What is it About Monograms and Initials?

What is it about monograms and initials?  We love to put initials on everything from towels to totes.   Today we have gone  crazy, we even are writing with initials now.  If I told you a story about my BF, you would of course know I was talking about my best friend.

Did you realize that monograms can be traced back to 350 BC.  Yes the first monograms were fund on coins.  Printmakers and sculptors used their monograms to sign their work.  Think of the beautiful letters and symbols drawn by calligraphers’ when creating books and even Bibles.

The Victorian era popularized the monograms, and brought them into everyday use.  They created the use of calling cards, stationary, and even men’s cufflinks.  Women and Girls started putting their initials and monograms into elaborate primers and samplers.

Today initials and monograms have taken on a more formal tone.  As an artist I love using initials.  There is just that “cool” factor to think that someone has made something for you.  I have recently finished Crabapple Hills’ pattern Hedgerow Wreath.  I loved the embroidery work on this pattern.  Meg Hawkey was done a great job of combining some of our favorite stitches into beautiful flowers.  I proudly placed my initial into the middle and thought of days gone by.  I love what do you think?

And sew on….

Mary