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Natural Kitchen Dyes
With Natural Kitchen Dyes you can explore the magical world of natural dyes, without the need of a garden full of dye plants. Our kitchens are a great source of natural dye colours, from vegetable peels that create blush pinks and peaches, fruit skins that make lemon yellows, a green dye sourced from carrot tops, dried spices and used tea bags to create vibrant yellows, rich terracottas and deep browns. Natural Kitchen Dyes takes you through the exciting process of creating these wonderful natural colours, dyeing fabric with the dyes and suggests ingenious ways to get your hands on some natural dye sources. Accompanying the natural dye recipes in the book are ten environmentally conscious projects, which have been created not only to show off the natural dyes beautifully, but to help eliminate waste. Several of the projects actually utilise waste that would otherwise be composted or recycled such as old clothes turned into bags and patchwork floor cushions, to dried pulses past their expiration date used to make a beaded necklace.
- GenresCraftsNonfictionArt
152 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2022
Natural Kitchen Dyes by Alicia Hall
Make Your Own Dyes from Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs and Tea, Plus 12 Eco-Friendly Craft Projects
I remember dying a long white skirt and top when living in Jordan. I didn’t know then that one needs to set the dye so it eventually faded back to white. If I had been able to refer to this book back then the skirt, now long gone, would not have faded back to white…probably.
The chapters in the book”
* Introduction
* Collecting (what and how to collect and store natural ingredients to use for dyes)
* Fabrics (natural are recommended with specifics included)
* Tools
* Soya Milk (I know…wondered about this as it is hard to find to buy locally…interesting what it is used for)
* Color Fast, Fugitive, and PH Sensitive colors
* Dye Basics
* Dye Recipes
* Ink and Printing
* Modifiers
* Other Dyes
* Gift Wrap
* Projects (12 of them)
The colors are much softer looking than the brighter ones often found in fabrics we buy in shops. I found a few that might work for me and do have a white linen shirt I could try a dye out on in the future. We will see. I believe that dying might be interesting and this book would assist if one were going to use natural dyes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword – White Owl for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Make Your Own Dyes from Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs and Tea, Plus 12 Eco-Friendly Craft Projects
I remember dying a long white skirt and top when living in Jordan. I didn’t know then that one needs to set the dye so it eventually faded back to white. If I had been able to refer to this book back then the skirt, now long gone, would not have faded back to white…probably.
The chapters in the book”
* Introduction
* Collecting (what and how to collect and store natural ingredients to use for dyes)
* Fabrics (natural are recommended with specifics included)
* Tools
* Soya Milk (I know…wondered about this as it is hard to find to buy locally…interesting what it is used for)
* Color Fast, Fugitive, and PH Sensitive colors
* Dye Basics
* Dye Recipes
* Ink and Printing
* Modifiers
* Other Dyes
* Gift Wrap
* Projects (12 of them)
The colors are much softer looking than the brighter ones often found in fabrics we buy in shops. I found a few that might work for me and do have a white linen shirt I could try a dye out on in the future. We will see. I believe that dying might be interesting and this book would assist if one were going to use natural dyes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword – White Owl for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
February 8, 2022
4/5 Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The following comments were written about the electronic copy a good month and a half before publication.
This book on Natural Kitchen Dyes is very clear on the dying directions, although I have yet to try it myself. It was actually exciting to read how so many different colours could be had with regular kitchen ingredients. It seems that a lot of care was taken to have so many lovely pictures. So many different swatches laid out makes for interesting viewing, but having them labelled as to which material they are, and which dye and modifier was used would be more enlightening in a “how-to” book. I loved the part of the book about actually making the dyes and dying the fabrics.
There are lots of hints on how to collect ingredients for your dyes, which materials to use, what tools you need (and how to find them inexpensively). Also, specific directions on how long to pretreat your fabrics, dye them, when to rinse them, and how to dry them.
My problem came with the projects at the end of the book. I’m not much of a crafter, but I didn’t think I was stupid. I had real difficulty following the directions on a number of the craft projects. There are pictures, but they don’t seem to be directly related to the wording below them.
WallHanging = the directions are a little challenging to follow, but OK
T-shirt Bag = OK, but why wouldn’t you just sew the bottom together? Or should this be touted as a no sew project?
Patchwork Jeans = I could not follow the directions of how to get the patches neatly into the jean legs. There is a cryptic description of how to do the corners with an accompanying photo which doesn’t seem to show much except for the sewing machine’s needle and foot
Raffia Basket = I could not follow the directions to actually shape the basket from the bottom to the sides and the pictures didn’t seem to be of the difficult parts. The directions state that a crochet hook or large needle should be used, but there are no pictures of this except when doing the handles (which is a different method from the basket body)
Lunch Bags & Cutlery Keeper = I had to read the cutlery bag directions 4-5 times before I finally got it. Why not say that it starts out looking like a long fabric bag? Instead of sewing two 50x16cm pieces together on the short end, why not start with one 100x16cm piece? Then yowza, it took me forever to figure out the triangles to make the gusset on the lunch bag. Surely, there’s a better way to explain and show this with pictures
Floor Cushion = I would really like to see a picture of the whole cushion from a few angles, instead of pieces of the pretty top only. Also, what is a large bin bag? Or stuffing from 8-10 old cushions … of what size? Perhaps giving a volume guesstimate for the stuffing would be handier. I had real difficulty following the directions for this project. If you sew something with the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other, wouldn’t your finished product have the seams and sewing on the “right” side? I eventually gave up trying to figure this one out
In my mind, the project section needs a little more work; but the dying section (the thrust of the book), is excellent. I can see many people trying out home dying projects as a result of reading this work.
This book on Natural Kitchen Dyes is very clear on the dying directions, although I have yet to try it myself. It was actually exciting to read how so many different colours could be had with regular kitchen ingredients. It seems that a lot of care was taken to have so many lovely pictures. So many different swatches laid out makes for interesting viewing, but having them labelled as to which material they are, and which dye and modifier was used would be more enlightening in a “how-to” book. I loved the part of the book about actually making the dyes and dying the fabrics.
There are lots of hints on how to collect ingredients for your dyes, which materials to use, what tools you need (and how to find them inexpensively). Also, specific directions on how long to pretreat your fabrics, dye them, when to rinse them, and how to dry them.
My problem came with the projects at the end of the book. I’m not much of a crafter, but I didn’t think I was stupid. I had real difficulty following the directions on a number of the craft projects. There are pictures, but they don’t seem to be directly related to the wording below them.
WallHanging = the directions are a little challenging to follow, but OK
T-shirt Bag = OK, but why wouldn’t you just sew the bottom together? Or should this be touted as a no sew project?
Patchwork Jeans = I could not follow the directions of how to get the patches neatly into the jean legs. There is a cryptic description of how to do the corners with an accompanying photo which doesn’t seem to show much except for the sewing machine’s needle and foot
Raffia Basket = I could not follow the directions to actually shape the basket from the bottom to the sides and the pictures didn’t seem to be of the difficult parts. The directions state that a crochet hook or large needle should be used, but there are no pictures of this except when doing the handles (which is a different method from the basket body)
Lunch Bags & Cutlery Keeper = I had to read the cutlery bag directions 4-5 times before I finally got it. Why not say that it starts out looking like a long fabric bag? Instead of sewing two 50x16cm pieces together on the short end, why not start with one 100x16cm piece? Then yowza, it took me forever to figure out the triangles to make the gusset on the lunch bag. Surely, there’s a better way to explain and show this with pictures
Floor Cushion = I would really like to see a picture of the whole cushion from a few angles, instead of pieces of the pretty top only. Also, what is a large bin bag? Or stuffing from 8-10 old cushions … of what size? Perhaps giving a volume guesstimate for the stuffing would be handier. I had real difficulty following the directions for this project. If you sew something with the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other, wouldn’t your finished product have the seams and sewing on the “right” side? I eventually gave up trying to figure this one out
In my mind, the project section needs a little more work; but the dying section (the thrust of the book), is excellent. I can see many people trying out home dying projects as a result of reading this work.
March 22, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Natural Kitchen Dyes is a primer and tutorial guide for organic plant based dyes written and curated by Alicia Hall. Due out 31st March 2022 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 152 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book is presented in a sensible progression, with chapters flowing naturally into one another: gathering (potentially large amounts of) dye materials, choosing fabrics, necessary tools and supplies, mordanting with soya milk, colourfastness, the actual dyeing process, surface printing and inks, and tutorial projects. Readers should be aware that the information contained in the chapters is broad in scope, but very short on actual concrete tips and usable facts. It would be quite difficult, I think, to take this book as a total beginner and have enough information to make colorants and dye fabric without having other resources or a teacher available.
The pictures are appealing and restful. The author emphasizes safety and (where applicable) organic and easily sourced ingredients. The included projects are very simple and most are appealing. Natural dyeing is an experimental and experiential craft. It is almost impossible to get consistent results and the author's writing style goes with that flow. The projects (to me) have a very hippy-style earthy vibe and will appeal to readers who enjoy a more natural decor. The included lunch bag/cutlery roll tutorials are wonderful and very versatile. Full size templates are included in the book.
The book doesn't include an index or links for further reading, or a bibliography. The measurements included in the tutorials are in standard (metric) measures. There is no conversion tool in the book. Text and spelling are UK/standard English and shouldn't be problematic in context for readers in the USA.
I loved the easy and accessible prose and the lovely clear pictures. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Natural Kitchen Dyes is a primer and tutorial guide for organic plant based dyes written and curated by Alicia Hall. Due out 31st March 2022 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 152 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book is presented in a sensible progression, with chapters flowing naturally into one another: gathering (potentially large amounts of) dye materials, choosing fabrics, necessary tools and supplies, mordanting with soya milk, colourfastness, the actual dyeing process, surface printing and inks, and tutorial projects. Readers should be aware that the information contained in the chapters is broad in scope, but very short on actual concrete tips and usable facts. It would be quite difficult, I think, to take this book as a total beginner and have enough information to make colorants and dye fabric without having other resources or a teacher available.
The pictures are appealing and restful. The author emphasizes safety and (where applicable) organic and easily sourced ingredients. The included projects are very simple and most are appealing. Natural dyeing is an experimental and experiential craft. It is almost impossible to get consistent results and the author's writing style goes with that flow. The projects (to me) have a very hippy-style earthy vibe and will appeal to readers who enjoy a more natural decor. The included lunch bag/cutlery roll tutorials are wonderful and very versatile. Full size templates are included in the book.
The book doesn't include an index or links for further reading, or a bibliography. The measurements included in the tutorials are in standard (metric) measures. There is no conversion tool in the book. Text and spelling are UK/standard English and shouldn't be problematic in context for readers in the USA.
I loved the easy and accessible prose and the lovely clear pictures. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
February 5, 2022
I received a copy thought NetGalley for review.
Having enjoyed dyeing myself and read many natural dye books this one really left me wanting.
It didn't cover all that much. And the book felt more project based than actual usefulness for people that are looking to get into it. But even if I was a new natural dyer this still gave me boarder line vague on information.
I wish it had a better break down on mordants, and oxidizers, which is important. There weren't any visual breakdowns. There were photos of dye samples but they weren't really laid out in a way that told people what they were looking at nor were they labeled. Or what the differences were in using or not using mordants.
It was the same with kitchen items you can use for dyes. A few were spoken of in passing but didn't show the range of colors in a way that you could really see it. Just little adjustments would have made a huge difference.
The same for the projects. I had a hard time seeing what the steps were clearly because in photos the steps were talked about bit skipped over in the photos, they covered some of them, but the step-by step weren't clear in the photos. Some were lacking dimensions or patterns for them. And the the dye fabric also photographically made it harder to see what was going on. It was visually distracting.
I feel like the ideas and the meat for this was there, and could have worked with labeling and a bit of photo editing or adding things. But it's probably too late in production to really fix the things that would have made this a great dye book.
Having enjoyed dyeing myself and read many natural dye books this one really left me wanting.
It didn't cover all that much. And the book felt more project based than actual usefulness for people that are looking to get into it. But even if I was a new natural dyer this still gave me boarder line vague on information.
I wish it had a better break down on mordants, and oxidizers, which is important. There weren't any visual breakdowns. There were photos of dye samples but they weren't really laid out in a way that told people what they were looking at nor were they labeled. Or what the differences were in using or not using mordants.
It was the same with kitchen items you can use for dyes. A few were spoken of in passing but didn't show the range of colors in a way that you could really see it. Just little adjustments would have made a huge difference.
The same for the projects. I had a hard time seeing what the steps were clearly because in photos the steps were talked about bit skipped over in the photos, they covered some of them, but the step-by step weren't clear in the photos. Some were lacking dimensions or patterns for them. And the the dye fabric also photographically made it harder to see what was going on. It was visually distracting.
I feel like the ideas and the meat for this was there, and could have worked with labeling and a bit of photo editing or adding things. But it's probably too late in production to really fix the things that would have made this a great dye book.
April 20, 2022
I have always been curious about using plants to create natural dyes. I was not aware of the science behind it, but it certainly makes sense. Alicia Hall has done due diligence and research I order to share with the public her findings. I love all the background and explanations. I could almost hear her next to me, quietly cheering me on, telling me that I too could do this. The photos are incredibly helpful, particularly as she starts discussing types of fabric and later modifiers. The projects provided at the end are a nice touch to provide a good starting place. I am excited to try this for myself soon. No special equipment is needed and helpful suggestions on where to find various plants are provided as well. I appreciate Alicia’s willingness to share her insights and experiences and I will happily recommend this others who are looking to try their own natural kitchen dyes.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
March 25, 2022
I have been natural or Eco dyeing for years, and always love it when I find a new book of dyeing. This one is very, very good, the information is excellent and to the point - easy to read and understand. As for the photographs, they are stunning. The chapters are divided into area of -Collection, Fabric, Tools, Soya Milk Color fast & Ph Sensitivity dyes, Dye basics, Dye Recipes, Ink and Printing, Modifiers and Other Dyes. There are also some projects at the end to use the dyed fabric for.
This is a great book for both beginners and experienced dyers. Dyeing is so much fun, the results always magic, and with natural dyes very friendly to people and envioroment
I recommend this book very strongly..
This is a great book for both beginners and experienced dyers. Dyeing is so much fun, the results always magic, and with natural dyes very friendly to people and envioroment
I recommend this book very strongly..
March 16, 2022
Some incredible idea’s in here, and I love the fact that they are natural (yes I know, it’s written on the cover of the book!), but lots things that I wouldn’t have thought of, or parts of a fruit or vegetable to get different results. Just find it incredible.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
April 7, 2022
What a beautiful book. This recipe collection inspires me to be more crafty and environmentally conscious! I enjoyed learning about how to use natural dyes and the included projects and recipes are incredibly useful! I will be purchasing a copy of this to put on my shelf for easy reference.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
I loved this book the range of colors achievable is amazing. I honestly did not realize how complex the process can be but the results are definitely worth the effort. If you are interested in natural dyes this is a must have book. You won’t be disappointed it is filled with helpful hints instructions and pictures to help you achieve the colors you desire. I highly recommend this book!
March 14, 2022
A great introduction to natural dyes that covers the basic materials, ingredients and techniques to make permanent and semi-permanent natural dyes. Also includes up-cycling projects where you can repurpose old shirts, cushions and fabric.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
March 14, 2022
I am forever trying to replace dubious chemical products in my life and use more natural alternatives where I can so that I am clear of the origin and source – this book fulfils this brief for dyeing fabric, raffia and wool. Fascinating insights and processes, and I guess a throwback to the world of our ancestors who knew how to dye cloth using just the things around them.
The illustrations are gorgeous throughout the book, making it clear what to use and making me lust after the beautifully subtle array of colours. I love the idea that I can cook a meal and use peelings, stones and leftovers to create lovely dyes later and especially the fact that as these are foodstuffs that both these raw materials and the dyes can be frozen for use at a future date.
The section about which fibres dye well is useful and I had lightbulbs going off in my head all over the place at the thought of dyeing my own wool for my crochet and weaving projects, material for my patchwork too. I also remembered that I have some unused, undyed silk scarves in my craft cupboard that I can experiment with. My eyes also lit up at the mention of dyeing antique lace.
I will heed the precautionary tales about splashes, as I suspect we are benefiting from the author’s possible previous disasters. Nice clear instructions and loved the tip for putting the remnants of the process on the compost heap.
The fact that the dye outcome is random also appeals as I often despair that all of our clothing there days is too often a carbon copy of everyone else’s. Dying to try dyeing my old t-shirts. My carrot tops and avocado stones and skins have suddenly taken on a new significance!
The illustrations are gorgeous throughout the book, making it clear what to use and making me lust after the beautifully subtle array of colours. I love the idea that I can cook a meal and use peelings, stones and leftovers to create lovely dyes later and especially the fact that as these are foodstuffs that both these raw materials and the dyes can be frozen for use at a future date.
The section about which fibres dye well is useful and I had lightbulbs going off in my head all over the place at the thought of dyeing my own wool for my crochet and weaving projects, material for my patchwork too. I also remembered that I have some unused, undyed silk scarves in my craft cupboard that I can experiment with. My eyes also lit up at the mention of dyeing antique lace.
I will heed the precautionary tales about splashes, as I suspect we are benefiting from the author’s possible previous disasters. Nice clear instructions and loved the tip for putting the remnants of the process on the compost heap.
The fact that the dye outcome is random also appeals as I often despair that all of our clothing there days is too often a carbon copy of everyone else’s. Dying to try dyeing my old t-shirts. My carrot tops and avocado stones and skins have suddenly taken on a new significance!
April 18, 2022
I like this one better then the first book I read on natural dyeing as it gives instructions in a way that allows the reader to experiment on their own
June 1, 2022
There were a few issues with the editing in the ebook version, but this was a great introduction to some less intensive dye projects.
July 13, 2022
I will come back to this book when I have more time/energy to pursue this.
April 23, 2023
Excellent! Highly recommended, clear instructions, great project suggestions at the end.
June 7, 2022
I think you can do much better with a different book. This one seems to be thrown together without much editorial oversight or consultation with a dye chemist. The organization of the text could be greatly improved, as could the discussion of dye chemistry. It is clear that Alicia Hall doesn't know much about silk. The recipes here are for tiny lengths of fabric. Most of the projects are not attractive.
First about the silk. I happen to know a lot about silk, having traded in it for a very long time, and I know some very famous professional silk weavers. I also know people who teach natural dying and who use natural dyes on silk and other fibres in their artwork. So my sources are very good.
On page 24 (of the ARC) we read that raw silk is created by allowing the silkworm to break its way out of its silk cocoon naturally and that raw silk is rough and textured surface created by the silk fibres breaking as the silkworm escapes.
This is completely wrong, although you might be able to see where the misinformation comes from. Do a web search "what is raw silk". When I did it the other day (but not today) the very first entry gave that false info, followed by other entries that correctly identify raw silk as silk that has not been treated to remove sericin, the gummy protein that holds the cocoon together while the silkworm pupates. Silk from ruptured cocoons is something else entirely. And all silk is lustrous including raw silk, although the luster is different.
Sericin is removed by washing in soap, and the artist decides which soap to use and how much sericin to remove. Fibres with more sericin are thicker and the silk woven from them is slightly coarser, but not necessarily more slubby. Artists may sometimes want uneven texture and will handle the fibres accordingly. Fibres with more sericin take up dye differently from well-cleaned fibres. Different strains of silkmoth produce longer or shorter fibres for their cocoons. When the fibres are short, more of them must be twisted together to make yarn and the resulting yarn is thicker and more textured as each of the end overlaps is a thick spot with two ends tucked in somewhere.
Ms Hall writes of silk and wool as being delicate fabrics. Silk is not particularly delicate. It is boiled during production and plain silk fabric is unaffected by heat. You can wash and dry it by machine to make it wonderfully soft. Linings, art from special loom techniques, embroidery, and various colorations, though, may not be sturdy and must be protected.
Wool fibres have cuticle, not follicles (p 56). Follicles are part of the sheep's skin.
Beetroot is listed in several places as a fugitive color but also on page 44 as a pH sensitive anthocyanin dye, which, in theory, should be colorfast. Beetroot is perhaps a fugitive pH sensitive anthocyanin color but it is not clear from the text. The discussion of anthocyanin and pH sensitive dye is insufficient.
I find most of the projects distressingly ugly.
There is better info than this online and there are better books to be had. Don't bother with this one.
I received a review copy of "Natural Kitchen Dyes" by Alicia Hall from Pen and Sword through NetGalley.com.
First about the silk. I happen to know a lot about silk, having traded in it for a very long time, and I know some very famous professional silk weavers. I also know people who teach natural dying and who use natural dyes on silk and other fibres in their artwork. So my sources are very good.
On page 24 (of the ARC) we read that raw silk is created by allowing the silkworm to break its way out of its silk cocoon naturally and that raw silk is rough and textured surface created by the silk fibres breaking as the silkworm escapes.
This is completely wrong, although you might be able to see where the misinformation comes from. Do a web search "what is raw silk". When I did it the other day (but not today) the very first entry gave that false info, followed by other entries that correctly identify raw silk as silk that has not been treated to remove sericin, the gummy protein that holds the cocoon together while the silkworm pupates. Silk from ruptured cocoons is something else entirely. And all silk is lustrous including raw silk, although the luster is different.
Sericin is removed by washing in soap, and the artist decides which soap to use and how much sericin to remove. Fibres with more sericin are thicker and the silk woven from them is slightly coarser, but not necessarily more slubby. Artists may sometimes want uneven texture and will handle the fibres accordingly. Fibres with more sericin take up dye differently from well-cleaned fibres. Different strains of silkmoth produce longer or shorter fibres for their cocoons. When the fibres are short, more of them must be twisted together to make yarn and the resulting yarn is thicker and more textured as each of the end overlaps is a thick spot with two ends tucked in somewhere.
Ms Hall writes of silk and wool as being delicate fabrics. Silk is not particularly delicate. It is boiled during production and plain silk fabric is unaffected by heat. You can wash and dry it by machine to make it wonderfully soft. Linings, art from special loom techniques, embroidery, and various colorations, though, may not be sturdy and must be protected.
Wool fibres have cuticle, not follicles (p 56). Follicles are part of the sheep's skin.
Beetroot is listed in several places as a fugitive color but also on page 44 as a pH sensitive anthocyanin dye, which, in theory, should be colorfast. Beetroot is perhaps a fugitive pH sensitive anthocyanin color but it is not clear from the text. The discussion of anthocyanin and pH sensitive dye is insufficient.
I find most of the projects distressingly ugly.
There is better info than this online and there are better books to be had. Don't bother with this one.
I received a review copy of "Natural Kitchen Dyes" by Alicia Hall from Pen and Sword through NetGalley.com.
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