Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Valuable hints on dyeing fibers and fabrics, soap plants to use for cleaning textiles, fragrant plants to scent and protect fabrics; planning and creating a garden featuring cotton, flax, indigo, and much more.
Synopsis
Valuable hints on dyeing fibers and fabrics, soap plants to use for cleaning textiles, fragrant plants to scent and protect fabrics; planning and creating a garden featuring cotton, flax, indigo, much more.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Plant Fibers for Spinning and Stuffing
The History and Uses of Plant Fibers
The Occurrence and Properties of Plant Fibers
Cotton
Flax
Fiber Plants to Know and Grow
2 Dyes from Plants
A Brief History of Natural Dyeing
Plants as Sources of Pigments
Using Plants to Dye Fibers and Fabrics
Dye Plants to Know and Grow
Indigo
3 Soap Plants for Cleaning Textiles
Cleaning without Soap
About Soap
Surfactants as Cleaning Agents
Washing Different Fibers and Fabrics
Soap Plants to Know and Grow
4 Fragrant Plants to Scent and Protect Textiles
Traditional Sachets
Textile Pest Repellents
Harvesting and Drying Fragrant Plants
Fragrant and Insecticidal Plants to Know and Grow
5 Plant Materials Used to Make Textile Tools
Spindles and Other Spinning Tools
Reeds and Other Weaving Tools
Teasels for Finishing Woolens
Plants to Know and Grow for Use as Tools
6 Creating a Garden
Planning and Preparation
Getting and Growing Plants
Resources
Public Gardens to Visit
Suppliers of Herbal Products
Suppliers of Seeds and Plants
"Suppliers of Fiber, Yarn, and Dyeing Supplies"
Glossary
Pronunciation Guide
Index