Botanical Dyes

Take a colourful journey through the seasons with this essential guide to sustainable, botanical dyeing from noted expert Aurélia Wolff.

A captivating blend of chemistry, culinary flair and the magic of dye-pot alchemy, natural dyeing allows you to create your own vibrant, uniquely colourful results.

Author and ‘colour cook’ Aurélia Wolff provides 18 easy-to-follow recipes that will guide you through the seasons, from delicate shades of walnut in spring; vibrant madder in summer; warm oak and elderberry in autumn; to rich chestnut completing the seasonal palette in winter. The gentle treatment of leaves, roots, bark and flowers can result in exquisite hues on natural fabrics, so with Aurélia's clear, expert guidance, discover how to forage ethically, dye naturally and create your own unique natural palette.

This practical yet visually sumptuous book contains:

• A thorough, beginner-friendly introduction to botanical dyeing and mordanting, packed with historical insights.
• 18 seasonal recipes using ethically-foraged and easily sourced ingredients.
• An in-depth guide to sustainable, ethical foraging, to encourage a deeper connection with nature.
• A vibrant array of dyed fabric and hand-dyed projects for inspiration, for both experienced artisans and newcomers, including cushions and bedding for the home as well as sandals and a sarong for the beach.
• A foreword and endorsement from Michel Garcia, world-renowned expert in botanical dyeing.

Book Contents

Foreword by Michel Garcia
Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL DYEING

What is botanical dyeing?
Traditional methods 
Natural dyeing: a call to action
Classification of dyes
The dyeing process
Natural fibres
Mordanting
The different techniques
In the dyer’s workshop

SEASONAL DYEING: RECIPES & INSPIRATION

SPRING - Walnut, Rhubarb, Dyer’s woad, Artichoke

SUMMER - Weld, Cosmos, Madder, Wild carrot

AUTUMN - Oak, St John’s wort, Elderberry, Broad-leaved dock    

WINTER - Chestnut, Onion, Avocado, Turmeric

OUT OF SEASON & OTHER LATITUDES - Cutch, Logwood

Appendices
Glossary
Useful addresses
Where to find the plants
Bibliography
Acknowledgements