Pre Thanksgiving Thanks!

2016 is the year that Monograms Make a Difference!  October will mark the third month this year that Stitching This has donated 10% of the cost of any monogram ordered, within the month, to a specific non-profit organization.   This month Misericordia is the designated recipient.  If you are not familiar, Misericordia is a home and caring community for persons with developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.  You can learn more about them by going to their website www.misericordia.com

The kick-off was a "Shopping Day" at the end of September, hosted by 2 friends, that included 3 vendors, all donating a portion of their proceeds to Misericordia. For someone to open their home for a full day, move their furniture around to accommodate displays, provide food and beverages and all in a joyful manner, is beyond a kind gesture.  (The first of many things to be thankful for this month!)  

Since that event there have been calls from people in the community wanting make appointments so they can support this fundraising effort.  The response has been truly heartwarming. (The second thing to be thankful for!)

It is a wonderful thing to see a community step up to support a local non-profit, in what ever way they can.  I am grateful (third note of thanks) to be a part of it and hope that in my small way I can try to help Monograms Make a Difference for this wonderful organization.

Autumn Accents

Autumn is my favorite time of year!  There is just something about the cool crisp air and the need to wear a comfy sweater that makes me smile.  Add to that the warm color change in all the trees and flowers and it just soothes my soul.

I try to find ways to bring that comforting feeling of fall into our home and it starts with our front door. A grapevine wreath, some floral accents in fall colors and a monogram (of course) does just the trick.  Every time I walk in the front door I feel like a cool breeze of autumn follows me inside.  Just love it!

Monograms and Personality

Any one who knows me knows I truly believe "if it doesn't move monogram it and if it does move monogram it before it gets away".  That being said, it's important to consider which monogram you select.  Sure there are considerations for material or use of the item being embroidered, but the most important consideration should be the personality of the recipient.

Some people like a more traditional feel while others prefer a modern twist.  Some want clean lines while others may like curls and swirls.  Always think of the personality of who will be using the item and try to reflect that in the monogram you choose.  Color selection is another story in itself!

Men & Monograms

Over the past few months I have been asked to monogram several golf towels.  Oddly enough they ALL happen to be gifts that were being given to men.  I started to wonder if the only monogrammed gift a man ever gets is a golf towel?  

Something needs to be done about that!  There are so many other options to choose from!   Next time you are thinking about what to get the men in your life think about a monogrammed golf towel, if he is a golfer, but also think about one of the following:

Ties

Passport Holders

DOPP Kits

Travel Tie Holders

Gym Bags

Shoe Bags

Sport Towels

Travel Mugs

Luggage Tags

1/4 Zip Pullovers

and on and on and on!

Single Initial vs. Monogram

When people ask me to personalize any kind of accessory for either themselves or for a gift, they often ask if it's okay to put just the last name or first name initial vs. a full monogram.  While there is no right or wrong answer to that question, I tend to suggest that a monogram be used instead of a single initial when possible.

My reasoning for this is straight from the definition of personalize. 

Personalize: (verb) To mark something in a way that shows it belongs to a particular person.

That being said, there are also occasions when a single initial does just the trick.  These two darling girls made their first day of school dresses one of a kind just for them!

Gift + Monogram = Happy Recipient

There are so many occasions we all have throughout the year for gift giving.  There are birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, graduations, confirmations, and so many more celebrations, that send us  on a search for that perfect gift!  This is a challenge we sometimes dread facing!  But never fear, the monogram is here!  

When you are thinking about what to select for a gift, consider personalizing it!  We all want our gifts to be the standout in the group rather than an addition to the "re-gift" pile.  So what ever you decide to give, personalize it!  That extra effort will make your gift become one of a kind.  Just think of how you would feel opening a box with a plain towel in it versus opening a box that had a towel inside monogrammed JUST FOR YOU!

Gift + Monogram can only bring a smile to the recipients face!

Weddings and New Monograms

I recently attended a LOVELY wedding for my friend's daughter.  The bride was absolutely gorgeous on her wedding day (though she is stunning every other day as well) and the groom was quite handsome himself!

The bride gave her bridesmaids personalized robes as a gift for being in her wedding and purchased one for herself.  She had decided to hyphenate her "new" last name using her maiden name and husbands last name.  We had a fun time creating just the right monogram for her that would include her first initial (K) along with her maiden (R) and married (S) initials and came up with this.....

That's the fun part of personalizing things.  Making it just for YOU!

Off to College!

It's that time of year when students are getting ready to pack their suitcases and head off to college, either as a new student or returning student.  I get asked to monogram or personalize many things in preparation for these travels!  Some of the items to consider are:

• Sheets & Pillowcases
• Towels
• Robes
• Travel Coffee Mugs (yes, if they don't already, chances are they will start drinking coffee!)
• DOPP kits or Cosmetic Cases
• Any clothing dear to them!  (Fleece jackets, favorite pullover, etc.)
• Keychains (though some dorms use a slide card they often poke a hole in them and put it on a keychain)
• Throw blankets for their dorm room
• Tote bags or backpacks
• etc., etc.!

It's also nice to send a care package with some of the above after a few weeks just to let them know you are thinking of them!  Everyone likes getting a surprise now and then!

Accessorizing with Monograms

When I was much younger, living in Manhattan and working in the accessory industry, I remember coming across a greeting card phrase that has stuck with me ever since. The front read “The only thing that separates us from the animals” and on the inside “is the ability to accessorize”.  For a young girl riding the subway to Midtown while mimicking the Madonna look of lacy scarves, multiple pearl strands and dangling chunky earrings, this couldn’t have been more precise.

30 some odd years later I have grown to believe a select monogram can set my accessories ablaze or be the perfect accessory on its own.  Adding a monogram to anything is the ultimate before and after.  First it’s a simple tote bag, add a monogram and then it’s a personalized accessory - but don’t limit the possibilities to tote bags.  The options are endless!

As I always say, “If it doesn’t move monogram it!  If it does, monogram it before it gets away!”