Hi <<First Name>>, Making It Personal. Once upon a time when you had a material need, you either made it yourself or commissioned someone to make it especially for you.  Then along came mass production and suddenly everything moved from enough to excess, quality to quantity, unique to ubiquitous. Clothing designs became all the same, homewares became all the same, asking for anything to be ‘made to measure’ meant paying big money. It’s only been in the last 10 years or so that the importance and value of personalisation has come back. Bespoke is the new black and manufacturing is getting so sophisticated we can almost return to making things on an as-need basis, in whatever colour, style, size or finish we want. All the while, we stitchers have quietly sat back and relished our ability to monogram. We already make what we want when we want it, and we make it personal by adding the initials of the owner, be it ourselves or the recipient of our gift. This week we’re celebrating monogramming and making things personal with our needle and thread. Enjoy.

Share your needlework creativity with us and send photos, stories, ideas and dreams to news@inspirationsstudios.com

THE HISTORY OF MONOGRAMS
An extract from the book ‘Monograms - The Art of Embroidered Letters’
by Susan O’Connor

The word monogram comes from the Greek, monos – single or alone; gramma – letter or line. The term originally referred to a sketch or picture drawn in lines only, without shading or colour.

The tradition of marking linens is a long one but has its origins in practicality rather than decoration. The hoarding and use of large amounts of household linen became popular around AD1200 and sheets, tablecloths and napkins were marked with dark indelible ink to identify them.

Embroidery was initially reserved for royalty and early marks were symbols rather than letters; coats of arms and crowns were popular and the fleur-de-lys was a favourite of the French court.

In England, the industrial revolution and subsequent mechanized manufacture of fabrics made household linens more widely available at much reduced prices and to a greater section of the community.

With an abundance of available goods, the emerging middle class sought to imitate the style of the upper class and in lieu of a noble coat of arms or crown, chose their own initials to mark all manner of personal and household items. The passion for marking goods with initials and monograms developed into almost an obsession.

A monogram is a mark of ownership, signifying that an article belongs to a specific person or household and in Victorian times, it also became a status symbol, indicating that a household was wealthy enough to have its linens lavishly decorated, especially those that would be on public display. This was done by the lady of the house, if she was a competent needlewoman, the linen maid or sent out to be professionally worked in one of the many embroidery houses that existed at this time. The elaborate monogram became the primary decoration on most household linen.

The outbreak of war in 1914 focused thoughts elsewhere and the development of throw away consumer attitudes meant the passion for monogramming diminished considerably. Hand embroidery was no longer regarded as an important part of a young woman's education and became a specialised skill. Consequently, hand marked linens again became the preserve of the wealthy, completing the cycle that had begun many centuries before.

Today, the use of a monogram still adds an air of exclusivity that raises an object above the mass-produced sameness of most items and has a real place in our lives, both in traditional and contemporary style and application. Our homes and those special occasions that we celebrate are all made richer and more memorable when ornamented with embroidery. Monograms add an extra special touch as they are specific to an individual and create a lasting mark; a memento of that person's place in the world.

MONOGRAMS – THE ART OF EMBROIDERED LETTERS
BY SUSAN O’CONNOR

This beautifully presented book offers a comprehensive guide to all aspects of applying hand stitched monograms to enhance and personalise modern day items. Extensive step-by-step instruction details numerous traditional and contemporary techniques in superb detail.

> Monograms – Book Available in Print HERE

TOMORROW IS HALF WAY…

2017 is almost officially half over – already!  The only good news with time going so quickly is you get to turn the pages of your Inspirations calendar over and enjoy a gorgeous new image each month!

The project for July is ‘Snow White’ by Yvette Stanton from issue #62, which you can now make yourself by purchasing the digital pattern.

Stitched onto hardwearing satin jean fabric with robust cotton threads, this lovely example of Mountmellick embroidery showcases some of the flora of the Irish countryside with wonderfully textured stitches.

> Snow White in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Snow White in Print - Inspirations #62 Available in Print HERE

MAKE IT PERSONAL
WITH THESE MONOGRAMMED PROJECTS

LAVENDER DELIGHT – INSPIRATIONS #62

‘Lavender Delight’ by Marie Suarez is an embellished sachet with a lustrous satin stitch monogram and bullion knot flowers.

> Lavender Delight in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Lavender Delight in Print – Inspirations #62 Available HERE

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS – INSPIRATIONS #72

‘Material Possessions’ by Julie Graue is an elegant and practical machine needlebook to keep your needles neat and tidy.

> Material Possessions in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

PRIZED POSSESSIONS – INSPIRATIONS #69

‘Prized Possessions’ by Julie Graue is elegant jewellery roll featuring satin stitch and eyelets on natural linen.

> Prized Possessions in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Prized Possessions in Print – Inspirations #69 Available HERE

SECRET POSSESSIONS BY ELISABETTA SFORZA

There is a distinct refined elegance about the work by Elisabetta Sforza and after her Inspirations debut with the project ‘Love Letters’ in issue #89, everyone was left wanting more! 

The good news is you can now enjoy a new project by Elisabetta called ‘Secret Possessions’ from our book ‘A Passion For Needlework’ and it is every bit as stunning as we’ve come to expect from this wonderfully talented designer.

This delicate, exquisitely stitched satin stitch monogram is surrounded with a garland of foliage and softly shaded flowers, worked onto a snow white linen sachet edged with blanket stitch and ornate picot bars, closing with white and pink satin ribbons.

While the stitches Elisabetta uses are standard fare for monogramming, the unique aspect to this project is her combination of stitched padding and laid threads. Once the stitched padding is worked she adds several lengths of thread and encloses it all with a final layer of satin stitch.

Elisabetta offers the following advice to help you achieve beautiful satin stich: “When embroidering, don’t watch the initial but your last stitch, the following must be in tune with the previous. Undo bad stitches immediately! The effort of undoing increases your skill. Change the thread often as worn thread results in dull stitches.”

More of her inventive needlework is found with the clever combination of bullion and cast on stiches to create the centre rose, as well as bullion loops with two different threads used together in the needle to create small blossoms.

‘Secret Possessions’ is as much of a delight to stitch and re-create as it is to behold. A gorgeous addition to anyone’s fine linen collection, or adapt the design and apply it to anything that needs some personalised embellishment.

MAKE YOUR OWN SECRET POSSESSIONS
BY ELISABETTA SFORZA

Step 1 –
Purchase ‘Inspirations A Passion For Needlework’ Book

‘A Passion For Needlework’ includes all the information you need to make your own ‘Secret Possessions’ along with step-by-step instructions, requirements list and pattern sheet template, which includes a complete alphabet for the monogramming.

> Inspirations | A Passion For Needlework - Available in Print HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The ‘Secret Possessions’ Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit includes everything you need to re-create your own beautiful monogram, surrounded by flowers on a linen sachet, including: fabric, ribbons, threads and needles.

> Secret Possessions - Ready To Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE ELISABETTA SFORZA?

LOVE LETTERS – INSPIRATIONS #89

‘Love Letters’ by Elisabetta Sforza is the perfect project to personalise a special gift by adding a beautiful initial, stitched with stranded cotton thread and a selection of easy stitches onto a ground of crisp white linen.

> Love Letters in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Love Letters in Print – Inspirations #89 Available HERE

ELISABETTA WEBSITE

> View more of Elisabetta’s work on her website HERE

MORE MONOGRAMS

A FINE TRADITION – INSPIRATIONS #55

‘A Fine Tradition’ by Susan O’Connor is an elegant and perfectly stitched monogram cushion, embroidered with high relief stitching using classic white thread on natural linen.

> A Fine Tradition in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> A Fine Tradition in Print – Inspirations #55 Available HERE

WARM WELCOME: THE BLANKET – INSPIRATIONS #91

‘Warm Welcome: The Blanket’ by Susan O’Connor features soft fabrics and a tone-on-tone colour scheme creating the perfect complement for this elegant, highly padded monogram design.

> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Inspirations #91 Available HERE
> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

PETITE AMOUR – INSPIRATIONS #17

‘Petit Amour’ by Susan O’Connor is a beautiful baby’s quilt lined with silk twill, edged with piped satin binding and features a monogrammed ‘B’ in the centre.

> Petit Amour in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

The very essence of creating a piece of needlework is personal. The time, thought and talent poured into each piece weaves something of ourselves into everything we create. Yet sometimes we take the personalisation a step further by adding an initial, a monogram or a name and this week’s ‘What Are You Stitching?’ celebrates just that!

Isabel Policarpo | Australia

‘This is the ring cushion I made for my daughter’s wedding in February this year. I used the initials from Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters on a Whitework cushion. I always look forward to receiving your magazine. Kind regards, Isabel.’

Isabel, the thoughtful monogramming on your ring cushion makes it a truly personal wedding gift and when combined with the delicate lace, the piece becomes an elegant heirloom to be treasured.

Halide Celiker | UK

‘I first learned to stitch at age thirteen when my mother gave my sister and I a printed pattern in a hoop. I haven't looked back since! I am now 53 and have done a lot of stitching. Unfortunately, I no longer have that first design. After I left school I was hoping to go to college to learn more about embroidery, but it wasn't possible. Instead, I have been learning and teaching myself especially since I discovered Inspirations Magazine in my 20's and became hooked on the beautiful creations! Halide.’

Halide, your stitching is feminine and distinctive and has created a beautiful collection of monogrammed pieces!

Jennifer Stockton | Australia

‘I was taught to sew and embroider by my mother, who was seconded into sewing silk parachutes during WWII and also filled her Glory Box with beautiful Fancywork whilst in transit on the train every day. I cannot remember a time when I didn't stitch, and whilst I can embroider, it’s Canvas Work that has my fingers itching to sew.’

‘Within 12 months of taking over Mt Eliza Needlework, three grandchildren arrived, so I had all these small people to stitch for as well. So far each of them has received a handmade teddy at their birth, a framed tapestry with a plaque marking their first birthdays, and this year everyone got a cushion.’

‘Bailey (3) the plane one, worked from the pattern that Susan O’Connor tweaked and resent to me. Harley (3) and Abby (4) both received name panel cushions from the Jolly Red range.’

Jennifer, your three small people have indeed kept you incredibly busy with needle and thread. If the look of delight on Abby’s face is anything to go by, it looks like each of the pieces you’ve stitched and personalised are cherished – and deservedly so!

Have you stitched something initialled, monogrammed or named? We’d love to see it! Email photos of your needlework and a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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CALL US - If you have any questions regarding an Inspirations subscription or just want to have a chat, we’d love to hear from you.  You can call us from anywhere in the world on +61 8 8293 8600 anytime and if we’re not in, leave a message and we’ll get back to you.  For anyone within Australia, call us on 08 8293 8600.

Otherwise email us anytime at subs@inspirationsstudios.com

MAKE YOUR OWN PROUD PEACOCK BY ALISON COLE

Step 1 –
Purchase ‘Inspirations - A Passion For Needlework’

‘A Passion For Needlework’ includes all the information you need to make your own ‘Proud Peacock’ along with step-by-step instructions, requirements list and pattern sheet template.

> Inspirations | A Passion For Needlework - Available in Print HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The ‘Proud Peacock’ Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit includes everything you need to re-create your own masterpiece including: fabric, wadding, threads, paillettes, pins and needles.

> Proud Peacock - Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE ALISON COLE?

HONEY BEE – INSPIRATIONS #90

‘Honey Bee’ by Alison Cole is a delightful goldwork study of this industrious species and uses a selection of metal threads and kid leather to create a lavishly textured surface.

> Honey Bee in Print – Inspirations #90 Available HERE

PRECIOUS GOLD – INSPIRATIONS #80

‘Precious Gold’ by Alison Cole features panels of gleaming antique rose and old gold silk spiralling down the length, each one trimmed with a twisted gold cord.

> Precious Gold in Print – Inspirations #80 Available HERE

ALISON COLE BOOKS

THE EMBROIDERER’S LITTLE BOOK OF HINTS & TIPS

This handy book from Alison Cole is full of tips from over 30 years of experience, where Alison has written down advice on everything from setting up your workbasket through to framing and photographing your completed work.

> The Embroiderer’s Little Book of Hints & Tips – Available in Print HERE

THE MIDAS TOUCH

Following on from the success of her first book ‘All That Glitters’ Alison Cole presents ‘The Midas Touch’, a book of Goldwork and Stumpwork projects to both inspire and challenge embroiderers, from beginners to experienced alike.

> The Midas Touch – Available in Print HERE

IT’S RAINING KITS!

Never before have we had so many kits available to purchase via our website. With so many kits on offer, you’re sure to find something to inspire you…

INSPIRATIONS #91 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #91 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #92 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #92 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #93 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #93 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #94 KITS

> Browse Inspirations #94 Kits HERE

ALL KITS

> Browse complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE

What: Inspired by Gardens & Landscapes of Tatton | Altrincham, Chelford, Manchester & Warrington Branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild
Where: Steward’s Room, Tatton Park| Knutsford, Cheshire UK
When: to 30 Jul
Details:  Click HERE

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: to Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award Exhibition
Where: Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: to 6 Aug
Details: Click HERE & exhibitionsofficer@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

What: Stitch at Home Challenge | Summer of Love
Where: San Francisco School of Design & Needlework
When: Deadline 15 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Smocking Guild of NSW | Annual Open Day
Where: Epping Creative Centre | 26 Stanley Road Epping, New South Wales
When: 1 Jul | 10 to 3
Details: Click HERE

What: Fibres West 2017
Where: Muresk Institute | 1 Muresk Drive Northam, Western Australia
When: 2 to 8 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Hand & Lock | Haute Couture Tambour Beading Workshop - London
Where: Hand & Lock | 86 Margaret Street London
When: 5 to 7 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Stitched Up Textile Festival
Where: Stitchy Central | Gallery Two | Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: 8 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Hand & Lock | Heritage, The Now & The Future of Embroidery Conference - London
Where: Bishopsgate Institute | 230 Bishopsgate London
When: 13 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: The Sewing, Stitching & Handcraft Show | Adelaide
Where: Adelaide Showground | Goodwood Road Wayville, South Australia
When: 14 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Barbara Rowney – A Passion for Textiles | The Embroiderers’ Guild of SA Museum Exhibition
Where: 16 Hughes Street Mile End, South Australia
When: 21 Jul ->
Details: Click HERE             

What: Out of Hand | Stitching & Beyond Exhibition
Where: Long Gallery & Sidespace Gallery | 77 Salamanca Place Hobart, Tasmania
When: 28 Jul to 8 Aug
Details: Click HERE

Send us details about events, exhibitions and celebrations happening in your place of stitch and we’ll include them in Embroidery News. Contact us at
news@inspirationsstudios.com

Happy Stitching
The Embroidery News Team