Many of us are hustling to help clients wrap up patterns that are launching early in 2025, I know I am! There are less than 30 days left in this year, which can make you either want to hibernate, want to panic, want to reflect, or some combination of all of the above.
I propose we all throw some gratitude outward.
Technical editing is a service. You serve others, day in, day out, pattern by pattern, design by design. And in exchange, your clients pay you. But what else have these collaborative relationships given you? Maybe:
- Beautiful first looks at some awesome designs.
- A reason to learn a new technique (cough cough, so you could check it in their pattern, right?) or a new skill.
- Friendship.
- Commiseration over the difficult aspects of producing patterns.
- X number of charts or schematics for your portfolio.
Now, grab your client list and start delivering some thanks for them and for their business. Here's some ideas:
Send a piece of snail mail. This is my top pick year after year because I always have fun finding yarn-themed cards (and the cost is a business deduction!), and because handwriting is so meditative for me. Make sure you tell your clients you would like to send them some mail, and ask them directly for their mailing address. Don't use the billing address from the paid invoices; often business owners use a separate address for that.
Send an email. Perhaps you don't want to go to the trouble of cards and stamps and post office lines, so make an email special and memorable. Perhaps offer a one-time discount for one of your services. Or send a curated playlist (a client once sent me a 70s love ballads playlist--swoon!). Or send an animated e-card.
Send a gift. If you don't have a lot of clients, it may feel right to put together a little gift that ships easily and inexpensively: crochet/knitting themed stickers, stitch markers, office supplies like cute post-its, a measuring tape, garment labels, gift tags. Again, make sure you have a valid mailing address before shipping!
Whatever you decide to do to show your gratitude, GET READY: it will probably supercharge your business and enhance your connections to your clients. When I have sent cards and gifts in the past, my clients were not only happy to hear from me, they were also reminded them of me and my services. So, my calendar for January and February (usually slow months!) would start to fill as a side effect. Win!
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Do you send client thank yous this time of year? What is your favorite way to show them appreciation? Hit reply and tell me about it.
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Open for enrollment
Your experience with needles and yarn is valuable, and it can help designers create better patterns.
This 6-week course will teach you how to look at knitting patterns in a new light, how to take them apart and understand the pieces, how to turn that knowledge into a job, and how to get clients.
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Wearing all the wool,
Sarah
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I am a knitting technical editor, author, and sweater nerd. I like coffee, puzzles, many books (all at once), and a good sniff of yarn fumes. This Hub is all about helping *you* find success as a technical editor from any direction that works.
When you are ready:
- Learn to tech edit knitting patterns or crochet patterns. Get training and real pattern practice before you take on clients.
- Schedule a strategy session with me. Go deep and get unstuck.
- Join the editor-only community for collaboration, 24-7 support and more skills, including building that business.
- Or just book a virtual cuppa with me. How can I help you?
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