hibiscus ribbons
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10:59PM
elizabeyta in dye, ribbon, sewing

Now that I made silk ribbons, I wanted to try dyeing them.  I pulled out some hibiscus we have for tea and put it to boil with a bit of water, salt, and vinegar.

I then let the ribbons simmer for about 15 minutes when the mixture came to a boil.  I wanted colour but not too much colour.  Pale.

Pulling the ribbons out of the dye bath I thought they might be too dark but knew I needed to wait until they dried.

They turned out this antique type pink.  There is a bit of marble going on.  I learned the hard way they are not color fast for a bit of steam and green comes up but I do like them.  Next time I may try for a paler, paler pink.  There will be a next time.

I pulled out a bit of cotton batiste that I have had in my stash for much too long.  And the extra bits of lace from the lace chemise got cut up and added.  I have a hard time wasting any bits of lace.

It is not the most finished chemise to ever be made.  But I used what I had and had a blast.  It was fairly successful which I definitely needed.  Too many unsuccessful projects recently.  I will say that I am now thinking about crocheting my own lace.  Like I need another craft.

The mountain awaits next week so I will not be in this space for awhile.  I am coming back with a Koda Bear and I am very pleased.  I just wish to take too many projects with me!  When I come back, the Teahouse may be transformed into a dye studio.  I have already been told some of what I am "cooking" does not smell very good and then if ribbons need to soak for 24 hours!  Comments are made.

Maybe I will come back with a finished project.  Like a sweater!  Or yarn spun!

Article originally appeared on Panamint Handmade (http://www.panaminthandmade.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.