A captivating blend of chemistry, culinary flair and the magic of dye-pot alchemy, natural dyeing allows you to create your own vibrant, uniquely colourful results.
Author and ‘colour cook’ Aurélia Wolff provides 18 easy-to-follow recipes that will guide you through the seasons, from delicate shades of walnut in spring; vibrant madder in summer; warm oak and elderberry in autumn; to rich chestnut completing the seasonal palette in winter. The gentle treatment of leaves, roots, bark and flowers can result in exquisite hues on natural fabrics, so with Aurélia's clear, expert guidance, discover how to forage ethically, dye naturally and create your own unique natural palette.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Michel Garcia
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL DYEING
What is botanical dyeing?
Traditional methods
Natural dyeing: a call to action
Classification of dyes
The dyeing process
Natural fibres
Mordanting
The different techniques
In the dyer’s workshop
SEASONAL DYEING: RECIPES & INSPIRATION
SPRING - Walnut, Rhubarb, Dyer’s woad, Artichoke
SUMMER - Weld, Cosmos, Madder, Wild carrot
AUTUMN - Oak, St John’s wort, Elderberry, Broad-leaved dock
WINTER - Chestnut, Onion, Avocado, Turmeric
OUT OF SEASON & OTHER LATITUDES - Cutch, Logwood
Appendices
Glossary
Useful addresses
Where to find the plants
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
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