William F. Leggett’s classic text, Ancient and Medieval Dyes, is an informative and easy-to-read introduction to the most common animal and vegetable dyes used before the introduction of synthetic chemical dyes. “Trade in dyestuffs began as soon as the sources of one district were recognized as superior to those used in another district, and, ultimately, this led to the elimination of many of the anciently used dyestuffs, so that of the many hundreds of original primitive dyes only a few survived to ancient and medieval times. The most important of these, divided into vegetable, animal, and mineral groups, are discussed in this book.”—Introduction

The perfect dyebook for historical reenactors. Get authentic, bright colors on wool, cotton, linen, and silk. Contains - Discussion of 48 historical dyestuffs - Thirty-six natural dye recipes, tested by the author - Results of the author's lightfastness tests - Recipes for scouring fibers - Updated recipes for mordanting before or after dyeing - Safety advice - Discussion of 24 chemicals used in dyeing (What is the difference between "potash" and "pearl ash"?) - Conversions between traditional "English" and metric units - Index of dyestuffs by common names and by scientific names - Annotated bibliography of over 50 sources for further study - Fun facts (The Romans used walnut husks as a hair dye. "Alizarin", a pigment found in madder root, is named after the Persian word for madder dye, "al lizari".) 22 black and white illustrations, by the late C. Ellen Young

A Heritage of Colour explores the techniques that can be used to create a wealth of colours from 50 plants, including many that have been in constant use as dyes for over 2000 years. Inspired by the colours on textile fragments from the Iron Age and by the achievements of early dyers, the author describes some of the dyes and methods of the past and considers how they can be adapted for use by today's dyers. The book covers all the basics of natural dyeing and explains in detail how to experiment with local plants, wherever you may live, to produce a wide range of beautiful, rich colours on textile fibres. A Heritage of Colour also includes sections on dyeing with fungi, contact printing on cloth and dyeing multi-coloured fibres and fabrics. The emphasis throughout is on environmentally-friendly methods and on the thrill of personal discovery through practical experience. Follow Jenny's blog on http://www.jennydean.co.uk/

"This book is a review and explanationof some of the techniques available to commercial dyers in the Medieval period in Europe, to 1600. This is based on contemporary accounts and practical experimentation in recreating coloured fabrics using the surviving recipies."--Back cover

Noted textile designer and lichen expert explains how to create and use dyes derived from lichens. Text covers history of the use of lichen pigments, safe dyeing methods, ecologically sound dyeing, and use of mordants, lichen identification, and more. Text also offers a fascinating history of Asian and European lichen pigments, Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes, and others.