We always look forward to Women's History Month in March because the most incredible and inspiring stories, both personal and professional, fill our inbox, social media channels, news feeds and art & music venues around London.
In our line of business, though, we celebrate women's work every month because embroidered monograms in general, and monogrammed linen specifically, have been largely women's work for centuries.
Did you know that the word "distaff" means both the mother's line of descent within a family as well as a tool for spinning flax in to linen? You can guess why.
And the tradition of monogramming linen grew out of the ancient English common law practice of coverture whereby a single woman had the right to own property, but a married woman lost that right as she 'merged' with her husband. The only assets women could retain after marriage were moveable ones such as furniture and linen. So women set to work ensuring that these assets were marked with a monogram to establish their ownership. Her own monogram, not her husband's.
While coverture began to be dismantled in the late 1800s, the tradition of using a woman's own initials for monogramming bedlinen and bath linen continue to this day.
For some really interesting reading on the history of linen and other textiles we highly recommend Worn: A People's History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser and The Golden Thread by Kassia St Clair.
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Motifs are becoming increasingly popular, either on their own or with a monogram. Whether it's flowers or football, butterflies or bows, cherries or chicks, golf balls or gardening tools... adding an extra bit of embroidered imagery provides a decorative flourish that's all your own.
We have hundreds of motifs in our embroidery library in the studio and we've just launched the most popular ones on our website as a new product that you can add to your monogram on almost all our products. You can see how it works by clicking here.
If you don't see what you're looking for on the website, please email us to enquire about other embroidered motifs. If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll create it for you.
We are very happy to embroider motifs on your own goods. Whether it's a jean jacket, a backpack or napkins or anything else, we are delighted to offer our embroidery services. We also offer leather embossing services and laser etching services for monogramming goods that can't be embroidered. Please email to enquire on bespoke@initiallylondon.com.
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We always feel like February is a month for slowly re-emerging from January deprivations. Daylight lasts longer and spring bulbs are poking up shoots of future colour... all good signs that Spring isn't far away now.
While it may still be a little too cold and damp to be outside for long stretches, we thought it a good time to introduce some new monogrammed gifts that make staying indoors a treat.
Perfect, personalised gifts for a special occasion (or just because), designed to become much-loved heirlooms.
This hardback Family Recipe Book is the perfect way to keep track of, and pass down, family recipes... your famous carrot cake, your children's favourite supper, your grandmother's special biscuits. What a thoughtful gift for grannies, parents or any keen cook.
We foil emboss a name or initials on the front.
Having a handkerchief to hand is an old-fashioned habit that still makes sense. We love that our pretty cotton floral handkerchief is handmade and embroidered by women working from home in rural Bulgaria.
We add your machine-embroidered monogram here in our Parsons Green studio, completing a circle of women's work that is infused with craftswomanship and TLC.
How we loved seeing the original Midland Bank monogram placed all over the building, from the entry threshold to the ceiling cornices to the original furniture which survived far longer than the bank itself.
The opportunity to show how weddings and monograms go so well together in this setting was a treat. To learn more about monogramming for weddings, email us for a copy of our Wedding Brochure on bespoke@initiallylondon.com. It shows some of the many ways you can use monogramming to add romantic and exceptionally personal touches for your ceremony and reception.
And how we loved meeting all the other approved vendors for weddings at the Ned, from stationers to cake bakers, musicians to magicians, and everything in between. And we especially loved being a part of the incredible team that put together the press lunch and show table, led by Claire Do Monte who is an incredibly talented wedding planner.
The gorgeous tablecloth, tableware and glassware from Maison Margaux set the foundation. Pastel flowers with pops of blue in pretty blue willow-style vases from Paula Rooney were sat between tall wooden lamps by TDC Cordless Lighting Hire. The height and warmth they added to the table was incredible. Caneback chairs from The W Studio added texture and worked so well with the tablecloth.
We've got some slightly imperfect, end-of-line and sample goods that we'll be offering at crazy low prices, including the monogramming. It's a great chance to get ahead of your gifting needs for the next few months, or pick up a few bits for yourself and your family.
It's at our Parsons Green SW6 4TJ showroom and studio. Hope to see you there.
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In 2023 we noticed a few key trends in our overall business:
We love to share with you our annual list of the top 10 best selling monogrammed products, as it's you who made them so. So here they are, most popular first...
How much time do you have?
If you know us at all, you'll be aware that we can talk for hours about the history of monogramming, our own modern interpretation of the tradition, different monogram styles, how to use monograms, how monogramming differs between the UK and the US and Europe, and more.
For the edited version, check out Holly's article here. It focuses on why monogrammed goods make great gifts. We couldn't agree more!
Holly writes... "Jane Wiest, founder and director of interiors and monogramming company Initially London, says: ‘Personalised home decor provides you with the opportunity to incorporate features into your home that express your distinct personality.’
Wiest says she has seen a clear resurgence of people wanting to monogram items at home - both in personal spaces in the house such as the bedroom - and on show on table linens for dinner party guests to admire."
To read the full article, click here:
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This is the season to celebrate health, happiness, and the joy of giving!
]]>The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to spread cheer than with a carefully chosen personalised gift for the special woman in your life. Whether it's your mother, sister, friend, or significant other, we're here to help you find the perfect present.
With that in mind, we've curated a collection of monogrammed gift ideas designed to delight... practical, useful and personal gifts that will make you look like you put lots of thought, time and effort in to designing them.
But of course we've made it easy for you!
Make her feel truly special with a personalised gift.
Consider a monogrammed necklace, a cashmere hot water bottle or a homey Windsor waffle robe with her name. Adding a beautifully embroidered monogram turns a thoughtful gift into a cherished keepsake.
We bring you the best-personalised gift ideas for adding the special touch, give the teenager in your life a gift they'll treasure. Shopping for holiday gifts has never been this easy.
Have a look at our collection of the 8 best-monogrammed gifts for men. Monogramming can transform a simple, useful gift into an incredibly thoughtful one too.
When you really want a monogram but embroidery isn't an option laser-etching is a great alternative. We use the laser to burn away the surface layer of a hard surface such as wood, cork, coated stainless steel, glass, perspex and even leather.
The laser is guided by graphic design software that incorporates almost all of our monogram fonts, and even some additional ones. It is a permanent process and will not fade or deteriorate with time.
We can also laser etch logos, family crests, drawings and other images. It's a great way to personalise a wide range of goods and we carry a growing range of monogramming products in our Everything But Embroidery product line.
We are also delighted to laser etch your products for monogramming. Some recent examples include Lululemon sports bottles which we personalised in the brand's font, another project where we etched a family crest onto vintage wood charger plates, and a corporate gifting project where we etched the brand's logo onto Hermes AirTags.
Feel free to contact us, or pop in our studio to see how we hand-curate all personalised products and learn more about monogramming in London.
Isn't it difficult to find a gift for a man who professes to want nothing? However, a practical, useful and stylish gift will always impress, and monogramming will make every gift memorable. We've got some new personalised gift ideas for every man on your list.
Feel free to contact us, or pop in our studio to see how we hand-curate all personalised products and learn more about monogramming in London.
]]>We love October for so many reasons... the autumn colours, the wardrobe changes, the slower pace as the days grow shorter. But mainly because it's the start of a long season of festive celebrations.
Over the next three months there's one good reason after another to throw a party. And there's nothing like a festive celebration for laying a beautiful table with monogrammed linen napkins.
As a general rule, for the perfect napkin to suit the occasion, you need to consider three things:
- The napkin style and colour
- The thread colour for the embroidery
- The font style or imagery
Have a look at a few ideas for some of the upcoming holidays...
Celebrate the Hindu festival of lights with napkins embroidered with metallic gold or silver thread that will catch the light and add extra sparkle to the table.
For the American expats in the UK, Thanksgiving is a much-loved tradition that is hard to ignore. For those still harbouring a grudge over the Puritan's departure to the New World in 1620, call it a Harvest Festival celebration instead.
We recommend natural linen napkins with monograms in earthy tones, or classic white linen hemstitch napkins with a fun motif.
September is a bit like January... it's a month to regroup, reorganise and restart.
We love the way September feels a little bit summery while the shortening days remind us that autumn is underway. It's betwixt and between.So we've designed our September Edit to highlight classic accessories, linens & gifts that bridge the seasons.
We love autumn textiles like corduroy, velvet and waxed canvas. And our accessories are built for heavy use and heavy loads.
Changing the monogramming for the season is as easy as changing thread colours. Earthy shades like burgundy, copper and forest green are our favourites this season.
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We’ve loved showing you a few ideas for monogramming your September second-hand finds. We are lucky in Parsons Green to have Fara Kids Charity Shop nearby, which has really great second hand children’c clothes in great condition. Charity shops are the perfect way to support second hand September, and beyond sustainability in general. You can often find a brilliant item that has been well looked after and is ready for a new life. And of course, your money is going to a good cause.
A new Baby name is so special, and something to be celebrated, and what better way than to wear it loud and proud?! A little Cardigan, Jumper or Onesie is simply the cutest thing with a name embroidered on to them! Here are a few examples of ones we have worked on recently. We love how the thread colours sit in perfect harmony with the floral print dungarees, and bright mustard piping of the cardigan.
]]>This week we found this beautiful block-print tablecloth from An Indian Summer and we fell in love with the combination of pink and red, making it the perfect all-year-round tablecloth. At Christmas it will work well with all the reds and greens, but equally in summer it will look gorgeous with peonies, anemones, dahlias and roses.
Written By Lola during her Work Experience placement.
21st March - 19th April
Highly motivated, determined
Recycled Cambridge Junior Backpack | Kid's Cool Lunch Box |
Childs's Denim Jacket | Monogrammed Hair Bow |
Lambeth Pouch | Mini Chelsea Duffle |
Durable sports bags, washable fitness mats, book bags and other accessories for when they're on the move in secondary school.
Small Maine Boat Tote | Om Yoga Mat |
Holborn Laptop Cover | Recycled Oxford Backpack |
Dulwich Shoe Bag |
The boarding school or university stage requires monogramming at a whole new level... we've got beautiful towels, decorative pillows, cosy dressing gowns, travel bags and so much more to make dorm living much more personal.
As always, if you'd like us to monogram something of your own or something you've purchased elsewhere, we're delighted to do so. Just email to enquire about how that works at hello@initiallylondon.com or stop by our studio in Fulham.
With one more long weekend of the summer ahead of us, and hopefully a warm September too, it's high season for monogrammed beach bags, towels and sunhats.
Here are a few our favourite beach-ready picks. Each one makes a useful addition to your summer wardrobe, but they're also thoughtful (and easy to pack) gifts for your hosts or guests.
Have some fun with the monogramming design tool on our website. Lately we've embroidered maps of the holiday location, yacht names, cute phrases and, of course, lots and lots of monograms.
Beach & Pool Towels
Our thick and thirsty terrycloth Faro Beach Towels have a soft velour finish. They are generously sized and come in four bright striped colours: orange, navy blue, teal green and mustard yellow.
Our Turkish Hammam Towel is a lighter-weight cotton towel that is easy to pack in your suitcase and your beach bag. Beyond the obvious uses, a can also be used as a sarong, a light wrap on a cool evening, a picnic blanket or tablecloth... it's the handiest piece to have on holiday.
Our clear vinyl Lambeth Pouch has been a best-seller this summer for so many reasons. It can keep your phone, sunglasses and keys sand- and splash-free while at the beach or pool; or store your travel documents where they can be easily scanned at the airport; or pack it with your charger cables and adaptors when travelling abroad.
The Lambeth Pouch comes in a range of pretty colours in case you find you need more than one!
We've launched a brand new white version of our best-selling St James Wash Bag this summer. It's a fresh take on an old classic and perfect for summer holidays, weddings or a lovely accent in a white bathroom.
Our waterproof and washable raffia Salcombe Wash Bag is a popular option for the beach because it is sized to carry suncreams and lotions, and can be rinsed off easily at the end of the holiday.
Our classic heavyweight canvas Maine Boat Tote comes in to own for the summer. The zippered closure at the top makes it a great carry-on bag for flying, and it can carry all the heavy loads to the pool, beach or boat! We love to see all the ways you personalise these bags.
We offer the small version of this bag in bright summer colours like yellow, hot pink, purple and orange.
Our new handmade 100% cotton Carlyle Crochet Bag has turned out to be a fantastic summer bag. We love its all-natural credentials... no plastic, so metal fixings, just cotton. It carries heavy loads while sitting comfortably on your shoulder. And it's machine washable in case it picks up stains on your travels.
Our rattan and suede Cheyne Cross Body Bag is a stylish way to travel light... pack your phone, lipstick, keys and a bit of cash in this lightweight bag and you're ready for a day of sightseeing or exploring.
And finally, our favourite lightweight and packable tote bag... the Dalston. This pretty cotton gingham handbag is handmade in Mexico. It can be folded flat for packing and then stuffed full of market finds while out shopping. We love the detail in the plaited handles.
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The boxy Barnes Tote is a roomy carry-on for the plane and a lightweight bag for lugging towels and other gear to the beach. It folds flat for packing too.
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Have a look through our entire Summer Holiday Gift Edit for even more ideas. Safe travels and enjoy the sun!
Kalee, who is on her week's work experience at the IL studios, asked the girls what they were up to over the weekend, and which one of our IL baskets they were going to take with them and why! Have a read below, and maybe get inspired to visit one of these events running in London over the weekend.
Whether it's a father, grandfather or father-figure that deserves a bit of gratitude, let us help you navigate the difficult terrain of buying a gift that is sure to delight a hard-to-shop-for man.
First, browse our carefully curated Gifts for Men edit for plenty of gift ideas that are practical, useful and stylish, and accessibly priced too.
Then add a monogram to show him that it's a one-and-only gift for a one-and-only man. The monogramming is always included in our product prices.
And as always, we are delighted to monogram your own goods if you prefer to bring us something special you've purchased elsewhere.
To help you design the perfect monogram, we've put together this style guide with our top tips for creating a masculine monogram that is sure to impress.
While we're certainly in favour of a loud and proud monogram, a small design in a discrete position is sure to please even the most unflashy of men.
Consider putting a monogram in unconventional places:
- under the collar of a button down shirt
- on the neck strap of a bow tie
- on the calf band of a sock
- on the cuff of a shirt sleeve on the arm a watch is worn on
- on the side or back of a baseball cap
- in the corner of a handkerchief
- along the zipper of a wash bag or duffle bag
Our monogram design app will suggest what we feel is a good size and place for a monogram, but we are delighted to accommodate other placements and size guidelines to suit the person, item and occasion.
- Tone-on-tone, as shown on the black leather Ledbury Wash Bag above
- Same shade but several tones lighter or darker, a shown on the navy Marylebone Notebook below
- White, navy blue or charcoal grey thread works well on almost anything
The font style conveys personality that should match the person you are gifting. Which is why we give you the opportunity to scroll through dozens of fonts and preview your design on our monogram design tool.
To save you a bit of time experimenting, we've recommended some font styles based on some broad personality traits and characteristics.
Copperplate
Bodoni
Single Initial Monogram
Modern Fonts for Techie, Mathematical Men
Circle Monogram Font
Kabel
Niagara
Fonts for Creative and Sporty Men
Schoolbook
Typewriter
Athletic
We are delighted to announce a fun new feature in our website's Design Your Monogram tool. When only your own handwriting or imagery will do, we now offer a feature which allows you to upload a JPG or PDF file that we will convert to embroidery.
It's really easy! Once you've chosen the product you'd like to embroider with your design, just follow these steps:
First, draw your image or write your text in a single colour pen or, ideally, a marker.
Second, take a photo of the design.
Next, with the product open on our website, click on the blue Design Your Monogram button, then choose 'UPLOAD YOUR OWN' in Step 1.
Finally, click on 'CHOOSE FILE'. If you are using your mobile phone, you can upload your photo from the photo library. If on a desktop, you'll need to drag the photo to the desktop and upload it from there.
The design will appear in the colour you drew it in, but you can choose any thread colour. Just let us know your choice in Special Instructions at checkout or otherwise we can email you to confirm.
That's it!
We can think of so many occasions which would be made even more special with a unique, personal and useful gift featuring bespoke embroidery including...
Fathers, grandfathers and father-figures appreciate a thoughtful gesture and a practical gift. We'd recommend a Maine Boat Tote for his gear, a Baker's Apron for summer barbecues, a Match Blanket for the car or a Dulwich Shoe Bag for his golf or running shoes.
Any would wear your child's handwriting or drawing beautifully.