Be Cartha-mine! An introduction to Dyeing with Safflower

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the unique process of dyeing with safflower’s vibrant pink pigment: carthamin.

Safflower petals conceal worlds of colour. If you work with them in precise ways, you can welcome a range of yolky yellows, highlighter pinks, and rich crimsons all from the same flower.

Unlike most other natural dye processes, carthamin dyeing requires no heat and minimal fabric pre-treatment. Together, we will walk through all the rinsing, shifting, and soaking—as well as the rich history and enchanting chemistry—involved in this seductive process.

There will be hidden reds! Dramatic pH shifts! Tales of fermented plums! Pink SCOBYs!

Participants will leave with a dyed fabric patch as well as a riso-printed zine to guide them through the process at home.