Easy Dyed Play Silks and Capes

Play silks are inspiring, open-ended toys that children can transform into almost anything with their creativity and imaginations, like a red and orange silks for lava and blue silks for water, or wearing them as magical capes or carriers for dolls. Melissa Lang Lytle of Hex House Crowns is a fiber artist and handwork teacher, and she will guide you through the very accessible process of dyeing play silks using RIT dye. Start with a dreamy ombre rainbow pattern and then try a whimsical, heart-shaped tie dye. With Melisssa's tips, you can also dye wool felt in the same dye bath as your silks in order to maximize your dye as well as color-match your materials. Children can heop with certain parts of the dyeing, and everyone will enjoy the exciting reveal of the finished silks. Learn how to:

• Dye play silks and capes
• Prepare dye using Melissa's easy formula
• Use primary colors to make a rainbow silk
• Use rubber bands and a washable marker to create a heart-shaped design
• Dye wool felt in the same dye bath as your silks so your materials can match