stores in large cities--sometimes, but rarely, at
the art counter in department stores. The "Kindergarten Guides" can be
obtained at most public libraries, or a kindergartner friend will be
glad to loan one.

Chapter Six

DIRECTIONS FOR DYEING

[Sidenote: _Diamond dyes_]

A few hints with regard to dyeing raffia, cheese cloth, white cord for
hammocks, and other materials, may be found useful. For raffia use the
Diamond dyes which are intended for wool or silk. Wash the raffia first.
The color will be improved by soaking the raffia a day in alum water,
one-half pound to the gallon. Dye once used can be kept in an air-tight
dish and reheated whenever needed.

[Sidenote: _Vegetable dyes_]

Should one be interested in vegetable dyes much information can be
obtained at the public libraries. Dr. Washington Matthews speaks of
Indian dyes in his article on the Navajo weavers mentioned in this book.
"How to Make and How to Mend" also contains some good suggestions about
dyes.

[Sidenote: _Mrs. Candace Wheeler's pamphlet_]

In her little pamphlet, _Home Industries and Domestic Weavings_,
published by the Associated Artists, 115 East 23d Street, New York City,
Mrs. Candace Wheeler has an interesting chapter on "Rag-Carpet Weaving."
Her suggestions for dyeing rags apply equally to yarns and to other
materials which may be used on hand looms for children. Through her kind
permission I am allowed to quote the following suggestions:

[Sidenote: _Uses of the indigo tub_]

"In the early days of this present century a dye tub was as much a
necessity in every house as a spinning-wheel, and the reestablishment of
it in houses where weaving is practiced is almost a necessity; in fact,
it would be of far greater use at present than in the days when it was
only used to dye the wool needed for family knitting and weaving. All
shades of blue, from sky-blue to blue-black, can be dyed in the indigo
tub; and it has the merit of being a cheap as well as an almost
perfectly fast dye. It could be used for dyeing warps as well as
fillings, and I have before spoken of the difficulty, indeed almost
impossibility, of procuring indigo-dyed carpet yarn.

[Sidenote: _Blue universally used_]

[Sidenote: _Green_]

"Blue is, perhaps, more universally useful than any other color in
rag-rug making, since it is safe for both cotton and wool, and covers a
range from the white rug with blue warp, the blue rug with white warp,
through all