kellen46

I wanted to antique some muslin for a red-work project, but I did not want to haul out all my dye supplies for a small project. So I decided to dye with tea and coffee. I used the cheapest tea and instant coffee I could find an plain table salt to make it more color fast. I used 2 tablespoons per cup. I dyed fat eighths and fat quarters in coffee mugs. I dissolved both tea and coffee and salt in boiling water, filling the mug about 3/4 full and then wet the fabric, scrunched it up good and submersed it into the cup, leave undisturbed for about 4-5 hours. The colors in the photo are a bit more washed out than in reality but the colors are subtle not vibrant. I am not sure how fade proof the fabric is but it is washed and I used retayne to set color. Since I am going to use these pieces to make some mug rugs I think future coffee and tea stains will only enhance the finished project over time. Since only tea, coffee and salt was used it is an easily accessible technique and I like the idea of making mug rugs from this fabric....Now I have to work on the embroidery, I have some nice mug designs that should be perfect.
In order this is what I used,
1. undyed, for color change refference
2. tea bags, at least six, color a bit more orange
3. coffee, quarter cup of instant, nice brownish tan
4. mud made from some left over red and green dye ( I was doing some sweat shirts for Christmas.) hints of red and green but a little dark for embroidery
5.unknown herbal tea I didn't like the taste of, pinkish hue
6. Tea with a little coffee, more grayish