Embroidered Monogram Artwork

Hi friends! Long time, no see. July was mostly a blur, so I can't really account for my time but I'm happy to be back here with a quick and easy project that adds another personalized touch to our nearly-completed den. This project incorporates two of my favorite things: monograms and embroidery. 

The story of this project begins with a serendipitous find at the thrift store: vintage monogram patterns dating from 1956. The pattern sheet was huge and offered several different styles and sizes of lettering. For 95¢ I couldn't pass it up.

During the same thrift store trip, I found a small 2" x 3" gilded frame (also 95¢) which pushed me to create a monogram for hanging. I chose an "H" for our last name, naturally.

To go about tracing the letter pattern on a linen remnant I had, I relied on a bright window to serve as a lo-fi light box. I traced the letter with this disappearing ink marking pen. The ink goes on purple and disappears completely within a few hours (perfect for quick needle crafts like this).

Once the monogram was traced, I was ready to start stitching. I've been into embroidery for awhile so I had floss in variety of colors on hand. If you don't, that's okay--embroidery is a pretty inexpensive hobby since needles, floss and scissors are only a few dollars total. 

There are many different stitches I could have used to approach this monogram; this time, I sewed a very simple back stitch with three strands of floss.

(via Sublime Stitching)

If you're interested in recreating this simple project but haven't embroidered before, check out these easy-to-follow tutorials from Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching that break down each stitch.

Stitching by hand is, honestly, one of the most relaxing hobbies. I stitched--half paying attention--while my husband watched a stinker of a Phillies game and was done within a half hour. 

And when I was done, I had this lovely piece to add to the mantel in our den:

I love it. Just another handmade touch to add to our home, which we are slowly making our own.

And, if you're on the fence about embroidery because you're convinced it's uncool, let me present photographic proof that one of the coolest men ever knew his way around a needle and thread:

If it's good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me.