I’ve never tried my hand at ‘tie dyeing’ and I thought it was a 70’s thing to do. However, ‘tie dyeing’ has been around for much longer. For those of you who do not know what ‘tie dyeing’ is, it is a method of dyeing natural materials that result in colorful patterns.
This is done by twisting and tying the fabric before soaking it in the dye. After dyeing and rinsing, the garment is freed of its ‘bondage’ to reveal the patterned handiwork.
Whether or not you are into ‘tie dyeing’, you can also try and revamp your old clothes by changing their color. This will depend on the type of material they are made from. 100% cotton and silk are best for dyeing.
So if you have blouses/shirts, skirts, pants, scarves and even bed sheets made from cotton or silk then I have come across a few books on dyeing with natural dyes which will get you started. You can create your own natural dyes from non-toxic organic plants.
Wild Color by Jenny Dean
‘Wild Color’: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes by Jenny Dean
This revised and updated book will show you how to create and use natural dyes; giving you a report on environmentally friendly dyeing methods as well as pointing out what equipment is necessary etc.
If you are eco-conscious, this is one ‘five star book’ not to miss.
You can buy Wild Color at the following online stores:
eBay: Worldwide shipping is available
Amazon.com advertise businesses who offer International shipping.
A Dyers Garden by Rita Buchanan
A Dyer’s Garden: From Plant to Pot: Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers by Rita Buchanan
A very informative book with easy to understand instructions on what section of the plant to gather for which color you would like to produce and use.
Rita Buchanan’s book is nicely illustrated with bright colorful photos; a very well written and affordable book indeed.
A Dyer’s Garden is available for purchase on eBay and Amazon.com
Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece by Gail Callahan
Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece by Gail Callahan
Self taught dyer, Gail Callahan, uses her own ‘recipes’ and easy instructions on how to create new yarns and yarn colors by turning ordinary or out-of-date yarns into colorful fibers.
You will be spell-bound by the step-by-step instructions for different processes of dyeing.
This book is available for purchase as a Kindle Edition or Spiral Bound on Amazon.com
Kindle eBook Readers can store up to 1, 400 books. The newest version weighs less than 6 ounces and offers many other features.
Alternatively, you can purchase the paperback version on eBay.
View my review on Sewing Green by Betz White.
