Natural Dyes

by Rudkin, Linda

• ISBN13: 9780713679557
• ISBN10: 0713679557
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-08-20
• Publisher: A&C Black

Summary

This book is part of the popular Textile Handbooks series and is a complete how-to-do-it guide to obtaining a wide range of colors from natural dyes. It is suitable for the beginner as well as for the more experienced textile artist. The dyeing can be done in the home or the classroom with plants from the garden or bought in a local store. It is a comparatively cheap process that will also satisfy the craft personrs"s desire to use "green" methods in their work. Most books on natural dyes only deal with wool for weaving; this book also covers yarns for embroidery. The book is filled with step-by-step sequences, useful tips, and the authorrs"s own work to show the amazing variety of colors that can be achieved by using natural materials. All in all, this is a comprehensive guide to using natural dyes that will also be an inspiration to all who want to explore the use of these dyes in imaginative ways.

Author Biography

Linda Rudkin is a professional textile artist who specializes in producing natural dyes. She frequently writes for various textile magazines such as Embroidery, Workbox and Stitch, and she lectures and gives demonstrations at various art colleges.

Table of Contents

A brief historical context
The start of a personal journey
Why use natural dyes?
Requirements for dyeing	p. 1
Equipment	p. 1
Fibres	p. 3
Dyestuffs	p. 6
Mordants	p. 11
The dyeing process	p. 15
The 'standard procedure'	p. 15
Mordanting cotton	p. 21
Working with vat dyes	p. 26
Health and safety	p. 41
Sample boards	p. 43
Gallery	p. 96
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.