Mocomo Studio

mocomo studio

mocomo studio

hi, i'm molly

I’m a tie dye artist from Columbia, Missouri. My tie dye journey started as many do – in childhood. I have fond memories of purchasing tie dye kits and dying any white clothing my friends and I could find. Fast forward to 2021 and I had a hankering to try tie dye with a little more research and better dyes. Within a few projects, I was hooked. Eager to share my work with others, I added some tie dye clothing to all of my friends and families closets. By fall of 2021, enough people were asking how to buy my tie dye that I decided to give this business a try! Lovingly called “Mo” by all of my nieces and nephews, and located in Columbia, MO – often referred to as “como” by mid-Missourians – Mocomo Studio began.
 

product

All of my works are made with fiber reactive dyes on 100% cotton. Fiber reactive dyes bind to cotton fibers, ensuring colors that never fade. For shirts, I usually dye ringspun combed cotton, which is soft and comfy. Be sure to check item descriptions for sizing and specific information about each garment and tapestry.

process

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Each piece begins as white cotton fabric. I prewash the fabric with special detergent to ensure the fabric starts clean and free of any factory finishing products. Next, the cotton is soaked in soda ash, to raise the pH of the fibers. At this point in the process, I often draw and plan out what I want the project to look like. I seek inspiration for colors and designs. I spend time repeating and modifying past projects, experimenting with new techniques and color combinations.

 

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When I have an idea of the design, I start arranging and tying the fabric. This is a slow and meticulous part of the process. My favorite designs require each fold to be carefully placed and adjusted. When each part of the fabric has been tied and arranged, it’s time for color! Most of my work is ice dyed – powdered dye is applied directly to the fabric and covered with ice. As the ice melts, the dye saturates the fabric creating vibrant, flowing color. The piece sits for 24-48 hours, then is rinsed and opened.

Opening a tie dye piece is perhaps my favorite part of the process. Every time I am still excited to the see the design come alive as I unfold each part of a tapestry or piece of clothing.

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