Welcome to: 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.

The Forgotten Panel: A Costly Reminder to Rest and Trust the Process

In the design world, we double-check measurements, confirm fabric yardage, and run our workrooms like finely tuned machines. But even with solid systems, mistakes happen—not because the process is broken, but because we’re human.

In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to prioritize self-care. As creatives, we often lose sight of the importance of pausing to refresh our minds. Consider scheduling regular breaks into your work routine. These intervals can foster creativity and prevent burnout. For instance, taking a 10-minute break every hour can significantly boost productivity and mental clarity.

Taking a moment to rest and trust the process can lead to breakthroughs that enhance our creativity.

Years ago, I found myself short on fabric for a window treatment project. Strange, because I always triple-check my numbers. I didn’t dwell on it—I reordered the fabric. Thankfully, it was still in stock and the same dyelot. The job was completed and installed on time.

And then, during a post-installation cleanup, I opened a closet and found a perfectly finished section of the project.

I had already made it.
And I had completely forgotten.

Why?
Because I’d returned to work too quickly after a death in the family. My mind wasn’t clear. I was operating on autopilot, overriding my own process in an effort to stay productive.

This experience taught me that grief can cloud judgment and lead to unnecessary mistakes. It’s essential to acknowledge our mental state and its impact on our work. When I scheduled a day off to process my emotions, I found that I returned to my projects with renewed energy and focus. This not only improved my efficiency but also elevated the quality of my work.

That mistake cost money. But it also delivered a valuable lesson:

Our systems only serve us when we are well enough to follow them.

As creative professionals, we carry a lot—emotionally and logistically. But we can’t deliver our best work when we’re burned out, grieving, or pushing through fog.

So here’s The Stitch That Taught Me:

So, when you feel overwhelmed, remember to rest and trust the process.

There are no window treatment emergencies.
Honor your process. And honor your humanity.

Honoring your process also means recognizing your limits. For example, if you find yourself overwhelmed with orders, consider delegating tasks or extending deadlines. Your clients will appreciate your honesty and commitment to quality over quantity. I’ve learned that effective communication with clients about my workflow helps manage expectations and leads to stronger relationships.

Take the time to rest when you need it. Your business and your clients will thank you.

By doing so, you will find that you can achieve more by taking the time to rest and trust the process.

Stay tuned for the next post of The Stitch That Taught Me, where we’ll dive deeper into how to rest and trust the Process in our creative workflows.

If this post has given you insight or encouragement, please share it with others.

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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