The greatest thing about having a home embroidery machine is you can monogram anything! The worst thing about having a home embroidery machine is never having enough time to monogram everything! A couple quick tips: 1) don't try to monogram anything on someone; I know this sounds silly, but I do have a sad story about a time I tried to iron a pair of slacks I was wearing; and 2) KISS ... Keep It Simple and Stylish. A monogram is beautiful on its own and rarely needs much in the way of elaborate surrounding embellishment. We've put together a little collection of monogrammed samples to get you inspired and suggest some ideas for home decor, gifts, and more.

Wedding and other commemorative gifts

One of the most meaningful uses of a monogram is for a wedding – it's the first time a couple is able to share initials in this special way. As such, monogrammed items are perfect for a wedding shower or general wedding gift. There are also a lot of creative ways they can be incorporated into the actual ceremony.

This charming reticule is perfect for the bride – graceful and just large enough to hold the basic necessities she'll need for her big day. It's the perfect gift for someone who treasures tradition and Victorian elegance.

A ring bearer pillow becomes a treasured heirloom when you add a monogram of the bride's and groom's initials. You can be as creative as you please when designing the pillow top: join the initials in elaborate rings, or use simple block letters for a more understated and modern look.

You can even equip the bride for the best part of the marriage – the honeymoon – with a special embroidered cosmetic case.

Pillows and linens

One little letter can take a regular pillow and turn it into something so much more. We placed the initial 'H' in the middle of this pillow, and it jumped from ordinary patchwork to an one-of-a-kind gift with personal style.

Regal fabrics like silk dupioni cry out for elegant monograms. The simple script monogram at the center of this lovely fabric adds the perfect touch to a basic knife edge pillow. The whole project takes only about an hour, but the monogram makes it look so fancy, the recipient will think you labored for days. You are totally allowed to bask in this appreciation.

Simple monogramming and a little bit of ribbon transforms a standard set of purchased sheets into a stunning bedroom ensemble. Find instructions for this bedding set in our tutorial: Woven Ribbon & Monogram Sheet Set.

Towels

Monograms on towels are a given. Gotta have 'em. For more towel tidbits, read our article: Monogram Week: How To Monogram a Plush Towel.

The monogram on the towel below was specially designed in Janome's digitizing software, Digitizer MB. This software can take any TrueType font from your computer and turn it into stitches. You can make monogram designs with any of your favorite fonts from Word or PhotoShop. It's really fun, and allows you to explore your own creativity. An official family crest is within your grasp!

The monogram on this towel is from a collection built into the Janome Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition. Designing it is literally as easy as selecting the monogram style and typing in the letters. Place the towel in the hoop with some stabilizer, and five minutes later you have a monogrammed towel.

Of course, monogramming isn't the only thing most embroidery machines offer. Built-in alphabets make it possible to embroider nearly any word or phrase. This delicious towel set is just perfect for the kitchen.

What else isn't nailed down?

Looking to update your dining room ensemble on the cheap? Chair covers are an alternative to purchasing new furniture. A monogram makes a lovely focal point for the chair back.

We're all "going green" and tote bags have become incredibly popular. Choose canvas over plastic in style by customizing your own grocery tote.

Kick up the tote to handbag status by adding a magnetic tab closure that's been accented with an interesting monogram.

Finally - if you're wondering how far you can go with the art of monogramming, take a look at this award-winning quilt by Florence Coffey of Spokane, WA. Called Medieval Inspirations, the original idea is based on the book, U is for Unicorn by Eileen Campbell. Florence created the entire quilt with her Janome Memory Craft 9000, and it features (along with more patience than most people ever dream of having) the following diverse techniques: three-dimensional appliqué, free-form padded appliqué, free-motion machine embroidery, hand embroidery, cutwork embroidery, machine quilting and couching.

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