Dyeing in Plastic Bags with Helen Deighan

by Celia Eddy
published: 18/06/2001
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'Dyeing in Plastic Bags'
By Helen Deighan
In what follows, bear in mind that I’m a ‘dyed in the wool’ (sorry, that was irresistible!) enthusiast for every available method there is for colouring your own fabrics. I’ve been doing it for years by following the instructions found in magazine articles, many of them by Helen Deighan, watching Helen demonstrating at quilt fairs and by just playing around with fabric paints and dyes. So I feel I know a bit about this subject.

Cover of Helen's book. (The cat features as a leading character throughout the book!)

So, trust me when I say that Helen’s new book is definitely the most practical and inspiring one I’ve received this year on any topic. All her knowledge and expertise are gathered here in such a way that whether, like me, you’ve already dipped a toe in these waters, or want to find out how to do it from scratch, you’ll find loads of ideas and methods to try. Everything you need is here, from precise, no-nonsense instructions for various dyeing methods, to inspiration and ideas for creative application of your new-found skills. What’s more, it’s presented in a most lively and entertaining way, illustrated throughout with Toni Goffe’s delightful cartoons as well as with excellent colour illustrations.

The book begins with some general information about colour, then gets down to the nitty-gritty of what dyes to use, how to mix and fix them and how to apply them to fabric to obtain different effects. There’s a chapter on washing, drying and ironing and checking for fastness and a special chapter on dyeing with children which is an invaluable resource for teachers of arts and crafts. It ends with FAQs, a List of Suppliers and a very helpful Book list.

The spiral binding and good quality glossy paper make the book completely user-friendly in practical situations, so you can keep it open for easy reference at all stages of the proceedings. If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of colouring your own fabric, get this book and give it a go. Remember, what you’ll end up with is a unique fabric that you just can’t buy in patchworks shops so your patchwork will be entirely your own creation.

You can buy the book direct from Helen at £14.95, including P & P.Make cheques payable to 'Helen Deighan' and send to Crossways Patch, Roseglen, Crossways Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, surey GU26 6HG

'Solway - Stormy Sunset'. Small wall -quilt (24" square, 1999 by Celia Eddy.All fabrics are hand-dyed using the Cat-Lit tray method as described by Helen.

© Celia Eddy