All is now ohhh "K"

You know when you get an idea in your head and then you just have to go for it. Well yesterday was just one of  these days. It all started when I received a custom order for monogrammed sachets for 3 bridesmaids. All was going well I did an "E" and then the "B" and the last one was a "K". Well it was to big so I started again and then it was to small, beginning to panic as I only had enough embroidery thread  of that particular colour for one more try. I decided to buy a set of transfer paper and copy a monogram out of my book, reduce the size, iron on the transfer and then embroider it, easy peasy.! NOT.   First off I have a laser printer and when I got home it just happened to notice that you need an ink jet printer. DH to the rescue and as he had to go into town anyway said he would buy a new cartridge for it and would scan the monogram and then I can get my order done and dusted. Ha if only, 2 hours later and DH was still trying to scale & transfer and well I got fed up so I  decided to go for freehand again, this time I got it right and was just finishing it off when DH who had meanwhile been persevering with the technical side handed me the transfer but full size.
I did not have the heart to tell him that I had redrawn the monogram and had almost completed it. To show my appreciation for all of his patience and efforts I decided to try the transfer on a bit of linen  it worked a treat and nowI have a cushion cover that I never knew I wanted !!!!  Well here it is and have to say I love it looks  quite vintagy don't you think?

I also never fully realised that it would leave an opaque plastic coating which renders it useless for embroidery so it never would have worked. Apart from that I have learnt something new and when the kids next come over I will get them to take a picture of whatever they fancy and transfer it on to a t-shirt for them. In fact Poppy is coming over Sat so will have a go then and let you see what picture she takes.Still on the subject of monograms  a few weeks ago on Pinterest I saw some embroidery loops, some with buttons which were very cute and  for nurseries animals and  balloons, as I just happened to have several embroidery hoops spare decided to try one with this lemon Monogram.

Monograms From Days Gone By

One of the oldest forms of identification in the world, and is still widely recognized and used today? The Monogram.

A monogram is a symbol that is created out of letters. This is deemed as a very personal item as the monograms are usually the initials of the person who owns the item.


I love them and I only ever succeeded to do one successful monogram and it took me roughly about 17 hours as I unpicked, redid, unpicked again till my fingers screamed at me to stop. I fully intend to do another but have no idea when and hope my eyes last out long enough to create another. A professional could have done it in half the time I am sure.

 
Today’s technology allows you to create monograms on a machine but for me,  although very clever  it doesn’t sit right with me, although a friend of mine has created some beautiful pieces so perhaps I have the wrong attidute. I guess I am a romantic and when I think of the young victorian girls sitting for hours creating works of art that we can still enjoy today and for many years to come I hope. Plus, I want to say I did that! and not my machine ( anyway I don’t have one and probably never will)


So when I see vintage monogrammed sheets at vide greniers and brocantes, and I can afford them I have to have. Thought I would let you see just  a few of mine. !

The book above has some fabulous examples and shows you all the stitches so perhaps before my dotage I will get down to trying again.

Lavender Giveaway Winner April

April the 15th was the finish date of my giveaway for a hand monogrammed lavender sachet.. 33 people entered and the winner was Karen.  I sent it off to her and  she has now received it and  sent me a picture of it in pride of place.  Thank you  for letting me see it in it's new home.