Last updated: June 22, 2018.
Per the FTC regulations, this is a full explanation of how and when I am compensated on pattern-duchess.com.
I learned to knit at an early age sitting beside my Nana and imitating everything she did. Everything I learned came from her and everything I am is thanks to her. She’s everything to me and without her, there wouldn’t be pattern-duchess.com.
pattern-duchess.com began as a way to reach out to many knitters to talk about knitting, share tips and tricks my Nana has taught me and helping each other out with different knitting techniques. It was inspired by my sweet Nana and lovely people asking me knitting questions (that I passed on to my Nana), as well as how to make money from home selling knitted items or knitting patterns to support their families and feel a new kind of purpose in their lives again.
In order to keep all of my blog content free of charge, but still be able to pay all the costs associated with running an online business (yarn, hosting fees, domain name, yarn, blog design, my own time and that of those who help me, yarn), there are many ways in which I am compensated.
MY OPINIONS AND MORALS (AND NANA)
The integrity of pattern-duchess.com is crucial to me. I will never promote anything that I fully do not believe in, even if offered to be compensated for it. Likewise, I will not promote something that is not valuable to you, as a fellow knitter, even if I DO personally believe in it, nor would I promote anything that does not fit into the specified categories on this site.
Most of the companies that I promote are companies that I have used long before I ever started a blog. Also, everything I do must pass the “Nana test” which contains 3 questions.
- Would it be useful to my Nana / would my Nana profit from it?
- Would my Nana approve it?
- Would I recommend it to my Nana?
In order to pass the test, all answers need to be “yes”.
UNDERWRITTEN POSTS / PRODUCT REVIEWS
On occasion, I will accept a product review if it lines up with the sites’ overall theme, and I think you, as a knitter, could benefit from it. My opinions are not for sale, and the product review is fully my words, and my thoughts with 100% honesty. If a product or service is mentioned, and you do not see the disclaimer on the page, I was not compensated for it. It just happened that I thought you might appreciate the information.
GUEST POSTS
On occasion, I will accept guest posts to be written by others and published on this site, if they line up with the overall theme, and I think you would benefit from the information. Be assured that I only do this with individuals that I believe in, and would be of genuine interest to you. Random people and topics have no presence here.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Another way in which I am compensated is through sales or leads generated through affiliate marketing links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Again, it is important for me to mention that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Some of my personal favorite companies that I use and promote are:
- Craftsy – knitting classes, yarn, etc.
- Blueprint – online classes (new Craftsy thing)
- Knit Picks – knitting tools and yarn (and free patterns)
- LeisureArts – knitting patterns, books, magazines, etc.
- Love Knitting – everything knitting (seriously, you have to check it out)
- CreativeLive – online classes for knitting, personal development, money, business, etc.
- Share-A-Sale – make money online with your blog through affiliate marketing
- GetResponse – email management tool for bloggers (it does everything and is way cheaper than other similar providers + get 25€ credit with this one)
Clicking on an affiliate link and making a purchase or signing up for a service will help me to keep this blog free and try out different yarns for better recommendations.
BANNER ADS
I accept banner ads for direct selling and network marketing companies. These companies must be approved by me and must be 100% legitimate companies. If Nana wouldn’t approve then I won’t approve.
CONTROLLING YOUR PRIVACY
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GOOGLE ADVERTISING
Any ads served by Google, Inc. and affiliated companies may be controlled using cookies. These cookies allow Google to display ads based on your visits to this site and other sites that use Google advertising services. Learn how to opt out of Google’s cookie usage. As mentioned above, any tracking done by Google through cookies and other mechanisms is subject to Google’s own privacy policies.
TRUST AND COMMITMENT
Your trust is critical to me on this blog and in my own personal life with everyone I meet. I will not do anything to purposely misalign that trust, nor will I ever share anything that I personally do not use or believe in wholeheartedly.
