Yes…it’s the dead of winter…even out here on a bright, almost balmy Northern California. The outlines of my garden are stark and bare…waiting for magic. So…in the interlude I thought I’d drag out a few more of my favorite antique textile finds. My 18th century silks are almost invariably floral. Unlike the carefree bolts of linen, scraps of toile and ticking…the silks are prima donnas that need shielding from the sun, careful handeling, circumspect care. If I have to fuss and worry about them, they better be flamboyant.

Here’s an early 18th century Spitalfield silk, made into an 18th century cotton lined bodice, reworked in the late 19th century as part of what must have been an incredible gown in the Belle Epoch, the Gilded Age…that lovely time before World War I crashed down on all the fun.

Another 18th c English silk, possibly Spitalfield as well. Museum examples of Spitalfield’s silk at Victoria & Albert Museum here, or the MET here.
Subtle background pattern adds dimension, and a bit of sheen under the candle light.
I’ve shown you the blue early 18th “Bizarre” silk from Carolyn Forbes here before…one of my VERY favorite pieces. The lovely ivory florals were from Sallie Ead here.

I also wanted to mention the giveaway that Kit Golson of Chic Provence is hosting for Rough Linen here. THE LAST DAY. Hurry!

Rough Linen is a wonderful Northern California business…love Tricia Rose’s story and website here (also…love her name!). Until Spring….