Dyers' notebooks

Dye recipes for all shades and detailed step-by-steps of techniques for dyeing fabric and yarn would be recorded. A comprehensive section could be included on the characteristics of different fabrics and yarns, dyes and pigments, and handy tips.The main feature of the notebook would be yarn samples. Next to each yarn sample would be a recipe or formula used to achieve the colour.

After weeks of testing, dyeing, labelling and organising hanks of yarn, the dyers’ notebook would include several pages of instruction.

The dyer’s note book is a vital tool for working with fabric or yarn, it is the dyer’s own personal reference guide. Additional notes would include studies and observations, information on setting up equipment, reasons why certain dye materials and methods were chosen.

Nowadays dyers' notebooks are retained as a matter of curiosity and historical interest.

At the Colour Museum there are a collection of dyers' notebooks, pattern books and shade books. A number of dyers' notebooks have been deposited; among them from Armitage Dyers (Thornton Road, Bradford), China Printing and Finishing Company, Bradford Dyers Association, and a range of student notebooks.