Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

Lichens are curious plants, composed of fungi and algae that often resemble splotches of paint peeling from rocks or wood. They have been used to create brilliant, versatile dyes for over 4,000 years. In this comprehensive guide based on 25 years of meticulous research, noted textile designer and lichen expert Karen Casselman explains how to create and use dyes derived from these unusual plants.
The text begins with a fascinating history of such Asian and European lichen pigments as Phoenician purple, Roman murex, Florentine orchil, and Norwegian korkje. Consideration of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes follows, as well as those used in colonial America. Also discussed at length are safe dyeing methods, with special attention to equipment and preparation of the fiber; ecologically sound dyeing techniques and the use of mordants (substances used to fix dyes); lichen identification; and more. A final section includes charts of lichen dye names and ingredients, additives and alternative mordants, international field guides, useful bibliographies, indices, and other information.
Well written, informative, and filled with expert advice, this excellent guide will be indispensable to novices and experienced dyers who wish to learn the age-old art and craft of dyeing with lichens.

1111327755
Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

Lichens are curious plants, composed of fungi and algae that often resemble splotches of paint peeling from rocks or wood. They have been used to create brilliant, versatile dyes for over 4,000 years. In this comprehensive guide based on 25 years of meticulous research, noted textile designer and lichen expert Karen Casselman explains how to create and use dyes derived from these unusual plants.
The text begins with a fascinating history of such Asian and European lichen pigments as Phoenician purple, Roman murex, Florentine orchil, and Norwegian korkje. Consideration of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes follows, as well as those used in colonial America. Also discussed at length are safe dyeing methods, with special attention to equipment and preparation of the fiber; ecologically sound dyeing techniques and the use of mordants (substances used to fix dyes); lichen identification; and more. A final section includes charts of lichen dye names and ingredients, additives and alternative mordants, international field guides, useful bibliographies, indices, and other information.
Well written, informative, and filled with expert advice, this excellent guide will be indispensable to novices and experienced dyers who wish to learn the age-old art and craft of dyeing with lichens.

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Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

by Karen Diadick Casselman
Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

by Karen Diadick Casselman

Paperback(2ND, REVISED)

$9.95 
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Overview

Lichens are curious plants, composed of fungi and algae that often resemble splotches of paint peeling from rocks or wood. They have been used to create brilliant, versatile dyes for over 4,000 years. In this comprehensive guide based on 25 years of meticulous research, noted textile designer and lichen expert Karen Casselman explains how to create and use dyes derived from these unusual plants.
The text begins with a fascinating history of such Asian and European lichen pigments as Phoenician purple, Roman murex, Florentine orchil, and Norwegian korkje. Consideration of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes follows, as well as those used in colonial America. Also discussed at length are safe dyeing methods, with special attention to equipment and preparation of the fiber; ecologically sound dyeing techniques and the use of mordants (substances used to fix dyes); lichen identification; and more. A final section includes charts of lichen dye names and ingredients, additives and alternative mordants, international field guides, useful bibliographies, indices, and other information.
Well written, informative, and filled with expert advice, this excellent guide will be indispensable to novices and experienced dyers who wish to learn the age-old art and craft of dyeing with lichens.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780486412313
Publisher: Courier Corporation
Publication date: 11/02/2011
Edition description: 2ND, REVISED
Pages: 98
Sales rank: 166,499
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.20(d)

Table of Contents

Contents
PREFACE: An Ethical Approach 1 Should You Use Lichen Dyes? 
1  History of Asian and Southern European Lichen Dyes
Ancient Purples  Phoenician Purples  Roman Murex and Orchil 6 Bronze and Iron Age Lichen
Dyes Florentine Orchil  Medieval and Renaissance Lichen
Dyes Industrial Revolution and Lichen
Dyes  The Cudbear Industry  Norwegian Korkje 
2  Domestic Lichen Dyes of Northern Europe and North America
Traditional Lichen Dye Methods  Domestic Scottish Lichen Dyes  Irish Lichen Dyes 
Scandinavian Lichen Dyes  Early American Lichen Dyes  American Aboriginal
Lichen Dyes 
3  Safe Lichen Dye Methods and Techniques
Safe Lichen Dyes  BWM Lichen Dyes  AM Lichen Dyes (Orsallia) European AM Dyes  Natural (and Unnatural)
Materials 
Fibre Preparation 
Equipment 
Light Fastness and Delayed
Rinsing 
Trouble-Shooting 
4  Eco Dyes and Alternative Mordants
Reduced Ammonia AM dye
Formula  Three-Step Solar Lichen Dyes  Three-Step POD Lichen Dyes  Fastness and Exhaust Dyes  Washing Dyed Fibres 
Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book
Lichens as Mordants  Found Materials and Household Mordants  How to Adjust AM Dye Bath pH 
5  Ethics and Lichen Identification
Code of Ethics  Lichens and Dye Pigments  Chemical Reagents (The C Test) 
How to Learn Lichen Identification9 "Found" Lichens 
Epilogue  Photographs and Illustrations  Glossary  Acknowledgements  Annotated Bibliography General Index  Name, Language, and Place Index 

 

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