***Added on Saturday - I forgot to include information on where I got my thimble - thanks Glenn! here is a link to T.J. Lane's marvelous thimbles.***
Last weekend I brewed up some tea to dye muslin. My friend, Wendy, first inspired me with her homemade dyed fabrics.
I used Moda muslin and made loose gathered balls.
I brewed up a pot of strong tea, using flavors I don't fancy.
Submerge muslin and steep for about 20-30 mins.
rinse in cool water, dry and iron and viola! New newly modeled fabric is on the left - hard to get a good photo - it's a little sutle.
Here is another shot with a little more contrast - my drink mat.
I also aged my vintage santa redwork. I used a spray bottle with first tea, then coffee. I'm pleased with it - again a little hard to see it.
the spray bottle gives it a really authentic look of aging.
I have also been making rag balls. I saw then on Lucy's Blog and I thought they were so charming - I plan to make more of them.
I think they are addictive. I used homespun and next time I think I'll rip the strips for a little fraying. Thanks Lucy!
I'm embarassed to say I'm behind on my quilt along - here is what I have so far - hopefully this weekend I'll finish it - I really like it - thanks again, Lori!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Looks like you're having a great week -- including all the snow LOL! LOVE LOVE that cute little Santa!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on tea dying - I might have to give it a try :0) I really like your quiltalong quilt so far - I love the black print you're using.
ReplyDeleteI really like the use of the black in you little quilt-along. It makes the other fabrics sparkle.
ReplyDeleteHmm, Moda muslin. I recently bought three yards to try in a project. I'm wondering if it is your favorite? It feels quite nice. There are so many muslins out there. Love the way your tea dyeing efforts turned out. This certainly is less expensive than buying them that way!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great weekend yourself!
Like the tea dyed fabric - Do you have plans for it? Your redwork Santa is so cute - that's a lot of stitching! I agree with you on the ragballs being addictive. We made some after Thanksgiving dinner and added hangers so they could hang from the Christmas tree. Also made some with yarn. Love the black for the quiltalong. Is that pink or just a lighter red?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cup of tea...I like the idea of balling up the fabric. When I tried this a few years ago, I made sort of a mess with the process. (And God knows there are a few skanky flavored tea bags in my pantry!)
ReplyDeleteIn stitches,
Teresa :o)
Have you noticed different brands of tea dye slightly different shades "tea dyed?" Learned that the hard way! Smart of you to do the whole bit of yardage at once!
ReplyDeleteStay warm!
I really like to use instant coffee! Sometimes tea gives it more of a yellow tinge than I want. I do like the subtle look of tea dying.
ReplyDeleteLove your doll quilt!! The setting fabric is gorgeous!
some fantastic projects on the go there!
ReplyDeleteYour tea dying looks great Barb. I love tea dying as every piece always turns out a little bit different.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt along blocks look fantastic and I love love love your rag balls, especially sitting in that jar.
You have been working on some fun projects! Love the tea or tan Rit dye to take the edge off the newness in fabric - the rich warm look it gives fabric or a finished project is so warm and cozy. Love the black fabric in your quilt along - its gonna be great!
ReplyDeleteLots of interesting things going on at your house. I LOVE the fabrics you are using on the quilt along!!
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Your tea dyed muslin looks great! I really like the way your Santa stitchery turned out too. It has the look of some age, but not grubby like it wasn't loved..if that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteYour rag balls look so "homey". I love that big jar too! What a great idea.
I love the fabrics you're using in your doll quilt along. :)
great idea to tea dye the fabric
ReplyDeletelove the subtleness of it and great way to use up pieces we have in the closets. Santa looks great, what a great idea to age him ! LOL
hope you had a great weekend!
Kathie
I like the black fabric in your quilt a long quilt too! Very sharp looking.
ReplyDeleteMmmmoi!
ReplyDeleteYou are the greatest!
Love your blog!
I save all my old tea for this (not that I have much to get old), or use the buy one get one free stuff. I have put in the washing machine before with hot water. Vie tried so many ways. Some I'm embarrassed to say, but loved the results!
Lots of fun to change fabrics this way.
Don't know until ya try!
P.s.
Have you seen the new antique roadshows? There's a G.Washington banner to die for and now I see upcoming sampler quilts, fun stuff!