Monogrammed Heirlooms

New dinner napkins for you at the shop!

2012-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a collection of colorful dinner napkins and I am finally able to offer a few with more coming during the course of this year. Here are the first styles!

New style for 2012, straight simple script

2012-01-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

White and Tan

2011-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

The new pillows in white and tan were a hit. The designs probably helped as well!

For me, this was the year of the babies!

2011-12-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

After dinner napkins this year, the most popular items were baby items. So many pretty blankets and so many pretty pillows!

If white is not your color for table

2011-12-12T14:43:00.001-08:00

Sferra just came out with hundreds of new colors for their Festival linen. And an App to help you chose the one color that goes best with your china pattern. Go with tone on tone embroidery and make a great first impression on your next dinner party!

The digitizer makes a difference

2011-12-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

I came across a photo of a bed set I had been sent as a reference by one of my clients. Here is why I think my work stands out. Some digitizers miss the point of a monogram, it is about beautifully shaped letters!

New border for guest towels

2011-11-22T20:30:00.001-08:00

I've been trying to come up with new designs but it has been so busy lately! So, today after I shipped all my orders, I decided to sit down and do something different. What do you think?

Number your towels and rotate them!

2011-11-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Do you want your towels looking like they age the same? Rotate them by numbers!

My dream ofice desk...

2011-10-29T22:20:00.001-07:00

via Brillante Interiors

Sweetheart Table Runner

2011-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished this adorable table runner for a bride - so pretty!

Greek pattern as a monogram frame?

2011-06-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

The latest addition

2011-06-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Personalized bookmarks in sets of 6. Textured card stock paper with a 3 initial monogram available in any combination! Look for them on my website in the next few days!

The beauty of raised embroidery

2011-06-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

I've added a few new monograms this week

2011-05-31T09:52:00.001-07:00

Here are three of the monograms I've just added to my collection. I have been looking for these designs for a while now and finally found the entire alphabet! I have to say, not all initials will work nicely but if you're lucky enough and they do work for you, I think you should use them! I wonder how many new parents are thinking about baby monograms nowadays?

2011-05-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Use the code MHLINEN16 to take advantage of the free shipping I'm offering on all my Etsy listings!

The latest design added to my collection

2011-05-25T16:40:00.001-07:00

A delicate branch underneath a monogram: leaves and dots

Bridal Dress Label

2011-04-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's the season: weddings! A dress label to attached to the inside of the gown with the maiden name monogram of the bride and a the wedding date.

Close-up of an H

2011-04-20T16:51:00.001-07:00

Irish linen guest towels, embroidered in cotton thread and an old style H.

Monogrammed Chair

2011-04-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a large monogram used on a chair back, oval floral frame with a straight lettering style. Done at Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc.

Isn't this a clever monogram?

2011-04-06T11:34:00.001-07:00

It spells out the name David in a very balanced way. I'd love to learn how to do this!

Old vintage linen, reused

2010-09-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

2010-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

One of dear my clients sent me this vintage sheet her grandmother left for her with this gorgeous monogram on the front. The sheet was kept in a drawer and not used so she figured a boudoir sham would be the best way to display this intricate hand embroidery. And as you can see, it turned out perfectly!

Formal dinner table setting

2010-06-04T11:49:00.001-07:00

Thank you Kristin for sharing your photos as well! There is nothing better for us than to see our work displayed in such a beautiful setting!

Monograms on large pillow...

2010-06-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kelly for sharing this, love the room!

A very busy Spring...

2010-06-02T22:30:00.001-07:00

...so far this year seems to be busier than ever. Considering the general slow economic recovery, I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. Not much blogging time but I do want to share the latest projects, they were so much fun!

... a fun way to use variegated thread...

2010-06-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

... raised embroidery on linen placemats...

2010-06-02T22:26:00.001-07:00

... a new bedding set...

2010-06-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Equipment nightmare!

2010-04-15T15:35:00.001-07:00

there is nothing like a problem that cannot be fixed because you're not qualified and because you don't have a repairman on retainer. I miss the days when you were able to take everything apart and learn how the inside works. In this case, I have to wait for someone to come and help! Days sometimes... Thank goodness for patient clients!

For a very tailored table setting...

2010-04-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

...these William Sonoma napkins and placemats were embroidered in a very simple but elegant font. It is the only exception I make in using polyester thread (instead of my favorite: cotton) in order to match the edging of the original napkins. Can't wait for the final photos of the actual birthday party these are going to!

Christen - your towels are ready!

2010-03-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Christen, your book is a great enjoyment and sharing it with me was such a thrill! I hope you enjoy these towels just as much as I enjoyed your book! Thank you again and look for them in the mail, they left Portland at noon, today!

Design re-used successfully!

2010-03-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

Just received a photo of the bench that also inspired the pink napkins last week! How lovely! I know the photo is not the best but I'm sure you can see how well this turned out. It so happens that these are initials L intertwined - I really have to do the whole alphabet - the pillow showing the 2 M's turned out well also!

Spring is almost here...

2010-03-11T14:46:00.001-08:00

I was in the middle of a major Spring cleaning at my home (the china hutch at the time) when I was inspired to embroider a new set of dinner napkins for this spring in a bright white scroll, a design that I was planning to use for a while now, but never had enough time to digitize. I'm glad I finally did, it turned out just as I thought it would: clean, crisp and elegant!

My work on the cover of Cottage Style 2010!

2010-02-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

I just found out that one of my projects is being shown on the cover of a magazine! One of my clients, Heidi Semler, owner of Heidi Semler Interior Design, LLC had one of her projects featured in the 2010 issue of Cottage Style. A lovely place on the Northern Oregon Coast. Heidi used a lot of blue fabrics and I have to confess, I had no idea how the pillows were going to be used at the time I worked with them - what a surprise! I hope she has many more projects like these - I'd like to be part of them again. Thank you Heidi!

Anyone using Mettler Art. 240 for embroidery and having this issue?

2010-02-11T07:53:00.001-08:00

I'm in the middle of a big project and I run out of thread. I buy more from the local distributor and continue my work... Suddenly, I notice the color is off - the new thread is a different dye lot! Beautiful Nancy Koltes sheets for my client are ruined... How often does this happen to you?

Monograms, by Hazel Hall

2010-01-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am monogramming
Seven dozen napkins,
With tablecloths to match,
For a bride.

Ninety-one times my needle shall trace
The leaf-like scrolls that interlace
Each other; up the padded side
Of the monogram my eye shall guide
For ninety-one days where the stitches run;
And every day one more is done.

She is tall and fair,
She will be married
In June…

The linen is fine as satin is fine;
Its shining coolness flaunts design
Of death-white poppies, trailing ferns
Rioting richly from Grecian urns.

Ghost-flowers.
Cold, cold…

From the book Curtains, by Hazel Hall

A beautiful monogram however, will always look perfect on stationery!

2009-12-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

There is no monogram I know that does not belong on stationery. Perfection either way you look at it: as small or as large as you want it to be while holding it's crisp, clean edges. This design by Monogram Inc, New York - just gorgeous, isn't it?

Handkerchies are the best examples of a linen where text should not be used...

2009-12-10T11:49:00.001-08:00

What would you rather see? A monogram, motif and a date? Or, a most delicate, lovely monogram?

This I believe... text belongs on stationery and not linen!

2009-12-10T11:43:00.001-08:00

...in my opinion, text does not do linen any justice when embroidered. A stationery can make this statement so much better than stitches. Linen are to showcase initials and motifs, whether together or alone.

...and embroidery also

2009-10-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

Linen napkins next to the wedding cake with the "after" monogram

...and speaking of work, how about these?

2009-10-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

...digitized monograms to be used for stationery ("before" the wedding).

Thank you Kelly for another great photo!

2009-10-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to see how my work is used - and Kelly is so nice to send photos everytime! Love this bed! The headboard especially!

Cocktail napkins anyone?

2009-10-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Another happy client! And I agree: delicate, simple and to the point cocktail napkins. White linen, ivory cotton thread, 6"x9".

...a close-up

2009-09-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sigmund Freud monogram?!?

2009-09-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this photo the other day on Wikipedia... Sigmund Freud had a monogrammed piece of linen on his sofa! Made me wonder...

2009-09-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

And the actual dinner napkin, so delicious!

2009-09-04T23:12:00.000-07:00

For comparison, regular embroidery on apple green linen napkins, initial J with a tone on tone scroll...

Raised embroidery continued...

2009-09-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

A perfect example where raised embroidery makes a difference: doesn't the border on this design remind you of pearls?

...raised embroidery - what a difference!

2009-08-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

I love machine embroidery but there is no comparison when it comes to hand embroidered linen. I would always make time to sew at least one or two pieces by hand...

...so far my favorite book!

2009-08-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Just came across one of the best hand embroidery books out there... So many patterns, so little time!

Enchanting afternoon with new friends...

2009-05-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity yesterday to meet some lovely ladies, at a local artist's home. What a lovely setting! Rooms to die for and a company to match. Thank you Peggy for a wonderful treat! I hope we can visit again - you're place is like a sanctuary away from the daily hustle and bustle...

Interesting chinese take-out today...

2009-05-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Does Happy Panda know something I don't?

Guest Towels for a gracious hostes

2009-05-01T00:29:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to bring a gift for the hostess when invited to a party, and I prefer to give a set of guest towels with their initials...

Latest pillow...

2009-05-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

What if you use a monogram as a motif on a pillow?

Initials ME and NE

2009-04-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

These initials have been easily converted to to read NE or MS.

More monograms from the past...

2009-04-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

I keep searching and I keep finding more and more designs that just have to me embroidered. Especially the 2 initial sets, they seem to work the best...

Another pleasant evening...

2009-01-26T23:46:00.000-08:00

...while waiting for my computer to be recovered (almost lost all my data!) I made two more napkins for my set... by Christmas I hope to have all 16 ready... different colors and styles...

This just in from Kandrac and Kole!

2009-01-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

It is always nice to hear from clients and here is one where a lovely custom initial changes the look on a bed! This one also, comes from an old journal an it is upgraded to fit the more modern decor. Even though the swag is nice, in this case, without it works much better. It is the reason why I encourage everyone who does embroidery to digitize for themselves - you can change and edit your designs anytime you need a new look or a fresh design. As an added bonus, I have the Before and now the After to show you!

Hand embroidery

2009-01-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

Some evenings, when it's dark and rainy outside, why not play your favorite movie and stitch a napkin while listening to your favorite lines play? I do this as often as I can (and it is raining quite a bit in Portland) and I'm always happy when I'm done... This napkin was finished while "listening"to You've Got Mail...

French Journals

2008-12-28T15:42:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite fabrics to embroider is the diamond quilt pattern in a shower curtain I found. It works well with the cotton thread I use for the embroidery and it has a nice weight behind it. This design is quite large, about 8"x12"... ...this design was inspired by an old French Journal with designs by Therese de Dillmont.

Welcome!

2008-12-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

Monograms, embroidery, linen... Nowadays with fewer of us enjoying the pleasure of using white linen in our homes I'd like to show you a few that might just change your mind! Some I will make myself and some will be borrowed from some really talented needlecrafters, some made by hand and some by machine...