Shannon Talks Yarn

If you're like me, every now and then you might hit a patch where your yarn stash doesn't feel as exciting as it once did. Maybe you're getting bombarded with sales emails that no longer spark joy. Maybe you've filled a few online carts with yarn, knowing full well you won’t actually check out. It’s okay—this happens to all of us! After that initial honeymoon stage of learning crochet or knitting and building your stash, it's completely normal to feel a little uninspired. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up or take a long break from something you love. Sometimes, all you need is a little spark to reignite that joy. Here are five simple, creative ways to beat boredom and fall in love with your yarn stash all over again —plus one bonus idea if you’re feeling adventurous! 1. Create a “Use First” Bin This is completely free and surprisingly effective. I started with a small bin and now I’ve got a whole tote full! The idea is to pull out yarns you already own...

There’s nothing better than sitting down with a good friend, a cup of something warm, and some squishy yarn in your hands. That’s exactly the vibe Cydney from Sweetpea Cyd’s Inspirations and I bring to our monthly livestreams, we've been co-hosting for over a year now! 🧶 When: Every third Saturday of the month 🕙 Time: 10AM Central Time 📍 Where: We alternate between my channel, Shannon Talks Yarn , and Cydney’s channel, Sweetpea Cyd’s Inspirations . ▶️ Watch the Playlist of All Our Previous Livestreams Our livestreams are casual, cozy, and full of laughter. We talk about what we’re working on, what we’re excited about, and whatever yarny things have caught our attention lately. It’s like a virtual knit night (or crochet morning!) with two friends who genuinely love all things fiber. Meet Cydney from Sweetpea Cyd’s Inspirations If you don’t already know her, let me introduce you to Cydney! She’s a warm, encouraging, and inspiring maker who’s passionate about yarn, cre...

Whether you’ve got a yarn stash overflowing or a passion for crochet that’s taking over your life—in the best way—there are so many ways to turn your love for fiber into a source of income. And no, it’s not all about opening a shop or going full-time. Let’s talk realistic, achievable ways you can make money from your yarn-related hobbies this year. 🎥 Want even more ideas? Check out my Business of Crochet playlist on YouTube where I’ve gathered all my videos about making money with yarn—from selling your stash to building a crochet-focused business! Or watch THIS VIDEO where I go into more detail on these 8 ways to make money with yarn and crochet. 1. Finished Projects for Sale Let’s start with the most obvious: selling your finished crochet or knit pieces. Craft Fairs : These are great, but can be hit-or-miss. You’ll often need to pay a booth fee and invest time and money into setup. Not for everyone! Local Opportunities : Think: consignment shops, local boutiques, or...

Potential Silver Lining If you’ve been in the maker world for a while, chances are you’ve seen it happen: a small crochet or knitwear designer pours their heart into a pattern or product, posts beautiful photos, and before long… those same photos are being used to market a cheap, mass-produced knock-off. For many independent designers, this kind of IP theft is unfortunately common—and it hurts. These knock-offs are often produced overseas using unethical labor practices, then sold at a fraction of the price. The original creators usually have little to no recourse. Lately, you may have heard some news about changes to U.S. tariffs —fees added to goods imported from other countries, including China. While this topic can quickly get political, I want to focus on what matters most to our creative community: how these changes might impact indie makers and small businesses like ours. Let’s take a look at the potential effects— with no politics, just perspective. 💸 What Are Tariffs, A...

  I can hardly believe I’m writing this… but Shannon Talks Yarn has officially crossed 1 million views on YouTube! That number is honestly hard to wrap my head around. One million times, someone out there clicked “play” on one of my videos. Whether you were looking for a little crochet company, a laugh about yarn organization, or a gentle reminder that your creative work matters—you showed up. And that means everything to me. When I started this channel, I just wanted a space to talk about the real side of being a fiber artist—not just tutorials, but all the behind-the-scenes stuff: the emotional ups and downs, the messy shelves, the awkward garment styling, the projects we love (and the ones we abandon). I had no idea it would grow into such a warm, thoughtful, and wonderfully yarn-obsessed community. So this milestone isn’t just mine—it’s ours. You’ve shared your stories, your encouragement, your wisdom, and your hearts. You’ve made me laugh, inspired my content, and remi...

  Mesh Bolero If you’ve been looking for the perfect lightweight top to layer, you’re going to love this breezy summer crochet top! I designed this pattern to be as wearable and easygoing as a summer day—with simple stitches, zero shaping, and customizable sizing. Whether you're lounging at home or headed out to brunch, this top gives off boho summer vibes. This project is ideal for adventurous beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. With just one panel and minimal seaming, it's a great low-stress make that works up quickly in worsted weight cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend. I used Red Heart Super Saver in Latte Stripe , but you can easily substitute any of your favorite yarns. Need to know how to soften stiff and scratch acrylic yarns? Read THIS BLOG POST . If your "go to" acrylic yarn was Big Twist Value, read THIS POST for great replacements! Why You’ll Love It: 🧶 Uses only basic stitches (single crochet, double crochet and chains) 💡 Beginner-friendly ...

Ombre Shells If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and visually stunning crochet project, the Ombre Shell in the Round Blanket might be your new favorite. This project has all the soothing rhythm of a granny square with an extra elegant twist thanks to the ombre effect—and it’s beginner-friendly to boot! Why I Love This Blanket This blanket was such a joy to make. I used Red Heart Super Saver Ombre in Deep Teal , and I was amazed at how effortlessly the colors shifted across the project. It created this dreamy gradient that made the shell stitch pattern really shine. This pattern is based on a technique I learned from Play Hooky With Me on YouTube. I’ll link her tutorial video below—she’s using multiple colors, but the ombre yarn simplifies the process beautifully. It takes the guesswork out of color changes so you can just relax and enjoy crocheting. 🎥 Watch the Shell in the Round Technique by Play Hooky With Me Pattern Overview This blanket is constructed using a technique ...