Lately, my whole theme has been cozy. And honestly, I think a lot of us are right there together.
The temperatures here have been brutal. Even when we briefly pop above freezing, it feels like the rest of the country is buried in snow. It’s the kind of winter that makes you want soft yarn, warm layers, and comforting projects that don’t ask too much of you.
So today I want to share two smaller creative updates and one big, exciting announcement that I’ve been quietly working on behind the scenes.
Grab something warm, get comfy, and let’s catch up.
A Simple, Cozy Bandana Cowl (Coming Next Week!)
First up: a crochet project that I meant to have ready already...but a bigger surprise bumped it back just a bit.
I’ve been working on a bandana-style cowl using Katia yarns:
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100% Merino DK weight wool: GET IT HERE!
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Paired with Ingenua, a soft mohair: GET IT HERE!
I’ve already made two full cowls, and the last step I need to film is sewing up the back—so yes, I promise (triple promise!) that video is coming next week.
This cowl uses about 200 yards total (roughly 100 yards of each yarn held together), and the best part is how simple and customizable it is. You could easily:
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Use a different yarn
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Change the weight
Despite the loose, fishnet-style stitch pattern, this cowl is shockingly warm. I wore it to work multiple times last week, and on one particularly cold day it was perfect with a V-neck. It added both coverage and warmth without bulk.
Watch my Deep Dive in Katia Yarn HERE! Or read THIS BLOG POST.
Falling Hard for Crochet Thread Earrings
My second update is something I didn’t expect to love as much as I do:
crochet thread jewelry.
I’ve been experimenting with crochet earrings, and I’m having so much fun with them. These are made with very minimal supplies needed beyond thread, jump rings, and earring findings.
Because my ears are no longer pierced, I’ve been making clip-on versions, starting with prototypes just for myself. Next, I’ll be lightly wetting them, using spray starch, and pinning them to foam to set the shape.
What surprised me most?
I actually love working with crochet thread.
It’s:
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Affordable
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Easy to handle
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Available in so many beautiful colors - Check them all out HERE!
And stylistically, these earrings fit perfectly with the boho, hippie-inspired crochet booth I’m creating for my upcoming market. Read more about that in THIS BLOG POST.
I’m also playing with crocheted hearts, both medium-sized and big, bold statement pieces (because you know I love a dramatic accessory). Originally, I planned to debut these locally at the April market but now I’m thinking of doing a pre-market sneak peek in the next couple of weeks.
My living room may currently be full of tiny crochet hearts… and honestly? I’m okay with that. I have to be!
The Big Announcement: Yarn-Themed Word Search Books!
Now for the update I’m really excited to finally share.
My husband and I have been quietly working on a brand-new project together and we officially published our first-ever books on Amazon!
They’re yarn-themed word search books, created with cozy winter nights in mind.
Cozy Winter Crochet Word Search
This book includes:
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50 word search puzzles
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Cozy winter and crochet-themed words
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Words hidden forward, backward, diagonal, up, and down
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All solutions included in the back
There’s no filler here...just puzzles. It’s designed for adults who want something relaxing but still mentally engaging. GET IT HERE!
Yarn Colors Word Search
The second book follows the same clean format but focuses entirely on yarn color names.
This one:
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Pulls inspiration from real yarn brands and colorways
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Is slightly more challenging
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Includes 50 puzzles with solutions in the back
My husband had no idea how many yarn companies or color names exist until we started this project. Some brands are definitely more creative than others!
A Cozy Activity for When You Need a Break from Stitching
Both books are priced at $7.99 on Amazon and are meant to be a cozy alternative for those moments when:
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You don’t feel like crocheting
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Your hands need a break
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You still want something yarn-adjacent and comforting
You can think about crochet, yarn, and color while keeping your brain engaged, without starting a whole new project.
We’re already talking about creating more books throughout the year, possibly with different themes and even other types of puzzles as our experience grows.
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| Watch the YouTube video here! |
Stay Cozy!
Thank you so much for being here and supporting all the creative twists and turns I share on Shannon Talks Yarn. Whether you’re stitching, puzzling, or just resting, I hope you’re finding ways to stay cozy this winter.
I’ll see you next week with the bandana cowl tutorial.
Until then - stay warm!
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