Vegetable Dyes: Being a Book of Recipes and Other Information Useful to the Dyer

A thorough, hands‑on handbook for anyone interested in coloring natural fibers with plant‑based dyes. It begins with a clear overview of the various wools, silks, cottons and linens a dyer might encounter, describing their origins, textures and how their natural greases affect colour uptake. The author also stresses the importance of water quality, offering simple ways to treat rain, spring or well water for optimal results.

From there the text moves into practical dye‑house techniques, outlining four principal methods of mordanting and dyeing wool, complete with detailed recipes for washing, scouring and fixing colour. Readers will find step‑by‑step instructions for preparing baths, adjusting pH, and avoiding common pitfalls such as felting or hard‑water dullness. Rich with historical notes on British and colonial wool sources, the guide remains a useful reference for modern crafters seeking authentic, lasting hues.