Get Black Back: Magic 8 Ball Costume

We asked the Magic 8 Ball and the future of your costume is looking good with the help of our Get Black Back Dye Kit. Supplies: Rit Get Black Back Kit Cotton Dress Large Plastic Bucket or Sink for Dyeing Measuring Cup and Spoon Iron-On Vinyl Iron Blue Craft Felt Adhesive Velcro Craft knife or Cricut Salt Dish Soap Plastic Table Cover Paper Towels Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Beginner Instructions: Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies. For best results, prewash dress in the washing machine before dyeing. This removes any manufacturer’s finishes or stains that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp and set aside. Wearing rubber gloves, fill sink or a large container with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye into dyebath. To enhance the color, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing. Stir well. Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water. Immerse wet dress in dye bath and stir continuously for 20 minutes. Wearing rubber gloves, move dress back and forth and up and down. This helps to ensure an even color. Tongs are also helpful for lifting. Continue to stir occasionally for 10 minutes or until desired color is achieved (up to one hour). The longer the dress remains in the dye bath, the darker the color will be. Color will appear lighter when dry. To help reduce color bleeding and improve color retention, treat dress with Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before rinsing. Remove napkins from dye bath and squeeze out excess dye. Fill container with 3 gallons hot water and add 4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) dye fixative; stir well. Immerse in fixative, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Remove dress and rinse in cold water until water begins to run clear. Then machine wash with an old towel in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry. Trace a large circle onto the iron-on vinyl with the number 8 and cut out using a detail knife. Place vinyl on front of Jet Black dyed dress and iron on. Cut triangles from blue felt and use self-adhering Velcro to attach to back of dress.