I know AI can be a controversial topic, especially in creative spacesā¦. And honestly, I was hesitant to share this but Iām trying be as transparent as possible.
I donāt think AI can replace creativity, good judgment, lived experience, or the relationships we build with people.
However, I also donāt think pretending it doesnāt exist is the answerā¦. And Iād rather learn how to use it well and in a way Iām comfortable with.
As Iāve been building my first small-batch sweater line, Iāve been using AI to research manufacturers, compare business scenarios, organize complicated thoughts, challenge my assumptions, and help me think through decisions more intentionally.
The more Iāve used it, the more Iāve seen it as a tool that helps me prepare, explore ideas, and make better decisions.
I still have a business coach and I very much still rely on my own creativity and experience⦠itās helped me get more out of those things because I spend more time focusing on what actually matters.
If youāre curious how Iām actually using AI while building this business comment AI below. If thereās enough interest, Iāll share more of what Iāve been doing ā¤ļø
For years, I designed sweaters as patterns but now Iām designing them as actual finished pieces and itās a very different kind of creative process.
There are fiber decisions, fit questions, samples, production details, and a lot of moments where I realize how much I still have to learn.
Who knows if this will work but I sure am going to give it all I got! Hope you follow along as I try to build something new at 45 šš§¶ā¤ļø
Last summer I probably would have looked at this and thought none of it was productive enoughā¦. No big goals or perfectly optimized routine.
Iām just simply reading more, walking more, spending time with my kids, getting dressed, working outside, and making things for fun.
Whatās funny is that slowing down a little has actually made me feel more creative, more energized, and more excited about whatās next rather than constantly trying to squeeze more into my days.
Iām still building things and working toward big goals; however, this summer, Iām trying to remember that a good life canāt just be something you work toward someday. It has to be something youāre living right now, too.
Whatās one small thing youāre doing differently this summer?
I've got an amazing spring pattern bundle with 4 of my best-selling patterns! The bundle includes the patterns, a style your knits guide, AND an exclusive invitation to a virtual knit night with me on April 22nd!
This is my Haven Harbor Slipover Vest included in my upcoming book, Timeless Return. The book includes 7 knitting patternsā¦. Make sure youāre on my email list to get notified of the release with a special gift for the first 100 people! So much more coming soon!
I used to pour so much energy into Instagramā¦. But I knew I wanted to try out other platforms to get seen more. But I was scared it was going to take so much time and be exhaustingā¦..
So instead of focusing on just one platform, I built a simple content system that worked everywhere.
Now I have: - 122K on Instagram - 98K on YouTube - 104K on my email list - Thousands of monthly views from Pinterest
It doesnāt take more timeā¦. Itās just a smarter strategy to use what Iāve already got.
Itās been a little while since Iāve posted here, and I wanted to share something important with you.
For the past few years, Iāve poured so much of my heart into designing knitting patterns, filming tutorials, and building a creative business from the ground up. And while I loved that season, I started to realize something: the business model I had created wasnāt sustainable. I was constantly creating new content, trying to keep up, and feeling like I had to hustle just to maintain momentum.
The turning point for me was when I launched a simple digital gauge converter toolāand it brought in over $10K in a single month. That product followed a completely different model. It was focused, scalable, and built around solving one specific problem. And it completely changed the way I think about creative business.
Now, Iām pivotingāand Iām so excited to share my next chapter with you.
⨠Iāve created something called The Creative Shift Frameworkāa course for creatives who are ready to pivot their business, build a simple digital product, and finally create something that feels aligned and scalable.
Whether youāre a knitter, maker, artist, or coach, this course is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidenceāwithout burning out.
š§¶ 5 Upcoming Knit Sweater Designs You Donāt Want to Miss š§¶ youtube.com/shorts/i29rEw-Ft-... 1ļøā£ Classica Top Down Raglan knit with @dropsdesign Air available mid-March 2ļøā£ Woodland Worsted Pullover knit with @knit_picks Wool of the Andes + Aloft 3ļøā£ Woodland DK Pullover knit with @dropsdesign Nord + Kid-Silk available early April 4ļøā£ Bridges Raglan Cardigan knit with @modeatrowan Softest Alpaca available late April 5ļøā£ Spring Lane Pullover knit with @dropsdesign Big Merino available early May
Ashley Lillis
I know AI can be a controversial topic, especially in creative spacesā¦. And honestly, I was hesitant to share this but Iām trying be as transparent as possible.
I donāt think AI can replace creativity, good judgment, lived experience, or the relationships we build with people.
However, I also donāt think pretending it doesnāt exist is the answerā¦. And Iād rather learn how to use it well and in a way Iām comfortable with.
As Iāve been building my first small-batch sweater line, Iāve been using AI to research manufacturers, compare business scenarios, organize complicated thoughts, challenge my assumptions, and help me think through decisions more intentionally.
The more Iāve used it, the more Iāve seen it as a tool that helps me prepare, explore ideas, and make better decisions.
I still have a business coach and I very much still rely on my own creativity and experience⦠itās helped me get more out of those things because I spend more time focusing on what actually matters.
If youāre curious how Iām actually using AI while building this business comment AI below. If thereās enough interest, Iāll share more of what Iāve been doing ā¤ļø
#smallbusinesstips #womeninbusiness #knitweardesigner
2 months ago | [YT] | 31
View 3 replies
Ashley Lillis
For years, I designed sweaters as patterns but now Iām designing them as actual finished pieces and itās a very different kind of creative process.
There are fiber decisions, fit questions, samples, production details, and a lot of moments where I realize how much I still have to learn.
Who knows if this will work but I sure am going to give it all I got! Hope you follow along as I try to build something new at 45 šš§¶ā¤ļø
#knitwear #knitweardesign #knitweardesigner #creativebusiness #smallfashionbrand
2 months ago | [YT] | 119
View 1 reply
Ashley Lillis
Last summer I probably would have looked at this and thought none of it was productive enoughā¦. No big goals or perfectly optimized routine.
Iām just simply reading more, walking more, spending time with my kids, getting dressed, working outside, and making things for fun.
Whatās funny is that slowing down a little has actually made me feel more creative, more energized, and more excited about whatās next rather than constantly trying to squeeze more into my days.
Iām still building things and working toward big goals; however, this summer, Iām trying to remember that a good life canāt just be something you work toward someday. It has to be something youāre living right now, too.
Whatās one small thing youāre doing differently this summer?
2 months ago | [YT] | 56
View 3 replies
Ashley Lillis
I've got an amazing spring pattern bundle with 4 of my best-selling patterns! The bundle includes the patterns, a style your knits guide, AND an exclusive invitation to a virtual knit night with me on April 22nd!
ashleylillis.myflodesk.com/springsummerbundle
5 months ago | [YT] | 59
View 2 replies
Ashley Lillis
This is my Haven Harbor Slipover Vest included in my upcoming book, Timeless Return. The book includes 7 knitting patternsā¦. Make sure youāre on my email list to get notified of the release with a special gift for the first 100 people! So much more coming soon!
www.ashleylillis.com/newsletter
7 months ago | [YT] | 141
View 6 replies
Ashley Lillis
I used to pour so much energy into Instagramā¦. But I knew I wanted to try out other platforms to get seen more. But I was scared it was going to take so much time and be exhaustingā¦..
So instead of focusing on just one platform, I built a simple content system that worked everywhere.
Now I have:
- 122K on Instagram
- 98K on YouTube
- 104K on my email list
- Thousands of monthly views from Pinterest
It doesnāt take more timeā¦. Itās just a smarter strategy to use what Iāve already got.
Want to see exactly how I do it? Here you go šš»
ashleylillis.myflodesk.com/createonce
What platform are you struggling to grow on right now?
1 year ago | [YT] | 27
View 2 replies
Ashley Lillis
Hey friends š
Itās been a little while since Iāve posted here, and I wanted to share something important with you.
For the past few years, Iāve poured so much of my heart into designing knitting patterns, filming tutorials, and building a creative business from the ground up. And while I loved that season, I started to realize something: the business model I had created wasnāt sustainable. I was constantly creating new content, trying to keep up, and feeling like I had to hustle just to maintain momentum.
The turning point for me was when I launched a simple digital gauge converter toolāand it brought in over $10K in a single month. That product followed a completely different model. It was focused, scalable, and built around solving one specific problem. And it completely changed the way I think about creative business.
Now, Iām pivotingāand Iām so excited to share my next chapter with you.
⨠Iāve created something called The Creative Shift Frameworkāa course for creatives who are ready to pivot their business, build a simple digital product, and finally create something that feels aligned and scalable.
Whether youāre a knitter, maker, artist, or coach, this course is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidenceāwithout burning out.
š You can join the waitlist here to get earlybird access + a special discount:
ashleylillis.myflodesk.com/creativeshiftwaitlist
Thanks so much for being part of my journey. I hope this next phase helps you build something that truly works for you.
1 year ago | [YT] | 80
View 5 replies
Ashley Lillis
Classica Pattern and full video tutorial are now available! https://youtu.be/fNKPLQrZvoA
1 year ago | [YT] | 198
View 2 replies
Ashley Lillis
š§¶ 5 Upcoming Knit Sweater Designs You Donāt Want to Miss š§¶
youtube.com/shorts/i29rEw-Ft-...
1ļøā£ Classica Top Down Raglan knit with @dropsdesign Air available mid-March
2ļøā£ Woodland Worsted Pullover knit with @knit_picks Wool of the Andes + Aloft
3ļøā£ Woodland DK Pullover knit with @dropsdesign Nord + Kid-Silk available early April
4ļøā£ Bridges Raglan Cardigan knit with @modeatrowan Softest Alpaca available late April
5ļøā£ Spring Lane Pullover knit with @dropsdesign Big Merino available early May
1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 158
View 5 replies
Ashley Lillis
Check out my latest FREE pattern and tutorial! https://youtu.be/_479loYaULo
1 year ago | [YT] | 195
View 6 replies
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