A Weaver’s Garden, Rita Buchanan
I give this book 8 out of 10 acorns.
Tackling an encyclopedic subject matter, this book is a tapestry in itself: the uses of many different plants by different cultures, the inventive ways people have used their surroundings throughout history, the beautiful myriad of colors that can be obtained with the proper techniques. I am looking at familiar plants with new insight, newfound wonder - they are everywhere, relics from our not so distant past. I so enjoyed the way Rita shares her immense knowledge, and armed with this book I am inspired to begin creating.
Judith Browning
Subject: A Weaver's Garden by Rita Buchanan
I give this book 10 out of 10 acorns.
This is the one reference book I choose to own as my information source for growing and harvesting and preparing dye plants for use. The added bonus of other topics, including fiber plants and soap and repellent plants makes it even more useful. As many of these plants are also interesting and hardy and attract pollinators, they can easily be incorporated into a permaculture design.
Because there are more and more small clothing manufacturers wanting to use natural dyes instead of chemicals....I think there might be a lucrative area worth looking in to for home based businesses growing natural dye plants.
From Amazon: "Long before the invention of pottery, men and women wove baskets from plant fibers. Today, craftworkers creating textiles and other products make use of many of these same resources and methods. Thoroughly researched and charmingly written, this practical guide by a veteran botanist and horticulturist provides weavers and gardeners alike with a wealth of information on growing plants for use in weaving and dyeing projects.
Beginning with the history and uses of plant fibers, A Weaver's Garden then offers valuable hints on dyeing fibers and fabrics and how to use soap plants for cleaning textiles. Readers will also find expert advice on fragrant plants for scenting and protecting textiles, what plant materials to use as tools, how to plan and create a garden containing cotton, flax, indigo, madder, fuller's teasel, woad, and many other useful plants; and much more. A glossary, pronunciation guide, and an abundance of illustrations complete this informative and inspiring volume."