Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Review & Giveaway: Fabric to Dye for by Frieda Anderson

Disclaimer: I've admired Frieda Anderson’s work since I saw a quilt from her first book years ago. I visit her website from time to time to see what she’s doing; it’s always something interesting. Finally last week I got a chance to meet her when she was in town to teach a class for my old quilting guild. After the class we went out to dinner. Frieda is great company: nice and easy to talk to. Given that we’ve both been working in the industry for years we have mutual friends and lots of common ground to cover. She’s no diva, rather very open and down to earth, an “old” new friend.

Now, I’ve never dyed before. I’ve been interested in it for quite a while, in fact I have a 30 yard roll of PFD fabric waiting. But how to get started? Well, Frieda is famous for hand-dying all her fabrics, so at dinner I picked her brain. She gave me a synopsis of her latest book, Fabric to Dye For . Her method—eliminating urea—seemed easy. (And not too messy!) I was intrigued.

I went home and bought the book. Over the next week I studied both Frieda’s book and another dyeing technique book somebody loaned me. It was like a high school homework assignment: “compare and contrast….”

No contest! Frieda's book is so clear and concise, perfect for the beginner. She skillfully uses full-color photographs (see below) to walk readers through the process from beginning to end, including setting up a place to work, sourcing materials, fabric preparation, etc. And she does it in only 79 pages, which will set you back only $23.95. The things you need you might already have sitting around. Here are two pictures from the book to show you what I mean:

The book is very nicely organized, something I really appreciate as I organize and produce books for a living. She includes easy-to-understand charts of formulas to mix dyes. She suggests a 12-step gradation to avoid dyeing too many odd colors. Her method demonstrates how to dye a value family of a color. The quilt projects included in the book will not only make it easy to use your new perfectly colored fabric to create beautiful effects, but will inspire you to get creative. You will not be able to help yourself! Here are two pictures, courtesy of Frieda, to pique your interest:

I am sold on Frieda’s method of dyeing and I have my quilting friends fired up to get colorful with me. We’re planning a “dyeing party” as soon as the weather is over 70 degrees. As I look out at the snow falling here in central Ohio, I realize we have some time to plan.

Ready to plan your own project? Can’t wait to get a copy of the book? We’re giving one away! Everybody has up to 2 chance to win. Here’s how:

  1. Post a comment below. If you were dyeing fabric, tell me what color you’d choose to do first. Then tell me what you’d use it for.
  2. Sign up for the Dragon Threads email newsletter (click here). In the “How can we help you” field write “Frieda sent me!” Even if you’re already on the list, signing up again will give you another chance to win (and I promise not to send you two newsletters unless you send me two different email addresses).

One winner will be chosen at random. Contest ends at midnight on December 14th. If you can’t wait to get your hands on a copy, or you want to send one to every quilter you know then start planning your own “dyeing party”, head over to Frieda’s site. Tell her Dragon Threads sent you!

16 comments:

  1. I want to dye fabric red - deep, bright, angry, luscious - many shades of red ! And I would make pojabi seam curtains out of it

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  2. I already have this book but wanted to sing it's praises as well. I have many other dye books in my collection but this one is truly written for the beginner or the person (like me) who is not all that intuitive. I had several DUH! moments that would have made my previous attempts go smoother if I had used this book first. One of the best things is that she gives you ideas on what to do with your fabrics, in the form of patterns, so you might not be inclined to just "pet" your fabric for years like I did. Cut up that fabric and dive right in!

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  3. I would dye a yellow to red gradation to use in a sunflower quilt that has been on my mind.

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  4. I would dye a variety of purples to use during Lent at church, and tons of other colors to play with myself!

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  5. I would dye in shades of green as I am having trouble finding the perfect green for a quilt for my bedroom.

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  6. I would dye pinks (with maybe some orange!) to use in a coneflower quilt! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  7. I need some more greens for leaves and stems. I'd also like some deep burgundy shades going towards reds. I'm short on yellows too. I'll be waiting for those warmer temps!

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  8. My next dyeing adventure will be overdyeing recycled wool fabrics in a ranges of greens and reds for an applique idea I can't get out of my head ;-)

    Freida is a great teacher; I haven't had a look inside this book yet, but I know it will be clear and well written and a great addition to anyone's bookshelf ... and dye space.

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  9. I would dye blues, for fantastic skies. I too have PDF fabric, and dye!, but haven't been brave enough to combine them.

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  10. I have been loathing to get Frieda's book.. I was lucky enough to work her and Laura's booth for a hour or so in Houston. They are wonderful gals.. I would dye some fabric yellow, orange and red.. to use in my new quilt that I just drew out today..

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  11. I love blues and green. I don't know what I would use it for... that's why I have a big bin of hand dyed fabrics waiting... for something. This book sounds awesome though :-)

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  12. I would dye to different families of colors: browns, from the lightest dried-leaf color to the darkest chocolate, & golds, from barley-there to deep rich, burnished gold. I'd use the for a large two color star & feather quilt.

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  13. I was inspired to dye some yellows and greens for a quilt for my dear friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I borrowed Freida's book from the library...what a find! I got inspired, and the quilt was feverishly done in 3 weeks! You can see it at http://www.pbase.com/jjgonfamily/image/130960575 pw: sewfun

    Thanks Freida!!

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  14. I would love to do a deep royal purple color


    Giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

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  15. Signed up for newsletter



    Giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

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  16. I totally wanna get into dying my own fabrics- they are so beautiful!

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