Shannon Talks Yarn

  Stop Playing Small Are you a crocheter or knitter who has been playing it small? I know that feeling, and I’m here to tell you that sometimes, pushing yourself just a little can make all the difference. I’m not here to convince you to do something you don’t want to do or sell you a program—I just want to encourage you to take action if there’s something more you’ve been wanting to do in your fiber arts journey. With two months left in 2024, now is the perfect time to start thinking bigger and stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new technique, launching a creative project, or simply making more time for your craft, there’s no better time than now. Expanding Your Yarn Horizons For me, pushing myself meant waking up a little earlier to film this video before work, knowing I’d be short on time later. It also meant exploring new aspects of yarn, like spinning my own and gathering supplies to start dyeing. These were things I never thought I’d do because I didn’t ...

Luxe Yarn on a Budget If you've ever tried working with eyelash yarn and found yourself frustrated, you're not alone. Many crafters put this yarn on their "naughty list" because it can be tricky to handle. However, if you're someone who loves luxury but prefers to craft on a budget, this yarn might be the perfect way to get high-end results for a fraction of the price! The Secret to Luxe for Less I recently made a beanie using eyelash yarn, and the results were incredible. The yarn I used is called Just Yarn Plush, available at Dollar Tree. It has a super soft, teddy bear-like texture. Though it isn't labeled as "eyelash yarn," it works in a very similar way. I paired it with a basic acrylic yarn, which made the stitches easier to see and gave my project a beautiful, plush feel. Best of all, the total cost was under $5! Why Eyelash Yarn Can Be Tricky Many crafters struggle with eyelash yarn for a few reasons: It's difficult to see stitches – The...

  Stay Inspired We've all heard of "crochet burnout" or similar terms in the crafting community. Sometimes, despite our love for our craft, we feel uninspired, and it's hard to pick up our hooks, needles, or yarn. I’ve experienced this myself, particularly a few years ago when I was really sick and couldn’t crochet for weeks. It made me realize that sometimes we need a little push or fresh inspiration to reignite our creativity. If you find yourself in a crafting rut, don’t worry! Here are some ways I’ve found helpful in staying inspired and motivated to keep creating—without relying on the temptation of just buying more yarn. 1. Be Mindful of Your Media Consumption What we consume, especially on social media, can have a huge impact on our inspiration levels. I always try to be conscious of the content I engage with. Is it positive and inspiring, or just filler content? While scrolling through Instagram or YouTube, I focus on following accounts that spark creativity, ...

Why I Give in My Own Way In a world where we're constantly bombarded with requests for donations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. End-of-year campaigns, charity drives, and in-store prompts to "round up" for a good cause can make us feel like we need to do more—but does that always mean giving money? I want to share an unpopular opinion with you: I think we might be doing more good by focusing on the small, consistent ways we can help, rather than making a one-time, monetary donation to a large organization. Why I Choose Small-Scale Giving Kindness, generosity, and compassion are all admirable traits. But when it comes to giving, I believe there are other ways to make a lasting impact that don’t always require a check or credit card. Especially around this time of year, when you’re getting all those mailers or prompted at the register to contribute to various causes, it’s easy to just give a few bucks without really thinking about where it’s going. Personally, I try to sti...

Avoid  Crochet & Knitting Mistakes If you've ever put hours into a crochet or knit project only to realize something is just a little bit off, you're not alone! We’ve all been there, regardless of skill level. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to prevent them. 1. Not Reading the Pattern Carefully One of the biggest mistakes I make is not fully reading and understanding the pattern before diving in. This has led me to get halfway (or more) through a project before realizing something is wrong. To avoid this, take the time to read through the entire pattern before you start, and make notes if necessary. If possible, look for accompanying video tutorials to clarify any confusing steps. 2. Substituting Yarn Incorrectly While it may seem like a small detail, substituting yarn can drastically affect your project. Even if the weight is the same, different fibers have different levels of stretch and drape. If you do substitute yarn, try to match the fiber content as...

5 Tips to Keep Your Stash in Check Call it what you want—a yarn ban, a yarn diet, a no-spend challenge, or a low-buy period—but the idea is the same: you’re committing to not spending money on yarn for a set amount of time, whether it's a month, six months, or even a year. If you're on this journey, I’ve got five essential tips to help you succeed! Mindful Yarn Purchasing Before diving into the main tips, I want to share a quick personal note: while I’m not currently on a strict yarn diet, I’ve been making a conscious effort to be mindful of the yarn I bring into my home. I focus on the fibers, weights, and colors I truly love, rather than impulsively buying whatever catches my eye. If you’re looking for a way to be more intentional without committing to a full no-buy, keeping a simple yarn journal can help! Tip #1: Keep a Yarn Journal A yarn journal doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be a simple piece of paper tucked in with your stash or a note on your phone. Track the yarn tha...

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...

Joann Fabric Closures My Thoughts and Shopping Strategy By now, you’ve probably seen the news—Joann Fabrics is closing all of its 800 stores almost immediately. For those of us who rely on Joann for crafting and sewing supplies, this news may feel overwhelming. However, I’m not panicking, and I want to share why. Why I’m Not Panicking I’ve been preparing for this possibility since Joann first filed for bankruptcy months ago. At the time, I thought it was just a strategic move to restructure debt, but I was wrong. Things have taken a turn for the worse, and now here we are. Despite this, I have a plan in place that will help me transition without panic-buying or overspending. My Shopping Approach Assessing My Needs I visited my local Joann for about an hour to take stock of what was available. At that point, no markdowns had been announced, but we all had a feeling it was coming. After browsing, I left empty-handed—there wasn’t anything I had to buy at that moment. Strategic Online Sh...