Now that spring is finally underway, we are in full-blown spring cleaning mode around here: scrubbing, polishing, and dusting every surface as we ruthlessly weed out clutter.

It was during one of these de-cluttering sprees that we found ourselves torn. Our vintage cotton tablecloth was looking a little worse for wear--but we couldn't bear part with it--so we did what any self-respecting DIY enthusiasts would do: we transformed it.

Remembering that pigments in vegetables lend themselves well natural dyeing, we grabbed some leftover beets from an ill-fated cooking attempt and got to work. We love the beautiful blush color that the beets imparted on the tablecloth--we can imagine it being a perfect canvas for Easter dinner, or a spring lunch.





Supplies:
tablecloth made from natural fibers (cotton and linen are perfect)
2 1/2 cups of chopped beets (should be 2-3 large beets)
1/2 cup white vinegar
large pot (make sure it's large enough to hold tablecloth + liquid)
water


Directions:
1. Fill your pot 3/4 of the way full with water. Add your beets and bring to a boil. Once boiled, simmer for an hour on low and add 1/2 cup of vinegar to help dye adhere.


2. Once your dye pot is ready and slightly cooled, start dipping in your tablecloth, making sure to cover all of the fabric.


3.) Mix the pot and let the tablecloth soak for about two hours.
4.) Wring the tablecloth of dye and air dry or tumble dry low in the dryer by itself (the heat actually helps set the color).