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A Dyer's Garden
Touching on the history and nature of dye plants, this comprehensive guide walks readers through a garden season from design to planting to harvesting for the dyepot, discussing 18 dye plants in detail.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 17, 2011
I received this as a gift from my friend Natalie. I've been meaning to learn more about natural dyeing and this is the time of year to start planning our balcony garden, so this is a timely book to receive for Christmas.
Buchanan breaks everything down in to simple steps--mordant the yarn, gather the plants, make the dye liquor, dye the plants. Nothing to it. Each plant discussed has pictures of swatches of that plant used with different mordants. Alum used with marigolds gives one color, chrome gives another, etc. There are at least 6 different options for each plant. The book itself is a good size to throw in a glove box or back pocket. Handy if you're out exploring and find some wildflowers that can be used for dyeing.
Overall I think the book is interesting and a handy reference for what certain dyes look like on different fibers with different mordants, but growing my own dyes probably isn't for me. It takes a LOT of plants to have enough dye for one project.
Buchanan breaks everything down in to simple steps--mordant the yarn, gather the plants, make the dye liquor, dye the plants. Nothing to it. Each plant discussed has pictures of swatches of that plant used with different mordants. Alum used with marigolds gives one color, chrome gives another, etc. There are at least 6 different options for each plant. The book itself is a good size to throw in a glove box or back pocket. Handy if you're out exploring and find some wildflowers that can be used for dyeing.
Overall I think the book is interesting and a handy reference for what certain dyes look like on different fibers with different mordants, but growing my own dyes probably isn't for me. It takes a LOT of plants to have enough dye for one project.
April 12, 2008
633.86 BUC
Wow, pretty. Makes me want to spin and knit my own socks. Well, I suppose I could easily dye yarn I buy, and knitting socks *is* on my life's to-do list. Some of these plants are everyday pretty flowers or herbs you might want to grow anyway.
The dying instructions are very clear, and the second half of the book has photographed color swatches of actual dyed fibers (cotton, silk, wool) with the different methods (alum, vinegar, simmer) on the page of each plant.
Wow, pretty. Makes me want to spin and knit my own socks. Well, I suppose I could easily dye yarn I buy, and knitting socks *is* on my life's to-do list. Some of these plants are everyday pretty flowers or herbs you might want to grow anyway.
The dying instructions are very clear, and the second half of the book has photographed color swatches of actual dyed fibers (cotton, silk, wool) with the different methods (alum, vinegar, simmer) on the page of each plant.
November 26, 2007
excellent layout and very useful book ONLY if you have lots of space to grow these dye plants AND if you have something to dye. (like, I have sheep)
By the same author - A Weaver's Garden
By the same author - A Weaver's Garden
December 15, 2017
This little book makes growing your own plants for dyeing accessible.
January 7, 2020
This book has inspired me to start a dyer's garden of my own.
I have several alpacas and I spin my own yarn, so this book will be highly useful as I learn more about dyes and plants.
I have several alpacas and I spin my own yarn, so this book will be highly useful as I learn more about dyes and plants.
April 4, 2022
Very helpful. A good “keep on hand” reference book for gardeners who love dyeing fiber.
February 15, 2025
If you live in the US a lot of these plants are considered invasive. So something to keep in mind.
August 2, 2016
Awesome, such a wealth of knowledge in so few pages. It also focuses on easily grown plants for gardens so includes some that aren't as common, such as purple basil. I really wish it was still in print so I didn't have to borrow it from the library, I'd love a copy of my own!
October 16, 2008
well done book of this type - both gardening info and dying info included
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews