ONE Thing I Never Do In My Business
Custom Curtains,Custom Window Valances,Inspiration,Interior Decor,The Stitch That Taught Me,Window Treatments
Welcome to the next lesson from: The Stitch That Taught Me—
real stories from my sewing workroom and business journey that take you beyond the pretty finishes to the true lessons I’ve learned in 38 years of creative workroom life. Each one taught me something worth passing on. I’m Donna Cash, and I’m glad you’re here.
There is one thing I never do in my business, ever!
As a window treatment professional and seamstress. I oversee the window treatment portion of projects from the time of sale through to installation. This means I measure every window, work with the designer or homeowner client, discuss treatment styles, help select decorative drapery hardware, figure yardage amounts, and check fabric and hardware as they arrive. My motto is,
“I want no unhappy surprises at the installation”.
This one thing I never do allows me to confidently say there will be no unhappy surprises at the installation. I tend to be a controlling type when it comes to ensuring things go well for the designer, workroom, and installer on the installation day.
So here’s The Stitch That Taught Me:
Years ago, when I was very new to selling and making window treatments, I allowed a customer to provide her drapery rod and rings. I perfectly made beautiful draperies for her large bay window in her bedroom. I set an installation date and time to meet with the installer at the customer’s home. We carefully unpacked the draperies, set them out for installation, and the customer opened the drapery rods and rings she had ordered online ……….
Guess what? The rods and rings were not compatible. The rods were 3-inch diameter, and the rings were for 2-inch diameter rods. Do you see the problem?
The installer and I packed up the draperies and put them back in my vehicle. I wasted the installer’s time (I did pay him for his time), and the customer reordered the proper rings for the job.
The good part of this? I learned a valuable lesson and created a new process at Designs by Donna, and I still stand by this today.
Are you ready to know the one thing I never do in my business?
I never, ever, open the drapery hardware the day before the installation, or even worse, on the day of the installation. All drapery hardware is opened immediately upon receipt. This way, if there is an issue, I can contact the supplier and reorder or have it replaced so that “There are no unhappy surprises at the installation”.
Watch the video to learn more.
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This can be a great time to rest and trust the process, re-evaluating your strategies and goals.
Ready to Grow Your Sewing Skills?
If you’re ready to build your confidence, sew more efficiently, and bring more beauty into your work—I’m here to help.
As a part of my community, I often share tips that have helped me improve my workflow. One such tip is to create a project timeline for each job, breaking it down into manageable tasks. This not only keeps me organized but also provides a clear visual of my progress, helping to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Creating a timeline also requires you to rest and trust the process in your work.
Where we turn sewing mistakes into mastery—and sewing into joy.
Do you have a question, or would you like to share your own “mistake turned lesson”?
I encourage fellow makers to share their experiences, whether it’s a mistake that led to a breakthrough or a lesson learned from a challenging project. Each story contributes to our collective knowledge and can inspire others to embrace their unique creative journeys.
Want to build your confidence and skills in soft furnishings and home decor sewing?
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Creative inspiration for unique designs
Wellness & productivity tips for sewists
A supportive, positive, and fun community!
Stay tuned for the next post of The Stitch That Taught Me, where we’ll dive into more real stories from my sewing workroom and creative business journey that take you beyond the pretty finishes and the proper lessons I’ve learned in over 38 years of creative workroom life.
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Until next time –
keep learning,
keep stitching.
As you keep learning, remember to rest and trust the process.
Sending you all my best,
Donna Cash
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Meet Donna Cash – Your Trusted Sewing Mentor & Creative Guide
Donna Cash is the founder of Designs by Donna, an award-winning drapery and soft furnishings studio known for its exquisite custom pillows, bedding, drapery, and detailed embellishments. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Donna brings a rare blend of technical expertise, artistic flair, and warm encouragement to every maker she mentors.
A passionate educator, speaker, and industry leader, Donna has trained hundreds of DIYers and professionals alike, helping them master professional techniques while cultivating a calm, joyful, and balanced approach to their craft. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or running a workroom business, Donna is here to help you grow with confidence.
Through her blog, video tutorials, and vibrant online membership community, she shares time-saving strategies, fabric insights, and real-world solutions that make high-quality results feel achievable—and enjoyable. Donna’s mission is simple but powerful: to help you create beautiful things with fabric, one inspired stitch at a time.
Join the community and explore expert instruction at www.designsbydonna.com.
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August 19, 2025
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