Shannon Talks Yarn

Crochet can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies-but if you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve been at it for a while, you’ve probably hit some bumps. I want to be real with you about the things I wish someone had told me when I picked up my first hook. These lessons didn’t come from tutorials or books-they came from doing , from messing up, from “failing,” and learning to keep going anyway. So today, I’m sharing five hard-earned truths I wish I knew when I started crocheting. 1. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Good at Crochet It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being a “real” crocheter means your stitches are flawless, your patterns never need frogging, and your tension never changes. But let me tell you-I’ve made some truly wonky projects. Things that didn’t fit anyone, that were too tight, too loose, or just plain odd-looking. Perfectly Imperfect The truth is: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Every single “mistake” taught me something. A...

  When we talk about boho style today-crochet shawls, flowing skirts, earthy tones-it’s easy to think of festivals, fashion, or fiber art. But the roots of bohemian style stretch back much further, to early 19th-century France. Long before “boho” became a Pinterest buzzword or a section at your favorite craft store, it was a way of life. Love all things boho? Get on the Boho Crojo waitlist!  It's a free digital magazine due mid August! Where the Term “Bohemian” Began In the early 1800s, the term bohemian didn’t refer to a look-it referred to a lifestyle . French society used the word to describe artists, writers, musicians, and creatives who rejected the rules of mainstream life. These individuals often lived modestly or even in poverty, not because they were lazy or unsuccessful, but because they prioritized their art and freedom over money or social status. These early bohemians were deeply unconventional. They believed in living authentically, following inspiration, an...

If you’ve ever been drawn to flowing fabrics, rich textures, and a sense of artistic freedom in your fashion and home décor, chances are you’re already in love with boho style. Whether you knew it or not. In this post, we’ll explore the definition, origins, and key characteristics of the boho aesthetic. Whether you’re looking to infuse your crochet projects with boho flair or just want to understand what makes this style so enduring, you’re in the right place. What Does Boho Mean? The word boho is short for bohemian , and it refers to a style rooted in nonconformity, artistic expression, and freedom from convention. It’s often associated with the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 70s, but its origins go back much further. Boho style celebrates an eclectic, layered look inspired by travel, nature, and vintage charm. Think fringes, florals, lace, earthy tones, and a DIY spirit that makes it a perfect match for crochet lovers. A Quick Look at the History of Boho Style ...

  Have you ever looked at a crochet piece and thought, That just screams boho! ? There’s something about the combination of flowy shapes, handmade textures, and layered looks that makes crochet and boho style a perfect match. And in today’s post, I want to explore exactly why that is. Plus share my current obsession: a virus stitch shawl using YarnArt Flowers Moonlight. Spoiler alert: it’s giving Stevie Nicks on a beach at sunset and I’m here for it.  What Is Boho Style, Really? When people say “boho,” they’re often thinking about the 1960s and '70s. A time when fashion got a little freer, flowier, and funkier. But for me, boho isn’t just a look, it’s a feeling. It’s about comfort, confidence, self-expression, and a little bit of rebellion. Think fringe, natural fibers, earthy colors, lace textures, and anything that feels just a little bit dreamy and worn-in. As a fiber artist, I see crochet as one of the ultimate tools for channeling that aesthetic. It’s handmade, it’s...

  When a good friend starts something new, it’s such a joy to cheer them on. And today, I’m doing exactly that for Cydney of Sweetpea Cyd’s Inspirations as she officially launches her blog! If you've ever watched our monthly livestreams together, you know that Cyd brings such a thoughtful, creative energy to everything she does. She’s not just a talented maker, she’s also someone who shares from the heart. And now, through her new blog, more fiber friends can experience her encouragement, creativity, and insights in a whole new way. Cyd actually wrote a beautiful guest post for my blog not long ago titled “It’s Okay Not To Be Successful The First Time.”  In it, she reminded us that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s often part of the journey. Her message resonated deeply with my audience and with me personally. She has a way of making you feel seen, no matter where you are in your craft or creative confidence. I’ve also always admired how Cyd shares honestly about ...

  Hey yarny friends, Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately: the idea of progress over perfection . It started with a conversation I had at work. A woman was opening up to me about how her grown children and teens give her a hard time for never finishing things 100%. She told me about painting the living room, everything done except a tiny strip of trim at the ceiling. And she just… couldn’t bring herself to finish that last little bit. My first instinct was compassion. Because, hello, relatable. I asked her if she’d ever heard the phrase “progress over perfection,” and she hadn’t! I first heard it from Kimmy at She’s In Her Apron years ago, and it stuck with me. It’s been following me around ever since, especially this past weekend. A Studio in Progres I’ve officially got a Shannon Talks Yarn Studio! It sounds fancier than it is. We took the bed out of the guest room, lol. But hey, it’s a big step, and I’m excited. One corner is done. The ligh...