Tea and Coffee Dyeing

Laurie EgglestonL.A.C.E. Heirloom Sewing ShoppeDerby, KS

Hello everyone, I found the formulas for tea and coffee dyeing!  I had a workshop heretodayand let the customers take home samples of the different laces done with coffee and tea. (in marked envelopes, of course!)

Here are the formulas if anyone is interested: For both: 1 cup STRONG coffee or tea, 1 tablespoon of salt per each, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per each.  Using 100% cotton laces or 90% cotton/10% nylon laces, place each piece in the mixture. Check frequently as the color will "grab" quickly if the mixture is warm. Remove, using a white plastic spoon. (this allows you to see the color change at a glance and of course, you can not use metal...bowls or spoons!)  When your lace or trim has reached the color you wish, rinse well in cool water until the vinegar smell is gone. If you desire, press with a warm iron using a press cloth. Do not "iron" .. this will stretch the laces.Coffee will result in "ecru" shades Tea will result in yellow to peach shades.  Be sure you use a true tea. Herbal "teas" do not contain much, if any, tea.  Have Fun! Laurie EgglestonL.A.C.E. Heirloom Sewing ShoppeDerby, KS