play silks for Christmas

I decided to get my children play silks for Christmas. However, I wasn't prepared to pony up $60+ for the rainbow colored set I wanted. So I googled and read several tutorials on how to make my own silks.

First I bought 6 large 35x35" silks and 6 more 21.5x21.5" smaller silks.

While waiting for the silks to arrive, I ran out in search of Kool-aid, but couldn't find all the colors I needed. So I found an 8 pack of Wilton icing dye to use instead.

My oldest is trying to earn a crafting badge for Scouts, so I recruited him to help for credit.

Once the silks arrived we washed them in warm soapy water. My son remarked that they looked like sails. I'm excited to see his imagination already going into gear.

Then I put in about 1/4 tsp of icing dye, 1/4 vinegar, then filled the rest of these large mason jars with water. The assistant stirred until the dye dissolved.

While the jars are heating up in the jar bath, I put the larger silks into the jar. At first I put in both 1 large and 1 small silk, but discovered it was a bit too tight, and removed one scarf. Basically, just soak the silk in the mason jar till the dye has been absorbed and set into the silk at your desired intensity. Then add more dye if the water has cleared and soak the next silk. 

Using tongues is a good idea if you don't want to dye your fingers too.

I ironed the silks (which was suggested on one tutorial) to help further set the dye. After this I folded and wrapped them up for the kids. They think all of these are for their little sister, but actually, they're getting play silks in their stockings too, as she's not getting ALL of them. A lot of what I'm getting the kids this year are really for sharing. I expect they will all play with these.

So that was fun! We'll have to do that again sometime.  Perhaps I'll make more for Easter.