Monogram

I adore monograms.
I have loved them since I was a child.
I am sure my undergarments were monogrammed.
Everything was embroidered!
I was brought up in the deep south.
You know how we southerns love our monograms.

This is a chair in one of my client's bathroom.

So you can see how I like monograms!
Above are a few of my things that have monograms.

I adore this pillow!
 I had it monogrammed with the year I opened the shop.

In a kitchen of a client!
Monogrammed range hood.

Monograms seem to make everything personal.
When designing, I use them whenever I can.
Tell me what you think about monograms, dear readers.
I would love to hear from you...

Love,

Peggy

 To see your vision come to life, email us about our design services at Peggy Braswell Design.

Soaking Linens

I am going to give a tip on soaking linens.
I am sure those of us who love linens,of course (I do!) and monograms (doesn’t have to be PFB) however, the monogram must be unusually beautiful. I look for them at flee markets, estate sales, anywhere - napkins, sheets, hand towels - either new or old must be divine.  

This is a trick I learned growing up in the south, it takes everything out! Rust, lipstick, wine, butter... What is that? Stains.  I soak my linens in Sodium Perborate.
I have never heard of this before so ---shhhh keep it to yourself, dear readers 

According to Wikipedia,

Sodium Perborate serves as a source of active oxygen in many detergents, laundry detergents, cleaning products, and laundry bleaches. It is also present in some tooth bleaching formulas. It is used as a bleaching agent for internal bleaching of a non vital root treated tooth. The sodium perborate is placed inside the tooth and left in place for an extended period of time to allow it to diffuse into the tooth and bleach stains from the inside out. It has antiseptic properties and can act as a disinfectant. It is also used as a "disappearing" preservative in some brands of eye drops.

I have bought Sodium at drugstores (in the South - they stock it) but in LA they must order it for you- For those who like to shop online, you can get it on Amazon or Humco

 So here goes - the Directions (these are not on the Sodium Perborate container)


It only works on pure cotton, linen, etc.  No synthetic fabrics! I have even soaked a piece of silk with success.

1. In a bath tub, plastic bowl or any container that your item / items can be submerged in -
 use 6T of Sodium Perborate per gallon of water.

The most amazing thing about this product is that you can leave the items in for as long as you like. The fibers do not suffer damage and is color safe. (That I know of)

2. After soaking for 24 - 48 hours check to see if the stain is gone - if not, (some stains are tough)
add a bit more of Sodium Perborate and soak longer. If the water turns dirty, I usually start over with fresh water and Sodium Perborate. 

3. The next step is washing the Sodium Perborate out of the fabric with a mild detergent. It will dry stiff if you do not, which is OK. However, it doesn't feel good. Hang dry in sun light, if you can, after it is washed.

4. Iron the item, I usually use a little bit of sizing or starch.

Viola, that piece of linen you thought was no good is back to being great looking once again!

To see your vision come to life, email us about our design services at Peggy Braswell Design. 

You can purchase many of the items found on this blog, according to BRASWELL and much more at  BRASWELL. 

We will work with the trade.

M is for Monogram

Hi: some of you know I am was brought up on the Redneck Riviera (called just that) the NW panhandle of Florida-growing up as a "nice" southern girl-

my mom & grandmother monogrammed everything I wore (yes, even my handmade undies) soooo it is no wonder one of my most favorite things are having my initials, your initials, anyone's initials on pillows, throws, towels- oh yeah! just about anything! 

Above are a few of the monogrammed things I have in the shop & my home
Towels - don't you just love the leopard print with initials & then there is white with purple letters-that was a gift. 

The leopard print towel was a gift - so I just lined it with lavender and viola I have a fabulous throw
it is so cozy on those cold nights in S. CA. Yes, we do have cold nights!

Napkins-lavender (can you tell I think lavender is delicious). I try to find damask 26" or bigger with old monograms- and also hand towels(the red initials on old hand towel are peeking out in above image -The older the better-back in the day they were all done by hand! and so you'll know- does not matter whose initials are on them I love them anyway. 

Pillow (that can be personalized with your initial-with or without date) We can order these for you in the shop! another favorite-burlap/stenciling 

This is a bedroom for a client-love those monogrammed pillows. As a designer- by trade - it has become a trademark of mine to put clients initials somewhere in their home  

Chairs with numbers monogrammed (also can be done with stencils) Love anything with numbers, script, writing (am I crazy or what!)

One of my favorite places to go in LA is Pamela Goese's shop called Monogrammit

 above -some of the ways Pamela & her team can monogram

  now doing appliquéd initials- aren't they just the best!  

 font showing the alphabet & how each letter looks-for guys block letters are always grand-Pamela has those also!

Did I tell you Pamela has gifts that she initials! Take a look at her website
So there you have it dear readers-my love of all things monogrammed!...

Monogrammit
251 South Robertson Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310.652.6001

To see your vision come to life, email us about our design services at Peggy Braswell Design. 

You can purchase many of the items found on this blog, according to BRASWELL and much more at  BRASWELL. 

We will work with the trade.