Shannon Talks Yarn

Potential Silver Lining If you’ve been in the maker world for a while, chances are you’ve seen it happen: a small crochet or knitwear designer pours their heart into a pattern or product, posts beautiful photos, and before long… those same photos are being used to market a cheap, mass-produced knock-off. For many independent designers, this kind of IP theft is unfortunately common—and it hurts. These knock-offs are often produced overseas using unethical labor practices, then sold at a fraction of the price. The original creators usually have little to no recourse. Lately, you may have heard some news about changes to U.S. tariffs —fees added to goods imported from other countries, including China. While this topic can quickly get political, I want to focus on what matters most to our creative community: how these changes might impact indie makers and small businesses like ours. Let’s take a look at the potential effects— with no politics, just perspective. 💸 What Are Tariffs, A...

  I can hardly believe I’m writing this… but Shannon Talks Yarn has officially crossed 1 million views on YouTube! That number is honestly hard to wrap my head around. One million times, someone out there clicked “play” on one of my videos. Whether you were looking for a little crochet company, a laugh about yarn organization, or a gentle reminder that your creative work matters—you showed up. And that means everything to me. When I started this channel, I just wanted a space to talk about the real side of being a fiber artist—not just tutorials, but all the behind-the-scenes stuff: the emotional ups and downs, the messy shelves, the awkward garment styling, the projects we love (and the ones we abandon). I had no idea it would grow into such a warm, thoughtful, and wonderfully yarn-obsessed community. So this milestone isn’t just mine—it’s ours. You’ve shared your stories, your encouragement, your wisdom, and your hearts. You’ve made me laugh, inspired my content, and remi...

  Mesh Bolero If you’ve been looking for the perfect lightweight top to layer, you’re going to love this breezy summer crochet top! I designed this pattern to be as wearable and easygoing as a summer day—with simple stitches, zero shaping, and customizable sizing. Whether you're lounging at home or headed out to brunch, this top gives off boho summer vibes. This project is ideal for adventurous beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. With just one panel and minimal seaming, it's a great low-stress make that works up quickly in worsted weight cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend. I used Red Heart Super Saver in Latte Stripe , but you can easily substitute any of your favorite yarns. Need to know how to soften stiff and scratch acrylic yarns? Read THIS BLOG POST . If your "go to" acrylic yarn was Big Twist Value, read THIS POST for great replacements! Why You’ll Love It: 🧶 Uses only basic stitches (single crochet, double crochet and chains) 💡 Beginner-friendly ...

Ombre Shells If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and visually stunning crochet project, the Ombre Shell in the Round Blanket might be your new favorite. This project has all the soothing rhythm of a granny square with an extra elegant twist thanks to the ombre effect—and it’s beginner-friendly to boot! Why I Love This Blanket This blanket was such a joy to make. I used Red Heart Super Saver Ombre in Deep Teal , and I was amazed at how effortlessly the colors shifted across the project. It created this dreamy gradient that made the shell stitch pattern really shine. This pattern is based on a technique I learned from Play Hooky With Me on YouTube. I’ll link her tutorial video below—she’s using multiple colors, but the ombre yarn simplifies the process beautifully. It takes the guesswork out of color changes so you can just relax and enjoy crocheting. 🎥 Watch the Shell in the Round Technique by Play Hooky With Me Pattern Overview This blanket is constructed using a technique ...

High End & Beginner Friendly I want to share a cozy, fun, and quick project that has completely stolen my heart: the 5-Night Fall Shawl . If you're looking for a low-stress make that fits into your busy life, this might just be your new favorite go-to. This isn’t a step-by-step tutorial or a crochet-along—just a peek into how I made a soft, drapey shawl in five relaxed evenings, plus all the details if you’d like to make one too! Why I Call It a “5-Night Shawl” This project took me just five evenings of casual crochet—maybe 1–2 hours each night. You could absolutely power through it in a weekend if you're feeling ambitious, but the beauty of this shawl is how easy it is to fit into real life. I still work full time and juggle a lot of responsibilities, and this little project slotted into my evenings like a dream. Yarn I Used: Stroll Tweed Mini Packs I used the Stroll Tweed Mini Pack,  Get it from KnitPicks HERE .  Click HERE to get it from WeCrochet , specifically...

Color Pooling If you’ve ever worked with variegated yarn, you might have stumbled upon something surprising: accidental patterns appearing in your project—like stripes, zigzags, or even argyle-style prints. Welcome to the mesmerizing world of color pooling in crochet. Color pooling happens when the colors in a skein of variegated yarn align just right, forming a repeatable pattern as you stitch. It’s like your crochet hook and yarn are conspiring to create art. But let’s be honest—sometimes it feels more like a test of patience than a creative journey. Planned vs. Accidental Color Pooling There are two types of crocheters in the world: those who stumble into color pooling by accident and those who obsessively plan for it. Either way, it takes a combination of yarn, tension, stitch selection, and sometimes a bit of yarn wizardry to make it happen. If you've ever wondered how to control the chaos, one of the best resources out there is the YouTube channel It’s Time For Yarn, ho...

Cozy, Stylish, & Fun! If you're looking for an amazing oversized shawl to wear—one that works in both warm and cool weather and gives off a little bit of that Stevie Nicks vibe—then I’ve got the perfect project for you! I have been so excited to share this with you. I finished it about a week ago, and I have been absolutely loving it ever since. The Inspiration & Design This project started because I wanted something loose, breathable, and affordable for its size. I also wanted to make sure it was something I would actually wear—a shawl that could double as a cozy wrap for Thanksgiving or a fun, twirl-worthy piece for a girl's night out. I used a pattern from Craft Nut called the Easy Beginner Shawl , which I’ll link HERE . This pattern has been a favorite of mine for a while, and I’ve used it before with a Caron Cloud Cake. This time, I wanted to make it even larger and drapier, so I made a few tweaks along the way. How Long Did It Take? I spent about 12 hours working ...