Shannon Talks Yarn

  Hey yarny friends, Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately: the idea of progress over perfection . It started with a conversation I had at work. A woman was opening up to me about how her grown children and teens give her a hard time for never finishing things 100%. She told me about painting the living room, everything done except a tiny strip of trim at the ceiling. And she just… couldn’t bring herself to finish that last little bit. My first instinct was compassion. Because, hello, relatable. I asked her if she’d ever heard the phrase “progress over perfection,” and she hadn’t! I first heard it from Kimmy at She’s In Her Apron years ago, and it stuck with me. It’s been following me around ever since, especially this past weekend. A Studio in Progres I’ve officially got a Shannon Talks Yarn Studio! It sounds fancier than it is. We took the bed out of the guest room, lol. But hey, it’s a big step, and I’m excited. One corner is done. The ligh...

Today’s blog post is a little different from my usual yarny adventures because we’re talking knitting instead of crochet! That’s right… I unboxed my very first beginner knitting kit , and I’m excited to share all the cozy, squishy details with you. Even though I’m not (yet!) a knitter, I know many of you in the community are and if you're not, you might be like me: curious, but a little intimidated to try it. So when the team at Unraveled reached out and offered to send me their Beginner Knit Kit , I thought it was the perfect chance to dip a toe into the knitting world. Unraveled: A Little Background Unraveled is an Australian-based company with a mission I love : helping women relax and reconnect through the meditative process of knitting. They’ve already helped over 20,000 people get started, and now they’re helping me! As someone who turned to crochet as a way to manage anxiety and stress, I instantly connected with their philosophy. What’s Inside the Kit? From the moment it ...

  Are you curious about spinning yarn but unsure where to begin? I’ve been there! When I first dipped my toes into the world of spinning, I was overwhelmed by the tools and the price tags. That’s why I created a free resource guide to help you get started spinning yarn for under $100,  yes, really! Whether you're joining in the fun of the Tour de Fleece or just spinning on your own time, this guide will help you build a beginner-friendly spinning setup without overspending. I’ve included four of my favorite budget-conscious tools and materials, and yes, they’re all linked with affiliate codes so you can support my work at no extra cost to you! (It's never expected, but it's always appreciated!) Inside the PDF, you’ll find: My favorite beginner drop spindle A tried-and-true fiber to learn with An essential instructional book One upgrade option if you want to create your perfect custom yarn colors Download your free guide here: Start Spinning Yarn for Under $1...

  If you've been watching my videos lately, you might be thinking I'm all about cheap yarn. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with a good bargain! But that’s not the whole story. I love all kinds of yarn, from the big-box basics to handspun masterpieces. It just depends on the project and the purpose. From Beginner to Yarn Explorer When I first started crocheting, I didn’t know anything about yarn and that’s totally normal. If you’re new, don’t worry! Over time, as you use more yarn and tackle more projects, you’ll figure out what you love (and what you don’t). Now that I’ve been crocheting for a while, I’ve realized that I’m not a yarn snob, I just believe in the right yarn for the right job . Sometimes that’s a budget-friendly ball from the craft store. And sometimes it’s a stunning handspun skein that feels like art. Sticker Shock at the Yarn Shop Not long ago, I visited the Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild and saw some jaw-droppingly beautiful yarn. READ THE BLOG P...