Natural Dye Handbook

A rich and comprehensive guide to natural dyeing processes to take your practise to the next level. Author, Heidi Iverson, shows how to achieve a broader spectrum of colors through various applications of tannins, mordants, modifiers, and mixing colors-and explores two different approaches to natural dyeing: a traditional style and a more intuitive approach. She teaches mindful dye practices, low-energy alternatives, and water-conscious methods. The main part of the book is a library of more than 60 plants: fungi, leaves, bark, roots, flowers, fruit, nuts, and seeds, and the incredible natural-dyed rainbow you can create with them. This library takes you through a whole rainbow of natural dyes. It includes natural dyes that are commercially produced and easily available, plants, trees, seeds, nuts, and fungi that can be foraged, as well as plants that are easy to grow in a home garden. To expand the color range even further, the author explores using a variety of fabrics including linen, wool, cotton, and silk which all take dye differently. The second chapter is a back-to-basics look at the fundamental principles of natural dyeing with the intent of understanding each plant, process, and step in depth, not necessarily achieving perfect and repeatable results every time. Heidi explores a number of different dye methods including what she calls the 'folk style' method which involves gathering and foraging dye plants, ethical harvesting and growing your own dye plants as well as the best way to store fresh and dry plants. She also explains the more traditional dye methods using raw dyestuff, whole plants and ground plants. There are details about how to prepare your dye kitchen and create a natural-dyeing pantry as well as how to dispose of dye vats and mordant baths safely. There is a large section looking at colour and colour theory. Heidi explains how to create your own colour library and various techniques for how to mix colours. She also includes advice for how to create your own dye journal and what the vital information to record is in order to track your progress. This is the ultimate handbook for natural dyers looking to take their practise further. AUTHOR: Heidi Iverson is a textile artist, teacher, natural dye advocate, and founding member of Fibershed (a non-profit organization that develops regional fiber systems that build ecosystem and community health). She teaches mending and natural dye workshops in Northern California. You can find her on social media at @honeyfolkclothing.