tea dying? Anyone try it?
 

I am making a wall hanging and have black on white fabric for part of it. I've decided I'd rather have an antique/parchment look to it. What do you think about dying it in tea? Since it's a hanging it won't get much, if any, washing. If I do that how do a get a mottled look rather than an all-over dye?

http://s1143.photobucket.com/albums/...t=102_2674.jpg

http://s1143.photobucket.com/albums/...t=102_2674.jpg

http://www.marthabeth.com/dye.html

http://www.crafty-moms.com/tea-dye-fabric.shtml

http://www.quilt.com/FAQS/TeaDyingFAQ.html

I know a lady that hangs them, then puts the tea in a spray bottle and sprays them, heavier in some places then in others.

Years ago I made a baby blanket and the white parts were to bright for my taste, and dusty colors were in fashion. I tea dyed and was delighted with the outcome. The muting was subtle but consistent overall. No one ever knew the fabrics weren't actually those muted color to begin with. I did mine in the washing machine. I steeped 12 tea bags in hot water, filled the washing machine with water on small setting, poured in the tea, added the quilt and let it start to do gentle aggitation. Mine did not mottle.

I guess I like the darker look, and I'm impatient.. I use coffee for staining.....

I tried a piece of fabric that had too much white in it. I made the tea and put the fabric and tea in the sink to soak, did not agitate. That must be the key, because I had darker spots here and there. They were small, but it looked like the fabric had measles. Tried to bleach it to get the tea out, but that didn't work. Put the fabric away, but would like to find out how to get the tea out now, or at least lighten it.

Scrunch it up and secure it some way. I'd think that might work..

Or maybe use some wax or something for a resist, if you have a way to sort of dab it on. Maybe a course sponge?

Sounds like a great idea! Best yet!

I tea stained white pillow cases and sheets in the washer and it worked fine. 6 or 8 tea bags, agitate, soak, agitate, soak...........

I tea stained a single block that had several seams. the stain was darker where the seams were. after looking at it for a couple of days and not liking the look, i washed the block with laundry detergent and a smidge of washing soda. most of the tea dye came out and the end result was a dull white, which is what i had wanted.