In early history, folks did not know exactly what cochineal was......a plant? a seed? a mineral of some kind? It's first introduction into European culture was by the Spanish in the late 1500's and they closely protected their secret of its true source.
The bright colors derived from the cochineal insect come from the carminic acid produced by the bug to deter predators. The range of bright shades derived from this component depend on the pot or mordant used in the dye process and can range from raspberry to bright red and pale lavender to a darker purple.
I have a few skeins left from this years dyeing, in addition to some warm osage orange golds, hemlock tans, walnut browns, and a lovely silver/gray from comfrey. Please contact me via the contact info provided in the right column if you are interested.
