"For several thousand years, all dyes were of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin, and many ancient civilizations possessed excellent dye technologies. The first synthetic dye was produced in 1856, and the use of traditional dyes declined rapidly thereafter. By 1915 few non-synthetics were used by industry or craftspeople. The craft revivals of the 1920s explored traditional methods of natural dyeing to some extent, particularly with wool, although the great eighteenth- and nineteenth-century dye manuals, which recorded the older processes, remained largely forgotten. In The Art and Craft of Natural Dyeing, J.N. Liles consolidates the lore of the older dyers with his own first-hand experience to produce both a history of natural dyes and a practical manual for using pre-synthetic era processes on all the natural fibers--cotton, linen, silk, and wool. A general section on dyeing and mordanting and a glossary introduce the beginner to dye technology. In subsequent chapters, Liles summarizes the traditional dye methods available for each major color group. Scores of recipes provide detailed instructions on how to collect ingredients--flowers, weeds, insects, wood, minerals--prepare the dyevat, troubleshoot, and achieve specific shades"--Publisher's description.

Eva Lambert, born in Germany, brought up in the US, and now a UK citizen living in Scotland, has lived in Turkey and travelled extensively in North and West Africa studying weaving and dyeing techniques. In 1998, she opened the Shilasdair shop on the Isle of Skye, selling exclusively natural-dyed yarns. She has given talks, workshops and been the subject of various exhibitions of her work in the UK, also doing historical dyeing for the Victoria and Albert Millennium Exhibition.

Eliminate the guesswork out of creating the color you want and dye happy with formulas for over 900 colors in this handy reference guide. A simple and straightforward approach to fabric dyeing makes playing with color fun and exciting. Learn the basics and try a variety of specialty techniques such as twisting, pleating, layering, and painting. Dye in lots from 1/4 yard to 1 yard, or use multipliers for more. Now you have Linda’s personal “recipe book” to mix any colors you can imagine. Learn special techniques like how to make rainbows, subtle gradations, and unique patterns using common brands of dye, and then use your hand-dyed fabric for any project from quilt making to wearables to fiber art.

This long-awaited guide serves as a tool to explain the general principles of natural dyeing, and to help dyers to become more accomplished at their craft through an increased understanding of the process. Photos of more than 450 samples demonstrate the results of actual dye tests, and detailed information covers every aspect of natural dyeing including theory, fibers, mordants, dyes, printing, organic indigo vats, finishing, and the evaluation of dye fastness. Special techniques of printing and discharging indigo are featured as well. The book is intended for dyers and printers who wish to more completely understand the "why" and the "how," while ensuring safe and sustainable practices. Written by a textile engineer and chemist (Boutrup) and a textile artist and practitioner (Ellis), its detailed and tested recipes for every process, including charts and comparisons, make it the ideal resource for dyers with all levels of experience.

The Essential Manual for Creating Custom Natural Dyes at Home Discover the wonder of nature’s living colors and transform everyday items with The Natural Colors Cookbook, your guide to creating a spectrum of organic dyes using seasonal produce and leftover food. Now you can bring the timeless form of plant-based dyes to the comfort and familiarity of your own kitchen with the expertise of Maggie Pate, owner and designer of the naturally-dyed clothing label Nåde. Watch in awe as a few hours on the stove extracts a delicate blush tone from a handful of avocado pits, water-soaked black beans release an ashy blue hue and fennel feathers morph into an icy mint. Instead of tossing vegetable trimmings, transform red onion skins into an unexpected olive green, minimizing waste and avoiding harsh chemical dyes. From selecting among types of natural fibers to mordant and scouring baths, this introduction to hand dyeing covers everything beginners need to know to create a colorful custom palette of textiles. The Natural Colors Cookbook includes simple DIY projects for using your unique dyes, safety tips and precautions, advice for altering hues and instructions for collecting and cataloging colors. It’s an accessible and comprehensive resource every aspiring fiber artist needs.

Learn to dye fabric the quick and easy way with twelve can’t-miss techniques for adding custom color to fabric, clothing, linens, and household goods. How can you make quilting or crafting more fun? Add color! Everything you need to know about creating fabulous hand-dyed fabrics is right here—what supplies to get, basic techniques to try, and how to achieve different visual effects. Photo galleries give you lots of ideas for projects to show off the results. Fast! Lynn teaches you the techniques that produce rich results with minimal time and effort. Fun! Learn to create lots of exciting color blends, patterns, and textures. Easy! All you need to get started is this book, a few supplies, a measuring spoon, and some plastic containers.