Coloring is one of the most delightful arts...

{HISTORY}

...and so begins this fascinating petite book on the history and art of home dying. Popular in the 1920s and 1930s with a resurgence again in the 1960s and 1970s, textile artists have long had a fascination with creating colorful dyes from natural materials.

With consistently unique outcomes, no two dyed fabrics ever look exactly the same. That's what makes it an entirely unique art form and a specialty of small-batch producers and designers. As textile curator at the National Museum of American History, costume designer, and writer Rita J. Adroskpo explains ... "the very characteristics of natural dyes that often made them the despair of earlier dyers appeal to today's craftsmen searching for the unique." She further explains how easy it is to obtain dye materials from nearby woods, gardens, and roadsides - a method of cultivation that is impractical for large manufacturers but quite serviceable for the small producer or artist. 

First published in 1968 under the title Natural Dyes in the United States, this second 1971 printing of the original was retitled Natural Dyes and Home Dyeing.  Briefly covering the history of dyeing in America during the 1700s and 1800s, the majority of this book contains recipes to achieve various color palettes using a wide variety of botanical materials including apple bark, zinnia flowers, lichen, privet, chestnuts, and coffee beans along with specific methods for dyeing.  Included towards the back of the book is an extensive bibliography for further research on dyeing, design, and color theory from sources that span the late 1700s to the mid-20th century.

A treasure trove of useful information, this book is such a helpful resource for anyone interested in exploring this dynamic art. It's lovely to think that this style of textile design enjoyed a resurgence in popularity every 40-50 years during the 20th century and if this trend stays true to course, , we are due for another resurgence right now in the 2020s and 2030s. How fun!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 1971 Edition by Dover Books
• 154 pages not including a multi-page catalogue of other interesting Dover book titles
• Includes more than 150 dye recipes
• Paperback format
• Illustrated throughout

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this book is clean and bright throughout. There is light foxing on the inside front and back cover and a small corner wrinkle on the front cover. The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 8.5"inches x 5.75" inches x .5" inches and weighs 7 oz.