Friday, August 26, 2016

Why you are NOT getting results from online courses


It seems like you can get just about anything you want online these, especially learning.

Online courses are easily accessible, convenient, and provides just in time learning, meaning that you get what you want when you want it, unlike traditional institutions where you have to take a bunch of courses you don't want, pay money you don't have, to eventually get to the stuff you actually wanted in the first place.

Maybe you're an online course junkie signing up for every new course on the market. Your friend just finished a course and she's raving about it and you have to buy it. You heard a podcaster promote their new bootcamp and of course, there you go. You have to get that one too because the one before was a dud; you didn't get the results the course creators claim.

You might have signed up for a few freebie courses and paid courses and at the end of all of them you're left right where you started with questions and even more confusion.




You think there is something wrong with you.

You can't get to the place you want and do the things you want because you haven't found that one course that will help you.

It's not that the course wasn't informative or that you didn't read through the lessons and watch all the videos. You did all that. What are you doing wrong? Nothing.


The truth is, online courses might not be for you!

The number one (and most important) reason I see students not get results from an online course is because they read through the lessons and watch the videos, but did not take action.

I've seen that in my own one-lesson courses where I have students email a day after receiving the lesson to ask if that was all. Yep. That is all. You don't need more than that. You just need to do the work.

Just because you can speed read through the entire course in a couple hours and get through the material, that doesn't automatically mean that you've learned and absorb the information.

Chances are you didn't take action on any of the key points. You didn't do the homework.


Hence, you didn't experience any lasting change.

When my tween son first started getting homework in school a few years ago, it was a huge battle to get him to do the homework. It was difficult to get him to (1) sit down at the kitchen table and do the homework, and (2) see the value in doing the work at all. He would say that he did that all day already in school. But it's the using of the information and applying it that brings about transformation.

You are missing out on these courses if you just read through he information and watch the videos, but don't do the exercises. You don't do the work and take action.

The bottom line is that, with online courses, especially the ones that are self-study types where you get all the material up front and you get work at your own pace, without the accountability aspect of having to answer to someone and showing your work to the class and the instruction, to force you to actually do the work, you might not get the transformation you are seeking and then blame the course for lack of results.

Sure, not all courses are created equal, some will be crap (believe me, I know) and some will be phenomenal (there are so many great ones out there). The truth is, even a not-so-great course can lead to dramatic transform, but only when you do the work and take action will get you get results.


Until next time...Stitch on!
Tian
*A rising tide lifts all boats*




P.S. You have been knitting for a while and you have some design ideas.

You've been wanting to get that big design idea out of your head and to see your name in print (how freaking cool would it be to see your name printed in your favorite pattern magazine, Interweave Knits, anyone?)
, but you have no idea how to even start to write up that pattern.

No worries. I got you.

That's why I created Pattern Writing 101 e-Course because I see you fumbling around, searching around the internet for answers, and just end up wasting a ton of time and not finding clear solutions.

I created this course because I want to hold you hand along the way, to show you the step-by-step process to get you from idea to a written pattern that you are confident and proud to share.






Just imagine, by Thanksgiving, you have a pattern up on Ravelry, for sale, making some extra cash in time for Christmas shopping.
Yeah, 'cuz my kid too want that new gaming system that I don't even understand what it does, but it's on the list.

Just so you know, registration for Pattern Writing 101 e-Course opens in a couple weeks and all spots expected to sell out.

So, if you have been wanting to write and publish your own patterns with clear help (you get templates, worksheets, your questions answered), with confidence, join the waiting list here to be notified when registration opens so you don't miss out. Space limited.

 



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Thursday, August 18, 2016

Two new shawls: Wyethia Shawl and Leymus Shawl

Leymus and Wyethia Shawls are available!

A few months ago I was contacted by Yarnbox to create 2 patterns (one crochet and one knit) for their subscription box. I've been a huge fan of Yarnbox for a long time and was so psyched to be contacted to design for them.

After being told of the yarn the patterns would be paired with in the box, I came up with these design ideas with you in mine based on conversations I've had with {The Weekly Yarn} subscribers.




For a while I have been playing around with swatch ideas for bottom-up lace edge shawls shaped using short-rows. For these designs, I was particularly interested in trying out thes technique, especially with the crochet shawl version. Hence, the Leymus Shawl (crochet) and Wyethia Shawl (knit) were born.

If you are a lace shawl crocheter, there are a lot of crochet shawl patterns out there, but not many using these techniques. So, I was super excited to create and share the design in order to give you some modern shaping and construction.

Both shawls, Leymus Shawl and Wyethia Shawl, are now available for individual purchase. I am so excited to finally be able to share them with you. Yarnbox held the exclusive right to the patterns for a limited time. Now that the exclusivity period has ended, you can grab a copy of each of the pattern if you did not subscribe to the Yarnbox.

As a big Thank You to {The Weekly Yarn} subscribers for their continued support, I am offering a 50% OFF discount, for a limited time, on both shawls.

Interested in either or both shawls, subscribe to {The Weekly Yarn} ASAP to get your coupon code.

The 50% OFF coupon code is good for only 24-hrs (...or just a bit longer to give you enough time to get the email and get your copy), ending tomorrow, Friday, August 19th at 5PM EST.

I hope you like them.

Until next time... Stitch On!

Tian
"A rising tide lifts all boats"

P.S. Oh, and Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer last week's survey about possibly running a K/CAL. The results were overwhelmingly in support of the K/CAL, YAY!  So, the Back-to-School Shawl K/CAL will be happening, running from September 15th to October 15th (more details to come next week, so stay tune on how to participate).





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Friday, August 12, 2016

Who the heck is Tian // KnitDesigns by Tian


Hey there. My name is Tian and I empower knitters and crocheters to achieve their goals of making what they want and designing patterns.

I specialize in helping newbie designers to craft their big design idea so that they can publish patterns that they are proud to share, with confidence.

I know how frustrating it is to be a newbie just starting out, completely in the dark and unsure of what to do. You're stumbling around, reading all the blogs and forums, trying to figure it all out on your own, but you're still unsure of where to start.

With years as a knit and crochet designer and tech editor, I've been there. I've been down that road and want to share what I've learned so you don't make the same mistakes and get to your destination faster than figuring it all out alone. You want your name in print and knitters and crocheters making and posting pictures of finished projects using your pattern. I can help you form where ever you are starting.








Join {The Weekly Yarn}, a weekly newsletter straight to your email and blog I write every week to help motivate and inspire knitters and crocheters. Plus, I run giveaways, offer discount codes to my patterns, and FREE mini-courses, exclusively to {The Weekly Yarn} subscribers.
Want it?     Subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/bmwT_P







Some places you might have seen my designs:
I have a lot of self-published designs and pattern collections (both knit and crochet) on Ravelry and Craftsy. I also have designs in publications such as Interweave, Knit Picks, I Like Crochet, I Like Knitting, Valley Yarns (Webs), Willow Yarns, etc.



For me, knitting and crocheting is a way to express myself and I hope that is how you feel about stitching. My designs are intended to empower you and to teach a new technique. Make them your own.


Modify and change them to make them as unique as you are.











http://knitdesignsbytian.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses



How can I help you? I know how hard it is to find answers to your specific questions. With the struggles you face in mind, I've created a number of email courses, some with one-on-one support, that will help you to get to where you want.


My goal with my courses are to empower you (knitter and crocheters) get the results you want. Whether you want to be able to following that pattern you think you might not be just quite ready for yet, want to modify that design to fit your body, or you want to get that big design idea out of your head (from developing the idea to writing to publishing the pattern). I know you can do it. You have everything already inside you and I want to help.

Check out my growing library of courses to see how I can help you. Want to learn something not currently offered? I want to hear from you.





If you are a designer (knit and crochet) who want to make sure your pattern is clearly written, I can help you out. I tech edit both knit and crochet patterns, mainly for magazines, yarn companies, and magazines. I do tech edit for indie designers, but only for designers who have successfully gone through one of courses.

My focus is on helping newbie designers to publish patterns that they are proud to share and confidence is clearly written and error free because I understand how difficult it can be, stumbling around trying to figure it all out alone.

Interested in hiring me to tech edit your knit and crochet patterns? My availability right now is a turnaround of about 7 business days. If a tech edit will take longer, I will let you know immediately so you can plan accordingly.
Email me. I'd love to work with you.



Thursday, August 11, 2016

No Place Like Home, a Knit Picks collection

Pre-S: Registration for Pattern Writing 101 e-Course starts soon. Interested in writing and publishing your own patterns, with Confidence, join the waiting list here to be notified when registration opens. Space limited.





So, this came in the mail the other day. My hardcopy of No Place Like Home, a collection by Knit Picks.


First, this collection is absolutely GORGEOUS! The designs (side note, I have a pillow in this collection, Southwest Pillow), the photography, and the story being told.


Quick back story. When Knit Picks put out the call for submission for this collection, I was fascinated by the mood board and the story they wanted to tell with the designs, so of course I had to submit an idea, or two.  I knew the collection would be a good one, because, to be honest, I've seen (and had my designs included in) the collections Knit Picks have put out over the years and they do not disappoint.



Evening Mesa Blanket
Photo by Knit Picks
The thing I really love is that the collection has a range of patterns from simple pillows to complex, brain melting blankets. There are projects to comfortably sit and knit while watching your favorite tv show, and there are projects that makes you kick out all the kids and sit in a quiet place to knit kind of projects, which is what I look for most in a collection. There is something for everyone; designs that are safe and others to aspire to make.





High Desert Rug
Photo by Knit Picks
While I can't choose just one favorite, there are a few pieces I can't wait to try out or make again, such as the Evening Mesa Blanket, High Desert Rug, and another Southwest Pillow, maybe in different colors. If you had to choose, which pattern would you like to knit next?






In honor of the release of the No Place Like Home collection, I have a giveaway open only subscribers of {The Weekly Yarn}. All the details are below. I hope you can join in.








GIVEAWAY
Starting today, August 11th, you can enter the giveaway for Knit Picks' new collection, No Place Like Home. Giveaway ends Sunday, August 28, 2016. Drawing and winners will be announced on September 1, 2016. Sounds good? Keep reading.

RULES

   (1) Must be a subscriber to {The Weekly Yarn}. Not a subscriber? Click here
   (2) Once you've subscribed, use the link provided to enter for up to 6 entries.


PRIZES
   (1) YARN (5 skeins of Knit Picks Mighty Stitch, the colors used to make the Southwest Pillow)
   (2) a copy of No Place Like Home (hardcopy)
   (3) a copy of No Place like Home (e-book)
   (4) a copy of Southwest Pillow (digital)


What pattern would you make first? Leave a comment below.



And the WINNERS are:
1) Andrea K - YARN (5 skeins of Knit Picks Mighty Stitch, the colors used to make the Southwest Pillow)
2) Leigh - a copy of No Place Like Home (hardcopy)
3) Blessing - a copy of No Place like Home (e-book)
4) Jessica D - a copy of Southwest Pillow (digital



P.S. I want to run a shawl knit-along and crochet-along from September 15 to October 15 in honor of the kids going back to school and moms getting back to the hectic schedule. You're back to spending a lot of time in the pickup line at school and on bleachers as your little superstar practice and kick butt at soccer. You need something just for you, to keep your hands busy.

Using any of my {
KnitDesigns by Tian} shawl patterns, knit and crochet, create a project page and post finished object photos for a chance at a drawing. At the end of the -along, I will do a random-number generator drawing (3 to 5 winners, I am still working out the specific details) for a chance of yarn and patterns. Is this something you might be interested in?

I would love your input on this idea. Please take this
quick survey and let me know what you think.


Complete survey here.





Wyethia Shawl
Leymus Shawl
P.P.S. Next week, I have 2 shawl patterns {Leymus Shawl (crochet) and Wyethia Shawl (knit)} that will be available for individual purchase. Subscribers of {The Weekly Yarn}, will get a special subscriber-exclusive offering of 50% off discount on each pattern, good for 24-hours.


So, if you are interested in getting one or both of these patterns and want the discount, be sure you are subscribed (see signup form below).





Until next time...Stitch on!
Tian
*A rising tide lifts all boats*




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Thursday, August 4, 2016

What's in your earhole this summer?


Pre-S: Next week I am: (1) starting a giveaway for Knit Picks' new collection, No Place Like Home open exclusively to {The Weekly Yarn} subscribers AND (2) conducting a survey to see if you would be interested in a back-to-school KAL/CAL (with prizes of course). So stay tune.



Whether I am at home working or doing chore, going for walk with my buddy Charlie (look how cute he is all dressed up) or at the grocery store (a place I feel I spend ALOT of time and a lot of money with a pre-teen boy in the house), I usually have my earbuds in place listening to something great. It can be a podcast about business development or general entertainment. Regardless, I'm always plugged in. Some are for pure entertainment and laughs while others inspire and help me grow my business.

Here's my top podcasts. Note: These are not all the podcasts I listen, just my top go-to shows that never miss.





Business Podcasts
1) The Fizzle Show
2) Raise Your Hand Say Yes with Tiffany Han
3) Being Boss 
4) Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
5) Profit. Power. Pursuit. A CreativeLive Podcast with Tara Gentile
6) Heart + Hustle Podcast

General Entertainment
1) Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
2) For Colored Nerds
3) This American Life
4) Sampler
5) A Way with Words
6) Snap Judgement
7) Car Talk
8) Another Round

Crafting
1) Ready Set Knit
2) 90% Knitting
3) Knit1, HeartToo
4) CraftLit
5) TheKnitGirllls

Do you listen to podcast? Any of these on your playlist? I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting show. Share your favorites in the comments below.


BONUSES:
#1: E-Book
In addition to all the podcasts I listen to, I have been hooked on Daniel Steeves Connaughton's A Tale of Two Heroes series. Full disclosure, Daniel is my boo (lol), but if it wasn't really good, I wouldn't be sharing it with you and putting it on my blog for posterity. So, how to describe it? Well, Daniel is writing a bi-weekly newsletter where he is sharing portions of his new book as he writes and allowing readers to vote on story possibilities in order to help with how the story develop.

So, this reminds me of Victorian Serial Novels, but with a modern internet age twist. Do you remember in the old days (not that you were there or anything but might have heard of it, lol), newspapers and magazines printed stories in serial format? Alexander Dumas did this with his Count of Monte Cristo as did Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, George Eliot, Elizabeth Gaskell, and so many others.

In a similar manner, A Tales of Two Heroes is released in parts bi-weekly as the author writes the story. The bonus part that I am super excited about is that Daniel, is allowing you and me, the reader to help him write the story. Crazy, right!

How it works is, at the end of each issue, he puts out a survey with questions about possible turns the story can take. You and me, the readers, vote to decide the direction the story takes. The option with the most votes win. How cool is that?! Check it out and let me know what you think.

Head over to his blog to read about the story here

Sign-up to get each issue straight to your email here

Read Issue #1 and catch up here


#2: Craftsy
Want to learn a new craft or develop your existing crafty talents, Craftsy is the perfect place to get lessons on the topics you want, when you want. I have a few classes that I play all-the-time. PLUS, they are always having a sale!



Until next time...Stitch on!
Tian
*A rising tide lifts all boats*





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