Shannon Talks Yarn

Outdated VS. Modern There’s no debate—we should all wear the crochet and knit items that we love and that bring us joy. However, if you ever feel like your handmade garments are looking a bit dated and you want to modernize your style, there are a few simple adjustments you can make to refresh your wardrobe. Two Key Factors: Color and Fit When trying to update the look of your crochet and knit garments, consider two major factors: color and fit . These elements can significantly impact whether a piece looks trendy or outdated. 1. Choosing the Right Colors Colors cycle in and out of fashion, and certain hues can make a garment feel outdated. If you want to stay on trend, here are some tips: Check Trend Reports: Resources like Pantone’s Color of the Year can give you insight into what shades are popular. Many fashion experts incorporate these colors into their wardrobes in subtle ways. Seasonal Color Analysis: Instead of chasing trends, consider what colors complement your skin tone,...

Coping with Rejection Rejection hurts. As fiber artists, we pour our time, energy, and love into creating handmade pieces, so when a gifted item is unappreciated, forgotten, or even discarded, it can sting deeply. I recently watched a video where someone asked, "How do I get over the hurt of rejection because someone threw away something I made for them?" This resonated with me because I’ve experienced rejection in my own crafting journey. If you’ve ever been in the same boat, let’s talk about rejection, how it affects us as fiber artists, and what we can do about it. Seeing Handmade Creations in Thrift Stores As an avid thrifter, I often come across handmade blankets, hats, and scarves in secondhand stores. I can tell they were lovingly crocheted or knitted, yet they’ve ended up discarded. While I sometimes buy them to save them, it’s a reminder that not everyone values handmade items the same way we do. My Personal Experiences with Gift Rejection I’ve had my fair share of r...

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...

My Experience Have you ever heard the saying, "Buying cheap is actually more expensive"? Sometimes, that can be true—but not always. Let's dive into this concept and explore how it applies to yarn, crochet hooks, and crafting in general. The True Cost of Cheap Yarn One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that trying to force myself to use a yarn that isn’t quite right for a project often leads to disappointment. Whether it’s because I wanted to use something from my stash or opted for a lower-priced alternative, the results weren’t always satisfying. There have been times when I’ve completed a project with cheaper yarn and then felt the need to redo it with a better option. This not only costs more money but also takes extra time. While practice can be valuable, the frustration of an unsatisfactory project isn’t always worth the savings. Another issue arises when purchasing clearance or thrifted yarn. I’ve bought yarn on sale or secondhand, only to realize mid-proj...

Reassuring You Hand Dyed Wool Roving Starting a new hobby can be both exciting and daunting. If you’ve ever felt frustrated when learning something new, you’re not alone! Whether it's crocheting, knitting, spinning, weaving, or any other craft, it’s completely normal not to be successful right away. The key is persistence, patience, and having the right mindset. In this post, I’ll share some tips to help you navigate the learning process with confidence. 1. Set Aside Time to Learn Learning something new requires time, and how much time you can dedicate depends on your schedule. It doesn’t matter if it’s five minutes a day or a couple of hours each week—what matters is consistency. Every little bit of practice adds up over time, leading to progress. In addition to practicing, setting aside time for research is also essential. Understanding the basics, materials, and foundational techniques of your new hobby will help you build a strong foundation for success. 2. Start Small and Lear...

  The $20 Yarn Challenge Hey there, yarn-loving friends! Have you ever wondered how much yarn you could get for just $20? That’s exactly the challenge I set for myself, and I’d love to share it with you! The Inspiration Behind the Challenge I recently came across a video thumbnail that caught my attention—it was something along the lines of "Everything I Bought for $100 as a Broke College Student." I didn’t click on the video, but it immediately got me thinking: What would I buy if I had only $20 to spend on yarn? Everyone's answer to this question would be different. If you make wearables, you might lean toward certain fibers or weights. If you crochet amigurumi, you’d need different attributes in your yarn. There are so many possibilities! My $20 Yarn Haul After some thought, I decided that if I had $20 to spend right now, I would go for 10 skeins of Herrschners Afghan Yarn . Let me tell you why! What Makes Herrschners Afghan Yarn My Pick? Herrschners Afghan Ya...

Three Go-To Patterns As we transition seasons, it’s the perfect time to start making beanies! Whether you’re making them for yourself, as gifts, or just for fun, these three quick and easy beanie patterns are my absolute favorites. They require minimal time and yarn investment, and best of all, they’re all free patterns! Let’s dive in. 1. The Ultimate Go-To Slouchy Beanie This is my most frequently made beanie, and I recently shared an instructional video on how to create it. It’s incredibly simple and takes just a couple of hours to complete. The best part? You can use absolutely any yarn! Materials: Worsted weight yarn & a 5.5mm crochet hook Stitches Needed: Half double crochet, single crochet, and crocheting in the back loop Customization: You can adjust the size by using different weights of yarn, holding two strands together, or modifying the length for a rolled-up brim Pattern Availability: No formal written pattern, but you can find a detailed breakdown in the comments o...