Laurel McDonald

My little company is called Gloucester Tie Dye.

It started as a fun thing to try with my sister-in-law. We got some books out of the library and picked up some Jacquard dyes at the local craft store. We both really enjoyed it and made enough that we sold it at a few local craft fairs.

It is such a messy process (at least for us) that we would do all the dyeing outside. That really limited the time for dyeing as we live on the coast of MA. And over the course of the winter months, life took my sister-in-law in other directions. But I still really love the process and decided to keep doing it on my own.

I am now set up in my basement (which, in those winter months, is not much warmer that being outside). I use the Procion Dyes from Dharma. They have the most incredible selection of colors. Every time I order, I try a new color or two. I mix the dye with the urea and use a soda ash pre-soak. I also use the synthrapol after wash. I get a large percentage of my clothing blanks from Dharma as well. It's a long way from where I started with the Jacquard in the yard.

My focus is infant and children's clothing. I occasionally do larger sizes, but I really just love the baby stuff!

I now sell in a local children's shop, The Kid's Closet on Main St. here in Gloucester, as well as online, http://McPorter.Etsy.com. I also have a little website that lets people know where and when to find us at local crafting events, www.GloucesterTieDye.com.

Laurel McDonald
McPorter@Gis.net
http://McPorter.Etsy.com