Colonies-Cheddar and Poison Green by Nancy Gere for Windham Fabrics.

Colonies-Cheddar and Poison Green

In the early to mid 1800's, "poison" greens and "cheddar" yellows were very popular colors, a pleasant diversion from the browns, indigos, and turkey reds. The contrast afforded dress makers and quilters more creative possibilities. The name "Poison" green probably comes from its similarity to the arsenic-based and toxic "Scheele's Green" wall paper, used throughout the 19th century. Cheddar, resembling the color of cheese, was often the base dye of the poison greens. Cotton was dyed yellow and then dyed again with indigo or Prussian blue. The result was beautiful "poison greens"!