Hello Quilty Friend!

Time for a Pop-Quiz: Do you know the Linen Bouquet Motto?

Take a minute if you need to… answer incoming.

When I started my sewing account in 2017 I saw an Instagram post that said “Enjoying the Little Things.” I felt in that moment that I found my life’s mantra. 

Growing up with humble beginnings, I didn’t have the latest toys, fashions and definitely did not engage in fads. All of that was considered a luxury to me… what I did have was appreciation. 

I remember walking into my grandmother’s backyard while she pruned and nurtured her fruit trees. Without a word, she would pull off a leaf from her mango tree rub it between her fingers and hold it up for me to smell. Ahhhh… I can still remember that potent, fresh smell of mango from the leaf. 

I remember my mom digging for change between the seats in the car to buy us 2 for $1 apple pies from McDonald’s and savoring every bite on the drive home.

I remember quiet mornings with my newborn baby girl when we would take morning walks to the nearby park while I sang nursery rhymes and chatted about everything we passed by to help her development and awareness. Really miss those days.

It dawned on me then, that “Enjoying the Little Things,” was something I had always done. Even with my first quilt, I took the process slow. Using materials I found around me, like an old bed sheet or dress that I cut into the squares I pieced together. 

Resourceful and Grateful!

When I was asked what my business motto would be, the answer came easily, “Enjoying Every Stitch – – -.” A statement that fully encompasses the way I feel about sewing and life. 

Now, if you know anything about my life changes in the past year, you know I’ve recently gone through a divorce that was absolutely heart wrenching. There were moments that were so painful it shattered my world view and purpose. I had a hard time focusing on my business because quite honestly, it just hurt. My inspiration for every project came from a place of love for my family. With a shattered home life, it felt wrong to enter into this creative space. I just had a hard time relating to my old self.

One day while reluctantly checking on my website, I read the motto at the top, 

“Enjoying Every Stitch – – -,” 

It was like a coming to Jesus moment for me. Was I practicing what I preached? Was I looking at my situation fully and appreciating what I did have or was I hyper focused on the negative losses?

Obviously, in that moment it was the latter but the realization also brought a sense of hope that I did not expect. It reminded me of all the times that I struggled and still found beauty in my situations. That was a strength that I had forged within myself since childhood.

Like remembering a moment in my grandmother’s backyard instead of the chaos in my home that required me to be at my grandparent’s house instead of my own.

The delicious taste of an apple pie instead of the fact that my mom was really struggling to scrape by as a single parent.

Quiet morning walks with my babygirl because I didn’t have a vehicle or the resources to meet at the mommy groups with friends. 

If I could see the good side of those moments and still enjoy life, I could do the same in my current situation… and with that mental shift everything changed. 

So, while, “Enjoying Every Stitch – – -,” may sound to some like another sewing business gimmick, to me it’s always meant more. 

In the past few months it’s literally reminded me of who I am and what I am here for. 

I hope when you see my emails, posts and website that you will also find a glimmer of hope for your situation. Whether that be struggling to improve sewing skills or treading through relationships and hardships. 

There is always something we can show appreciation for.

P.S. I did not expect to type out all of this in today’s post but when the feeling hits I have to flow with it. Thanks for being here with me.

love, Jasmine