Shannon Talks Yarn

Every so often, someone comes along who changes the way we see our craft, and for me, that person was Melanie Ham . I still remember the moment I stumbled across her crochet pumpkin tutorial on YouTube. My friend had already shown me the basics-how to chain, how to single crochet, but it was Melanie’s voice, clear instructions, and genuine enthusiasm that made me fall in love with crochet. That little pumpkin became the first real project I ever finished, and I can still remember how proud I felt sewing it closed and adding the stem.  I gave that first pumpkin to my friend who got me interested in crochet. I was so excited to give it to her and she was so surprised when I did.   And it was made possible because Melanie made it feel possible. Melanie had a gift for teaching. Her tutorials were simple without being simplified, detailed without being intimidating. Whether she was showing you how to make a blanket, a basket, or that iconic pumpkin, she spoke like a friend si...

  When the air starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing better than curling up with a yarn project that feels like fall. Whether you’re sipping a pumpkin spice latte or binge-watching spooky movies, it’s the perfect time to crochet something cozy, colorful, and just a little bit magical. That’s why I’ve put together a special YouTube playlist featuring my favorite Fall and Halloween crochet projects - from textured shawls and rustic home décor to fun seasonal makes that celebrate sweater weather in style. Watch the Fall & Halloween Crochet Playlist on YouTube HERE! What You’ll Find in the Playlist: Cozy Shawls & Scarves:  Perfect for layering as the weather cools down. Halloween-Inspired Makes:  Cute, not creepy! Great for decorating or gifting. Autumn Accessories:  Think warm tones, soft textures, and that handmade-with-love feel. Chatty Crochet Videos:  Settle in for a little yarn therapy while I share stories, ti...

If you’ve been scrolling through yarn groups lately, you’ve probably seen the rumors: “You can’t order from Denmark anymore!” or “Wool Warehouse isn’t shipping to the U.S.!” As someone who loves ordering yarn from overseas, I wanted to find out for myself what’s true and what’s just Facebook panic. It turns out you can continue to order from Denmark but as of right now, Wool Warehouse has suspended US shipping and I'm totally bummed about that!!!  A Quick Update (and a Little Real Life) I actually meant to film this video before my surgery, but life had other plans. Recovery went fine, but I had to let go of a lot of expectations I’d set for myself, including some filming goals. So if this topic isn’t brand new, I still wanted to share it in case it clears up some confusion. You can read THIS BLOG POST to catch up on all my surgery updates. What’s Really Going On with Tariffs The biggest change right now is that some international yarn orders now include a tariff fee. It’s ...

  You ever catch yourself in one of those moments where you think you’re being productive… but really, you’re just planning to be?  That was me this week. I almost fell right back into one of my biggest personal traps: convincing myself that planning and buying supplies was the same thing as making progress. Spoiler alert: it’s not. The Sneaky Trap of “Productive” Planning After my hysterectomy recovery started to go well, I found myself full of mental energy but still physically limited. My brain wanted to go, go, go , but my body needed me to stay put. So naturally, I started planning-future projects, market booths, color palettes… the whole deal. Before I knew it, I had a $100 cart full of yarn “for my booth” and was just about to hit checkout. I told myself, “It’s an investment in my business!” (And technically, it could be.) But deep down, I knew it wasn’t time. I hadn’t even started working with the yarn I already had. I didn’t know if I’d enjoy making those pro...

  Hello yarny friends! It feels so good to be back after my longest break from YouTube so far. If you missed it, I’ve spent the last few weeks recovering from a hysterectomy and while it’s been quite an experience, I’m so thankful to be on the mend and sitting down to catch up with you today. Three Weeks Post-Surgery By the time you’re reading this, it’s been exactly three weeks since my surgery. Everything went well, with no complications, and my first post-op checkup looked great. I still have another follow-up scheduled at the six-week mark, but overall, I’m feeling relieved and grateful. For months leading up to the surgery, I had been dealing with fibroids and recurring polyps that were just causing too much discomfort. At 49, it felt like the right time to move on from all of that and focus on feeling better. The difference now is incredible. I no longer feel like I’m carrying a giant, hard grapefruit inside me (which is exactly how it felt before). There’s still some li...

  Crochet has always been more than just a hobby for me, it’s my safe space, my creative outlet, and, honestly, my therapy. Lately, I’ve been leaning on it more than ever as I prepare for an upcoming surgery. Crochet as a Distraction (in the Best Way) When my mind starts spinning with worries, I’ve found that sitting down with yarn and hook gives me something soothing to focus on. Every stitch feels like a tiny reminder that I can slow down and breathe. It’s not about rushing to finish a project right now it’s about giving myself permission to just be in the moment. How Surgery Prep Affects My Channel Of course, the reality is that surgery prep has also been affecting my content. I haven’t had quite the same energy to film as many videos as I’d like, and projects are moving more slowly than usual. That’s why I thought a crochet & chat would be the perfect way to stay connected with you all, while also keeping things honest and real. Why I Wanted to Share This I know many...

  Labor Day weekend isn’t just the unofficial end of summer, it’s also one of the best times to snag great yarn deals. Many craft stores and online shops use this weekend to clear out summer stock and make room for fall and winter yarns. That makes it the perfect time for fiber artists to stock up smartly before the busy season begins. Why Shop Now? Seasonal Clearance : Summer-weight yarns like cotton and bamboo often go on deep discount. Fall Preview : Stores begin rolling out cozy yarns. Think wools, alpacas, and bulky blends for fall and winter projects. Budget-Friendly Stocking Up : Labor Day sales can rival Black Friday deals for crafters, so it’s a great time to stretch your yarn budget. What to Look For Neutral Basics – Stock up on staple colors you’ll use for garments, gifts, and home décor. Seasonal Shades – Think autumn-inspired tones: rust, mustard, forest green, cranberry. Perfect for scarves, hats, and cozy blankets. Specialty Fibers – If you’ve ...