Question about mixing ebonizing solution

Hello! Not a woodworker, more of a wangjangler. Learning as I go and hoping to get your thoughts on this situation!

Last year I used 4 steel wool pads per 1 gallon of 6% vinegar as a base for my ebonizing solution. It sat for 3 months while we waited for the ground to thaw, the steel was totally dissolved at that point.

Because I was applying it to pine, I read that I needed to increase the tannins. I added coffee and tea directly to the vinegar for about a week and then strained & stained. The wood turned out deep brown almost black. The color has stayed true in our intense Colorado sun and I'm super happy with it.

I am gearing up for another project but now I'm seeing that people apply the tannins, let it dry, then the iron acetate.

My question is this: Did I basically make a 1 shot stain by mixing them together or did I just get really lucky with my results? Has anyone else done it like this?

Thanks for any of your advice and experiences!