For this dandy project I used fresh coffee grounds, hot water, paper towels and the shawl in question.
Step 1: Make little dying pouches with the paper towels and coffee grounds. I doubled up the paper towels so that the grounds didn't get loose. You can also use the actual coffee grounds still in the filters but the filters break easy and make a mess on the project.
Step 2: Boiled water works best. The color is darker and is quicker to stain than cooler water. Pour boiled water into a bowl with your dying pouches and let them steep for a few moments, just enough to saturate the grounds.
Step 3: Do this in a large area that can get dirty. For me, I facilitated the second bathtub. I used the pouches in a "stamping" motion and covered my area. It's easy to tell when you need to swap pouches and let the old one soak again. Don't be too gruff though, splitting the pouches makes the grounds tumble out and they make a terrible black mess on the project. If this happens, simply wash them out with cold water and start over. Try not to let this happen! In no time you will understand what a pain it is to rinse and start over, not to mention the incredible mess it makes.
Step 4: Let your piece dry. Outside is best because the sun helps the color fade to the antique look I wanted. It also airs out the garment. Try to give it plenty of time so it's completely dry and the smell isn't so strong. If not, your room will smell like Starbucks for a week or so. If you're into that, then by all means, place that baby inside.
Washing the dyed piece is not recommended. Certain fabrics don't completely stain the whole way through and washing can actually undo all the work. Trust me. I know this to be true.
Step 1: Make little dying pouches with the paper towels and coffee grounds. I doubled up the paper towels so that the grounds didn't get loose. You can also use the actual coffee grounds still in the filters but the filters break easy and make a mess on the project.
Step 2: Boiled water works best. The color is darker and is quicker to stain than cooler water. Pour boiled water into a bowl with your dying pouches and let them steep for a few moments, just enough to saturate the grounds.
Step 3: Do this in a large area that can get dirty. For me, I facilitated the second bathtub. I used the pouches in a "stamping" motion and covered my area. It's easy to tell when you need to swap pouches and let the old one soak again. Don't be too gruff though, splitting the pouches makes the grounds tumble out and they make a terrible black mess on the project. If this happens, simply wash them out with cold water and start over. Try not to let this happen! In no time you will understand what a pain it is to rinse and start over, not to mention the incredible mess it makes.
Step 4: Let your piece dry. Outside is best because the sun helps the color fade to the antique look I wanted. It also airs out the garment. Try to give it plenty of time so it's completely dry and the smell isn't so strong. If not, your room will smell like Starbucks for a week or so. If you're into that, then by all means, place that baby inside.
Washing the dyed piece is not recommended. Certain fabrics don't completely stain the whole way through and washing can actually undo all the work. Trust me. I know this to be true.
