As some of you may or may not know, my first passion was sewing and clothing design. I took great pride in marketing and photographing my designs and learned so very much from doing just that. Then one day by chance a wonderful photographer in California took notice and emailed to ask who my “photographer” was. I was SO flattered and humbly replied that indeed I did all my own work….from the sewing to the pictures. It was then that she encouraged me to go professional and basically took me under her wing answering what probably seemed like a bazillion questions from a hesitant and very insecure me. Thank you Christy, I am forever in your debt. (take a peek at her wonderful work)
All that said, I rarely get a chance to sit down and sew much as of late. On occasion I do dream up lovely things to be used in photo shoots or something I want my daughter to wear, but I really don’t get to play much with designs anymore. When I found out that a special friend was having a baby I knew this was the perfect excuse to dust off the machine. I am blowing the surprise a little here for my friend, but I doubt she has much time to read blogs right now anyway..lol
I wanted to create something special and vintage for this girl as she is an amazing designer herself and a lover of vintage clothing. I had found this stunning reproduction lace, but it lacked the gorgeous aged look of real antique lace, so here is was I did. This is a fun project for curtains too!
Tea Stained Lace
First start off by brewing a pot of tea from real tea bags (no ladies, instant won’t work here…lol) as strong or weak as you like depending on the intensity of stain you want. I used approximately 6 tea bags to 10 cups of water. You want to add 1 tbsp. of white vinegar per 1 cup of tea. The vinegar will set the stain so that it doesn’t wash out. Dip your lace as many times as you like, if it’s too light dip it again or soak it. I like to wash mine with oxyclean and little detergent when finished to rid it of the “vinegar” smell. Any item you add this lace to with be “hand wash” only to preserve the look of the tea stain.
Hang your lace out to dry…
Now you are ready for your project. Don’t you just love how the stain brought out all the details in the lace, so gorgeous!!
Here is my project, as sweet bonnet and day dress…. Sewing is so relaxing and rewarding, if you have never tried it I encourage you to take a class.
A little handwork adds the special touch and my gift is ready to ship. I hope baby Hazel loves it. :o)
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