This week's Rainbow Scrap project was to make some Burgoyne Surrounded blocks using dark scraps. I started with scraps, but added fabrics from the stash to make everything work.
The monarch butterfly and black fabrics were scraps, but the other two fabrics came from the stash. I'm always happy to cut up stash and make more scraps!
The starting point for this Burgoyne was the brown floral fabric. The scraps have been in my stash for years. I love the print, but it's kind of a strange shade of brown and not easy to pair with other fabrics. I was tickled to find other fabrics in my stash that pulled the block together.
After I assembled the block, I wasn't super happy with the red and cream print. I thought it kind of overwhelmed the block. I wondered if tea dyeing might help calm the red and cream fabric down a little.
I brewed up a small amount of strong black tea and did some experimenting. Once I was happy with the process, I used a small paintbrush to apply the tea just were I wanted it. I wasn't worried if the result looked a little streaky, I thought that just added to the effect I was looking for. When the fabric was dry, I set the color using a hot iron. I think the block looks much happier!
After stitching up a few 4-patches for the Parts Department, I'm done with my brown and black scraps. Now I can turn my attention to finishing a few things here and there - if I can avoid starting any new projects along the way!
Great idea to Tea dye some of your block. I thought it looked good in its original state but I agree, the tea treatment has really worked! Two great Burgoyne blocks and some 4 patches too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look really great. I think this is such a challenging pattern. I've only made it once.
ReplyDeleteGreat Burgoyne blocks! The tea dying did tone down that print just enough.
ReplyDeleteI love your blocks ! And it's a beautiful combo with all the fabrics you used !
ReplyDeleteI love your blocks!
ReplyDeleteYour Burgoyne blocks are stellar! The monarch one is so perfect. And the tea-dyeing sure did the trick with the second - great idea! You’ve inspired me to try to do something with my remaining dark scraps, which are way too plentiful. Even basic 4-patches are a good solution. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love love love your Burgoynes! (I may have to revisit my decision that I have "enough"...)
ReplyDeleteI love the dye work on the second block. Amazing that a bit of tea can change the whole tone of the block and really highlight the brown floral print.
ReplyDeleteLove your colors on the Burg. Sur. quilt blocks...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteGreat blocks. Interesting how you tea dyed that fabric.
ReplyDeleteYou made quick work of your BROWN and BLACK scraps! Best of luck on the finishing front.
ReplyDeleteyou're right: the tea dying was just the trick. and yay, you for a RSC project with a bajillion tiny pieces! looking great...
ReplyDeleteI very much like the your black and white outer background in the first block and wonder if you're planning to alternate darker and lighter sections from block to block. Very clever of you to tea dye with a paintbrush.
ReplyDeleteThe tea did a good job softening the contrast. Great new blocks!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing these blocks--I need to start some Burgoyne's of my own!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of greys, but, that top block is great! It all pops!
ReplyDeleteThat tea dye really made an impact! Love the monarch butterfly's. Good luck on not starting a new project.... there is that BH mystery coming up next Friday =)
ReplyDeleteI thought the BS block looked fine before tea dying but I can see that it does look better with the tea. I would never think to do that tea painting. Now I'll keep it in mind. Do you think it will wash out or did you do something to make it permanent?
ReplyDeleteThese blocks look wonderful! I really like the darker mood to them.:)
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