Three Years of Dyeing Yarn Naturally
Today marks three years since my book, Dyeing Yarn Naturally, was published.
Dyeing Yarn Naturally, The Crowood Press, 2023.
The story of the book really began in 2021, when I was approached by The Crowood Press about the possibility of writing a guide to natural dyeing, focusing on my specialism of yarn dyeing. I remember feeling equal parts excitement and disbelief. Natural dyeing is such a tactile, practice-based craft for me, that the idea of turning it into a well structured book felt daunting. Still, I said yes, because I love a challenge!
Writing the book turned out to be far harder than I expected. Translating my intuitive, sensory processes into clear, accessible instructions required a level of focus and organisation that didn’t come naturally to me. It was during this period that I began to understand more about myself, which ultimately led to my ADHD diagnosis. Looking back, it explained so much about the challenges I faced while writing - the difficulty sustaining focus on an empty Word document, the overwhelm of structuring large projects, but also the deep passion and hyperfocus that carried me through the parts I loved most (in particular the hundreds of mini skeins of yarn I made and dyed!).
Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly proud of Dyeing Yarn Naturally. The book is designed to be both practical and inspiring: a guide for beginners stepping into the world of plant-based colour, and a companion for more experienced dyers looking to deepen their practice. It covers everything from preparing fibres and creating dye baths, to achieving different shades and effects.
A sample dye page from the book
The design of the book was also very important to me. I wanted the design and layout to enable the reader to follow the instructions easily, without overwhelm or confusion, and to make the process feel approachable while still celebrating its artistry. The photography was all taken by myself in my studio, whilst each process was happening.
Me with the first proof copy of the book!
The book features 25 different dye plants, all of which can be easily grown, foraged, or sourced from food waste in the UK. This was important to me, as I wanted to stay true to my approach of using only materials I can grow or gather myself, while also keeping the content accessible. I could have included more exotic plants to broaden the colour range, but it didn’t feel in keeping with that ethos.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the past three years has been hearing from readers who have bought or received the book, and told me how useful it has been to them. The book has received so many thoughtful and generous reviews, and it means so much to know that it has found its place in studios, homes, and creative practices around the world. Readers have described it as ‘beautifully presented’, ‘clear and accessible’, and ‘deeply inspiring’ - words that feel a little unreal to read, even after three years!
‘Such a good resource for budding natural dyers. I opened the book with absolutely no idea about natural dyeing and within a week I’ve just finished spinning my first ever naturally dyed fibre. I have so much more to learn but feel like I’ll be dipping back into this book for years to come. Well written, well formatted and beautiful pictures!’
‘I really love this book! Firstly because it is so easy to follow and learn from. Also because there are so many photographs which are both instructional and lovely to see. I also love Ria's sustainability values. A delightful book , offering a wealth of information for the natural dyer. Whilst the book is aimed at total beginners, I would also recommend it to others, as I am not a total beginner and I enjoyed the book very much.’
I’m very grateful to The Crowood Press for the opportunity that came my way in 2021, for the lessons (both creative and personal) that came with it, and for everyone who has supported the book since its publication.
Three years on, Dyeing Yarn Naturally continues to connect me with a wider community of makers and colour lovers, and that is something I will never take for granted.
Thank you for being part of the journey!
Ria :)
And if you haven’t got a copy yet, you can buy signed copies in my shop, or unsigned copies anywhere you buy books…
