Q: Do I need to supply shirts?
A: There are so many different sizes and styles of shirts that at this point, I cannot guarantee that everyone will get the one they want. If you make your reservation 2 or more weeks in advance, I can order as many high-quality shirts as you need, in whatever size and style. However, the out-and-out best way guarantee that everyone gets the shirt they want is to have them bring their own. So, in answer to the question, where the shirts come from is up to you, and it will be decided while you’re making your reservation.

Q: If my guests bring shirts, what should I tell them?
A: The shirts have to be %100 natural fibers (cotton, lycra, rayon, hemp, wool, etc), and they need to have been washed at least twice. This removes all the extra chemicals (like sizing and stain-resistant) added by the manufacture which stop the shirt from absorbing the dye.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Obviously many factors affect this, including how many people are tie-dying, how much space you have available, and the age of the participants. However, for a group of less than 12, you can expect it to take about 2 hours, plus about half and hour of setup.

Q: Will the shirts be ready to wear at the party?
A: The type of dye I use does not ever fade and will not run in the wash if you wash it with the rest of your clothes (as long as you follow the rinse instructions). The downside of this type of dye is that it needs to cure for 24 hours. What will happen is: once dye has been put on the shirts, I will put them in zip-lock bags and give everyone an instructional sheet that says what to do after 24 hours. In short, the shirts need to be taken home by your guests and rinsed, and will be ready in about 24 hours. (for schools andother organizations: it can be arranged that I do the rinse for you, wash and dry the shirts, then put them in bags with your students’ names on them)

Q: Does it HAVE to be shirts?
A: Not at all! I can get almost any clothing imaginable, ready to be dyed. In example, pants, shorts, bathing suits, onesies, shoe-laces, towels, dresses, bandannas, socks, and much much more! Tell your guests to bring whatever they want, just make sure it meets the requirements above (%100 natural fibers, has been washed at least twice)

Q: Should I plan this outside or in?
A: This one is totally up to you. The dyes don’t let off dangerous fumes or anything, so that’s not a factor. What you should know, is that they are DESIGNED to stain things (that’s kinda the point, right?). If dye spills on your nice carpet, it’s probably not going to come out. I do most of my dying in my garage, over a concrete floor surrounded by walls I don’t care about. Tie-dying CAN be successfully done inside, especially if you have a nice open room with a waterproof floor. I can bring a tarp to throw down, but please know I can’t guarantee that nobody will try and spray anybody else with dye. So basically, I highly recommend outside, but we can definitely make inside work.

Q: Can I get words or a picture printed on my tie-dye shirt?
A: I can make that happen for you, and bring you shirts already printed and ready to be dyed. A friend of mine owns a silk-screening business, and I can get you in touch with him.

Q: What about pricing?
A: Obviously, many factors go into determining the price of this sort of thing, including the ages and number of your guests, and whether or not I am bringing clothing to dye, but just to give you a rough estimate, 12 eight-year olds each make one shirt that I provide would probably be around $120.