Monday 25 August 2014

Tea dying vintage French linen and lace.



Asking a stitcher to mend is like asking Picasso to paint your garage!


I love Bank holidays it makes the weekend stretch just that little bit further.  

I thought as it was a long weekend I would have a go at dying some of my precious vintage French linen and some little lace bits for a project I have in mind.  Have you ever tried?  It just makes the fabric look a little older and when cut out and stitched on to the same linen that has not been dyed, it stands out more.....

I have a fabulous idea for a new project and wanted to gather all the components ready for the off this Winter.  When sitting in side stitching by an open fire is really very wonderful.

I know it is not Winter just yet but like a squirrel I am getting ready for the inevitable.  I had both of my chimneys swept last week in readiness for when I return from America and the change of clocks will have happened.....  So I want to have some hand stitching ready for me to get started on.  Al my other projects will be completed for my commissions by then.



Start with making tea in a bowl.




Whilst the tea is brewing in the bowl, gather your fabrics you wish to dye.
I wanted to dye some wonderful vintage French linen and two lace bits.


Then you have to soak your chosen fabrics in the tea mixture.


Then when you have let it soak for 10 minutes you need to rinse it and just wash it a little in some mild wash to get the tea smell out.  It will go lighter so depending on how dark you would like your fabric, you need to soak it longer or shorter time.  Just keep and eye on it.


Then all you need to do is to hang it on a airer to dry and then it is ready for your design.

I loved doing this.  I thought I might have ago with beetroot juice next week to get a raspberry colour on some vintage French linen as well.... I adore doing natural dying and I will let you know how that one goes...... If I can wait until next week as I have been bitten by the dying bug for this particular project.

p.s.... blog tomorrow about the American museum and the vintage textile fair.


Happy Stitching! 

2 comments:

  1. I look forward to reading about dyeing with beetroots!

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  2. Gill , I am going to get some today and this week give it ago. I am thinking thick gloves are needed and I hope to get a great result on some precious vintage linen!

    Wish me luck!
    Sarah x

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