The Art and Science of Natural Dyes

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles, Experiments, and Results

Authors: Joy Boutrup & Catharine Ellis

This long-awaited guide serves as a tool to explain the general principles of natural dyeing, and to help dyers to become more accomplished at their craft through an increased understanding of the process. Photos of more than 450 samples demonstrate the results of actual dye tests, and detailed information covers every aspect of natural dyeing including theory, fibers, mordants, dyes, printing, organic indigo vats, finishing, and the evaluation of dye fastness.

Special techniques of printing and discharging indigo are featured as well. The book is intended for dyers and printers who wish to more completely understand the “why” and the “how,” while ensuring safe and sustainable practices. Written by a textile engineer and chemist (Boutrup) and a textile artist and practitioner (Ellis), its detailed and tested recipes for every process, including charts and comparisons, make it the ideal resource for dyers with all levels of experience.

Joy Boutrup is a textile chemist, engineer, and educator and is known for developing new methods and techniques. She lives in Denmark.

Catharine Ellis is a textile artist, educator, and author of Woven Shibori. She lives in North Carolina. ellistextiles.com

The Studio Formulas Set for the Art and Science of Natural Dyes is an 84-card companion set to this book.

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