Hi, I’m Kalley! I am a Virginia- based knitter and crocheter with a passion for designing and blogging. I have a beautiful family that includes my husband, daughter and dog. I have degrees in Music and Music Education, and previously taught Music, Kindergarten and First Grade in private schools. Now, I am happy to be able to stay home with my 4 year old daughter while running my business from home, because pattern designing has given me this opportunity! I also love reading, tea/coffee, exercise, buying yarn, and watching tv.
It is only fitting that I continue “teaching.” I have been growing this business by myself for over 6 years, and have released over 50 knitting/crochet patterns. It is my goal to help you get your business off the ground and do the same. There are few things better than making money while doing something you love and are passionate about!
Whether you want to be a designer, or already are one, I encourage you to keep reading.
A big goal of mine was to meet my previous private school teaching salary and two years ago I started exceeding it. It’s important to note that I was never unhappy in my traditional job, but I wanted to be able to stay home with my daughter, and eventually homeschool, while doing something that I love. Knitting and crocheting is my hobby that has grown into something that supports my family, which blows my mind each time I think about it. When I tell other people I’m a knitter, they never expect me to say that I also make an income from it!
The great thing about this craft is that it’s growing, and there is plenty of profit to go around if you’re interested in designing! Don’t let anyone tell you the market is over saturated. New people are learning to knit and crochet every day, and with more and more people making their own clothes, home decor, etc., there’s a continuous need for new and fresh patterns to match the current trends.
Over the past 5+ years, I have figured out how to market my patterns in a way that sells every time I release a new one. I don’t run ads or promote my patterns any other way than just marketing myself on Instagram, Pinterest, and through my email list. I have decided to let you in on ALL my secrets from years of trial and error. You don’t have to struggle any more with pattern releases that fall flat – I’m ready to help you!
Are you ready to take my course? I’m offering you $26 off with the code VIP26, just click here!
Still on the fence? That’s okay! Here are 5 free tips you can take below:
1. Have an online presence
Good marketers have an online presence. They show up as a real person online and engage with their followers. They listen to their target audience and what they are wanting. They interact with other designers and makers by commenting on their posts and replying to dms.
Good marketers show pieces of themselves that are relatable. Customers want to know that when they buy from a small business, there is a real person behind the shop logo that they are supporting.
It helps to show behind the scenes of what it’s like to run you business. Reels are a great way to show little video snippets of you knitting, packing an order, shopping for supplies, etc. and they also help you reach new audiences!
2. Always tease the pattern first
Before you release your pattern, have you built some excitement over it yet? You want your future customers to be on the edge of their seats with needles/hooks ready, awaiting the release of your brand new pattern! They also need to see and hear about your pattern multiple times before making a decision to purchase. Don’t just show your pattern once and never again!
In my course, I’ll teach you ALL about how to successfully tease and build up the new pattern you’re working on in the right timeframe, so that by the time the release comes around, your customers are already ready to push “buy” immediately!
3. Always have your pattern tested
All good designers have their patterns tested by a group of knitters or crocheters. This ensures that the pattern is written well enough to be followed and is clear of typos and mistakes. This makes your pattern higher quality and worth paying for. A high quality pattern also attracts repeat customers by growing trust!
The pattern testing process is also GREAT marketing! You will learn all about how to find quality testers and use the testing period to your marketing advantage in my course. I also include the email template I use when communicating with testers to avoid being ghosted and having your pattern stolen.
If you are designing a garment or something with a lot of math and numbers, I recommend having your pattern tech edited before you have it tested. If you are are interested in having a pattern edited or learning more, check out my editor here!
4. Utilize email marketing
Good marketers always have an email list! Why? Because the people on your list have chosen to be there, and you get to speak directly to them in their email inbox whenever you want. When you post on social media, you have a very small window (about 24 hours) to reach as many people as you can, and all by chance. It’s highly possible most people won’t even see your post these days. An email list is also insurance in case you have your social media deleted or it goes away for any reason. I have a blog post with simple tips on how to grow your email list – click here!
In my course, I teach you exactly how to set up your email list, grow your email list, and market your pattern to your email list. I also show you how to design and send emails, and how to set up a “sales funnel.” Don’t miss out! Click here and use the code VIP26 for $26 off!
5. Follow up with your audience
Good marketers don’t let the hype die down after the release. It’s important to keep posting, sharing, and using email marketing to your advantage. It’s so easy to forget about something after seeing it once. That’s why your followers need to keep hearing, seeing, and being reminded about your pattern.
Learn my strategies for sending emails at the right times, how to make sales the first day your pattern releases, and more tips in my course!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know this course is for me?
Are you a designer?
Do you want to be a designer?
Do you feel lost trying to release your first pattern?
Have you felt dissatisfied with past pattern releases?
Do you feel lost with how to have your pattern tested?
Do you need more confidence selling yourself and what you’ve designed?
Do you want to make more money selling your patterns?
Do you wish you had more guidance and tips for how a successful pattern release should go?
Do you need help setting up your email list?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, this course is for you! Don’t wait any longer to invest in yourself and what your business can become. And don’t forget, the code VIP26 will save you $26!
What if I don’t have any designs yet?
No problem! It’s up to you if you want to wait until you have a design ready to publish, or take the course now. But what will it hurt? If you take the course now, you will have more confidence when it comes time to start designing your pattern to sell! And I also include a pattern writing template for you!
Why does it cost so much?
Affordability is relative but this course is actually on the lower end of what online courses cost. Most courses on the market right now range anywhere from $200-$1,000. Most I see are $500-600. My course is priced low so that you can afford to invest in yourself and your designing business without going in debt. And with the coupon VIP26, you’ll save an additional $26 which brings the course down to $99!
Is there homework?
Each chapter is a written like an ebook and you can download it to read on your electronic device or print. There are a few videos in the email marketing chapter to show you how to send emails, but they are short and you most likely won’t need to take any notes.
I wanted this course to be for anyone, including busy parents like myself. That’s why this course is 100% self paced.
What if I’m unhappy with the course?
I would never want you to be unhappy! I am confident in this course and that my strategies work if you also put in the work. However, if you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me within the first 30 days and I will give you a full refund. But, you must be able to show me proof that you went through the course and took action with no results. None of the tips and methods I share will work without the right mindset, and taking the time and putting in the work to implement them.
Are there any bonuses?
Ah, yes. The freebies! Here’s what you will get with the purchase of this course:
- Pattern PDF template
Not sure how to write up your pattern in a clean and cohesive format? I provide the template I use to write my patterns!
- Pattern listing description template
Writing a listing on Etsy can be tricky and time consuming. I provide a template with all the information you need to include.
- Lifetime access to the course + free access to updates
Let’s say I add a new chapter to the course and raise the price. You have access to it all for no additional cost! *psss, I heard an in depth email marketing chapter is coming soon!*
- Pinterest, Etsy, and Instagram templates
Need help designing marketing visuals? I provide Canva templates I created for you to use.
- Unlimited Q&A with me + exclusive member Facebook group
Yep, you read that right! You can email me with any questions you have about your pattern design and release, and I will help you!
Are you feeling like this is too good to be true? It’s not! Click here and use the code VIP26 to get the course for only $99!
If you have any questions about the course, please reach out to me! My email address is kneedlesandlife@gmail.com, or you can send me a message on Instagram @kneedlesandlife 🙂
