HOUSE OF SARAGER

New couches!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Something exciting happened over Christmas!

We made our first couch purchase.

When we got married Lincoln's apartment had an extra sofa.

It wasn't supposed to be there.

Someone had left it.

So...we took it.

Thanks, The Elms.

You helped me find my husband and my first couch.

Thankfully, the husband turned out much better!

Our second set of couches were my mothers.

They were our "Living Room Couches" growing up.

They are perfect...for my mother.

I found some slipcovers for them.

{You can see both the couches and covers HERE}

But after 5 years of old couches, it was time.

I sold them on Craigslist.

We found a killer deal on this sectional,

and an awesome deal on the rug.

What do you think?

I think the room looks SO much bigger!

{You can see the room before HERE}

{Note: not only has the room improved, but so have my photography skills.}

Date Nite Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:52:00 +0000

Totally classy picture taken at a burger place on our last date.

Oh, parents!

Date Nite Swap has been the best thing to happen to us.

It is saving my sanity.

For five months we have gone on a date 3 times a month.

And not once have we paid a babysitter!

We got together with three other families (4 total)

and planned a babysitting swap.

Each couple watches all 10 kids once a month.

And then they get to go out the other three weekends.

It works like this: 

We go out from 5:30-8:30.

Kids need to have eaten dinner before they get there.

They get a snack while they are there.

It really is easy.

The oldest girl just turned 12, then youngest is baby Amelia.

Everyone has a friend, and helps out.

But even if everyone had babies I would still do it!

By the time the kids get there,

play in the backyard for an hour,

eat their snack

and watch a movie

it's time to go home.

I would gladly entertain 10 kids for three hours once a month

so that I could go out with my husband 3 times a month.

Try it.

You'll be hooked!

Miss Rosalee the beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

I love this darling little two year old.

She's smart and funny and beautiful.

She LOVES to dance.

Her favorite dancing spot is in front of the mirror.

Singing....and naked.

Darling.

I'm having a bit of a struggle with her.

She's a late talker.

Most recently turned two children should be

understandable to a stranger around 50-60% of the time.

With Rosalee we are looking at more like 15% of the time.

Which leaves her to resort to screaming.

Oh! The screaming.

I love this girl so much and would love to be able to help her.

As per my Special Ed background,

I'm pretty good at ignoring the screaming until she uses words.

I try really hard not to let her older brother talk for her.

I encourage her to speak.

I'm perfectly willing to patiently wait and encourage...but it's getting worse.

Surely some of you lovelies can help.

Thoughts?

Or at least high fives?

P.S. It's been one year since surgery.
Her scar is looking pretty good!

Charlene Baker

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:02:00 +0000

My grandmother passed away right before Christmas.

She is my step-grandmother on my mothers side.

She was 94.

There are lots of wonderful stories about her, but this one is my favorite.

In 1979 Grandma Charlene was a 60 something divorcee with 6 children.

One Monday night her phone rang.

A gentleman asked her how her Family Night went,

then asked if she wanted to go for a drive and a Root Beer.

She said yes, then asked,

"With whom am I speaking?"

The response?

"I'm an Elder in the church and a worthy temple recommend holder."

She replied that that was good enough for her.

A half hour later my grandpa showed up at the door.

It's especially interesting because at that point, my grandfather had been

a stake president and a mission president.

EVERYONE in town knew who he was.

Grandmother Charlene had even served with my mom's mom Ardath-

who had passed away the year previous.

What a shock it would have been to go out with him.

This is Grandpa (he's the old one) with my mother standing directly behind him at the graveside.

My heart breaks for the my grandpa.

That's two wives he has lost now.

He has moved in with my mother.

It was kind of weird seeing my grandmother at the viewing.

It did not look my grandmother at all.

Something about having your spirit leave your body.

You don't even look like yourself anymore.

What are you thoughts on viewings?

Open or closed?

This is part of the Baker side of the family.

Grandpa had six children, Grandma had six.

Between the two of them there was 69 grandchildren

and 114 (and counting) great-grandchildren.

Wow!

A holiday family shot

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Here we are in our

Christmas-day-post-church-hungry-and-tired-attempt-at-a-timed-group-shot-

happy-to-be-celebrating-the-birth-of-Christ-holiday-cheer.

Considering the circumstances, it's not a bad shot.

Not bad, my friends, not bad.

Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Our Christmas day was lovely.

Everyone was so excited to open presents that a picture in our pj's was not so welcome.

At least the pjs are cute.

Oh well.

It is what it is.

And I love it.

Oh my.

love

family!

We had the most lovely day.

Rosalee was especially hilarious.

She would give each present one half-hearted tug

then hand it back to be opened for her.

Apparently the opening of the gifts was too much effort for this little two year old.

We better practice more.

About two weeks before Christmas

I got it in my head that we were celebrating on

Saturday the 24th.

Church was on Sunday the 25th from 10-11:30.

The kids would be hungry and sleep afterwards.

There wasn't time for presents prior.

Why not celebrate on Saturday?

(With the trampoline that Santa set up for us--that grandma bought.)

We could remember the Savior on Sunday.

It ended up being an inspired idea.

My mom flew in on Wednesday the 21st.

My grandmother passed away on Friday the 23rd.

We celebrated on Saturday the 24th.

My mom flew home on Sunday the 25th.

It is a bummer that my mom snuck away early--I didn't get any pictures with her.

She's tricky tricky.

One time she wanted to 'look' at my camera--

She was deleting the pictures of herself.

I have since learned--no touchy touchy!

Grandma worked hard to get the kids got a new "play" computer.

I guess it's time.

My four year old hasn't a clue what to do with a mouse.

He might be the only one left who doesn't.

Apparently the 'no touchy touchy' rule applies to them as well.

Cute cute cute.

Here is Lincoln doing his best Leroy Jethro Gibbs impression.

Welcome 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0000

It always takes me until March to start writing the correct year.

My sweet friend Niki just had to remind me that my new header said 2011 on it.

Good grief.

Tell me that happens to other people.

Anyway.

Last year was amazing.

We truly saw some miracles in our lives.

The kind of miracles that bring me to tears just thinking about it.

So grateful!

Manifesting even more miracles this year.

Because the Lord wants us to be happy.

He wants you to be happy.

This year instead of asking for blessings

I am thanking the Lord for blessings he has given and will give.

Because I have faith that miracles are on the horizon.

Abundant blessings to the House of You

and the House of Sarager.

The Best Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Here is Baby Amelia at 6 months wearing

vintage 80's clothes

that used to be worn my me--her mother.

{Don't my girls have the best hair?}

Everywhere we go someone makes a comment about how baby Amelia

is "The Best Baby"

This most recent trip sealed the deal.

We flew to Utah

Drove 12 hours to Washington

Went to the funeral

Caught a midnight on New Years Eve red-eye

flew 2.5 hours, had a 2.5 hour layover, and flew another 2.5 hours

Slept in 6 different cribs

and handled it all like a champ.

I'm honestly shocked at how well she did.

Oh, I just love her!

First time in a high chair.

Biggie big girl.

This was taken outside a subway in Burley, Idaho.

Burley, Idaho can be summed up by the sign outside said Subway:
"If it happened in Burley, it happened here."

{I can joke about it, my grandmother grew up there.}

Road trip!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Updates coming...
But for now it is road trip time.

My grandmother Charlene passed away.
She was 94 years old.
She is my mom's stepmom.

Her and my grandpa lived with us growing up.
I used to clean their house when I was in college.
I have special feelings for her.

I flew last minute to Utah with baby Amelia.
Now her, my mom and my brother Chase
are driving to Washington.

I love the west/northwest.
It's beautiful up here.

Lincoln is home with the bigs.

What will you be doing for New Years?
I will be on a red eye flight back to Houston.
With a baby.

Details, holidays, decorations, and all that coming next week.

Merry Christmas Love, the Saragers

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Some of you got a Christmas card, but most of you did not.

Here is your e-copy.

Merry Christmas all.

We are so grateful to be an eternal family,

to be blessed to know all of you,

and for the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Christmas girls

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:53:00 +0000

This little girl is 6 months.

She is getting her first tooth.

She has lots of curly hair--like her sister.

She is also wearing the same size diaper as this big girl:

This big girl just turned two.

She is talking more every day.

HOORAY!

I'm always surprised by what she has to say.

And I'm always entertained.

I am a YOGA instructor

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +0000

I had the. most. lovely. weekend.

Truly.

Perfect.

I went to Dallas and trained to be a YOGA instructor.

It was so amazing.
I loved every second.

I had a fabulous teacher--don't you love when that happens?

That's me in the back.

We did 18 hours of YOGA practice/instruction in 2 days.

Whew!

Getting to know you games:
"My name is Jackie. I like to take pictures."

ALLLLSO,
I have lost all my baby weight.
All 60 lbs.
No, that wasn't a typo. I meant 60.

I had the most amazing welcome,
in my favorite Dallas place.

The Benac home is amazing.
They know, better than anyone, how to make guests feel welcome and relaxed.
There are no words.

Thank you, Benacs!

Other weekend highlights include:
I wandered through Anthropologie where someone asked me if I was a model.

I didn't die on my way home

(I did hydroplane across the interstate in downtown Houston).

I was greeted with the warmest welcome a mother could ask for when I got home.

My amazing husband watched the kids for four days.
He even took them to the zoo.
My husband. He's the best!

I can teach YOGA now.
Come to my class, ya?

Pictures taken by Stevan Coye. Property of Yoga Fit.

Rosalee turns TWO

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Sweet little sassafras turned 2 yesterday.

Two is the baby-doll birthday.

She got a couple of babies and loves each of them dearly.

She carries them EVERY WHERE.

All. The. Time.

She loves her little babies almost as much as

we love this little baby.

Who, despite her best efforts, is only in the 9th percentile for weight. (23 lbs)

This girl can eat and eat and eat.

I'm not sure where she puts it.

She is tall though--75th percentile. (34.5 inches)

Is it bad that I'm jealous of my daughters hair and eyelashes?

I am.

Stunning.

Oh, sweet Rosalee Elizabeth. I love you so.

Anthropologie Flamenco Shower Curtain DIY Knock-Off

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:21:00 +0000

To start, I just want to say,

"Y'all are gonna want to PIN IT"

I had a recent incident involving a cleaner with bleach and my bathroom rugs.

I figured, if I was replacing rugs I might as well get a new curtain.

The one in there was from my wedding.

So, naturally, I was "just looking" at the Anthropologie site,

and "fell in love" with their Flamenco Curtain.

It's beautiful.

And only $118.

My husband spoils me, but I doubt he would go for that.

So I made my own.

And I like it even better.

It cost $26 for fabric and dye + $15 for a basic white shower curtain.

(I could have used a sheet for free if I had been feeling ambitious with button holes.)

It looks amazing, pictures don't do it justice.

Plus it's hard to cram in my little bathroom to snap a picture.

So here is how this went down:

I got 2.5 yards of 108" wide white muslin.

(I should have gotten 3 yards...I need one more ruffle along the bottom.)

Ask the person cutting your fabric to TEAR not cut.

It will ensure it is straight.

I would ask them to tear a clean edge at the start, measure, then tear again at the end.

When I got home, I TORE 7" strips.

I tore them along the selvage (or finished edge--the 2.5 yard part).

That way each strip is 7" x 108"

(Again, tearing is much easier and more accurate than cutting.)

In retrospect, if I had made them 8" or 9" I would have needed less strips.

Next I threw all my strips into the wash with just a tiny bit of dye.

Here are my instructions for dying in the washing machine (SO EASY).

The first couple of layers are teal and a bit of pearl grey.

After the first load I took one strip out and threw them all back in with a tad more dye.

And so on and so on.

By the end the last layer had been dyed A LOT.

So had a couple layers in the middle to get the right color I wanted.

The middle layers are evening blue +grey,

and royal blue+ grey on bottom.

I think adding the bit of grey kept them in the same palette.

(Which, to be honest, I think the Anthro version is lacking.)

P.S. The RIT DYE website has a great formula guide.

I didn't dry or iron between washes, so each ruffle has a subtle wood-grain look that I love.

After they were all done I left the raw edges, ironed the strips,

and sewed the ruffles onto a plain white curtain.

(Google how to sew ruffles if you need help.)

Christmas Card time

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:30:00 +0000

'Tis the season.

Time to get ready to send Christmas cards.

Mine are ready to be stamped and thrown in the mail.

They were done the easy way!

I got some beautiful personalized cards from The Gallery Collection.

They have a huge selection of personal Christmas Cards and Business Christmas Cards.

They also offer a beautiful selection of Business Birthday Cards and all-occasion cards.

I love that there are so many ways you can personalize your cards.

Add your own message,

add a business logo,

get print or foil text,

and foiled self-sealing envelopes.

They truly are stunning--and it makes sending cards SO EASY!

{And makes you look SO CLASSY!}

The Gallery Collection will even print your return address on the envelope.

Seriously, friends.

Save yourself the time and stress and check them out today.

Use your free time for the things that make the holiday season special:

food, family, friends, faith, philanthropy.

{in no particular order}

Are your Christmas Cards ready?

Do you mail cards?

Crayons in the Dryer

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:29:00 +0000

I found a crayon in my dryer.

After it had already been run.

Twice.

So...two loads of kids clothes are covered with blue wax.

Well...not covered. Just semi-splattered.

Awesome.

I wasn't too pumped about crawling inside the dryer to scrape the drum clean.

So I just left it.

Sorry, Lincoln.

There is a huge laundry back-up.

But we are clean and running again.

Thanks, Lincoln.

I'm thankful for my amazing husband.

Every day with his is amazing.

Love him.

Happy Thanksgiving all.

Go get your turkey on.

YUM!

Five Year Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Last month we celebrated our

five year anniversary.

Wow.

Time flies.

While we were in Utah,

Aunt Larkie was kind enough to babysit.

Lincoln and I went to Tucano's.

{Yum! Brazilian Lemonade}

We even got a night in a hotel room.

Window shopping at Anthropologie (me)

and a pass through the sporting goods store (him).

We got to go on our favorite anniversary tradition:

a ski lift ride through the fall leaves at Sundance.

This year we got brave and took the bigs with us.

Pretty sure we won't do that again.

What we did not get is a picture of the two of us together.

Apparently after five years that is no longer necessary.

At least we have this awesome shot of me with what appears to be a double chin.

Great angle.

Lincoln,

You. Are. AMAZING.

Thanks for putting up with me.

Particularly because I have been pregnant/nursing/on birth control

for all of the last five years--which, as you know, makes me crazy.

And, because sometimes I look like I have a double chin.

Thanks for being kind, and patient, and wonderful.

Attractive, funny, and perfect.

I love you so much!

Two important things for today:

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:46:00 +0000

tibby's quotes. ♥ (clipped to polyvore.com)

Elea Blake: my new favorite make-up

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:25:00 +0000

Does this ever happen to anyone else?

You spend what feels like hours, looking for the right shade of make-up.

Then, later that day, you see yourself in the mirror in different lighting

and realize you look like a clown.

For crying out loud.

Why do I have such a hard time finding the right color?

Well no more, my friends. No more.

I found my perfect color.

I have never been one to experiment with make-up.

I've been wearing the same stuff for years--

I didn't think anything else would look good on me.

I thought: Green? Blue? Purple? Really?

It looks like the middle school foods teacher.

I recently tried out the SOFT SUMMER KIT 

 from Elea Blake and was sent my perfect shade in everything.

I love EVERY SINGLE ITEM in the kit.

It's all high quality, long lasting, light feeling mineral make-up.

Elea Blake sent me four totally different blushes that all look amazing on me.

I got samples of my best lip glosses and lipsticks--LOVE!

I got over a dozen eyeshadow colors--all are fabulous.

I am amazed!

Colors I would never choose look fabulous.

It's all based on seasonal color analysis.

Unlike other brands,

they don't send you all this make up and hope at least one or two works.

Each one is individually crafted to look amazing on YOU.

I seriously look good in every color they sent.

I even got a bronzer specific to me!

I cannot express how much I love their make-up.

Look at all these lovely samples:

I think this might be my favorite product of theirs:

Lip Drape

For $20 they will send you a sample of each season's (there are 12) perfect red.

That way you can try them all and see which is most harmonious to you.

It's the perfect way to start to discover your season, I think.

And the best way to find your perfect "red"

Because, contrary to what the fashion industry tells us, we can't all wear the same red.

Why not wear one that looks amazing on YOU?

Go check on Elea Blake HERE or on facebook HERE.

Disclaimer:

*I do not receive any money for my posts. I do however receive the review products at no charge to evaluate and express my opinion.*

The Misty Maiden's Get-Away.

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:38:00 +0000

This is my friend Mamie.

I love her.

A lot.

We do lots together.

Used too--before she moved.

Usually small stuff.

Sometimes totally awesome stuff:

The Post-Partum Retreat.

The Super Fun Girls Weekend.

And now, The Misty Maiden's Get-Away.

Don't accuse Mamie of being a dork,

because I am the dorky one who gives our weekends a name.

It's actually quite the process.

Have you guessed where we went yet?

NIAGARA FALLS!

I am totally guilty of profiling when asking strangers to take a picture.

I look for someone with a nice camera.

That means they know how to work a camera.

That means my shot MIGHT turn out semi-ok.

I also try to ask someone who looks like they might speak English.

Although, that's not as critical as the "knows how to work a camera" part.

Does anyone else do this?

Because otherwise your pictures turn out like this:

It was cold and wet.

Which you and I both know means: it was perfect.

Plus, anytime with Mamie is perfect.

And Target.

{Target = Paradise}

And flying sans children.

And then a fabulous drive from Cleveland to Canada.

And soup.

And gourmet grilled cheese.

And seeing my lovely friend who I miss dearly.

Because she even makes sketchy gas stations in the middle of nowhere PA fun!

We stayed on the Canada side of the Falls.

It was my first time in Canada, eh.

But don't worry, we left our drugs at home.

{joke}

See.

That, my friends, is how you photographer profile.

Thanks for being my super awesome friend, Mamie.

Thanks for the amazing weekend.

Love you.

Farm Living is the life for me

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:55:00 +0000

These pictures are all from a Family Reunion in the summer of 2007.

(I was pregnant with Brigham)

This is Lincoln pulling a tractor through the corn with my cousin Chris and her two boys,

my mom, my Aunt Lori, and myself in Moses Lake, Washington.

Growing up my mom said this ALL the time,

"There are three things they look for on college applications:

1) grades.

2) extra-curricular activities

3) if you grew up on a farm"

Here is Lincoln and I pushing empty water barrels with tractors.

It was a race, which I won, because seconds later Lincoln drove straight over his barrel.

Classic.

I'm pretty sure that's not exactly what they are looking for 

on college applications,

but what is it about a farm that is so appealing?

We were recently listening to talk on CD by John Bytheway called

Farm Wisdom for City Folks

that had some really cool points.

One of which was that

Farm folks know how to work!

Farm folks know how to play too!

I think that's one of the things I love about my husband.

That man knows how to work.

He didn't grow up on a farm, 

but he sure did learn a work ethic from his dad.

It amazes me.

This is a tube siphoning contest.

SUUUUUPER hard.

The winner, of course, was my Aunt Lorriane.

She's amazing. And currently on a mission in Australia!

Another interesting thing that Lincoln pointed out while listening to John Bytheway

was that farm folks do things with their evenings.

Like write a book.

City Folks?

We watch TV.

And what do I have to show for it? 

Nothing.

Maybe I should write a book.

Or work on my blog book.

Or anything...

This is the "party bus"

I don't know who, but someone, has a old school bus.

We borrowed in and piled the whole family

(I have 50+ cousins)

and went on a ride through town.

Town = Moses Lake, Washington.

My mother grew up there, on a farm.

The second youngest of 6 kids.

Her four brothers still live there and farm.

Mostly corn and potatoes.

This is a group of my cousins, with my mom on the end.

From the left, it's Liberty, Krystal, Cassidy, Brooke, Me, Jill,

MacKenzie, Ann, and my mom "Buffy"

If anyone would like a copy of John Bytheway's talk on CD, 

Deseret Book will give one to the first person 

who leaves a comment with their email address.

And all you other commenters

 I will give a comment back on your blog.

Because I love you all, darling readers.

Brigham's Buzz Lightyear 4th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:55:00 +0000

Yesterday the boy man, Brigham, turned 4.

Four years old!

That boy man cracks me up.

He's kind and sweet.

And smart as a whip.

{Maybe even smart enough to know where that expression came from?}

He's clever.

He's handsome.

He's perfect!

Bright green cupcakes with purple frosting, or purple cupcakes with green frosting.

It's my attempt at a "Buzz Lightyear Cake"

We had pizza, pinata, presents, and party at the park.

park = playground at dads work = the perfect uninterrupted location.
It was pretty much perfect.

Food Town came through for us in the pinata department.

We had loads of darling Buzz decorations, it's true.
But just not on this table.
They were on the the table in the shade...and it was just a bit too cold for that.
So use your imagination and think of the cutest Buzz things that you can.

Just know, it was better than that...

Thanks all you great friends who came.
Really, thank you so much.

It was the best fourth birthday party Brigham will ever have.
He loved every second.
Pretty sure we all did.

For posterity's sake, I will say that the kids from Joy School (Ana, Gabi, Caden, Hannah),
as did the kids from Church (Ben, Caleb, Elizabeth, Riley, Julia, Zoe),
our dear friends (Caralyn, Jennie, Jacob, Riki),
and family (Eli, Dora, Emerald) all came.

Halloweekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:06:00 +0000

What a busy weekend we had!

Wow.

I'm worn out just uploading pictures!

It started off with an awesome lunch-

the bigs feeding each other pizza and cracking up.

I love when they get along.

{I think I will be saying that the rest of my life, yes?}

A little pumpkin pumpkin carving.

Rosie--getting pumpkin guts in the blinds.

And trying to carve up her belly (seriously...she ran the pumpkin carver across her tummy.)

He works hard for the money.

There she be.

I'm not sure I want to tell you the other things we did over the weekend.

I might get made fun of.

But forget it!

I'm proud!

We put up the Christmas decorations!

It looks amazing over here.

And smells even better!

YAY!

That last shot was Rosie and I--by light of the tree.

And here is Amelia:

Christmas lights make everyone look lovely.

Speaking of Amelia.

She has a rash in her neck rolls.

I've been rubbing diaper cream in there.

She's a chunky monkey.

I just love her.

Amelia also got her first taste of rice cereal.

Wowzers.

They grow so fast.

Speaking of growing fast (awesome segue?)

Brigham had his fourth birthday party!

eeks!

pictures tomorrow.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:12:00 +0000

The majority of us...

don't have food on our faces

are looking at the camera

have red hair

have blue eyes

are COVERED in bug bites

Color me impressed.

How to dye clothes in the washing machine (front loader specific)

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:25:00 +0000

(T-shirts that all started white.)

Supplies:
Salt
Tupperware for dying only (no food in it later)
Mixer (I use a wooden chop stick from pei wei)
RIT dye-liquid or powder

Steps:

Set some water in the kettle to boil on the stove
While it is boiling put clothes in sink and run hot water on them.
Put dye in Tupperware
Add two cups of boiling water (I don’t measure, just get close). Stir.
Add one cup salt (ish. To be honest I only end up using about 1/2)
Stir with chop stick again.
Take wet clothes and dye mix to the washer.
I pour the dye mix directly into the washer (not where you typically put soap), but leave the extra granules of salt that didn’t dissolve in the bottom of my Tupperware. I don’t worry about getting them in because it probably has bits of undissolved dye in it as well and I won’t want them spotting my clothes. This isn’t as much an issue with liquid dye.
Add your clothes.
Start the washer. Mine is a front loader, and these are the settings I use: Heavy soil, extra rise, Hot/warm water
When clothes are finished I put a cleaning rag in (or shout color catcher, they are great) and run it again with just water and the clothes. The towel is important because it catches the extra dye so they clothes don’t bleed on themselves.
Take clothes out and hang dry.
Run an empty load of bleach through the washer.
Be careful the next couple of washes—wash the clothes by themselves. I typically don’t have a problem after one extra wash, but I don’t want to be liable for bleeding J

Things I have learned:
I’m never picky about specific color saturation. That helps because I have no control. If you dye in a bin you can see how much color the clothes have soaked up and gauge how long to leave them in. I figure if I don’t love it I can always send it through again.

I have dyed lace, dresses, sweaters, t-shirts, eyelets and jeans. They all look great, I think!

I usually send one or two articles through per batch. The most I have done is three, but that is if you want a subtle change.

For clothes with a bold color try sending it through with the opposite on color wheel. I had a hot pink top that was too much. I sent it through with some navy mixed with grey and it looks great.(The shirt below was orange. I sent it through with a mix of navy and grey)

I have dyed with liquid and powder. Even together in the same batch (the navy was liquid, grey was powder.) Both are fine but if I could choose I would pick liquid.

(This is a dress from Shabby Apple that was navy/white stripes)