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Market Prep, Boho Makes, and Real Life Updates

 

A Cozy Yarn Catch‑Up: 

Well friends… it’s been a minute.

If you’ve been around Shannon Talks Yarn for any length of time, you know this channel has always been about more than just stitches. It’s about the why behind the making, the seasons of life we’re in, and how yarn fits into all of it. Today’s post is a cozy, behind‑the‑scenes catch‑up on what I’ve been working on lately: creatively, professionally, and personally.

Grab your coffee, your work in progress, and let’s talk yarn.

Learning From Other Markets (a.k.a. Strategic Snooping)

A few weeks ago, a friend and I took a little road trip to check out another vendor market in a larger town. Not as competitors, more like students. We went in with open eyes and the goal of learning what works and what doesn’t.

Some of our biggest takeaways:

  • Booth layout and spacing matters a lot

  • Crowded aisles make it hard for shoppers to linger

  • Vendors need room to chat without blocking traffic

  • Focused booths are easier to understand (and shop!)

Seeing a market in action really helped us visualize how we want our market to feel - relaxed, welcoming, and easy to move through. It was one of those learning experiences you can’t get from planning alone or watching a YT video.

What I’ve Been Making for My Vendor Booth

Once I got clear on the vibe I wanted (hippie, boho, earthy, wearable), it was time to get busy making. Reed more in THIS BLOG POST!

Beaded Accessories

I started incorporating some beading into my work using faux turquoise beads. These pieces come together quickly, which makes them a nice creative break from longer crochet projects. I’m planning to add small crochet elements like leaves or feathers for a mixed‑media look.

Tree of Life Granny Squares & Bags

I fell hard for the Tree of Life granny square. After experimenting with yarn I already had on hand, I decided to attach these squares to small canvas crossbody bags. Each bag will be finished with beadwork and Tree of Life charms. I think it's a perfect blend of crochet and boho style.

The Tree of Life Mandala Vest

One of my favorite projects so far has been a mandala vest with a Tree of Life center. I lam loving vests for markets because they’re eye‑catching, wearable, and great conversation starters. I’ve been adjusting the front shape slightly to better suit my personal style and how garments hang on my body.

Using stash yarn has been a big focus for me here. I’m trying to be mindful about expenses while still creating pieces that feel special and intentional.

Smaller Makes That Add Variety

Not every booth item needs to be a big, time‑intensive piece. I’ve also been working on:

Crochet Boot Wallets

These are designed to hang inside cowgirl boots and hold essentials like an ID, card, or cash. They’re practical, fun, and a little unexpected...which I love. I plan to display them on an actual boot so shoppers can instantly understand how they’re used.

Bandana‑Style Summer Cowls

Lightweight, breathable cotton cowls have been another go‑to project. They’re perfect for warmer months, easy to wear, and quick to make. I’ve been playing with slight size variations and color options to give shoppers more choice.

Scarves, Shawls & “Maybe” Pieces

I also worked through my WIP pile to see what might fit the booth vibe. Some pieces are definite yeses, others are maybes depending on how full my table gets. Even if something doesn’t sell, it can still serve as a visual draw to bring people into the booth.

Crochet Thread Jewelry & Accessories

Lately I’ve been really enjoying crochet thread work. I batch‑made heart and hoop earrings in multiple colors, planning to starch and assemble them in stages.

These smaller accessories:

  • Are affordable entry points for shoppers

  • Don’t take up much booth space

  • Add visual interest and movement

They’re also surprisingly relaxing to make once you get used to the tiny hooks.

Market Planning Updates

On the market‑planning side, things are moving along nicely:

  • We’re currently at 29 vendors

  • We’ll have both a taco truck and a coffee truck

  • The focus is on handmade, homegrown, and vintage 

Vendor response has been incredibly positive, which feels very encouraging. Registration is being handled through Google Forms, which has made communication and organization much easier.

Starting in March, my focus will shift more toward advertising to shoppers and shaping the overall market experience.

Read more about the market planning experience in THIS BLOG POST.

Real Life, Energy Levels, and Grace

I also want to be honest here.  I’ve been feeling stretched thin. Between work, creating, planning, and life in general, some things haven’t been getting the attention they deserve. That includes rest.

I’m still navigating energy levels after surgery and adjusting hormone therapy, and I’m learning (slowly) to listen to my body instead of pushing through exhaustion. If you’re in a similar season, know you’re not alone. Need to catch up on what I'm talking about? Read THIS BLOG POST.

Despite the tiredness, I don’t regret any of the choices I’ve made for my health. I’m hopeful that with a few adjustments, things will continue to level out.

Thank You for Being Here

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this post, it’s this: thank you.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for sticking around during quieter seasons. Shannon Talks Yarn has always been about connection as much as creativity, and I’m so grateful you’re here to share both with me.

We’ll be talking yarn again very soon, probably next Wednesday!


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