This landmark work is a practical and historical guide to hand-weaving patterns and dye recipes. It revolutionized 19th-century practices by revealing closely held trade secrets to home weavers and dyers, and giving recipes the home craftsman could use. While not intended for the beginner, this book is a great source of early weaving crafts and authentic dye recipes for craftsmen who know the fundamentals of weaving and dyeing.
Of greatest value, perhaps, are the 35 weaving crafts with their instructions. Included are Bird Eyes, Herring Bone, Eight Shaft Coverlet, Diamond Coverlet, Plain Block Carpet, Damask Diaper, Curtain Diaper, and more. Then come dye recipes and methods for dyeing cotton and wool, all using natural dyes. Also included are tables and calculations for the size and amount of yarn required for various projects, a description of dye-woods and drugs, recipes for varnishes and satins, and more.
For this edition Rita J. Adrosko, Curator of the Division of Textiles of the National Museum of History and Technology, has written a helpful introduction containing information on how best to make use of this volume as well as a short glossary of terms. With only a few adaptations to contemporary methods, the modern home weaver and dyer can make great practical use of this valuable book.
