Before home embroidery machines were available for everyone, my neighbor did monogramming for local sporting good stores, uniforms, and team shirts. All the embroidery thread in all the colors came from France and was very expensive. She kept it in her freezer so it wouldn't dry out. Her machines were massive compared to the ones now. That lady made a fortune and her timing was perfect. She retired just as the small domestic embroidery machines were starting to sell.