Natural Yarn Dyes
Natural Yarn Dyes
25 vibrant and sustainable recipes
Anna Bauer and Eva Zethraeus
Search Press
What is the idea of the book?
We are often concerned about the environment and what we put into it as well as our own health. Thus the need to look to plants rather than strong chemicals. This is especially of interest when we are working with our hands using such mediums as dye. So that is where this book comes in - providing us with the knowledge to make our own natural plant based dyes.
The artists who wrote this book
Both specialise in media other than simply the application of dye. Anna holds a Masters in Textiles while Eva looks as Ceramics. Mixed experience always makes for more story and insight to be brought to the table.
Myths surrounding the application of plants over chemical as a dye
On page fourteen, there lies a section which may interest all who would like to dye but have heard of mixed results. I know I tried years ago and all that came out was a lot of light mud colour variations - I realise not that the materials were ‘wrong’, rather I was - I simply wasn’t using a guide.
The results as visualised in this book
The reflected result images documented are far away from the mud colours of my own experience. Take for example the Indigo on around page 86 or the Eucalyptus on 56. Both so vibrant. The second one surprised me as I look out to my own garden - who knew that the potted bush out there colours hold more than a scent secret?
Materials
All are well explained as needed also the dyes are all plant or fungi (yes so new to me!) based, so imagine foraging for your tools rather than online sections of a website. All are safe once you get them in the cloth - imagine having never to worry about what you will wear or use post-dye - the guilt is off! Plus, personally if someone admired my outcomes, I would have great joy telling them I had, for example dyed it with cabbage!
Key features
25 Dye recipies
Extra gifts online - visualised in knitting patterns from the authors. If you dyed your wools ready, maybe this will support what you do with them now.
Instructions are clear and easy to follow throughout.
Developmental steps are showcased as you move on.
