Shannon Talks Yarn

  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...

What You Need to Know Hey, fiber friends! If the news of Joann’s impending closures had you panic‑adding Big Twist to every cart in sight, breathe easy. Herrschners just swooped in with the rescue we didn’t know we’d get—and it’s official: “Big Twist Yarn – Coming soon to Herrschners! Herrschners.com is thrilled to announce that we will soon be carrying your favorite Big Twist Yarn, bringing you an even wider selection of colors and textures for all your knitting and crochet projects… Sign up for our email notification list today, and be the first to know when this popular yarn arrives.” Why this matters Same beloved yarn, new storefront. Big Twist will no longer be tied to Joann’s shelf space—so once it lands at Herrschners, supply should stabilize. Read the BLOG POST on why I think Herrschners is the best replacement for Joann or watch this video:  Color possibilities. Herrschners hinted at “even wider” options; fingers crossed for the return of discontinued shades...

Have you ever spotted a big bundle of yarn labeled “mill ends” and wondered if it was a hidden gem or just a tangled mess of regret? You're not alone! Mill end yarn can be a budget-friendly way to expand your stash, but it does come with a few caveats. Let’s break down what mill ends are—and the pros and cons of adding them to your yarn stash. 🧶 What Is Mill End Yarn? Mill end yarn is leftover or excess yarn from the manufacturing process. It could be the tail end of a production run, slightly off-color batches, or even yarn that didn’t meet a brand’s quality standards for some reason. Often sold in bulk or mystery bundles, mill end yarn doesn’t usually come with labels—so it’s a bit of a surprise every time. ✅ The Pros of Mill End Yarn 1. It’s Affordable Mill end yarn is usually much cheaper than name-brand skeins. If you’re working on a big project like a blanket or you’re donating to charity, mill ends can stretch your budget a long way. 2. It Can Spark Creativity Not ...

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...