Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes

by Jenny Dean, Karen Casselman

The best resource on natural dyeing is back, updated to make your colorful hobby even more beautiful and rewarding.
 
A practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants, Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, offers the latest information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs.
 
This comprehensive book outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibers and plant parts, choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing, test color modifiers and the fastness of dyed colors, and obtain a range of gorgeous colors from every plant, from alter to woad, shown in more than 250 swatches.
 
Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, is the all-in-one resource for fiber enthusiasts, including knitters, sewers, and weavers; gardeners who are interested in new uses for traditional dye plants; and eco-conscious DIYers who want authoritative information about the natural dyeing process and the plants that are essential to it.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Gardening, Knitting

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not as beautiful as other natural dyeing books (The Modern Natural Dyer comes to mind) but the information in here is concise and yet expansive, and Jenny Dean lays out some amazing insights and ideas I haven't come across in any other book yet. Definitely one to buy and keep.

[Célèste · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is basically a reference book with a page for each plant showing a gorgeous picture of the plant itself and a shade card. I think it'll be very handy, but I can't say the photos were quite as inspiring as the gorgeous spreads in The Modern Natural Dyer, which I read the same day. However, I'm super pumped about the idea of dying with things that grow wild in my area, especially since, at the moment, I'm more of a forager than a gardener. With both books in my library, I feel completely set.

What I learned: You shouldn't dye with anything you can't identify since inhaling the steam could be toxic. You can dye with both dandelion flowers and leaves!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the original edition. This is a very good basic reference book for natural dyeing. My go-to book on dyeing at the moment. It does not include cochineal however. The key for the symbols used on pages 68-139 is on page 21. Odd. The only mordant shown in the color chips on pages 68-139 is iron. Alum would have been more useful. Her website is also useful.

[julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best overall book to get started with. The Bible of fiber dying

[Fae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great complimentary resource to the other ink/dye books I have been reading, but where this one excels is in the scale and possibilities of each plant! I appreciated all the colour charts and dye outcomes, a very thorough exploration of each botanical ingredient.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it discussed salt as a fixative and went in to some more grocery or local market natural dyers. However I loved it and feel like I learned a TON. An essential book for beginners to natural dyeing.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been researching making dyes, inks, paper and other art supplies from wild plants for a children’s nature book and community art experience that I recently received a grant for. This was one of many library reads for the dye research. It’s a very good resource, particularly the full pages for each plant with color swatches showing results with different parts of the plant and a couple (not all) mordant choices. It does not cover mushrooms (which can create a huge range of colors) or lichens (just as well there since they give beautiful results but people often harvest in unsustainable ways). It covers a lot of plants, particularly those that give yellow and brown hues, though all colors make an appearance.

[Tububa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an excellent introduction to a subject in which I have a somewhat shallow interest. I tried the instructions for one of the dyestuffs, with a mordant and a modifier and all that, it worked like a charm. I do wish the information was organized somewhat differently, but on the other hand the book is fairly short so it's not as though one is likely to get completely lost in the details.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dyed animal fibers today with carrot tops. The results were wonderful. The carrot tops made a beautiful buttery color. Will experiment further with some other plants found in this book.

Currently trying cochineal insects (not found in this book).

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough book on the use of each type of mordant and modifier, and when to use them. The dye examples cover numerous plant varieties. I will have to say that the key supplied is a great addition, but it's a little difficult to understand. Wish it was a little more straightforward.

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't tried the recipes yet, but the book is well written and instructions are quite clear and detailed. Loved the organisation and the level of explanation about each and every technique combination.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's that useful, I'm going to buy me a copy. Nuf said.

[Laura Paulisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

W.O.W.❣️

[Judith Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book. A lot of information for beginner dyers. A good read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of natural dying. I liked the section with the different plants and the different colors that can be obtained with each. a great reference for dyeing

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely one I will refer back to.

[reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

yayyyyy! my first book on natural dyes complete! this was a really great introduction.

[The Adaptable Educator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny Dean’s "Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes" is a comprehensive exploration into the art and science of natural dyeing, offering both practical guidance and a deep appreciation for the natural world’s vibrant palette.

From the outset, Dean establishes herself not only as a skilled practitioner but also as an enthusiastic educator, inviting readers into the rich history and sustainable practice of natural dyeing. The book begins with a meticulous introduction to the materials and equipment necessary for the craft, ensuring even beginners can embark on their dyeing journey with confidence. Dean’s clear instructions and detailed explanations demystify what might initially seem a complex process, making the techniques accessible to a wide audience.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its exhaustive catalog of dye plants, meticulously documented with information on their cultivation, harvesting, and color properties. Dean’s passion for botanicals shines through as she delves into the unique characteristics of each plant, from familiar favorites like indigo and madder to lesser-known species that offer surprising hues.

Moreover, "Wild Color" goes beyond mere practicality, delving into the cultural and historical significance of natural dyes. Dean adeptly weaves anecdotes and historical references throughout the text, connecting contemporary practitioners with millennia of human creativity and ingenuity. This contextual richness not only enriches the reader’s understanding but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the ecological sustainability of natural dyes in today’s context of environmental consciousness.

Illustrated with stunning photographs of dyed textiles and botanical specimens, the book is as visually inspiring as it is informative. Each image serves as a testament to the beauty and variability of natural colors, further motivating readers to explore their own creativity within this eco-friendly art form.

While "Wild Color" primarily targets dyers seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills, it also serves as a valuable resource for artists, historians, and environmentalists interested in sustainable practices. Dean’s meticulous research and practical wisdom ensure that the book will remain a staple on bookshelves, both in studios and libraries, for years to come.

In conclusion, Jenny Dean’s "Wild Color" is an indispensable guide that seamlessly blends practical instruction with a celebration of nature’s boundless creativity. It is not merely a handbook but a passionate ode to the art of natural dyeing, inspiring readers to connect with the earth’s colors in a profound and sustainable way. Whether you are a seasoned dyer or a curious beginner, this book promises to enlighten, educate, and enchant.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about dyeing yarn or cloth with plants. Has some science (but not much) and some historical information. Great color photographs of the plants and the resulting colors. Very tiny print so it's hard to read. A good resource for the craft person.

[Karmologyclinic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't properly read the book yet but it seems to give valuable information to the the diy-er, like: how to make your own mordant, explains how all the additives work, how to prepare dyes and also provides information on cultivating the plants.

[Debbie]

Wish I had this in my personal library.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, topics are clearly explained and the pictures are beautiful.

[Sally]

A nice condensed guide on natural plants.

[Beth Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!