I read something that made sense about hobbies the other day. The person said that what we enjoy doing shouldn't be called a hobby. That we shouldn't say we want to work on our hobbies if we can find the time. This person was saying that our hobbies should be mentioned as something we like to do. For example, don't say I wish I had time to work on my hobby today. Instead, we should say I'm going to work on crochet this afternoon. Or, I'm going to do my painting this afternoon. Or I'm going to play my guitar today. What we like to do should be a part of our life! It's part of who we are! Doing what we love should be part of our lives! Not just a hobby, or something we do if we happen to find a few minutes in our week. It's part of the human experience. Just like eating, sleeping. working and taking care of our families. Doing these things make our lives happier. It helps alleviate anxiety and depression. And, our creativity can make something beautiful and useful for others to enjoy. I love being me. And everyone else should love being themselves through creativity.
Wonderfully said. I have shifted my mindset to making crocheting intricately part of my life, not the afterthought if I have time. I have come to understand how important it is for my emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I refuse to feel guilty for making time for my creativity. Since I mostly crochet items for loved ones, it provides an added bonus of focusing on that person and how much I love him/her. Win/win/win. 🙂
That is wonderful! And no, there’s no reason to feel guilty about spending your time on an enrichment activity!! You are a better person for doing it! ❤️
I keep a couple of stitch markers and needles in the bottom of my yarn bowl. That way I can carry the bowl to an alternate location, like outside, and still be prepared. Plus the yarn bowl is pretty so it makes me happy. Sometimes women are bad about buying themselves nice things. We buy nice things for others. We should be as nice to ourselves as we are to others.
I 100% agree with you! We will spend on our kids, grandkids etc, but hesitate on a $20 item that would make our life so much easier! Thats a great tip too for being prepared and your right looking at pretty things makes me happy too! 🫶🏻
I so love the stitch marker comment. I usually just use colored safety pins, but your suggestion brought to mind something I came across that has been stashed away forever…clip on earrings! Does anyone even wear those any more? NO SNAGS!
That’s a great idea!! And it’s so funny because my ears have been pierced several times and I just can’t keep them open. So I actually have several pair of clip ons. I always look at estate sales and thrift stores for them! (I also found some magnetic ones online too! 😃
“I look at stuff that ain’t even my hobby”..😂. I just did the same thing while yarn shopping. Didn’t realize Walmart had such a selection in other hobbies and you never know when you might find something you can incorporate into your crochet.😂
Don’t get me wrong, I can watch the same type of video from 10 different TH-camrs and love it but you are killing it with videos that no one else is making!!
New viewer here. I agree with the recommendations for the yarn holder (but I don't have one yet), stitch markers, ergonomic hooks and the WIP bag - very spot on recommendations. One thing I had to talk myself into when I wanted to step up my game in crochet was to always make a gauge swatch before any project. That helps me learn about the yarn I think will work with a project - sometimes 😊it makes me change my mind. I have gotten into the habit of making a sample swatch every time I buy a ball of yarn - I use the hook size on the ball band and make a swatch - maybe 4 x 4 if I have the time, maybe smaller. That helps me figure out the right project for the yarn.
Hello Nancy and welcome, thank you for watching and commenting!!! Oh my gosh yes, the gauge swatch!!!!!! That’s definitely have to go into a video, thank you!!!! Awesome advice 💯
Hey Shannon! Thanks for the shout out haha. What I use is just a Boppy Pillow! The original intention is for breastfeeding but it works perfect for crochet. I know there are ones made specifically for crocheting but I have never tried one. Loving this whole series and all the encouragement as always!
Hi Rachel!!! Maybes I’ll keep my eye open on marketplace for one. Those had not been invented yet when my daughter was born!!! Thanks for the encouragement, I really appreciate it ❤️
I wasn’t expecting the mindset lessons, but they are soooooooo important. I’m an entrepreneur and mindset is everything!!! I love how you tied it to our hobbies as well. Keep the content coming!!!
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching and commenting, I appreciate that too! You are 💯 correct, mindset is everything and especially when you’re in business for yourself!
I have seen those crafting pillows. They look like Boppy Pillow that are usually sold in the baby section at like target. Its also called a wrap around pillow.
I have often thought that’s what the looked like!?!? (I wish those would have been invented when my daughter was little!) thanks for the tip! I’m going to start looking more seriously for one! Thanks for watching and commenting too!
I’m sitting here watching you and crocheting with my massaging heating pad and boppy-style nursing pillow. It really helps. One thing I want to try is a pair of prism (aka horizontal lazy) glasses. I also don’t take commissions (except for the occasional gift request for a loved one). I’m blessed to have a full time 9-5 job so my crochet time is limited and I don’t want to ruin my hands making things to sell. I’ve also reduced the amount of 100% cotton yarn I use because it hurts my hands, wrists and elbows. Now I look for cotton blend yarns with some stretch.
Those are all awesome tips! I agree about the 100% cotton, my hands always hurt when I crochet with it!!! Using a blend instead is a great idea! I appreciate you watching and commenting 🫶🏻
@@ShannonTalksYarntotally agree. I want to love sugar and cream and from the start I can’t wait till the project is over. Probably loosening my tension for that yarn would help but I love the tight structure it gives too😅
I usually have a granny square project running in conjunction with my other projects. So I use my 45min commute (on the train) to making my granny squares so the evenings can be for my bigger projects that don't transport easily.
Such positive and thoughtful content! Always happy to see when you have a new video. Might be the Valari support pillow, but they are pricey. Ashlea from Heart Hook Home has a similar free Pillow Support crochet pattern I’ve wanted to make
I sure do love a video tutorial, though. As a beginner/intermediate crocheter, I find following a written pattern challenging and fun, but taxing. Following a video tutorial is much more relaxing for me. A couple of patterns I've purchased had a video companion either for difficult techniques or the whole project. I loved that - I support the designer and they support me!
For once, I don't think I have anything to add! 😂 I appreciate you taking this topic from a different angle and considering crochet from a holistic perspective!
Excellent-as usual. I would stress a little more about the importance of good lighting. Invest in a table or floor lamp that has a flexible arm, so you can adjust it to wherever you are sitting. I have lamps in every area where I crochet. Looking forward to your next topic.
I love all of your tips and suggestions and use many of them. I don’t have a Boppy pillow-could have kept it from 15 years ago😂-but I do prop myself up all over. I have chronic illness and need to be careful with my body. I am interested in getting one of those neck lights especially now that you have endorsed it. I know you won’t spend unless it’s worth the $. Thanks for another fun and encouraging video!
Good morning! Sorry that took so long to get back to you. I was dealing with some dental work which is never fun!! Thanks for your support! Yep I would definitely get a neck light since u don’t have one. It bakes a pretty big difference!
Yes! A yarn holder/spinner is so nice. I have a few lazy Susan style yarn holders that my husband made for me. More recently I found one of those magnetic hanging yarn holder on Temu for only $11. It was made out of wood and looks so nice. I don't feel bad leaving it out on my living room side table. I was a little worried about how well it would be made coming from Temu, but it was easy to put together and works really well. I have had zero issues using it. I have even set it on my bed while knitting/crocheting and it worked well there too.
I like some of your ideas. Some of them I know I will pass on. (Not a fan of open stitch markers or yarn bowls). The thing that has helped me crochet more, is keeping my projects in areas where I like to spend some down time. I can get into a habit of phone scrolling and when I have a project in my eyesight it breaks the cycle of scrolling.
That is a great tip Kristen!! If I can’t see something, I forget it exists lol 😂 🤦🏻♀️ Have a project waiting for me next to my couch definitely makes me more apt to work on it, as opposed to having to remember it and go upstairs and get it! Thanks for posting!
Stitch markers! Lol I do the same thing and just can't be bothered sometimes, but those spiral ones are a game changer. I got the meta painted ones from Temu and I absolutely love those things because they are so fast to move and it makes me avoid all that counting.
I enjoy your videos so much because I feel like I'm listening to a maker who truly is passionate about her crochet. I felt all your suggestions were real and thought provoking. I love that you are supporting our crochet hand and body health as well as mental health. And I love that you mentioned another crocheter on TH-cam with kindness. I'm a huge fan of switching up hook brands and types to help reduce the impact of repetitive motion. I use both inline and hybrid hook styles depending on project/gauge. I typically use Clover hooks but have missed my inline Susan Bates. Susan Bates does have ergonomic hooks but I don't like where the rubber is, so I slid some silicon beads onto the smaller hooks and now have a custom hook that fits my hand. My hand motions are slightly different with inline, tapered, and hybrid hooks.
Hi Diana, thank you so much for your kindness, I appreciate it so much! ❤️ Isn’t it crazy how much your hook can play into how much you enjoy what you’re doing!?!? I love that you were able to adapt and create a really custom fit! I might going in and play around with some of my hooks now 😃
Really great tips. Shannon I’ve seen those crafting pillows I think I’ll do some investigating and see if I can find a good one (hopefully your friend will post what she has) I do have someone that comes in to clean twice a month and it has been a total game changer.
Recently realized that I was using more than half my crafting time to play a video game, so I decided to stop playing. Also a big fan of instacart or click list for groceries
Grocery delivery is a great time management tip, thanks for sharing that! While I don’t play video games, several family members do and I know how they can really suck you in! 😃
I don’t really have a pattern for it, it’s just rows of 1/2 DB crochet with the top 5 stitches SC, the video I have on my scrappy beanie probably explains it best! The hat was herschners afghan yarn in peanut paired with lion brand ice cream cotton blend, a discontinued yarn. Hope this helps!
Just my 2 cents : If you don't want to invest into an expensive yarn bowl, you can just use ANY bowl. Myself, I use a large glass salad bowl, and it works like a charm.
![Crochet Speed Hacks: Discover the Top 9 Essential Tips [HOW TO CROCHET FASTER!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FLKarvgrnxI/mqdefault.jpg)
Any more ideas on what we can level up? Let me know! 👇🏻
I would love to see something related to slightly changing a pattern with confidence…aka…making things your own.
@TelehealthOT that’s a great idea, I love it!!! Thanks, that’s going on my list! 😃
I read something that made sense about hobbies the other day. The person said that what we enjoy doing shouldn't be called a hobby. That we shouldn't say we want to work on our hobbies if we can find the time. This person was saying that our hobbies should be mentioned as something we like to do. For example, don't say I wish I had time to work on my hobby today. Instead, we should say I'm going to work on crochet this afternoon. Or, I'm going to do my painting this afternoon. Or I'm going to play my guitar today. What we like to do should be a part of our life! It's part of who we are! Doing what we love should be part of our lives! Not just a hobby, or something we do if we happen to find a few minutes in our week. It's part of the human experience. Just like eating, sleeping. working and taking care of our families. Doing these things make our lives happier. It helps alleviate anxiety and depression. And, our creativity can make something beautiful and useful for others to enjoy. I love being me. And everyone else should love being themselves through creativity.
❤️
That is absolutely beautiful Jeanette! I agree 100%!!!! That’s so perfect ❤️❤️❤️
Wonderfully said. I have shifted my mindset to making crocheting intricately part of my life, not the afterthought if I have time. I have come to understand how important it is for my emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I refuse to feel guilty for making time for my creativity. Since I mostly crochet items for loved ones, it provides an added bonus of focusing on that person and how much I love him/her. Win/win/win. 🙂
That is wonderful! And no, there’s no reason to feel guilty about spending your time on an enrichment activity!! You are a better person for doing it! ❤️
I keep a couple of stitch markers and needles in the bottom of my yarn bowl. That way I can carry the bowl to an alternate location, like outside, and still be prepared. Plus the yarn bowl is pretty so it makes me happy. Sometimes women are bad about buying themselves nice things. We buy nice things for others. We should be as nice to ourselves as we are to others.
I 100% agree with you! We will spend on our kids, grandkids etc, but hesitate on a $20 item that would make our life so much easier! Thats a great tip too for being prepared and your right looking at pretty things makes me happy too! 🫶🏻
My husband tells me that all the time he gets mad if I don't buy myself nice things lol
I so love the stitch marker comment. I usually just use colored safety pins, but your suggestion brought to mind something I came across that has been stashed away forever…clip on earrings! Does anyone even wear those any more? NO SNAGS!
That’s a great idea!! And it’s so funny because my ears have been pierced several times and I just can’t keep them open. So I actually have several pair of clip ons. I always look at estate sales and thrift stores for them! (I also found some magnetic ones online too! 😃
“I look at stuff that ain’t even my hobby”..😂. I just did the same thing while yarn shopping. Didn’t realize Walmart had such a selection in other hobbies and you never know when you might find something you can incorporate into your crochet.😂
Don’t get me wrong, I can watch the same type of video from 10 different TH-camrs and love it but you are killing it with videos that no one else is making!!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much Meagan!!! I’m having fun trying to explore some different topics!! 🥰🥰🥰
New viewer here. I agree with the recommendations for the yarn holder (but I don't have one yet), stitch markers, ergonomic hooks and the WIP bag - very spot on recommendations. One thing I had to talk myself into when I wanted to step up my game in crochet was to always make a gauge swatch before any project. That helps me learn about the yarn I think will work with a project - sometimes 😊it makes me change my mind. I have gotten into the habit of making a sample swatch every time I buy a ball of yarn - I use the hook size on the ball band and make a swatch - maybe 4 x 4 if I have the time, maybe smaller. That helps me figure out the right project for the yarn.
Hello Nancy and welcome, thank you for watching and commenting!!! Oh my gosh yes, the gauge swatch!!!!!! That’s definitely have to go into a video, thank you!!!! Awesome advice 💯
Hey Shannon! Thanks for the shout out haha.
What I use is just a Boppy Pillow! The original intention is for breastfeeding but it works perfect for crochet. I know there are ones made specifically for crocheting but I have never tried one.
Loving this whole series and all the encouragement as always!
Hi Rachel!!! Maybes I’ll keep my eye open on marketplace for one. Those had not been invented yet when my daughter was born!!! Thanks for the encouragement, I really appreciate it ❤️
I wasn’t expecting the mindset lessons, but they are soooooooo important. I’m an entrepreneur and mindset is everything!!! I love how you tied it to our hobbies as well. Keep the content coming!!!
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching and commenting, I appreciate that too! You are 💯 correct, mindset is everything and especially when you’re in business for yourself!
I have seen those crafting pillows. They look like Boppy Pillow that are usually sold in the baby section at like target. Its also called a wrap around pillow.
I have often thought that’s what the looked like!?!? (I wish those would have been invented when my daughter was little!) thanks for the tip! I’m going to start looking more seriously for one! Thanks for watching and commenting too!
@@ShannonTalksYarn I use one. I specifically tried a few and recommend the Valari pillow, it's firmer than a boppy and gives better support
@tweak8866 Thank you for the tip, I’ll definitely look that up, I haven’t heard of that brand. 😃
I use the reader’s sometimes and it really helps me see stitches better on dark yarns especially
I might grab a cheap pair then! Thanks Judy! ❤️
I’m sitting here watching you and crocheting with my massaging heating pad and boppy-style nursing pillow. It really helps. One thing I want to try is a pair of prism (aka horizontal lazy) glasses. I also don’t take commissions (except for the occasional gift request for a loved one). I’m blessed to have a full time 9-5 job so my crochet time is limited and I don’t want to ruin my hands making things to sell. I’ve also reduced the amount of 100% cotton yarn I use because it hurts my hands, wrists and elbows. Now I look for cotton blend yarns with some stretch.
Those are all awesome tips! I agree about the 100% cotton, my hands always hurt when I crochet with it!!! Using a blend instead is a great idea! I appreciate you watching and commenting 🫶🏻
@@ShannonTalksYarntotally agree. I want to love sugar and cream and from the start I can’t wait till the project is over. Probably loosening my tension for that yarn would help but I love the tight structure it gives too😅
I am right there with you! 💯
I usually have a granny square project running in conjunction with my other projects. So I use my 45min commute (on the train) to making my granny squares so the evenings can be for my bigger projects that don't transport easily.
I’m the same way, I have separate projects for home and travel!!
Such positive and thoughtful content! Always happy to see when you have a new video. Might be the Valari support pillow, but they are pricey. Ashlea from Heart Hook Home has a similar free Pillow Support crochet pattern I’ve wanted to make
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement Vanessa! And thanks for the tip too! I might have to check out that pattern too 😃
Thought I was coming for crochet tips, leaving with life lessons 😁🥰❤
Awww thanks! And thank you for the support ❤️🫶🏻🥰
I sure do love a video tutorial, though. As a beginner/intermediate crocheter, I find following a written pattern challenging and fun, but taxing. Following a video tutorial is much more relaxing for me. A couple of patterns I've purchased had a video companion either for difficult techniques or the whole project. I loved that - I support the designer and they support me!
Yeeeees! I agree, those are the absolute BEST patterns!!!
For once, I don't think I have anything to add! 😂 I appreciate you taking this topic from a different angle and considering crochet from a holistic perspective!
Good morning Lovely Friend! What!?!? But I love your response videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Excellent-as usual. I would stress a little more about the importance of good lighting. Invest in a table or floor lamp that has a flexible arm, so you can adjust it to wherever you are sitting. I have lamps in every area where I crochet. Looking forward to your next topic.
Yeeees! Lighting makes such a difference!!! I routinely have to sit directly next to a lamp. Great point! 😃
Thank you for another great video! I’ve been crocheting for 4 months and I appreciate your thoughtful guidance 🌱
You’re very welcome, keep it up!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I usually put my yarn ball in a bag, tie it closed them I stich that bag in another bag of yarn balls tie that closed this works perfectly for me
Hi Shannon 🤗 I looovvve this series! I’m going to look into that special pillow! Thank you! 🥰🧶🤩
Thank you Litsa!!!! I’m really looking forward to your project reveal!!! 🤩
@@ShannonTalksYarn I’m looking forward to seeing yours!!! 👏🏻👏🏻🥰🧶🤩
@cocoscrochet6380 yay!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love all of your tips and suggestions and use many of them. I don’t have a Boppy pillow-could have kept it from 15 years ago😂-but I do prop myself up all over. I have chronic illness and need to be careful with my body. I am interested in getting one of those neck lights especially now that you have endorsed it. I know you won’t spend unless it’s worth the $. Thanks for another fun and encouraging video!
Good morning! Sorry that took so long to get back to you. I was dealing with some dental work which is never fun!! Thanks for your support! Yep I would definitely get a neck light since u don’t have one. It bakes a pretty big difference!
@@ShannonTalksYarn thanks for your reply! I never expect one, it’s very nice when you can but no need to apologize!
Thank you for understanding, I appreciate it! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Shannon! Great tips! ♥️ I’ve seen those pillows that help when crocheting and it’s something I’ve been wanting to look into getting too. 🙂
Hi Jessie! Let me know what you think if you do end up getting one, I’d love to know your opinion!
@@ShannonTalksYarn Sounds good, I will let you know 😊
Yes! A yarn holder/spinner is so nice. I have a few lazy Susan style yarn holders that my husband made for me. More recently I found one of those magnetic hanging yarn holder on Temu for only $11. It was made out of wood and looks so nice. I don't feel bad leaving it out on my living room side table. I was a little worried about how well it would be made coming from Temu, but it was easy to put together and works really well. I have had zero issues using it. I have even set it on my bed while knitting/crocheting and it worked well there too.
That’s awesome! It’s good to know you had good results with yours, it’s so hard to know when ordering online! Thank you for sharing that! 🫶🏻
I like some of your ideas. Some of them I know I will pass on. (Not a fan of open stitch markers or yarn bowls). The thing that has helped me crochet more, is keeping my projects in areas where I like to spend some down time. I can get into a habit of phone scrolling and when I have a project in my eyesight it breaks the cycle of scrolling.
That is a great tip Kristen!! If I can’t see something, I forget it exists lol 😂 🤦🏻♀️
Have a project waiting for me next to my couch definitely makes me more apt to work on it, as opposed to having to remember it and go upstairs and get it! Thanks for posting!
Stitch markers! Lol I do the same thing and just can't be bothered sometimes, but those spiral ones are a game changer. I got the meta painted ones from Temu and I absolutely love those things because they are so fast to move and it makes me avoid all that counting.
lol I’m glad I’m not the only only one!!! Sometimes it seems way to hard even tho it’s not 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️😂
I enjoy your videos so much because I feel like I'm listening to a maker who truly is passionate about her crochet. I felt all your suggestions were real and thought provoking. I love that you are supporting our crochet hand and body health as well as mental health. And I love that you mentioned another crocheter on TH-cam with kindness. I'm a huge fan of switching up hook brands and types to help reduce the impact of repetitive motion. I use both inline and hybrid hook styles depending on project/gauge. I typically use Clover hooks but have missed my inline Susan Bates. Susan Bates does have ergonomic hooks but I don't like where the rubber is, so I slid some silicon beads onto the smaller hooks and now have a custom hook that fits my hand. My hand motions are slightly different with inline, tapered, and hybrid hooks.
Hi Diana, thank you so much for your kindness, I appreciate it so much! ❤️
Isn’t it crazy how much your hook can play into how much you enjoy what you’re doing!?!? I love that you were able to adapt and create a really custom fit! I might going in and play around with some of my hooks now 😃
Love love love! Thank you! ☺️🫶🏻🧶
Hi Lisa, thanks for watching, I hope you’re doing well! ❤️
Love your content Shannon 😍🐞💜
Thank you so much Meg!!!!
I think I saw a crochet pillow on Tiffany Hanson's channel. I think she did a video on it.😊
I love Tiffany!!!
I enjoyed your video. Thanks
Thank you so much Jeanette!
Lots of helpful ideas! Thanks.
Hi Valerie! Thank you, I hope you’re having a wonderful evening!
Really great tips. Shannon I’ve seen those crafting pillows I think I’ll do some investigating and see if I can find a good one (hopefully your friend will post what she has) I do have someone that comes in to clean twice a month and it has been a total game changer.
That’s awesome, I’m glad it working out for you! I’m definitely going to look into the pillow too! I appreciate you watching and commenting!
Recently realized that I was using more than half my crafting time to play a video game, so I decided to stop playing. Also a big fan of instacart or click list for groceries
Grocery delivery is a great time management tip, thanks for sharing that! While I don’t play video games, several family members do and I know how they can really suck you in! 😃
Hi! I love the hat you’re wearing! What pattern is it?
I don’t really have a pattern for it, it’s just rows of 1/2 DB crochet with the top 5 stitches SC, the video I have on my scrappy beanie probably explains it best! The hat was herschners afghan yarn in peanut paired with lion brand ice cream cotton blend, a discontinued yarn. Hope this helps!
Just my 2 cents :
If you don't want to invest into an expensive yarn bowl, you can just use ANY bowl. Myself, I use a large glass salad bowl, and it works like a charm.
That’s a great idea!! You know I love a bargain……or not spending any money at all! 😁
❤
Hello 👋
Hello beautiful friend!!! ❤️