Catharine Ellis

The first comprehensive resource on fabric eco-printing, from basics through current scientific breakthroughs, by three experts at the forefront of sustainable textile techniques. Master the novel technique so captivating that it’s also described as “textile alchemy”: eco-printing! Created by an ideal team of three world experts in the topic, this guide is the first in-depth exploration of eco-printing, a sustainable technique that is gaining popularity worldwide. Clarifying the reasons that eco-printing is a rising art, this comprehensive guide blends crafting and scientific perspectives. It teaches the details that create the magic of this process, including selecting the fabric, using mordants and plants correctly, and steaming to produce beautifully printed cloth. • Expertly tested, reliable recipes and instructions for creating colorfully patterned natural textiles sustainably. • Step-by-step detailed chemical formulas ensure success and understanding in each part of the process. • Teaches essential eco-printing methods, including how to choose and prepare the fabrics; how to select the plants for color and form; recipes for the dyes, mordants, and other materials; and ways to use new and combined methods to make prints exceptional. • Explains the recent research and cutting-edge discoveries about eco-printing with fungi, including identification how-tos and recipes. Fungi provide unique colorways and even fluorescent tones that become visible only under black light! • Teaches printing with indigo plants such as woad and Japanese indigo. Woad is capable of producing a remarkable array of hues, sometimes the whole spectrum. • Reveals eco-printing’s origins, from the very first incidental eucalyptus prints to the fabulous signature styles developed by today’s skilled makers on each continent, and the future roles it’s likely to play in sustainable fabric design and production. • In-depth profiles offer personal stories and suggestions from seven of the world’s leading eco-print fabric artists, together with their amazing prints for inspiration.

This natural-dye-recipe boxed set can be used as a stand-alone resource or as a supplement to The Art and Science of Natural Dyes by Joy Boutrup and Catharine Ellis. Packaged in a high-quality quick-reference box, 84 cards include 36 formulas plus 133 full-colour swatch cards for exact colour comparison. The cards are conveniently organized for ease in the studio. The set includes: The Dyes, Indigo, and Indigo Overdyes, and a complete set of essential formulas for the natural dyer, right at their fingertips. The dyes include two-colour mixes and overdyes using madder, cochineal, weld, cutch, pomegranate, rhubarb, and indigo.

This long-awaited guide is a complete manual explaining the principles of natural dyeing! This comprehensive guide will 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.