A Review of Magic Dyeing Made Easy

by Celia Eddy
published: 03/08/2003
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Magic Dyeing Made Easy
By Helen Deighan

In her first book, Dyeing in Plastic Bags, Helen Deighan gave us all the basic know-how to successfully dye fabrics. She described it as a ‘useful, non-threatening manual for the first time dyer.’ Magic Dyeing Made Easy takes us yet deeper into fascinating world of fabric dyeing, but still without being in any way daunting.

Magic Dyeing Made Easy

She begins by looking briefly at the technical and scientific aspects of dyeing, the properties of Procion dyes and the actions of the necessary fixatives. Now don’t panic: this is all explained clearly and simply and even I could understand it! In fact, it’s extremely useful background knowledge to have and will help you to grasp the importance and effects of the various processes to be described. When you understand why and how certain things are done you’re less likely to make disastrous errors. br>
Next, all the basic equipment needed is described, including details of the fabrics which are suitable for dyeing, mainly different types of cotton and of silk. Recipes are given for achieving very specific results, all of which are clearly illustrated in true colour.br>
There’s an excellent chapter on Tie-and-Dye techniques which shows how you can get some really stunning effects from tying, twisting scrunching and stitching. The magical, multi-coloured effects to be obtained from adding and mixing colours to the tie-dye process are particularly striking and give scope for endless experiment.

We’re taken through every step in the dyeing process clearly and logically, with very clear and detailed photographs and diagrams. The final section is called What to do with Dyed Fabric and gives instructions for several projects, including fabric coiled pots, dying yarns for making braids (and how to make the braids) and easy-to-follow instructions for two quilts.

Examples of dyed effects from specific recipes

Sensibly, the book is ring-bound so that it’s easy to use in the work-place and the good quality paper has enough sheen to withstand any unavoidable splashes and spills. Altogether, a really comprehensive manual to instruct and inspire. As in her first book, Helen is assisted throughout by her cat, as illustrated by Toni Goffe’s lively drawings. Or is ‘assisted’ quite the right word? I notice that the name of this cat is not given and wonder if this is due to modesty on the part of the said feline, or, more likely in my experience, to protect the guilty. Anyway, I think we should be told.
© Celia Eddy 2003.

The Magician!

Magic Dyeing Made Easy £12.95 plus £2.00 p & p. To obtain copies, please send cheque, payable to CROSSWAYS PATCH, to: Crossways Patch, Roseglen, Crossways Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey. GU26 6HG Overseas customers please contact Helen at www.crosswayspatch.co.uk for cost and shipping arrangements.

© Celia Eddy