Dyes from Kitchen Produce

Book excerpt: This book will make you stop and think before you throw away that old sweater - it could become your new favourite accessory. Setsuko Ishii shows you how to save the environment and save cash with this enticing collection of more than 30 hand-dyed projects. Using kitchen equipment and readily accessible natural dyes, the author shows you how to recycle unwanted clothes and household textiles into stylish and practical accessories including throw pillows, baskets, tote bags, potholders, coasters, placements, tablecloths, scarves, and more. Step-by-step instructions and photos guide you through the process of making environmentally friendly dyes from ingredients including onion skin, a variety of teas, coffee, turmeric, lavender, mandarins, cloves, cinnamon, and many other herbs and spices that you probably have in your kitchen. The superb soft colour palette of the dyes is as natural as the ingredients - soft pinks and lilacs, muted greys and beiges, and citrusy yellow-greens. No special equipment is necessary - all you need are measuring cups, saucepans, and other kitchen utensils. Detailed assembly instructions for every project cater for all skill levels. SELLING POINTS: - This book will make you stop and think before you throw away that old sweater - it could become your new favourite accessory 100 col.