This is more fun than testing biodiesel

[silverlil]

Hello to all,
When I'm not sweating over a hot plate testing petrochemicals, I'm wondering how in the world I'm going to get enough time to dye stuff.  I live near Houston and work graveyards--fortunately, my boss is cool with letting me set up a workstation on an empty bench on one of my infrequent nights off.  Tie-dye is lots more fun than analyzing ethanol and biodiesel, but don't tell my boss that.  I also make hand-crafted jewelry, although the craft market down here for it is pretty saturated now.  Two questions: how can you display a bunch of shirts in a standard 10 by 10 booth?  and  do I need to give customers written instructions about caring for their clothing?  Thanks a bunch!  Silverlil

[tiedyejudy]

Welcom, Silverlil!  I have used a number of methods to display my tie-dye in a 10 X 10 space over the years.  My first method was to suspend dowels from the cross-pieces of my canopy framework, using large 's' hooks.  I then hung the shirts using clothes hangers, or threaded the dowels thru the sleeves of selected samples for eye-appeal, then stacked the folded shirts on tables.  Then I added hanging racks.  First, I got some 'closet organizer' racks from Wal-mart, but they weren't very sturdy.  Last year, our J.C. Penney store was remodelling, and for a really inexpensive price, I got 2 display racks, each with 4 adjustable hanging bars.  They can be unassembled for transporting to the craft fairs.  Try searching the web for clothing display racks... here is one I have shopped at: http://www.fixturedepot.com.  Many larger communities have display resale outlets where you can get good bargains.   Here is a picture of what I have, just to give you an idea:

As for giving written instructions, you can, but I usually don't.  At one time I had cards available to customers who asked about care, and just gave them one.  I think it's up to you if you want to...

Happy dyeing!

Judy

[silverlil]

thanks, Judy!
You are right about the discount store racks.   One puff of wind, and over they go, along with whatever's on them.  I had a lot of outdoor shows when I was selling jewelry and had to grab much smaller racks to keep them on the table--a rack of shirts would be like a big sail, and probably go flying.  Your stuff looks great!  I am still learning that I have to use lots of dye, and get it down into the folds, or there's too much white left on the shirt.  Looking forward to becoming a good tie dyer.     Silverlil

[dyediva]

I sell at craft shows as well and I purchased some gridwall panels that are 6 ft high by about 3 ft wide.  We tie strap them together and for corners I have quarter round attachments which are great for hanging dresses.  These don't fall over in a wind.  You can arrange them any way you want.  Problem is transportation.  I have a trailer in which to carry the heavy stuff..

As for the store bought racks.. I tie them to the overhead beams of the craft tent.  Keeps the tent from flying off too!

Dye Diva