FireFly

More than 50 stylish projects using the traditional tie-dye method.

Tie-dye is an easy, rewarding and affordable craft that can turn silks, cottons and simple ready-made garments into dramatic fashion statements. Author Melanie Brummer is an expert at reviving clothes, linens and draperies with this creative craft skill.

Contemporary Dyecraft features more than 50 resist-dyeing projects that are easy to do and yield beautiful one-of-a-kind results. Methods used are bucket-dyeing, dip dyeing and dyeing in a washing machine. The book begins with an introduction to suitable fabrics, types of dye, paints and an explanation of resist dyeing. The required equipment is largely household items that are inexpensive and readily available.

The projects use eight dyeing styles: flat color, graded color, crazed patterns, circles, stripes and coils, geometric shapes, spirals and stitched patterns. The materials lists are minimal, such as fabric, string or rubber bands, a bucket and kettle, and the dye.

The projects are rated by degree of difficulty and include:

• Skirt in a ball
  
• Reverse camouflage T-shirt
  
• Candy-striped silk scarf
  
• Water fantasy silk scarf
  
• Flowers on a shirt
  
• Parallel-striped Madiba shirt

Contemporary Dyecraft is an excellent beginner's guide for anyone who wants to create new items or give new life to items already in their wardrobe.

Melanie Brummer started experimenting with dye and block printing in the early 90s, manufacturing and selling a line of hand-dyed T-shirts and dresses. She currently teaches designers about the production requirements of dyeing and printing, and she is a frequent contributor to craft magazines. She lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Marianne Fassler is a fashion designer whose collections have featured the use of recycled materials and elaborate tie-dyeing methods.