The Lovely Lifestyle

As a Southerner, I love me some monogramming. You monogram everything and with your (if you are the lady of the house) initials. Traditionally, you are the keeper of the home so your initials are what don products. Here are “rules” of monogramming.

For an unmarried female - first name initial, middle name initial, last name initial. (Jennifer Lynn Evans = JLE) If using a monogram style with the middle initial being larger than the rest the pattern is first name initial, last name initial, middle name initial. (Jennifer Lynn Evans =JEL)

For a married female - first name initial, maiden name initial, last name initial (Jennifer Morgan Evans = JME). One again, if using a monogram style with the middle initial being larger than the rest then it is first name initial, last name initial, middle name initial. (Jennifer Morgan Evans =JEM)

Though I don’t prefer a combined monogram, they are becoming more popular. If you decide to combine your initials with your husband, it is customary that the female’s first initial goes first. This is because linens, stationary, etc. are considered the bride’s domain. Therefore, the male’s initials do not go first – even though he is considered the head of household. Typically, this style of monogram is only done with the center letter being larger than the other letters. Therefore the pattern is female’s first name initial, couple’s common last name initial, male’s first name initial. (Jennifer and Mark Evans = JEM) 

Leontine Linens has beautiful monogrammed items and they’re made in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. Their pieces are high quality and hand-stiched with vibrant colors. Additionally, you can work with them to create custom monograms. 

Side note: I adore shilouettes. Like monograms, they’re very traditional.

Example of a couple’s monogram as this is Dee and Tommy Hilfiger

Images and more history of Leontine Linens via Tobi Farley’s blog post written by Gwen Driscoll

Understandably, many of us need to save up for Leontine. I recently got a deal at Sew What? in Brentwood  this week. It’s $15.00 for $30.00 of monogramming. Say what?! Of course I bought one and you should buy one here too. I’ll share what I use it on soon.