is that the one about squeezing snails?
Cochineal's an interesting one, too, for ages the dudes who discovered it (I want to say somewhere is south america here, but I think I'm wrong) didn't let on it was beetles for ages and so controlled it's production for years
( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Sun 13 May 2012, 12:33, 1 reply, 12 years ago)

Sort of
For centuries the only source of purple dye was a small snail that existed only on one Mediterranean isle. Hence the 'royal' association with the colour due to its huge cost. In the 1800's a teenager trying to produce synthetic quinine accidentally made mauvine, the worlds first synthetic dye.
( willenium Fist bump for verification, Sun 13 May 2012, 12:36, Reply)

cool
i read this a while ago, it's really interesting stuff www.amazon.co.uk/Colour-Travels-Paintbox-Victoria-Finlay/dp/0340733292/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336909071&sr=8-1
( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Sun 13 May 2012, 12:38, Reply)

Mmm you may have helped me break through my writers block
Ill begin in a bit
( willenium Fist bump for verification, Sun 13 May 2012, 13:09, Reply)

I will give you credit

( willenium Fist bump for verification, Sun 13 May 2012, 13:20, Reply)

yay!
If you need pictures of wool in mordant, I got em. Soon cochineal
( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Sun 13 May 2012, 13:22, Reply)

I'll be in touch

( willenium Fist bump for verification, Sun 13 May 2012, 13:42, Reply)