Lac 25g
Lac (Laccifer lacca) extract comes from a scale insect known through antiquity in Asia. It is extracted from the resin known as shellac, used as a wood lacquer. It was used to dye silk and leather and is mentioned as early as 250BC.
Lac is an affordable alternative to cochineal.
Using lac with alum mordants gives rich shades of pinks, purples and burgundy on protein fibres. You will need a small amount of citric acid to use with the lac, and instructions are provided.
25g lac will dye 250g wool to its darkest shade.