Shannon Talks Yarn

Projects Not Working? Fix It! Do you ever feel like no matter what, your crochet project is a flop? Maybe you’re not sure exactly what went wrong, but something just isn’t turning out the way you expected. If you’re feeling stuck and like your crochet skills aren’t improving, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s go through some basic troubleshooting tips to help you identify what might be going wrong and how to fix it. 1. Check the Pattern Terminology One of the first things you should check when you’re struggling with a crochet project is whether the pattern is written in US or UK terminology. There’s a significant difference between these two, and using the wrong set of terms can drastically change your project. For example, a double crochet (dc) in the US is equivalent to a treble crochet (tr) in the UK. If you’re unsure, search online for a terminology chart to compare the differences and ensure you’re using the correct stitches. 2. Follow the Pattern and Gauge Swatch It’s tempting ...

First Time  Blending Wool  New things can be scary, and the fear of messing up has stopped me so many times from doing things I really wanted to do. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! I’m trying something a little different—I want to share my experience stepping into hand spinning and blending my own rolags. The Leap Into Hand Spinning I recently started hand spinning yarn and decided to take it a step further by blending my own rolags. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, I’ll link to a series of videos from a friend HERE , so you can check it out. Watching videos is one thing, but there’s nothing quite like feeling the wool in your hands and working it on the board—it’s a completely different experience. Growing up, making mistakes wasn’t something that felt very safe, especially when finances were tight. If I messed up on crafting supplies, there wasn’t always money to replace them. That mindset made trying new things difficult, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve wor...

The $2 Fix If you've been struggling with velvet yarn because it looks messy, loopy, or wormy, I have a game-changing tip for you—and the best part? It only costs $2! The Velvet Yarn Struggle Velvet yarn is notorious for its tendency to form unsightly loops or “worm” out of place. I personally struggled with this problem, assuming that my tension was the issue. While tension plays a role, I discovered a simple fix that transformed my projects and made working with velvet yarn enjoyable again. To give you an example, I started a project using Lion Brand Vel-Luxe in the color Lilac, a beautiful four-weight yarn with nearly 250 yards per skein. While this yarn has been discontinued, HERE is a great alternative ! Despite my best efforts, I kept encountering loopy, unstable stitches. I was ready to give up—until I found this simple hack. My Secret for Taming Velvet Yarn Before I reveal the trick, let’s talk about some of the projects I tested it on: A bucket hat made with a rich auberg...

Temperature Blanket Regrets At the start of the year, you may have found yourself caught up in the excitement of making a temperature blanket. The concept is captivating—stitching a row or square each day, reflecting the shifting temperatures in a tangible, beautiful way. But now, months later, you might be staring at an unfinished project with regret, frustration, or even guilt. If this sounds familiar, let me reassure you: You are not alone. Like many crafters, I too was swept up in the temperature blanket frenzy. I planned, I bought yarn, I started enthusiastically... and then reality hit. I quickly realized that a project requiring such daily dedication and commitment didn’t align with my strengths. It wasn’t a failure—it was simply a mismatch between my crafting style and the project’s demands. Why It’s Okay to Let Go First, let’s clear something up: You are not failing if you decide to step away from your temperature blanket. Crafting is supposed to be joyful, a creative outlet t...

Time To Heal If you’ve been following my journey on Shannon Talks Yarn , you know that I’m all about the real-life struggles of fiber artists—whether it’s finding the perfect yarn storage or dealing with the heartbreak of a rejected handmade gift. But one struggle I didn’t expect to tackle? The effects of crochet on my overall health. Crochet is a passion, a creative outlet, and for many of us, a business. But let’s be honest—it also means a lot of sitting, repetitive movements, and sometimes completely losing track of time. That’s where the Ultrahuman Ring Air comes in. Why I Started Using the Ultrahuman Ring Air Like many of you, I can easily spend hours with a hook and yarn in hand without realizing how much time has passed. I started noticing stiffness, lack of energy, and even disrupted sleep patterns—all signs that my sedentary habits were taking a toll. I wanted a way to track my movement, sleep, and recovery without wearing a bulky fitness tracker. The Ultrahuman Ring Air cau...

My Perfect Spot Do you have a special spot in your home just for you—a place where you can relax and indulge in your favorite fiber craft? Whether you crochet, knit, or spin, you deserve a cozy nook to call your own. Today, I’m sharing how I created a warm, inviting space in my living room, along with some must-have items that have made my crochet time even more enjoyable. Many of you know me for filming in my "yarn room," which is actually a guest bedroom. But this winter, that room has been unbearably cold—one of the joys of living in an old farmhouse in the Midwest! I needed a warm, comfortable alternative, so I set up a new space in my living room. The Essentials for a Cozy Crochet Nook 1. Comfortable Loungewear I have to be comfortable when crocheting, or I get distracted and make mistakes. My go-to for cozy nights is my Joyspun velour jammies from Walmart. They’re a seasonal item, but every fall and winter, Walmart releases new ones. Keep an eye out—you won’t regret gr...

My Favs If you've been following me for a while, you know that I strongly believe in only purchasing yarn with a purpose—whether that’s for a specific project or to build a well-thought-out stash. This list isn’t meant to encourage impulse shopping, but rather to provide a trusted resource when you’re ready to invest in quality yarn. Here are my top five favorite online yarn retailers and why I love them! (not in any order) 5. LionBrand.com Lion Brand yarn is widely available in many stores, but I prefer ordering directly from their website. Here’s why: They often offer double discounts —clearance items frequently have an additional percentage off. Their website provides detailed color descriptions , which helps prevent surprises when ordering yarn based on color names alone. They have an active social media presence , including Instagram Lives, where you can interact with their team and see upcoming releases. Click HERE to shop at LION BRAND ! 4. KnitPicks and WeCrochet I’m relati...