Shannon Talks Yarn

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the diagonal magic of corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet, you’re going to love what I’ve been working on lately. C2C isn’t just for graphgans—it’s also an amazing way to create lightweight, drapey shawls with eye-catching movement and texture. And I’ve just released a brand new C2C crochet shawl pattern that shows off the technique in a fun and wearable way! Meet My Latest Corner-to-Corner Shawl Pattern This shawl was designed to highlight what makes corner-to-corner so special—simple increases, satisfying rhythm, and a beautiful diagonal shape that looks impressive but is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a meditative make or something to show off your favorite yarn, this pattern checks all the boxes. 👉 Click here to grab the pattern! Check my Patterns Page for addition patterns coming soon! It’s perfect for spring and summer stitching, and it makes a great project to pair with your favorite shows, podcasts… or even a fun cr...

A Creative Year-Long Challenge Hi friends! I’m Kristen, and I’m so excited to share a creative project that combines two of my favorite things: reading and crochet. If you love curling up with a good book and working on a cozy project at the same time, this idea might inspire your next blanket—or bookshelf! A New Twist on a Reading Challenge This year, I’ve decided to crochet a granny square for every book I read in 2025 . It’s a fresh take on the classic reading challenge, and unlike a daily temperature blanket (which can be a bit intense at 365 rows), this one is manageable and meaningful. My reading goal is 25 books, but even if I fall short, the project will still turn into a lovely lap blanket or throw for my reading chair. The best part? There’s no pressure. One square per book means I can actually enjoy the process—and the stories—without falling behind. The Plan: Squares for Stories I’ll be making one granny square per book, using a specific yarn color for each genre I r...

Are you tired of overspending on yarn and craft supplies? You're not alone—and you don’t have to be! In my newest video, I’m sharing all the wisdom I picked up from one of the most resourceful women I’ve ever known: my grandma. She lived through the Great Depression and had a gift for making the most out of very little. Watching her taught me how to be thrifty, creative, and always prepared when it came to crafting. This video isn’t just about finding deals—it’s about shifting your mindset. You’ll learn practical tips for saving money, finding hidden treasures, and building a craft stash you love without breaking the bank . If you’ve ever wished your yarn budget could stretch just a little further, this video is for you. 👉 Watch the video now : Lessons From My Grandma Who Lived Through The Great Depression. This video will be live 5/12/25 at 7PM Central. Subscribe HERE and get notified! And if you love a good yarn bargain hunt as much as I do, don’t miss my Thrifty Yarn Barg...

  Calling all crochet enthusiasts (and those who’ve always wanted to try)! I’m excited to share that my friend, Sweetpea Cyd , has just launched her Obsidian Daydream Crochet-A-Long (CAL) , and you’re invited to join in on all the fun! If you’ve never participated in a CAL before, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! A crochet-a-long is a community crochet event where participants work on the same project together, following along with scheduled video or written instructions released over a set period. It’s a fantastic way to learn new techniques, create something beautiful, and connect with fellow makers. What Is Obsidian Daydream? This month-long project will guide you through creating a gorgeous triangle shawl designed by Cyd herself. The shawl features: ✨ A mix of lace and texture 🧶 Lightweight fingering yarn for an airy feel Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking to expand your skillset, this CAL is perfect for anyone who wants to create a stylish and...

This past weekend, I had the joy of attending the Des Moines Spinner and Weavers Guild Fiber Fest — and let me tell you, it was incredibly inspiring. I left feeling so energized and creative, and I can't wait to dive back into my own fiber projects with fresh ideas! One of the things that stood out to me the most was seeing how different vendors put their own unique spin (pun intended!) on the yarn they create. Even when working with similar fibers, the end results were completely different — a true reminder of how much artistry and personality goes into every skein. Some yarns were elegant and finely spun, while others were rustic and full of texture. It was amazing to see such variety all in one place. Watch me spin yarn on my drop spindle HERE ! Or read about my spinning journey HERE . Many of the vendors were spinning yarn right there at their booths whenever they had a free moment. It was such a treat to watch the craft in action — a living, breathing art form right before ou...

  You know who has lied to me more than anyone else? Me. Specifically, my fantasy self—that idealized version of me who’s effortlessly stylish, endlessly organized, and crochets elaborate heirlooms with perfect tension and zero frogging. Turns out… she’s full of it. If you’re not familiar with the idea of a “fantasy self,” it’s the version of you that you imagine you could be, or wish you were. Often inspired by social media, childhood influences, or those magical makers we follow online, this fantasy self can lead us into some truly questionable crochet decisions. And oh boy, do I have some stories. The Fantasy Purchases Let’s talk yarn first. My fantasy self loves blanket yarn. She’s seen the hoodies, the plushies, the amigurumi animals. She told me I’d love working with it. I don’t. It’s bulky, it’s tough on my hands, and it’s just not fun for me to use. Has it sat in my stash forever? Yep. Could I maybe still make a baby blanket with it someday? Probably. But the truth is—I bou...

  Partner with Shannon Talks Yarn:  Put Your Skeins in the Spotlight Hi, fiber friend! If we just met at the booth—welcome. Grab a cup of something cozy and let me show you how your beautifully crafted yarn can reach thousands of makers who crave exactly what you create.  I LOVE handcrafted fiber and fiber artists, and I can't wait to feature your beautiful fiber!  For a limited time (ending December 31, 2025) I will be offering complementary Fiber Spotlights and I'd love to help promote your handmade product.  Keep reading to learn more! Why Hand‑Dyed & Hand‑Spun Deserve Center Stage Hand‑crafted yarn is more than a material; it’s a story spun into fiber. Each skein carries: One‑of‑a‑kind colorways that give projects a signature look Depth and nuance —speckles, glazing, and tonal shifts mills can’t mimic A maker’s fingerprint that lets crafters feel connected to the hands behind the skein Ethical, small‑batch production that keeps tradi...