a pack of cheap T-shirts for your first draft; you will get the hang of it.

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hippie tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree

Peace Symbol Magnet of US Flag by MEYOTO LLC $7.95 The idea that led to its birth lies in the notion that as a general rule most people aspire to live in peace, whoever and wherever they are. The purpose is to unite like-minded individuals into a single voice on a global scale by utilizing the well-known graphic peace icon decorated with stylized national flag photographs. Displaying MEYOTO demonstrates the willingness to participate in a communit…

Westland Giftware Mwah Magnetic Hippie Couple Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, 3-3/4-Inch $10.42 Peace Hippie Couple Kiss Salt & Pepper Shakers Set…

Aqua Sack 1 Liter Sports Bottle – Black This great beverage tote holds a full 1 liter bottle – and will keep it cool! An attached strap makes carrying it around a breeze. Also has an added pocket to stash your small stuff….

Polished Hemp Twine – 20# Tst – 1KG Craft Supplies Unique Hemp $26.95 1 Kg. spool of polished 100% true hemp twine. Thin 100-gram 20# Test, 2-ply….

Polished Hungarian Hemp Twine Hemp Twine – 48# Test – 1Kg High Quality Hemp $26.95 Make your own jewelery and crafts with this 100% polished Hungarian hemp twine. 48# Test 2-Ply, 1Kg (1000 gram) High Quality Hemp Merchandise….

Bull Cow Ox Silhouette Tie Dye Design Peace Decal White Animal Vinyl Decal Bumper Sticker 4×6 (All Colors Available) $5.00 THIS IS A SELF-ADHESIVE HIGH QUALITY STICKER. SIZE: 4″ x 6″ (INCHES) . IT IS VERY EASY TO APPLY AND DURABLE. IT CAN BE USED OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. YOU CAN APPLY IT ON ALMOST ANY HARD SURFACE. STICKERS ARE AN EASY TO USE AND FUN AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO GIVE A LITTLE ATTITUDE TO YOUR BELONGINGS. THEY ARE ALSO A FANTASTIC WAY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR EVERYTHING YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT. WE HAVE CUSTOM ORDERI…

Nag Champa Incense Sticks 100 gms $4.96 A traditional Masala incense. Hand-rolled from the finest oils, powders, gums, and resins available….

Rainbow Peace Sign Hippie Necklaces (4 dz) $8.08 These rainbow peace sign necklaces are on a 23″ cord and look tie-dyed. They’re perfect for a retro 60s party as party favors. Put them in goodie bags and treat bags or wear them as part of a Halloween costume….

Brown Braided Leather Feather Dangle Headband $13.09 …

Tie Dye Patchwork Sling Handbag Purse $28.99 A stylish long sling handbag for every day wear – comfortable and funky. Also useful as a book bag. Measures 12″ x 13″ with a 22″ drop from the shoulder. Made of lightweight soft cotton, fully lined, outside zippered pocket and a zipper closure. This handbag speaks to your “inner hippie”. Each piece is hand dyed and hand made so colors will vary….