Sweet Potato Quilts: The Story of Yellow, Gold, and Orange in Quilts

by Pepper Cory

More than just a pattern book, this interesting look at quilting history and antique patterns explores the background of quilting with "sweet potato colors"—brilliant orange, yellow, and gold. This unique reference explores the technology behind the dazzling dyes and also provides detailed instructions on how to create 12 richly colored quilts from patterns inspired by old-fashioned quilts and successfully manage these color combinations outside of the provided patterns. In addition, this volume reveals how dye secrets from India and the Far East brought a color revolution to the West, where pale butterscotches were replaced with eye-popping pumpkins; how color formulas were kept secret during the first part of the century; and the role that synthetic dyes have played in the rise and fall of the color orange.

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008