The good thing about it, is that I did alot of stitching already today! And as you can see, I made some serious changes to this project. I took the ribbon off and moved the necklace. Visually, this looks much better to me. I also re-dyed the lace appliques. I made them darker and gave them a brownish-yellow tint which makes them look vintage and more suitable to this design.
Speaking of dyeing textiles, I'm always floored when I read how-to books and magazines where they suggest actually using tea and coffee to dye fabric, lace and other items.
Tea & coffee have acid in them!!!! I cannot stress this enough, please do not use tea or coffee for dyeing anything!
RIT makes a color called "Tea Dye". I strongly recommend that product as a safe alternative. There are also other fabric dyes and paints that will give you the same look and without the acid which will eventually cause your fabrics and laces to deteriorate!
Ok, I'm off to switch loads in the washer and dryer and then I'm back to stitching!
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4 comments:
I still love this piece, and that one central lace is just gorgeous. Are you planning something for those circles on the right?
Hi Susan,
Yes, I do plan to put something there in the circles, but haven't decided on what yet. Some of my problem with this block, is that I don't have alot of beads and do-dads in those muted vintage colors. I always tend to buy bright colored beads and stuff. But I'm trying to work with what I have and it's really looking nice now.
Hi Pam
What if you tried dyeing some of your bright beads? I haven't tried it myself, but have heard that it works.
This is one soulful looking guy...
I know this will turn out just right!
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