How Do I Love Monogramming?
Let Me Count the Ways....
 

For embroiderers with big families and gift lists, stitching for Christmas is a year-round event.

These pillows were made by Beverly - she uses a Brother PC8500. On some of her pillows she stitched a design that was appropriate for the recipient, but on most she stitched a letter from the Friendship Square Alphabet. The letters from that alphabet are noted as applique, but you can use them without applique fabric (as Beverly did).

The variety is excellent, and each person received something unique, personal, and special. Well done, Beverly!

Barbara's mom is quite a swimmer, so Barbara made her a special tote bag to take her towel and suit back and forth to the local pool.

Barbara used a letter from the Jacobean Alphabet to decorate the bag. This is a  wonderful way to express love and care for her mom with a personal touch.

This towel set was made by Ande as a wedding gift. The request was for an angelfish monogram. You can imagine that finding an "angelfish" alphabet is a little tricky... so Ande used the Tropical Angel Fish design and tucked the letter inside.

The couple has their very own logo now, thanks to Ande's work! A splendid example of using lettering in creative and imaginative ways.

Sharon put a handy-dandy twist on her towel set. Like Ande, Sharon finds towel sets to be popular wedding gifts.

Sharon used the Vines Alphabet letters, stitched them onto fabric, then appliqued that fabric to the towel. She writes, "On towels you can put more intricate designs and not worry about the loops popping up through the fabric."

And, by using this method, you wouldn't need to struggle to get a thick-and-thirsty towel in the hoop, either!

Scarves and shawls are trendy fashion accents, and there are plenty of blank ones to be found at Target or WalMart, or online.

Carol added letters from the Vines alphabet for her sister-in-law Doreen. The bright white fabric of this scarf looks so silky and smooth, and the elegant lettering makes a beautiful touch!

Rebecca revived a pair of chairs that she describes as "really old and decrepit." She rescued them from the trash heap.

Along with some fixing-up and a new coat of paint, the chairs also got new cushions. Rebecca added her initial to the cushion on the back using a letter from the Jacobean alphabet.

It's a chair fit for a stitching queen, Rebecca. I appreciate your innovation and skill!

When Barb saw the project that shows how to make a napkin in the shape of a Christmas tree, she set about making a version of her own.

She writes, "Instead of embroidering treats on the napkins I used your poinsettia alphabet to monogram them. I made a dozen as a special gift for my sister who always hosts the family Christmas."

A beautiful gift, Barb, and one that your family will enjoy for many Christmases to come. Bravo, and well done!

Barb's friend has a bathroom cabinet with glass doors. She was looking for a bit more privacy to hide her toiletries, so for a while she had the glass covered with a piece of paper.

There is no way that a savvy stitcher will allow such opportunity to pass by. Barb stitched letters from the Jacobean alphabet onto denim, and made charming screens for the transparent glass.

Fantastic idea! Barb adds, "I thought that I could embroider something to make the doors look a little nicer, as she is a decorating diva, and the white paper didn't suit her."

Excellent!

Marlaine shared a photo and terrific story about how she used freestanding lace letters to make a banner. She added a layer of Mylar for extra sparkle and shine.

"I used the freestanding lace alphabet to say thank you to our congregation after our Craft Group's Craft Fair. I haven't worked with Mylar very much so I experimented while using up various odds and ends of red thread. I used the Mylar in every other letter. I tacked the letters together and hung them on a bulletin board my sister, Michelle, made to display information about all of the charities our Craft Fair benefits."

What a great idea, Marlaine!

Another fantastic example with freestanding lace!

Ok, you caught me. This isn't technically monogramming. But it's just too creative and clever to leave off the list. And, you can use the letters to make a monogrammed cake, too.

Here's the story:  JoAnn  crafted this fabulous cake topper for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for her sister-in-law and her husband.

She writes, "I was asked to bake the cake and when I couldn't find an appropriate cake top or one that I could afford, I decided to embroider one! I hot glued the lace numbers to some toothpicks, did the same to some tulle, stuck them in the top of the cake and voila! a cake top!"

Delicious - and absolutely marvelous!

If you're setting up a display or booth to sell your work, make sure you're crafty from top to bottom, and head to toe. Don't use printed signs - embroidered is better!

Maureen used the Puff Foam Alphabet to create this colorful "Handmade Cards" sign for a market stall. Letters are stitched in eye-catching rainbow colors on individual swatches, then hung together as a banner.

It's eye-catching, and sends a good and crafty message. Way to go, Maureen!

Monogramming can be as simple as putting a letter on a bag or pillow; or, it can be the cornerstone for a larger motif.

Marsha created an entirely new linen set from scratch, and it took over a year to complete. The results are stunning!

She began with the Jacobean letter L, and then used other Jacobean designs to create a stunning display. She made a king-sized quilt, sheets, pillow shams, and throw pillows!

She says, "The set turned out so nicely and hubby loves it too!" What splendid sleep scene you created, Marsha!

To see more photos of Marsha's bed, click here.