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.

The Window I Didn’t Quote

Some of the best business lessons come from the mistakes we don’t post about.

In this episode of The Stitch That Taught Me, I’m telling the story of a house-wide project that could have gone sideways because of one small oversight.

I measured all three windows in one of the bedrooms.
But I only quoted fabric and labor for two.

The mistake? All mine.
And I had already received the deposit.

What did I do?
I ordered the fabric—quietly.
I made the third window treatment—without a fuss.
I delivered and installed the whole job on time and in full.

The client never knew.

One small stitch of integrity can build a lifetime of trust.

Here’s the kicker: this client went on to hire me again. And again. And again.

From her own homes, to her mother’s, to her son and daughter-in-law’s, to her mountain retreat, church, and even her husband’s office—she became one of the most loyal, long-term clients I’ve ever worked with.

If I had made the missing window her problem? I don’t know what the outcome would have been. I know I did what I felt was the right thing to do.

We all make mistakes. What matters is how we handle them.

My encouragement for you is to remember this:

Your mistakes do not define your business. It is how you handle mistakes that do.

Watch The Window I Didn’t Quote now on YouTube

Who this video is for:

• Workroom pros learning to navigate quoting mistakes
• Designers building long-term client trust
• DIYers who want to deliver exceptional experiences
• Creative professionals who value integrity over ego

Want to build a business that clients trust for decades?

Inside the Designs by Donna Workroom Membership, we cover systems, quoting accuracy, and recovery strategies so that you can grow with grace.

Join the membership here. Become a Member

Thanks for watching—and for choosing integrity,

—Donna Cash

Listen to Donna tell her story.

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.

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