Indigo, Madder and Marigold

Original Cover

Indigo, Madder and Marigold

The definitive classic on natural dyeing — the final copies, anywhere

Indigo, Madder and Marigold is a rare and much-loved classic for anyone passionate about natural color, fiber, and traditional craft.

Written by Trudy Van Stralen and published by Interweave Press in the late 1980s, this book stands apart for its clear, repeatable, formula-based approach to natural dyeing. Trudy demystifies the process of working with indigo, madder, and marigold—showing how vibrant, consistent colors can be achieved using plant-based dyes, not guesswork.

Unlike many natural dye books that rely on vague recipes or intuition, Indigo, Madder and Marigold provides structured methods you can return to again and again, making it invaluable for both beginners and experienced dyers.

Throughout the 1990s, Trudy Van Stralen was a respected and sought-after teacher on the North American fiber arts circuit, sharing these techniques with weavers, spinners, and dyers across the continent. This book captures that teaching legacy in print.

A truly final opportunity

These copies come directly from the Van Stralen family’s personal stash. They are not warehouse finds, reprints, or distributor leftovers—and once these are sold, there will be no more available anywhere.

Why this book belongs on your shelf

• Proven, repeatable dye formulas using natural materials

• Focus on three foundational dyes: indigo, madder, and marigold

• Written by a teacher and practitioner, not just a theorist

• Out of print, family-held copies — the last in existence

If you care about natural dyeing, historical technique, and reliable results, this is a once-only chance to own a piece of fiber-arts history.