Love these Easter eggs!

2013 Reposting.  Still love this technique!  Happy Easter!

When you get with your kids, grandkids, or anyone who likes to color eggs this year .... try something different.  Tie Dye Easter Eggs... with real TIES!!!

Go to the thrift shops (I got the two shirts for 1 cent each!!!  normally 25 cents but got lucky one day), raid the closet, get out the silk ties your men no longer wear (they have to be silk), get out those silk boxers no one wears, the silk shirts that are not currently in style.... As long as it is real silk, it will work.

Supplies needed:

raw eggs

silk ties, shorts, shirts, etc

small squares of muslin

scissors

all purpose thread

Now take a piece of silk and cut out a piece big enough to fit around an entire egg. If using a tie, remove the lining.  My pieces are cut extra large, but that's by preference only.

Wet the silk and wrap it tightly around the egg with the right side of the fabric facing the egg.  Twist the ends tightly so the fabric is touching the entire surface of the egg. 

Wrap the eggs then in a square of muslin.  The muslin helps keep the silk next to the egg and also helps keep the colors from bleeding.  Your muslin piece will absorb some color but it minimizes the bleeding between eggs.  Secure at the top with more thread or a twist tie.

After wrapping several eggs, place them in a single layer in a large saucepan.  Be sure and use a NON-reactive pan.  (Suggest glass or enamel pan.  Mine came from a thrift store of course.)  Some instructions I've found call for adding vinegar some do not.  For this demonstration, I didn't but I think it works better when you do.  Add enough water to cover by 1 inch.  Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.  Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes.  If you will NOT be eating the eggs and want more vibrant colors, cook them longer. 

Now we wait.... Waiting to unwrap them is the hardest part!!  :-)  It's fun to see what you come up with.  I have re-used some of my silk for several years with success.  Some places I've found say not to reuse, but if it works, why not! 

For added pizazz, coat with a little vegetable oil to make the eggs shine and show off the colors.  Eggs in the next pic have vegetable oil on them.

My daughter is 10 and enjoys doing these.  Plus the colors don't bleed on your hands like traditional eggs.  I sometimes take some to work for a day or two also.  They get lots of comments.  I love doing them myself!!!  Hope you will give them a try.

Links to similar instructions and to see others results:

Martha Stewart Easter Crafts

poughkeepsiejournal == tie dye easter eggs

--Quiltpecan