Hello Dear Quilty Friend,
Last week I shared the BIGGEST NEWS!
My first fabric collection Hexie Flowers is now available for stores to order and will hit shelves in March 2024. Still in awe of this dream coming true.
Today, I would like to share with you the background story of the Hexie Flowers Collection and how it is the perfect representation of the Linen Bouquet brand. As with everything I create, there is a story and reason behind each detail.
The start of Linen Bouquet began in 2017 when my husband decided to go back to school. At that point we had three little girls at the ages of 5, 3 and 1 years old. Yes, I had them all within four years, my body was exhausted. Actually, I was still nursing our youngest at the time and knew that would have to end if I got a full-time job. In order to avoid this I got very creative thinking up ideas to make an alternative income.
Looking at my homegrown skillset, I figured my best bet was to use the little knowledge I had acquired as a self-taught sewist. The first idea was thrown out quickly, with my limited knowledge I knew that I could not make handmade items in large quantities to sell. Up to this point I had not even opened a sewing pattern because they intimidated me and my 1 year old was a bit clingy. She would not approve of me sitting at the sewing machine all day.
Idea number two came from my adoration of the prints I used. Maybe I could screen print fabric and sell it as original artwork? My husband quickly struck down that idea. We both knew I didn’t have the space and that it would take over the kitchen/dining area. But I really loved fabric which led to my next idea.
Sell fabric! Open an online shop selling fabric. I wouldn’t have to make anything just advertise and ship the already made material. At the time the local fabric shops in my area had closed and the neighboring shops did not carry the fabric I liked. This could solve my problem of needing an income and cute fabric. Selfishly, I just wanted to play with pretty fabrics all day! Within a week I had my license, wholesale accounts opened and placed my first bulk order to the manufacturers.
It was all very exciting, especially because I began to dream about where this business could lead. Maybe my shop would grow so large I could provide the full income for my family? Maybe I could begin sharing my handmade ideas in the form of sewing patterns for others to create? Maybe one day I can design my own pretty fabric? I kept these dreams in the back of my mind, scared to share them with anyone in case they didn’t pan out but I did do one thing to prepare myself, I selected a name for my business that could encompass all of my ideas: Linen Bouquet Designs
In order to gain free advertising for my business I dove into the online sewing community of social media. I found one fabric account then another, then I slid down the rabbit hole and realized how large the community actually was. I’m glad I didn’t know any of this beforehand, otherwise I would have never started my Etsy shop. The vastness of this community first overwhelmed me, but as time went on I met sewing friends that loved the craft as much as I did. Friends that didn’t roll their eyes every time I shared excitement about a new fabric collection announcement or a new sewing technique I had just learned. Friends that didn’t put me down when I shared a small handmade project I was proud of. True stories.
I found real friends that cheered me on, and that I in return could cheer on for their wins! We started to chat about sewing, business and raising kids. We even shared deep conversations on dealing with heartbreak, politics and life changes. I have friends around the country and the world that love sewing and community as much as I do. I can tell you right now about my friend who sews for her grand children, another who raises chickens on a farm, where my neighboring Canadian friend vacations during the summers and about the friendship that’s grown so close to my heart that our daughters are now penpals too. So, while my first business plan didn’t last the friendships that were built have and that’s changed my life.
It was somewhere in the midst of these changing tides that I realized every step was a learning experience and every sewing stitch was an opportunity of growth.
My motto became “Enjoying every stitch,” which includes the hard times too.
When you look closely at the Hexie Flowers Collection now you will understand why each print displays small stitches. To me, they represent the paths we take in life that help us grow and the small changes we make that create the beautiful tapestry of our lives. This is why when I see a handmade item I get up close to see the tiny stitches. It’s art. Created by the maker and their journey, not only through the craft but through their life. I love to follow the stitching seams until I find a mistake, not to point out the flaw but to appreciate it. It is now unique.
I hope in the same way you will appreciate the Hexie Flowers fabrics. They represent the love of Enjoying Every Stitch.
In an effort to share this idea I designed a quilt pattern that means so much to me. Can you guess the name?
Here is the Enjoying Every Stitch Quilt
A FREE Pattern for you to love.
The block design mimics the look of sashiko hand stitches, running across the quilt in colorful rows creating a rainbow effect. It’s a simple statement piece that I hoped would communicate the importance of enjoying the journey along the way. Instead of rushing through a project to the finish, let’s take the time to appreciate the tiny steps that get us there. Does it resonate with you?
Please enjoy the quilt pattern and share it with your friends. I would love for this message to spread across the sewing community.
Want to see more from the collection, visit the Hexie Flowers Lookbook Here where you will find inspirational, one of a kind sewing projects designed and handmade by yours truly.
Hexie Flowers will ship to stores in March 2024. If you would like the collection to be carried by your favorite quilt shop please send them the Camelot Fabrics Link Here.
Your support means everything. Thank you for sharing the Hexie Flowers Collection, I know you are going to love sewing with these beauties!
love, Jasmine
Download: Enjoying Every Stitch Quilt Pattern
linenbouquet.com 