I recently stumbled upon a fascinating book called *The Modern Natural Dyer*. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you’re missing out! This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in natural dyeing. It’s not just about the art of dyeing—it’s a stunning visual journey filled with breathtaking photography. From the moment I opened it, I was hooked.
What makes this book stand out is its comprehensive approach to natural dyes. It covers everything from plants to even an insect—the cochineal. Yes, you read that right! There’s something magical about using nature's palette to create vibrant colors. The book also features 20 projects that highlight different aspects of natural dyeing. It’s like having a personal tutor guiding you step-by-step through the process.
As a bonus, today I’m thrilled to share a special giveaway opportunity with all of you! Scroll to the end of this post to find out how you can win a copy of *The Modern Natural Dyer* and your choice of one of their fantastic natural dye project kits. Trust me, it’s worth entering!
Recently, I got my hands on a copy of the book and a *Waves Bandana Indigo Kit*, which is perfect for experimenting with indigo dye. It was such a delight to spend an afternoon in my basement turning plain Fabrics into works of art. I even had to keep my curious cat away from the setup—it turns out she wasn’t too fond of the dyeing process!
One of the things I loved most about the book was how user-friendly it is. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible even for beginners. I decided to try two techniques from the book using the bandanas included in the kit. First, I experimented with the folding and clamping method. I ironed the bandana into pleats and used clothespins to hold the folds in place. The result? A beautiful, abstract design that looked almost otherworldly.
Next, I tried the pole-wrapping technique. This involved pleating the fabric, wrapping it around a pipe, and securing it with twine. It was a bit tricky at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was incredibly satisfying. These bandanas turned out so beautifully that I might just frame them instead of wearing them—though they’d look amazing as part of a dress or bag.
For my third project, I wanted to push myself further. I decided to try the stitch-resist technique from the book. Using a larger piece of fabric, I stitched a pattern and dipped it into the indigo vat. The results were nothing short of spectacular. The contrast between the dyed and undyed sections created a striking effect. It’s like creating your own unique textile snowflakes!
If you're inspired by the idea of diving into natural dyeing, you're in luck! Kristine Vejar, the author of *The Modern Natural Dyer*, has been hard at work. She recently filmed a series of videos for Creativebug, where she shares tips and tricks for natural dyeing. These videos will start rolling out in January 2016, and they’ll be accompanied by a Work-Along program—a year-long course designed to guide you through the book and the entire natural dyeing process. It’s divided into three phases, with the Phase 1 Kit already available.
Now, let’s talk about the giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a copy of *The Modern Natural Dyer* and their choice of one of the following project kits from A Verb for Keeping Warm:
- **Flowers At My Fingertips Kit**: Use fresh flowers to print directly onto fabric, then turn that fabric into a sweet sewing kit.
- **The Northwoods Hat Kit**: Dye your own yarn and knit a cozy hat.
- **Sock Hop Kit**: Transform plain socks into colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
- **Waves Bandana Indigo Kit**: Create your own indigo vat and dye two bandanas.
To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us which project kit you’d choose if you won. Please note that this giveaway is open only to residents of the United States with physical mailing addresses (no P.O. boxes). Entries will close at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Saturday, December 19th, 2015, and the winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email.
Whether you’re a seasoned dyer or just curious about trying something new, *The Modern Natural Dyer* is a must-have. It’s a celebration of creativity and sustainability, and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me next. Happy dyeing!
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