Obtaining the right kinds of materials from forests for weaving and dyeing will take some research, but plenty of information is available. Some forest owners will be inclined to experiment with various plant uses. Usually, these materials are used to create natural products for decoration, coloring textiles, and weaving baskets or small-scale crafts. It may be possible to establish yourself as a source weaving and dyeing materials for local crafters and spinners. As with other forest projects, make sure you harvest small portions of vigorous populations, replant, or create a cultivated area. Among the problems to overcome are long-term storage, timing of harvest, and drying of the materials. Older home craft books explain traditional methods of using forest products.

The NY forest is full of potentially "weavable" materials, such as willow, grapevine, and fibrous plant stems. You should begin by exploring your forest, noting and flagging trees, vines, and plants that have the properties of good weaving material.

Willow is an excellent kind of tree for weaving with its long, flexible branches. A lot of willow used in the Unted States for basket making is imported. The color and texture depends on the kind of willow. Purpleosier willow (Salix purpurea), American willow (Salix americana), and crack willow (Salix fragilis) are some of the top species. Look for these or plant them in wet, sunny openings, on creek banks, or in damp hedgerows.

White oak can be split into long strips ("splints") for a durable, long lasting weaving medium. The trees shoud be small (4 - 6" diameter) and free of knots. Trees that are damaged are usually unsuitable. Virginia Tech has information about oakwood weaving at Oakwood Baskets (PDF).

Ash is used for baskets and other woven products. The logs are cut into straight, unblemished sections, about 5 - 7 feet long. After de-barking, the log is pounded with the backside of an axe or sledge to loosen the woody fibers. Strips are peeled and processed from the log.

Many forest plants can be used to make natural dyes. Elerberries produce a dark purple, or green dye, depending on harvest time. The inner bark of red and white oaks produces reddish brown dyes. Walnut husks can produce a brown or golden-brown dye. Young ferns in the "fiddle head' stage are said to be a potent green dye. Experiments can abound for you!

If you are reluctant to experiment, obtain a copy of Rita Androsko's book:
Natural Dyes and Home Dyeing by Rita J. Adrosko
Dover, 1971 ISBN: 0486226883