Cochineal

Cochineal Dye  
Dactylopius coccus

This little scaled insect is primarily found in subtropical North and South America. It's a parasitic insect that lives on cacti and feeds off the plant's moisture and nutrients. The females produce a carminic acid that deters predation of other insects. This dye became incredibly saught after in the colonial period and was exported all over the world including all the way to India. 
 
Fingering Weight Sock Blend - 75% SW Merino, 25% Nylon | 463yds | 100g | 3oz 
Pima Sock - 100% Pima Cotton | 4-plu | 463 yds | 100g | 3oz
DK Lux - 40% Superfine Alpaca, 40% Merino, 20% silk | 1-ply | 252yds | 100g | 3oz
DK Cable - 100% SW Merino | 8-ply | 274yds | 100g | 3oz
Pima DK - 100% Pima Cotton | 4-ply | 218yds | 100g | 3oz
Worsted - 100% SW Merino | 8-ply | 218 yds | 100g |3oz
Bulky - 100% SW Merino | 3-ply | 106yds | 100g | 3oz
Super Bulky - 180% SW Merino, 20% Nylon | 1-ply | 76yds | 100g | 3oz

Naturally dyed yarn will mature gracefully. Keep out of direct sunlight & hand wash when necessary with a gentle soap. 
Dyed naturally in Floyd, VA