Inspirations: Dyework

Dyeing fabric and paper adds colour and pattern in an instant, and offers endless scope for transforming plain items into desirable and inspirational projects. Start with plain white silk, cotton, linen, wool, paper or thread, a few pots of dye, and a chemical solution, and with ease you will be able to create fun and hand-crafted items to decorate your home. There are over 20 projects to make using a diverse range of dye methods, from the familiar tie-dyeing, to the random and experimental space-dyeing, spray-dyeing techniques. Learn to colour fabrics with confidence, using tried and tested recipes to achieve accurate results. Using dyes and paints that are easy to use and readily available, Dyework shows you how to tailor-make home accessories using a colour palette that is both vibrant and cheerful, or soft and muted. Projects vary in complexity from simple dyed wrapping paper and a colourful book cover suitable for a beginner to tackle, to a complex embroidered and appliqued valance, and a patchwork tablecloth that requires confident sewing skills. Whatever your level of ability, there are projects here to suit everyone, from a cute and cuddly hot water bottle to make for a child, to a stylish throw to adorn a favourite chair and lilac beaded drapes to hang at a window.