Shannon Talks Yarn

Today’s blog post is a little different from my usual yarny adventures because we’re talking knitting instead of crochet! That’s right… I unboxed my very first beginner knitting kit , and I’m excited to share all the cozy, squishy details with you. Even though I’m not (yet!) a knitter, I know many of you in the community are and if you're not, you might be like me: curious, but a little intimidated to try it. So when the team at Unraveled reached out and offered to send me their Beginner Knit Kit , I thought it was the perfect chance to dip a toe into the knitting world. Unraveled: A Little Background Unraveled is an Australian-based company with a mission I love : helping women relax and reconnect through the meditative process of knitting. They’ve already helped over 20,000 people get started, and now they’re helping me! As someone who turned to crochet as a way to manage anxiety and stress, I instantly connected with their philosophy. What’s Inside the Kit? From the moment it ...

  Are you curious about spinning yarn but unsure where to begin? I’ve been there! When I first dipped my toes into the world of spinning, I was overwhelmed by the tools and the price tags. That’s why I created a free resource guide to help you get started spinning yarn for under $100,  yes, really! Whether you're joining in the fun of the Tour de Fleece or just spinning on your own time, this guide will help you build a beginner-friendly spinning setup without overspending. I’ve included four of my favorite budget-conscious tools and materials, and yes, they’re all linked with affiliate codes so you can support my work at no extra cost to you! (It's never expected, but it's always appreciated!) Inside the PDF, you’ll find: My favorite beginner drop spindle A tried-and-true fiber to learn with An essential instructional book One upgrade option if you want to create your perfect custom yarn colors Download your free guide here: Start Spinning Yarn for Under $1...

  If you've been watching my videos lately, you might be thinking I'm all about cheap yarn. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with a good bargain! But that’s not the whole story. I love all kinds of yarn, from the big-box basics to handspun masterpieces. It just depends on the project and the purpose. From Beginner to Yarn Explorer When I first started crocheting, I didn’t know anything about yarn and that’s totally normal. If you’re new, don’t worry! Over time, as you use more yarn and tackle more projects, you’ll figure out what you love (and what you don’t). Now that I’ve been crocheting for a while, I’ve realized that I’m not a yarn snob, I just believe in the right yarn for the right job . Sometimes that’s a budget-friendly ball from the craft store. And sometimes it’s a stunning handspun skein that feels like art. Sticker Shock at the Yarn Shop Not long ago, I visited the Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild and saw some jaw-droppingly beautiful yarn. READ THE BLOG P...

  Celebrating creativity in the fiber community—one skein at a time. Meet the Maker: Katie's Been Yarnified Location: Midwest United States Specialty: Hand Spun Yarn: Plied, fractal and chain spun Started in: Katie posted her first hand spun yarn to Instagram January 2024 Before: Wool Roving After! Featured Yarn: Fiber Content: 100% Merino Wool Yardage/Skein Size: 246yards Colorway Shown: 100% Shannon See this yarn featured in my YouTube video HERE . First Impressions I was super excited when this yarn came in the mail, it was packaged well and arrived without damage. The colors are even more amazing in person. There are so many rich warm tones, it's impossible not to love. It's evident Katie put her time, attention and love into this yarn. The merino feels so soft, I can’t wait to make a project for myself! Project Ideas Here are a few ideas for what you could make with this fiber: Cowl Bandana Beanie ❤️ Why I Love This Maker ❤️ In the short time I've known K...

  If you're craving a way to celebrate the Fourth of July that doesn't involve flashy fireworks and plastic party ware, you're not alone. For those of us drawn to boho style, think relaxed textures, vintage finds, and earthy vibes. The holiday can still sparkle in a way that feels totally you . This year, try decorating with muted reds and blues, natural fibers, and a little help from some charming bicentennial-era treasures. Start with a Soft, Muted Color Palette Instead of the traditional bright red, white, and blue, try soft dusty rose, ivory, denim, faded indigo, and antique gold. These more subdued tones bring a sense of calm to your space while still nodding to the holiday’s spirit. Use them in textiles like crochet throws, handmade garlands, or table runners made from scrap fabric or vintage lace. Embrace Natural Fibers and Handmade Textures Boho style loves a good texture, and the Fourth of July is a great time to layer in natural fibers like jute, cotton, hemp, o...