Not every project we take on has those perfect, shiny results we hope for. And in this case, our results were pretty much as opposite as you can get from the original goal, but as luck would have it, we actually think it worked out pretty alright. More importantly, our “client” and friend Penina (whose bedroom you may remember), actually loved the outcome. Because the last thing we want is an oh-no-situation and asking her to pass the bread over take out while feeling mega guilt. So here’s the short story. She asked me to help her take her lime-colored living room curtains and dye them to the perfect shade of khaki-mustard beige-ish. Having dyed nothing else in my life other than a pair of long johns when I was 10 (what?), I agreed on the premise that she understand I don’t know the first thing in Rit-etiquette. It was a match made in heaven – if only it was opposite day. Here’s where we started: I think we were aiming for something between #364 and #52, or at least something remotely close (hint: that didn’t happen):

Now for the long and not-so-short of it. Because the panels were light in value (albeit bright), we nixed the idea of bleaching them first or using any sort of color remover. (Hence, this post’s title). Using the color formula guide on Rit Dye’s website, we figured out the highly mathmetical proportions of taupe to yellow in hopes of getting that not-so-bright mustardy color we were aiming for. curtain factory outlet prudhoeTen minutes later on a smart phone calculator, we figured that for 3 panels, we’d need 12 oz yellow and 6 oz taupe. hookless shower curtain with window beach pebble(FYI, the formulas are different for liquid vs. powder, and the mixtures are diluted with warm water.)wallflower curtains catkin green

We chose the easiest and most convenient method of dying by using the washing machine and allowing for 3 wash cycles. Another highly calculated move on our part was to use the oven timer, reminding us to turn back the dial on the wash load every 12 minutes. (Again, refer to this post’s title.) Rit recommends at least a 30 minute wash, but our washer didn’t have a timed option, and a regular cycle runs for 12 minutes. the tortilla curtain candido charakterisierungChaos, I tell ya. bedeck alyssa curtainsThirty-six minutes later, we found this color.classic winnie the pooh tab top curtains with tiebacks It was certainly yellow. Needless to say, Penina wasn’t thrilled, and we were surprised to see the lack of taupe show through.

(Perhaps this is where step one should have been a color remover?)  After a lot of what now?, we decided to heck with it. Let’s just go for it. If taupe doesn’t show, surely dark brown will. All reason went out the window – which was largely in part due to afternoon cocktails. Two oven-timed beeps later, we got our brown. Of course there was a ton of girly shrieking (surely coming from me), followed by a what’s done is done sort of mentality. We tossed our three very brown panels in the dryer and crossed our fingers they’d come out lighter. They dried, we ironed (okay, she ironed and I totally just watched), and we hung ’em. And you know what? The wet, dark panels turned a pretty chocolate-y shade, and the window light brightened them up even more. While our original intentions were nowhere near the end results, we easily warmed up to the whole ooh-la-la dramatic effect they brought to the room. Penina’s green throw and patterned, colorful rug already add the oomph, and the curtains are now an elegant back drop.

And lucky for me, I received a very happy email from my lady a few days later – well after she’d had the time soak up all the moody goodness. Okay, we know y’all are pretty darn smart, so who out there successfully transformed something with dye? And what was it? Goodness knows my long johns weren’t experience enough, but surprisingly, I learned a thing or two along the way. Or, shall I say, I learned what not to do. Check stock location and store opening hours in for IKEA FAMILY members Offer available - or while supply lasts Price and range may vary between online & store. Expected to sell out before the end of the day at Check store opening hours This product will soon leave the range in and will not be back in stock. More arriving in store on More arriving in store between and Out of stock at Get notified when it's back in stock Check the store opening hours. There is no stock information about this product

Please check in store. This product is not sold at Check availability at your nearest store Available to order for home delivery at This product may be available to order in store. This is dependent on stock availability and delivery fees will apply. Please see a member of staff for details. Sorry, we had a problem checking stock levels for you. Please try again later.Blinds IkeaCurtains IkeaCurtains LivingCurtains BlindsBedroom CurtainsDrapesThick CurtainsWhite CurtainsCurtains BleachedForwardMERETE Pair of curtains, bleached $24.99 The price reflects selected options Article Number: 401.119.87 Heavy fabric helps to reduce sound and keeps out light. Eyelet heading works on curtain rods.Washing Machine: Front Loader How to Dye Using a Front Loading Washing Machine Dyeing in a washing machine is the most convenient method for dyeing large items and will not damage the machine if done correctly. However, the dyes may stain the machine around the plastic parts so it’s important to clean up immediately after dyeing.

Since items need to be dyed on the hottest cycle, this process does not work well for items that are washable in cold water or are dry clean only. When dyeing items to a lighter or different color, first use Rit Color Remover to ensure you obtain the color you desire. We do not recommend dyeing more than 8 pounds of fabric at one time in the washing machine, or dyeing slipcovers and draperies in a front loader because the items are bulky and may become twisted during the dyeing process which can result in the fabric being striped or splotchy from uneven dyeing. Given the amount of water the machine can hold, using more than 8 packages of powder or 4 bottles of liquid dye in one load will most likely result in the dye going to waste rather then being absorbed into the clothes, though there’s no harm in using more dye if you wish. Dyeing methods differ slightly for top and front-loading machines. Learn how to dye using a top loader. Rit Dye, liquid or powder 1 cup salt or white vinegar, depending on item

1-2 cups chlorine bleach Optional: Rit Dye Fixative Prewash items to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. To determine the amount of dye needed, weigh the items to be dyed together. The items should be dry when weighed. If a scale is not available for this, refer to the chart to estimate the right amount of dye per load. Wet item(s) in hot water, smooth out any wrinkles and place items in the washing machine. Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer. The longer the item is in the dye, the darker the color will be. Shake dye bottles before pouring. Wearing rubber gloves, mix powder or liquid dye with 2 to 4 cups of very hot water; Pour the dye solution into the dispenser when you would normally add detergent. Flush the dispenser with another 4 cups of hot tap water after the dye has been added. After 10 minutes, if you are dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen, dissolve 1 cup of salt in 4 cups of very hot water and add it to the dispenser.

If dyeing silk or nylon, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 to 4 cups of hot tap water and add it to the dispenser. Then flush the dispenser thoroughly with 4 more cups of hot tap water. Optional: To reduce color bleeding, use Rit Dye Fixative on cotton fibers immediately after dyeing, following instructions on bottle. After the machine cycle ends, rewash item in warm water with mild detergent. The machine will automatically rinse it. Hang item or machine dry. To clean the washing machine: Using hot water and the “high” level setting, clean the washer with 1-2 cups of liquid bleach. Make sure to wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser as dyes can get into these areas. Fill washer to highest water level with the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent and 2 cups chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 to 4 old towels. Choose the Right Amount of Rit Dye: Size of Machine Load (Water Level)

Gloves, lingerie, tights, socks, scarves, t-shirt, blouse, shirt, vest, pillow cover, placemats, doilies, sheer curtains. Approx. Dry Weight of Fabric 1/4 to 1 lb. Rit Powder Packages 1/2 to 1 Rit Liquid Bottles 1/4 to 1/2 Jeans, pants, dress, skirt, uniform, sweatshirt, tablecloth, dust ruffle, canvas tote bag. Approx. Dry Weight of Fabric 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. Rit Powder Packages 1 to 2 Rit Liquid Bottles 1/2 to 1 Jogging suit, sweater, robe, denim jacket, bath mat (not rubber-backed). Approx. Dry Weight of Fabric 1 1/2 to 3 lbs. Rit Powder Packages 2 to 3 Rit Liquid Bottles 1 to 2 Curtains/draperies, 4 hand towels plus washcloths, sheet plus 2 pillowcases. Approx. Dry Weight of Fabric 4 to 6 lbs. Rit Powder Packages 4 to 6 Rit Liquid Bottles 2 to 3 EXTRA LARGE (Extra Large or Super) Bedspread, chair slipcover, 2 double sheets plus 4 pillowcases, throw rug (not rubber-backed), blanket. Approx. Dry Weight of Fabric 6 to 8 lbs.