"This is the most comprehensive manual written on natural dyes since the early 1800s. Jim Liles has rescued ancient skills from near-extinction and shared them in a book that will inspire, challenge, and guide the modern dyer."—Rita Buchanan, author of A Weaver's Garden, and editor of the new Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Handbook on Natural Dyes " . . . a must for every dyer. The recipes are explicit and detailed as to success and failure."—Mary Frances Davidson 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. The book will appeal not only to beginning and veteran dyers but to students of restorations and reconstruction as well as to craftspeople--spinners, quilters, weavers, knitters, and other textile artists--interested in natural dyes for their beauty and historical authenticity. The Author: J. N. Liles is professor of zoology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has taught at Arrowmont School and other regional craft schools and has exhibited his work at the Arrowmont School, the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild Folk Art Center, and the Carol Reece Museum.

With expert instruction in the use of hand-dyed yarn, this pattern book gives knitters and crocheters the edge they need to stitch with confidence. Working with artisan hand-dyed yarn opens a world of possibility for a crafter, but problems can arise if the patterning is accidental, inconsistent, or unattractive. The author shows how to analyze the dye skein and reveal its color repeat, allowing the crafter to employ stitch gauge and stitch count to intentionally pattern the finished work. As a contrast, further strategies and stitch choices are shown that blend the colors to overcome unwanted pooling and create more gentle gradients. With 40 patterns for a wide variety of projects, this manual will have crafters constructing vibrant scarves, shawls, kimonos, and more.

Comprehensive, generously illustrated handbook leads readers step by step through the techniques required for creating imaginative and beautiful batiks and tie dyed textiles. Over 100 photographs and 28 diagrams.

Outstanding guide to the most popular methods of painting, dyeing, and printing on fabrics. Wealth of illustrations, tips on easily obtained equipment and materials, design and project suggestions, how to get best results. 356 illustrations.

Everything you need to know to start dyeing and create 12 dazzling dye effects - from tie-dyeing and dip-dyeing to creating checks, lines, droplets and bubbles. Then learn how to put them into practice to create 21 gorgeous sewn projects, ranging from bags and pillows to towels, scarves and clothing. Whether you're looking to refresh, transform or personalize your clothing, soft furnishings or fabric accessories, or to dye fabric so that you can create brand-new items, this book has you covered. This simple but rich and informative book contains everything you need to know to start dyeing. It shows you how to create 12 dazzling dye effects - from tie-dyeing and dip-dyeing to creating checks, lines, droplets and bubbles - and then shows you how to put them into practice to create 21 gorgeous sewn projects, ranging from bags and pillows to towels, scarves and clothing. It offers advice on dyeing printed fabrics and working with a base color, as well as guidance on washing and maintaining dyed fabric. The dyeing techniques are created either in the washing machine, by hand or in the microwave, and clear instructions are given for each method. The book focuses on readily-available chemical dyes, but the processes could transfer to natural types as well. All the sewing steps are explained clearly, with handy illustrations to provide clarity where necessary.

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There are many wonderful and creative ways to decorate custom garments and home accessories, and this book features four of the most popular: stenciling, stamping, painting and embossing. The techniques are spelled out in detail, with step-by-step instructions.

Teach Yourself How to Create Unique, Modern Henna Designs Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions paired with gorgeous photographs make learning henna art simple and fun! Starting with the basics and working towards more complicated patterns, you