Shannon Talks Yarn

  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...

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...