Dyeing Linen?

[Trinity]

I'm having a terrible time finding linen in a high enough thread count in the color (close to DMC 738) that I'm trying to get for Lefkaritiko.  Would it be feasible/possible to dye white linen myself to get the color I want?  (I'm thinking maybe a tea dye.)  Would the results be undesirable (uneven color, etc.)?

[Lorelei Halley Administrator]

Personally, I'd be leery of dyeing the fabric. I don't think a small, or significant, difference in color between thread and cloth is that much of a problem. Perhaps traditional work was done with perfect matches. Modern work or recreations do not need to be.

[Trinity]

Actually, in Lefkaritiko, there usually IS a slight contrast.  And part of my purpose is to be as faithful to the traditional colors as I can, hoping to help preserve this form of lacemaking from dying completely.

According to my research, Lefkara lacemakers have traditionally used DMC threads, either pearl cotton or cordonnet special.  As I understand it, DMC now makes cordonnet in only ecru and white, and the only pearl cotton colors that would work are ecru and #739.  As a result, I'm trying to get a linen color that will work well with the ecru thread and would be similar to what I'm seeing in my book and in the other color photos I've collected.  Most of the beige/tan linens I've found are either too dark or too light, or too low a thread count.

I have found one that I think might work, if I can get my hands on some (nearly all the few suppliers that carry it are currently out of stock).