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No attic to raid for some of Grandma's antique fabric? We've all heard the term "yellowed with age" and now you can create "vintage" fabrics right in your own kitchen. A large pot, some fabric (cotton and linen accept dye the best), tea leaves and a little stirring are all that's required.

You will need enough fabric for the project you are considering. Make sure that you have plenty, because "dye lots" as we all know, may vary and you want your finished piece to look like it is all the same age. The fabric should be damp before putting it in the dye.

Most people use coffee or tea to age their fabrics. However, you can also experiment with onion skins or nut husks. Anything that will create a golden brown dye is a plus. The stronger the dye, the darker the color you will achieve with your fabric. Depth of color is really your own preference. I like mine a little on the lighter side.

I prefer using tea to age my fabrics, so that is the method I have included in this article. First, in a large stock pot or canning pot, heat enough water to completely cover your fabric and allow you to stir it without overflowing. The water should be hot, but not boiling. Add teabags (as many as you need to achieve the color you want) and steep until you have a nice golden colored dye. Remove the teabags from the liquid. Add your damp fabric and stir for ten to twelve minutes, stirring often to make sure that all of the fabric is evenly dyed. Carefully pour the water and fabric into your washing machine and run it through the rinse cycle with a little fabric softener.

This method is tried and true as my grandma used to say. So don't be afraid to try it.

Learn more about this author, Kelly Selzle.
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