Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece

By Gail Callahan
Storey Publishing, $18.95, 169 pages

The arts of knitting and weaving have made a “comeback” in recent years, and with it a renewed interest in yarns and “natural” colors. Gail Callahan begins her charming prelude by admitting that she was dragged “kicking and screaming” into dyeing yarns out of necessity. Her first attempts at dyeing proved successful and bolstered future research and experiments. Soon, she had all the beautifully colored yarn a textile artist could want. Callahan discovered that the more one is embroiled in the creative process the more likely the project is to be completed. 

Besides the creative aspect, the authoress lists five logical reasons to learn to dye, which include transforming ugly-colored yarn into eye-catching yarn, as well simple economy; instead of buying a skein for each color in a complicated project, one can take neutral-colored yarn and dye as needed.  Gloriously hued photographs abound in this large tome; projects are included using the dyed yarns with accompanying pictures of the completed pieces. The dyeing process is well documented and covers a variety of methods, from immersion to using the microwave; the prose is quite clear throughout, and manages to educate as well as inspire.

Reviewed by Meredith Greene