THE PREAMBLE
So it’s probably rule #1 in some blog how-to somewhere that you shouldn’t send people to other sources… but I’m such a fan-girl of these folks that I really can’t help it.
I recently wrote out a list of some resources for a friend’s son who might be interested in Shibori and Natural Dyeing, and I got a bit carried away. I realized that I had all of these amazing resources now, but when I started this journey 2 years ago I didn’t have ANY idea where to begin. Now that I’ve found all of these sources of learning and inspiration, I have to share them. Maybe there’s someone out there now, overwhelmed and lost, like I was. I want to help that person. I want to help YOU!
One of my favorite things about the Natural Dye community is that it is a community. Because we make things slowly, with our hands, there’s room for all of us. No one “big fish” is going to swallow up all the “competition”. So, with that said, here’s a cheat sheet to get you started. If you’ve stumbled upon this list and you have something you think I missed, hit me up in the comments! I hope this helps in some small way on your textile adventures!
XO ❤ , Kate
THE ACTUAL LIST:
BOOKS…
Still my favorite resource by far. Books are the best. You should read them.
This is the mother of all modern (English) Shibori books. This is the only one you need. It has everything. You’re welcome.
VIBE: Textbook/Encyclopedic
BEST FOR: Comprehensive VISUAL reference of different Shibori techniques
COOLEST FEATURE: Color gallery in the back of the book showing textiles by Shibori masters.
VIBE: Textbook
BEST FOR: Learning the fundamentals on plant dyes on CELLULOSE fibers.
COOLEST FEATURE: Comprehensive description and recipes for the Soy/Soya mordant process on cellulose (plant) fibers
VIBE: DIY Projects
BEST FOR: Dyes created from food waste and pantry items.
COOLEST FEATURE: Sasha’s perspective on the SLOW movement, and how slow food and slow fashion intersect.
VIBE: Encyclopedic
BEST FOR: Comprehensive visual reference of different dye-plants and their color potential.
COOLEST FEATURE: Swatches for each dye-plant showing color potential, including with use of various mordants and modifiers.
VIBE: DIY Projects
BEST FOR: Learning how to prep your fibers properly, and use common natural dyes on a variety of fibers.
COOLEST FEATURE: A very comprehensive and well written section of prepping your fibers. This book has the best scouring and pre-mordanting section of any book i own.
VIBE: Textbook
BEST FOR: Wild harvesting dye-plants, specifically for wool.
COOLEST FEATURE: Each dye-plant page has a little map showing the region that it’s native to.
BLOGS…
I still love books, but Blogs are good too.


This is the Blog of the LOVELY Rebecca Desnos, who also authored Botanical Colour at your Fingertips, above. I particularly love that she focuses on Cellulose fibers, and plant-based dyes, so it’s an especially good source for Vegan dyers 🙂 No bugs or sheeps harmed to make her lovely colors. ❤ ❤ ❤

SHOPS…
My favorite resources for dyestuff, blank textiles, and all that good stuff.

Based out of San Rafael, CA.

Based out of Washington state.

Based out of Vancouver, Canada.