Cochineal Dyeing

Following up on her video on the history of cochineal ("Precious Pests"), author Virginia Postrel tries her hand at cochineal dyeing, experimenting with different mordants and fibers as well as both cultivated and wild cochineal. One in a series of videos inspired by The Fabric of Civilization.
Buy The Fabric of Civilization: amzn.to/3ssNHh6

[@BoogieBoogsForever]

Wow, stannous chloride mordenting cultivated cochenial wins by a long shot.
I was surprised how resistant the cotton was.
Great show!

[@soniatriana9091]

Hello Virginia!! Wow! I’m very happy to have just come across your Channel! Your ability to beautifully share your knowledge regarding textile history & change is so fascinating!! Thank you!

[@markbrophy5454]

I read, "A Perfect Red" because you cited it in your book. I enjoyed both.

[@BoogieBoogsForever]

I just bought your book on Amazon.
Looking forward!!

[@pv6450]

Nice video. You will find cellulose dyes better with a tannin component with the alum. The turkey red method is really successful

[@espem88]

Virginia, the wild cochineal I harvested from my own yard turned into a dry paste consistency when I ground. I was able to form it into a pliable brick. Do you have any idea why this occurred and if I should do anything to it?

[@vpostrel]

Did you dry the cochineal in the sun (or an oven on a very, very low setting)? It sounds like you have more water in the cochineal than I did when I ground mine. But I'd think you could still get it to dissolve in hot water.

[@BoogieBoogsForever]

Very, very cool.
Fabric and world history; two of my favorites!!

[@annthomas984]

Fabulous thank you

[@imangrainca6420]

Fascinating story! Appreciate what I`ve learned from these videos and the way you deliver it!

[@taramaus7976]

Love the history you shared! Thanks!

[@vpostrel]

Check out my other video on cochineal, which focuses on the history!

[@andysandel9325]

Absolutely Magnificently Very Interesting Throughout The Video, Thank You For Sharing Your Video