Customer Reviews

Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been dyeing yarn and fiber for a few years and have many books about dyeing. I just received this book and was VERY surprised! It have become my favorite dyeing book. The book has excellent step-by-step directions for many methods of dyeing. The photography is great. There is a small section on color theory that is excellent. The spiral binding allows the book to be open flat allowing you to refer to the directions as you are dyeing. I have never reviewed a book before, but had to make a review for this one. If you can only buy one book about dyeing, buy this book!

I bought this book at a local book store, but originally, I was looking for the Teach Yourself Visually book on Hand Dyeing. I was worried this one wouldn't be what I was looking for, so I spent a good amount of time in the book store flipping through each page and checking out all the pictures. My husband wasn't thrilled about it, but I wanted to be absolutely sure I could use it, as I am a very visual learner. It turned out, I felt comfortable buying it, and it was great! I have done one Kettle Dye and two Hand-Painted skeins after buying this book. My first Hand Painting experience without this book was sort of a disaster. The article I read said to use a turkey baster or baby syringe. When I did this, I used way too much dye and it all bled together underneath. It was so disappointing. This author suggested using a foam brush to paint the yarn, and this worked fantastically. Now, I'm not saying I couldn't have found that information on the interenet somewhere, but it is just so nice to have all these different techniques in one book with color pictures. Plus, the hidden wire binding that allows the book to lay flat is perfect while you are actually dyeing yarn. Its just like using a cookbook when making something you have never made before. I think its essential for the beginner dyer. It is very helpful, and she even has a very resourceful list of places to buy your dye from. Very helpful for me because I can't seem to find dye in my area. I highly recommend it.

This book is a treat! Clear well thought out narrative, instructions, and photographs fully support the "How-to" and take the mystery out of dyeing. Simple supplies can often be found at tag or garage sales. Even a boring first shot at dyeing yarn can be livened up with a "re-do" of a second dyeing sessions....included is even a clear lesson on color. The spiral binding is a real plus...the book lies flat! This book is fun---the techniques can easily lead to a multi-generational project! Go ahead give it a try!
Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques

I have so many ideas and plans, thanks to Gail's comprehensive and accessible book. It has the same supportive, encouraging tone that I experienced in an introductory dyeing class with Gail. The production values seem very high, from the paper, to the quality of the photographs, to the binding--I think all instruction books should lay flat!

Gail's book is a treasure and is written for the timid adventurer. It inspired me to try my own hand at something that has seemed so technical and picky. She writes in a very matter of fact way, taking into account all of our fears and talks more about the wonders of the process than about achieving some specific end. She makes the journey into color and all the joy that can bring into something magical and fun.

This book shows several techniques for dyeing yarn and roving which I had not tried before. The author uses the ProChem Acid dyes that I prefer. However, she uses them straight out of the jar and does not use any recipes for varying them. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in dyeing.

This books is fabulous for the crafter and knitter but it is also a huge resource for color and the use of color in all situations where color coordinates are needed. The book is written conversationally and is non threatening to the newest beginner, all of the resources are easy to obtained! Thanks Ms Callahan for putting what you do into easy to understand language and creating excitement for an ancient art.

Having finally obtained this book after what seemed like such a long wait, I wasn't in the least bit disappointed. Gail's straight forward presentation of many dyeing techniques make obtaining beautiful results fully possible for even a novice dyer. I love her concept of the "color grid" and feel it will bring new life to my selection of color combinations for future dyeing projects. The patterns are lovely and the fact that she gives specific information regarding which technique to use to attain the desirable yarn for each is very motivating. Gail removes the "mystery" of dyeing and makes the reader feel confident to either try dyeing for the first time or move on towards developing better skills. This is one book that will forever remain a part of my resource library.

I'm an avid knitter who is frequently frustrated that the colors I envision for a project are not available in the gauge or type of yarn I seek. Compromising the vision is almost always a necessity. People suggested I learn to dye, and I acquired six dyeing books over the years. Each of them intimidated me. This one encourages the dyeing neophyte to try it by making the process easy, clear, and fun! I can do this - at home, without a lot of expensive equipment. The chapter on color is especially helpful in developing color-choosing confidence. I'm delighted to have this book because I am already on my way to realizing my project visions!

All kinds of fun and creative ways to break into dyeing are presented in this amazingly comprehensive and easy to read book. I love the logical layout of the book as it has chapters on equipment (readily available in most homes), fibers, types of dye, colors, huge section of techniques (my favorite section) and some lovely patterns for small items on which to practice. I would say the focus is on dyeing animal fibers and yarn, especially wool although others are discussed as well. Numerous full color pictures throughout reinforce the directions and text. The book has a nice enclosed spiral binding so it lays flat and the text, headings, highlights are printed in such a readable font with nice contrast to the background--so eye friendly! Most importantly, the author encourages fearless creativity and very practical, hands-on methods with readily available supplies. A novice would feel comfortable getting started, but I also think there is much to be explored by a more experienced person. I can't wait to dive in!