Q: WHAT IS BOUND RESIST?
A: Bound Resist is tie dye, an ancient art form dating back to the dawn of civilization. It is the oldest known method of fabric surface design. Since cloth existed, humankind has had a primal urge to apply colors and patterns to it. My love for this art medium draws up deep emotions and energies from these ancient roots. Each garment travels a complex series of steps in the contemporary methods I am continuing to develop in my workshop using state-of-the-art materials and concepts. I use a 5 Day Process. On the first day each garment is carefully inspected for flaws, pre-washed to remove surfactants, folded, stacked and kept cool and moist in plastic bags. In the next 2 days they are tied individually, using intricate folds specific to each dye pattern, then logged in a session plan. On the evening of the third day surfaces are prepped with protective coverings. Dye formulas are figured, powders are measured, and chemical solutions are concocted using the precautions of a respirator, apron and rubber gloves. The 4th day starts at 5:00 a.m., with all dyeing done in a 17 hour period. Time-sensitive fiber-reactive dyes are mixed periodically throughout the dye session to insure brilliance. Precision and intricacy of application is necessary, with constant ongoing cleanup during each part of the dye process. A 24-hour incubation in humidity-controlled chambers help the dyes bond with and become the fibers. On the 5th day the rinse process starts. Accurate temperature and pH is required per batch using 6 rinse cycles, insuring colorfastness. Garments are then dried, heat-set, blocked, hand-signed, priced with description and added to inventory. Since 1979 I've been thrilled to provide brilliant, intricate and colorfast wearables to my diverse and loyal clientele. |
Q: ARE YOU TRYING TO BRING BACK THE '60's?
A: Not so much as I am enjoying living and dyeing in the new millennium. The link to the 60's need not be a limitation. I've studied other forms of fabric surface design such as batik, tritik, and shibori using indigo. They are all equally fascinating and ancient - and like tie dye, certainly not limited to the '60's.
Q: DO YOU HAVE APPRENTICES?
A: It's just me doing the tying and dyeing, and my daughter Coral and her friends helping with the art shows. It's a two-woman cottage industry. My clientele continually attest to the longevity of the clothing, and I am very grateful to be able to provide a product that touches and brightens so many people's lives.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A TIE-DYE ARTICLE?
A: Crisp, brilliant, and intricate detail. Clear whites. Colorfastness. Symmetry where applicable. And harmony of colors. Plus, if you're looking for one of mine, a signature. I've been signing each one since 1986.
Q: CAN MARY DYE CLOTHES IF I SEND THEM TO HER?
A: Yes, and these are some important guidelines:
They must be natural fibers such as cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo, hemp or silk, and have no pemanent-press ("no-iron") finish.
If you aren't sure of the fiber content, scrunch the fabric tightly in your fist. If it has lots of wrinkles, it should dye well.
I do not dye the following: nylon, polyester, acrylic, acetate or any synthetic fiber.
Q: CAN I E-MAIL MARY WITH MY QUESTIONS?
A: Yes, but please include your telephone number and the best time I can reach you. I would rather talk than type - it makes for better communication!
If you are planning to surprise someone with a tie-dyed gift, please specify that in your e-mail so I can be discrete if necessary.
Q: DOES MARY TEACH ANY CLASSES IN THE ARTS OF TIE-DYE?
A: Not at this time.
For one, there are many different methods of tie-dying and after much experimentation I have settled on what I think works best, at least for me.
There are all kinds of websites that claim to teach tie-dyeing, but be aware that it's a messy and potentially unhealthy hobby, and it's much harder than you might think. You permanently stain furniture, countertops, carpets - even your dog.
If not careful, you can mess up your apartment or house. Many precautions must be taken to safely work with permanent dyes, and it is your responsibility to adhere to manufacturers' specifications.
There are no harmful fumes in my process, as there are in others.
For another, my trade secrets are very valuable - the result of long years of research, trial and error. My method is what makes me unique.
I have thought of creating an informative DVD or e-Book in the future. Investors apply here! ;-)
Q: HOW SHOULD I WASH THESE GARMENTS?
A: Machine wash on warm with cold rinse. Throw in the nice hot dryer. Do not hand wash or line dry.
If you are wearing a new Tye Dye Mary original and get caught in a rain storm, launder as soon as possible.
Please resist the urge to leave new wet Tye Dyes stuffed in a backpack or draped over other clothes, as residual dye can transfer where you may not want it. I regard these as colorfast if they are cared for properly, which means that the first time you get it sopping wet should be in the washing machine!
They do fine washed with normal clothes. I have great results with Arm & Hammer Liquid CleanBurst concentrated.
Q: WHAT IS MARY'S RETURNS POLICY?
A: I will gladly exchange your shirt for exchange only within 30 days of purchase for a different size in the same price range, provided:
I will pay the shipping to return your new item, provided you have met all of the above requirements.
Returns may be for exchange only.
Q: WHEN WILL MY TYE DYE ARRIVE?
A: All my in-stock orders are shipped out by US Postal Service Priority Mail, meaning you should receive it within 7 business days.
Since I cannot be responsible for delays by the Postal Service, wait a few days before calling me.
The only exception to timing is if the items are not in stock. That means it may take 4-6 weeks until I've made a new supply of that item and ship it out to you. Either way, it's sent by USPS Priority Mail.
A: Not so much as I am enjoying living and dyeing in the new millennium. The link to the 60's need not be a limitation. I've studied other forms of fabric surface design such as batik, tritik, and shibori using indigo. They are all equally fascinating and ancient - and like tie dye, certainly not limited to the '60's.
Q: DO YOU HAVE APPRENTICES?
A: It's just me doing the tying and dyeing, and my daughter Coral and her friends helping with the art shows. It's a two-woman cottage industry. My clientele continually attest to the longevity of the clothing, and I am very grateful to be able to provide a product that touches and brightens so many people's lives.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A TIE-DYE ARTICLE?
A: Crisp, brilliant, and intricate detail. Clear whites. Colorfastness. Symmetry where applicable. And harmony of colors. Plus, if you're looking for one of mine, a signature. I've been signing each one since 1986.
Q: CAN MARY DYE CLOTHES IF I SEND THEM TO HER?
A: Yes, and these are some important guidelines:
They must be natural fibers such as cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo, hemp or silk, and have no pemanent-press ("no-iron") finish.
If you aren't sure of the fiber content, scrunch the fabric tightly in your fist. If it has lots of wrinkles, it should dye well.
I do not dye the following: nylon, polyester, acrylic, acetate or any synthetic fiber.
Q: CAN I E-MAIL MARY WITH MY QUESTIONS?
A: Yes, but please include your telephone number and the best time I can reach you. I would rather talk than type - it makes for better communication!
If you are planning to surprise someone with a tie-dyed gift, please specify that in your e-mail so I can be discrete if necessary.
Q: DOES MARY TEACH ANY CLASSES IN THE ARTS OF TIE-DYE?
A: Not at this time.
For one, there are many different methods of tie-dying and after much experimentation I have settled on what I think works best, at least for me.
There are all kinds of websites that claim to teach tie-dyeing, but be aware that it's a messy and potentially unhealthy hobby, and it's much harder than you might think. You permanently stain furniture, countertops, carpets - even your dog.
If not careful, you can mess up your apartment or house. Many precautions must be taken to safely work with permanent dyes, and it is your responsibility to adhere to manufacturers' specifications.
There are no harmful fumes in my process, as there are in others.
For another, my trade secrets are very valuable - the result of long years of research, trial and error. My method is what makes me unique.
I have thought of creating an informative DVD or e-Book in the future. Investors apply here! ;-)
Q: HOW SHOULD I WASH THESE GARMENTS?
A: Machine wash on warm with cold rinse. Throw in the nice hot dryer. Do not hand wash or line dry.
If you are wearing a new Tye Dye Mary original and get caught in a rain storm, launder as soon as possible.
Please resist the urge to leave new wet Tye Dyes stuffed in a backpack or draped over other clothes, as residual dye can transfer where you may not want it. I regard these as colorfast if they are cared for properly, which means that the first time you get it sopping wet should be in the washing machine!
They do fine washed with normal clothes. I have great results with Arm & Hammer Liquid CleanBurst concentrated.
Q: WHAT IS MARY'S RETURNS POLICY?
A: I will gladly exchange your shirt for exchange only within 30 days of purchase for a different size in the same price range, provided:
- the shirt is returned in the same condition it was received,
- you call me first at 931-729-0269 for return authorization,
- it is returned by USPS Priority mail insured (the same as it was delivered) to ensure return delivery.
I will pay the shipping to return your new item, provided you have met all of the above requirements.
Returns may be for exchange only.
Q: WHEN WILL MY TYE DYE ARRIVE?
A: All my in-stock orders are shipped out by US Postal Service Priority Mail, meaning you should receive it within 7 business days.
Since I cannot be responsible for delays by the Postal Service, wait a few days before calling me.
The only exception to timing is if the items are not in stock. That means it may take 4-6 weeks until I've made a new supply of that item and ship it out to you. Either way, it's sent by USPS Priority Mail.