Rose madder red always works magic on winter. Above… antique Bourbon rose Madame Issac Perrier from last year’s garden, and an 18th century French striped silk pelmet traced with ribbonwork.

Do you think this photo from my Candlelight and Roses post here inspired my interest in the ribbonwork? Raspberry silk moiré in the queen’s bedroom at Kina Slott (Chinese Pavillion) at Drottningholm Palace.

Antique textiles are my favorite way to toss a bit of color on top of neutrals. Sometimes it’s just takes that one rare, original, handmade, one of a kind, not perfect piece to get you out of that straight from the catalogue look. I’ve been pinning my favorite textile dealers on Pinterest here. Some of the more expensive dealers are great resources for learning, and of course have the rarest, most perfect pieces. As usual, I’m always trying to limit my time on the demon internet, but I have some other great pieces and resources to share with you in the next few days. As you’ll see, even when my garden is shut down, I always try to keep a few roses up my sleeve.  Hope you’re all keeping warm!