Inspiration ~ Embroidered Monograms

Several years ago I remember finding a set of embroidered monograms at the AMVETS Antique Show in Walnut, Iowa ~ the dealer that sold them to me told me that they were used to personalize underwear. Well, I didn't plan on sewing those I bought on my underwear ~ I just thought I would buy them to use in an art or craft project. To tell the truth, I'm not really sure where mine are at the moment!

Yebisu, an Etsy seller, has an amazing array of these embroidered monograms ~ I am tempted to get one of the alphabet lots ~ they are just beautiful. According to the shop description, this is Swiss embroidery made between 1890 and 1950 in St. Gallen.

I think one could come up with many more creative uses for these other than underwear tags, don't you? If you want some for yourself, you can get them here. What will you do with your embroidered monograms?

Yebisu also carries a selection of these beautiful copper stencils ~ for embroidery and cross stitch. I SHOULD get the JR, shouldn't I?

{all images from here}