I've been exploring natural dyes as well as organic fabric for quite a while now, but never as yet documented anything.
This opportunity presented itself when I had no other choice while sending in the required clothes for Y2's school play, the "brown" group, needing chocolate brown coloured trousers (which were conveniently available; Y1's, duly altered to fit) and a beige Tee.
Beige, it seems, is not the popular colour for six-year-olds. No shrinking violets, they. An extensive hunt of the shops proved futile. Two close finds had to be rejected because of flashy and large chest prints.
Of course, the tricky part was the actual 'beige' shade.
Most experiments with tea-dyeing I've seen always seem to provide an ecru or a very pale, washed out, antique look, or even a rather dirty-white look. Not quite what I wanted.
So I went with my gut-feel, which is no doubt based on my vast experience with guzzling endless amounts of "Chai".
If you are, or have ever been, in India, then you already know that chai is basically a thoroughly boiled concoction of milk, water, sugar and tea-leaves, sometimes with "masalas" added. Almost a dessert, more than a beverage.
In fact, I'm having a cup of spicy ginger chai right now. In case you are curious, I've documented the making process (for the drinking version) here.
And in the unlikely event that you've ever accidentally spilt any of it on your clothes, as I have donemany a couple of times, then you know exactly what colour of stain I had in mind. ;)
Tee before tea.
Tee after tea.
This opportunity presented itself when I had no other choice while sending in the required clothes for Y2's school play, the "brown" group, needing chocolate brown coloured trousers (which were conveniently available; Y1's, duly altered to fit) and a beige Tee.
Beige, it seems, is not the popular colour for six-year-olds. No shrinking violets, they. An extensive hunt of the shops proved futile. Two close finds had to be rejected because of flashy and large chest prints.
Of course, the tricky part was the actual 'beige' shade.
Most experiments with tea-dyeing I've seen always seem to provide an ecru or a very pale, washed out, antique look, or even a rather dirty-white look. Not quite what I wanted.
So I went with my gut-feel, which is no doubt based on my vast experience with guzzling endless amounts of "Chai".
If you are, or have ever been, in India, then you already know that chai is basically a thoroughly boiled concoction of milk, water, sugar and tea-leaves, sometimes with "masalas" added. Almost a dessert, more than a beverage.
In fact, I'm having a cup of spicy ginger chai right now. In case you are curious, I've documented the making process (for the drinking version) here.
And in the unlikely event that you've ever accidentally spilt any of it on your clothes, as I have done
Tee before tea.
Tee after tea.
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