What does tea dying do to bright colors?

[Mary K.]

I am making a wedding gift of a sampler with wedding photos and picked vibrant green and red and an accent of vibrant blue. Since the bride likes folk and primitive arts and crafts I was thinking of tea dying them but maybe I should just buy new fat quarters. The wedding dresses were light blue, lavendar and white. So I was thinking if i use color photos I maybe should do sepia and use folksy colors. Does tea dying work best on some fabrics???? Thanks, Jan

[Mary K.]

The tea (I use Lipton) just tones down the color so it is not so bright.

[Mary K.]

How much tea per water do you use???Thanks Jan

[Mary K.]

It depends on how dark you want it to go. When I do it. I put a cup of water in the microwave with one or two tea bags in it--bring the water to boiling and let the tea bags seep. When I put my fabric in the hot water (take the tea bags out first) I just keep dunking it in and out so I can see how dark it is getting when it looks about right I rinse with cold water, wring out the excess water and press the fabric dry. If is not dark enough, I put it back in the tea--sometimes I reheat the tea. I think it is all experimental and you have to just watch for what you want.

[Julia L.]

I suggest you try dying some sample swatches of your fabric first to see if it's the result that you want. Julie

[Julia L.]

how long does the tea dying effect last?

Will it ever wash out and let the original bright colors shine through??

I have heard of tea dying but never tried it... Just wondering

[Julia L.]

I haven't a clue, I think it just stays, I haven't had any come out yet.

[Julia L.]

how long does the tea dying effect last?

Will it ever wash out and let the original bright colors shine through??

I have heard of tea dying but never tried it... Just wondering

I had a fun time last year making some "clean-up-quilts"..just fabric I didnt that couldnt maske it into any of my quilts..so I made quilts from em....big squares, dyed in coffee and tea. I did put some salt into the Tea/coffee and they are still prefect coffee/tea quilts today. I have used them all over..piknic...sleep over or under...sat on them...8sed them as tableclothes...what ever...and they still have that kind of antique look to them