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….
Gorgeous!
Even though the garden sleeps, we are still foraging it seems! Your vintage textiles are exquisite and I can see why you love them….remind me of floral beauty….I have heard of Rough Linen, and her story is inspiring for home based entrepreneurs….slept on linen sheets in my grandmother’s house in Italy….divine! N.xo
Trish thanks for the call out about Tricia Rose’s linens giveaway! and of course about our Chic Provence Design Tour 2013… why don’t you join us? 🙂
bisous
Kit
Trish,
Oh my, what lovely fabrics, especially the white on with the red rose buds. I let my imagination wander to envision the dress the fabric was used for.
I’m planning and planting for spring.
Karen
I would probably shadow-box frame them so I see them every single day. How splendid they are.
Hi Trish, I am in love with gorgeous silks–your photography is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Mary
Thank you Trish , these fragments are so amazing considering they were all made by hand and some still look almost as if they were designed today.
Simply DELIGHTFUL! my dear Trish
It “flowers” up our gray days!
Thinking of you – ‘day and night’ 🙂
xoxo karin
Comme on aimerait porter encore de si belles choses!
C’est un vrai plaisir pour nous qui ne sommes pas sur la côte ouest!
Such lovely fabrics to awaken a winter’s heart