Back to Ramie
Related products

Tussah Silk Top – Passion
100% Tussah silk.
An excellent deep true red.
PRODUCT of ITALY

Super Streaker Merino – Fiesta
100% 19 micron Merino wool top.
Ribbons of rich tangerine-orange, magenta and cherry-red where they blend together.
PRODUCT of ITALY

Cochineal, Whole
Whole dried insects.
A scale insect native to Mexico/Central America that feeds exclusively on prickly-pear cactus. Cochineal is a very common source of red food colour with a long historical use. No mordant is required although they will extend the colour range in interesting ways. Use at 3-10% WOF for medium, 10-20% WOF for strong shades. Cochineal is expensive but very generous and can easily give 8 or more successive dips from the same dyebath. Have plenty of fibre ready and waiting!
TO USE: grind finely in a coffee grinder (Cochineal is non-toxic but may stain your next pot of coffee). Soak overnight in cold water with 5% Cream of Tartar to WOF. Simmer 15 minutes, cool and strain -- we find a sieve lined with moist paper towel does the trick. Return to pot, add more water if necessary then enter the fibre and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes.
Light/washfastness: excellent

Regular Merino Prefelt – Red/Passion – 1/2 meter
Price per 1/2 meter sheet: 120cm (47 inches) x 50cm (19.5 inches). Approximately 70g (2.46 oz)
Bright scarlet red. Exactly the right colour for Christmas stockings!