Abandoning WIP's: Why Do I Keep Doing It?

[@jackiekamholz7804]

My sweet crochet buddy, I understand your guilt/shame/disappointment. A friend of mine told me something one time & it really stuck with me, ‘you have not failed until you quit trying.’ I also feel you have not failed when you learn a lesson. All that said, you should be so proud of the lessons you have learned. You gained experience from the projects you worked on and it’s simple to frog & reuse the yarn. You are amazing and you share so much with all of us. We love ya girl!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Oh wow! I love that so much!!!

[@susangrasso6232]

I agree, I have also bought self striping yarn because it looked good, only to find the colours looked blotchy & messy in the finished project!😊

[@funniful]

Yea…I love how self striping yarn looks in a cake, too. But using it is….challenging. I’ve been known to cut out parts of the yarn so the colors hit on the project correctly. A lot of thinking and a lot of work. Lol 😆 I made a very long handkerchief hem vest where the two halves were not symmetrical because of how the colors layed . Well, I Never wore it because it bugged me so much. This past year, I took it apart to half-way…then carefully crocheting that second half again, but while matching the first half carefully. Now, I LOVE it! Lesson learned. I always say that crocheting teaches us a lot about ourselves.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Sounds just like me!

[@Lisbeth_59]

Something you said that really spoke to me, was if your saw this wearable in a store in that color, size, design, would you buy it? Good thinking, there! I think your keyhole scarf is the one like fiber spider has on his channel. It's on my list to be done, eventually 😅

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Right!?!? I know there’s things I’ve made, I definitely wouldn’t buy 🤦🏻‍♀️ That’s a great channel!

[@michelleklein3056]

Agreed; not a fan of the self striping product most of the time! Just a thought, but I've given items I finished, but didn't love, to charity. I had the joy in making it; someone else gets the garment.

[@myhumbleheartedhome]

Both shiny object and avoiding disappoint here!! I love the way the cakes look on the store shelves but have always been worried that what you are talking about would be what would happen. Confirmation!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You and me both!

[@slowcrochet]

Your comments section is the best, Shannon! You are so relatable! Thanks for being vulnerable and giving others permission to see themselves with grace and kindness! To be honest, having a channel where I regularly report on my WIPs really has helped keep me accountable to finish projects. I know that's not the reason to have a channel, but I feel like it's helped me gain momentum and pushed me (ever so gently) to finish things - so I can go on and try new (shiny object!) things!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Oh my gosh, yes! I’m super grateful for everyone in the comments! They are the BEST 🫶🏻

[@CathyZced]

I bought a ton of yarn dirt cheep second hand only to realize it does not fit a lot of the projects I want to make. So now I use it to make test pieces of patterns before I buy the desired yarn for a project. It helps me work out pattern questions Also I have learned that I like one type of sweater style and do not need to make all the sweater patterns! PS. I love my stitch marker. Thank you!❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

YAY I'm so glad you like it!!!

[@katieduffy593]

Cathy, great idea. I plan to use charity shop/new yarns that I don't love for learning new stitch patterns, and making granny squares with different colours so I can learn what colours I like to go together.

[@LennyLefebvre-qb6qx]

Wow. I have a lot of trauma around feeling like money was wasted. I’m trying to get over that because it taints my perspective on experiences and costs that were DEFINITELY beneficial and NOT wasteful at all. I cope by utilising my overthinking. Once I plan how much yarn I need for a project, I also have to plan a backup project or two-whatever is likely to use the yarn up. I have a knee jerk fear of impulse buying yarn, yarn chicken starts as soon as my wallet comes out. When a project is not working I frog it as soon as I’m ready to start the backup project. It’s all in my notebooks.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I 100% get where you are coming from ❤

[@offthehookcrochetnicole]

I'm with you on the self striping yarn. Beautiful in the skein but not a fan of the results. I think mild OCD makes the messy result too distracting. For patterns and notes, I use Notion. I have a video on my channel for how I keep it all organized.

[@bridgetteseguin3459]

I will keep trying and keep trying to use gifted yarn from people and feel like a failure when I can't make anything out of it. It's exhausting. Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me to realize it's okay to not like to work with certain yarns. Your videos are always so informative and inspiring. Thank you so much for talking about the hard stuff!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I have had this happen SEVERAL times! Where I tried to force myself to like yarn I’d been given, like I owed it to the person to use it…..when in reality, they didn’t like it enough to use it! Thank you for your kindness Bridgette! 🫶🏻

[@jltara5345]

I use an app called Pocket Crochet to track projects. I also write down the pattern repeat and tuck it in the project bag. I have struggled with variegated yarn too! I want to like it. I love the idea of the coordinating colors done for me. I'm just never happy with how they play out.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@floief]

That makes perfect sense! I hadn't thought about it, but I have a bunch of beautiful self-striping yarn I never reach for. I'll have a project in mind and then think...maybe this other yarn would be better. You know, it's probably because I'm thinking I'll have to color control, leaving way more ends to weave in. This answers the "Why do I have so much self-striping yarn in my stash" question. Thanks, Shannon

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Right!?!?!? 😀

[@EllensCrochet]

I was psyched to make the Sophie’s blanket, bought the book & so many different colors of heathered yarn, made it to round two and disliked the yarn I chose for the project. The yarn has sat in a basket for months - I like the yarn but all these colors…ugh. So I’ve decided to just work them up in a mindless striped blanket - just crocheting a few rows every once in a while until it’s done 😂. I will donate or gift the blanket - then again I do like the yarn so maybe in the end I’ll love it - but not as originally planned? 🧶

[@HeidiCauble-Peoples]

Your personal growth is commendable!

[@Jessd85]

I let myself have one bigger project going that I work on at home and a small one that goes in my bag with me all the time. I finish or frog a project before I can move on to the next. It’s taken a lot of discipline but I had to do it. If not I’ll end up with all kinds of projects going and get overwhelmed.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome! I’m impressed with how disciplined you are! 💯

[@danamiceli4948]

I also like to color control most of the time and have abandoned a few projects with this type of yarn - now I just choose my colors. I love the design of the vest that you made and am on the hunt for my colors for this project (found the pattern) Thanks for sharing - we all have some projects we just don't love - and others we adore

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I couldn't have said it better!

[@karenbailey3493]

If you could see all the abandoned WIPs I have…..😅 I always relate to your topics Shannon! It gets very emotional- as you said. I know temperature blankets are not for me. But, blankets in general? YES! My favorite project is a blanket. I feel there is always someone who could use a blanket. It feels useful. And I use my yarns in glorious different stitches and patterns. It’s so satisfying. Thanks for another great yarn chat! You are so lovely to hang out with. ❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Karen!! Thank you and I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@Crochetedpossum]

I totally relate!❤ Especially the self striping yarn part. Also, having too many fo's around that you don't want to wear and don't know what to do with!

[@CandysYarnCrafts]

I have year old wips..😊 However, at some point, I do revisit them and finish them. I usually don't frog unless I really hate it. 😂

[@dianeduerst6117]

I can 100% relate to you and what you're sharing on this video! It makes me feel better to hear I'm not the only one. Thank you so much!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You are most definitely NOT the only one!!! 🫶🏻

[@djlclopez128]

The WIP issue is mine as well. Sometimes I frog everything if I’m not feeling the stitch I’m using, which is best because I only want to make things I really love, it’s the only way I can get through a big project - everything has to be perfect. Also, I am a lazy crocheter most of the time, and never do a project with a lot of color changes - variegated yarn is the best for me at times! Great video, I really enjoy your crochet topics!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you so much! And for the record, I’m totally a lazy crocheter too! 😀

[@petrashappyplace]

Shannon, I have talked about all of those types of projects on my channel before. I have "crochet-DD." (What my hubby has labeled it) I have a HARD time finishing ANYTHING! I have had a large basket FULL of projects that only need ends woven in or buttons sewn on! Then I have another tote FULL of UFOs/WIPs that sit there until I get bored with what I am working on. Then I either start a new project or go to one of my UFOs and work on it until I am bored again. This time of year is different in that I MUST finish projects that are gifts for Christmas, but the things that are for me?......well, there they lay in a basket - a reflection on myself - "crochet-DD."

[@tamararichter40]

Kiddo, same....same. I love how you are brave enough to admit and recognize how things bothered you in tne past and now through more mature and wiser eyes realize its not as big an issue as you thought it was. Our past conflicts and emotions and our reactions sometimes show up in the oddest of ways. I enjoy you and your videos. Stay true to yourself.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

❤❤❤

[@amrose250]

Shannon, great video. I decided this year to up my crochet game and make a Sophie’s blanket. I bought all the thread and the book but halfway through I realized I hated the colors. I went ahead and finished the blanket because I do not allow myself to buy any new yarn until my current WIP is complete. I’m hoping the blanket grows on me, but I still am proud that I was able to complete it. I’m also coming to the same realization that you have that striped yarn is not for me. I love it for scarves and blankets, but for wearables it never works out. My advise I’d throw out all those abandoned WIPs and start with a fresh slate. That’s what I did and it was so freeing! No need to cry over spilled milk.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I agree I'm ready to MOVE ON 🙃 You should be proud of your blanket, those are amazing! But I totally get where you are coming from!

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

Shannon, you won't see me throwing any shade your way about your abandoning your WIPs. You make such beautiful projects. I am very happy you did this video. I love your videos. You have a great point about avoiding disappointment. Yes! That's it! I have that very often. Finding the awareness of what is bugging you, like not liking the way the self-striping yarn works out, that is an important thing to recognize to avoid investing in the wrong yarn/project. No reason for guilt - just let it go.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Exactly, thank you!!! 😀

[@emmajayne9999]

I remember using mandala yarn in a scarf, and it worked up with a big green square in a random space. I frogged it and made a shawl and it somehow worked. You have to be lucky! I often pick up a yarn cake, let it inspire me then go and choose a similar colour palette in normal skeins.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's a really good idea! I have found cakes to be great color inspo for me too!!!

[@hgib698]

I am currently finishing a shawl I started 11 years ago. I had hurt my hand and couldn't work on it, left it in the project bag, and then began a project that was gifted. My unfinished items are usually something I started for myself and then put to the side, so I can make something for someone else.

[@LennyLefebvre-qb6qx]

😢

[@HelenMakingStuff]

I feel like forcing myself to grind away on a project I don’t like can drain my creativity energy so I totally get it!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Yep! that's totally it

[@surban4369]

I, too, will no longer buy self-striping yarn. I bought four “big” cakes a couple of years ago, not understanding what the color distribution was like. The colors end/begin abruptly, and at the junction, the two colors mix into a spot of something muddy. I have decided that in future I will only buy single or true variegated colors of yarn (think Hobby Lobby Prints) for crochet and knit and plan my own color changes.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I feel ya!

[@alicegaiba]

I never leave unfinished projects. When I realise I'm not liking something that I'm crocheting or knitting, I just frog it. I've never bought a yarn I ended up not liking but if I ever did I would probably sell it or gift it or keep it until I change my mind about it. But if I start a project I have to finish it or frog it

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I need to be more like that!

[@funniful]

As a rule, I only work on one project at a time. Probably because I hyperfocus on things. Also because I crochet for the actual experience of doing the act of crocheting. I like to keep my hands busy, and keep my mind occupied. It’s escapism, really. I truly love waking up in the morning and still having a project sitting there waiting for me. I get sad as I near the end of things. I always start a new project That day. Lol Now, If I start some project, it goes through a quick phase of “do I really enjoy crocheting this?”, then it goes through an even quicker phase of “am I gonna follow directions or go rogue?”. If I decide I’m not having fun crocheting it, I frog it. Life is too short, ya know? Also, 99% of the time, I go rogue on projects, it’s just a matter of deciding what I’m changing. I never feel embarrassed or mad at myself if a project turns out to not be right for me. Que Sera, sera! I just frog it and now I have a clean slate again - yarn that I get to make a new project with! Yay!🎉. A big pile of new yarn is never something to be sad about! 😂. It’s also good to know things about yourself. Personally, I’ll never do a temperature blanket. I know that I will Never commit to do something “each day” and actually do it. Plus, I don’t care about having a record of the temperature of a whole year. Lol

[@showandtellmeg]

I absolutely have had the same feelings on and off over my years of making things. I have a bin that I stated for all the projects from my earlier days that I stopped for some reason - the bin still exists but I have diminished the quantity a few times. Weirdly, this turned out to be incredibly handy while I was getting divorced. I found myself deserately wanting to crochet and knit, but I just didn't have the mental capacity for decision making and project planning at the time. So I just started picking up all these old wips from the bin and finishing them. Some of them I do love and use, but some of them it was more for just having something to work on at the time and so the making itself served its purpose. Ever since then, I don't get as depressed about things I didn't finish because I know that I may need that "in the middle of" project someday and I can knock it out. I might actually make a video about this, lol, so thanks for the idea! I find I'm worse about feeling bad about sewing projects that don't work out. At leasat with knitting or crchet, I can unravel it and use the yarn again. I've had some really unfortunate things happen wth sewing and the fabric wouldn't be ood for things I like to make anymore after that. I hate the sunk cost of things, but sometimes the cost and making it were just part of the journey because I learned a lot on the project even if I didn't have a finished object I love for the effort. Anyway, the fact that you just have one bin I think is fine. We dn't always like storing things tha aren't serving us, but at least it's not bigger lol. Also if you were a sock maker, I'd tell you that is the best place for self striping yarns. I don't tend to like them either expect for somthing that is a smaller circumference tube where it makes it look evenly distributed.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's such a great personal story, I think it would make a great video!

[@bjshifko]

I’ve been crafting for my entire life and have lots of WIPs in different mediums. I’ve learned to give myself permission to take apart projects if able or just throw them away. And I tend to buy yarns because I think they are pretty, so I’ve started making baby blankets, scarves, or hats that can be easily washed and given to charity.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's awesome!

[@FlareHeart]

What you are saying makes sense. I also dislike self-striping yarns for the same reasons (I prefer tonals or gradients/ombres). It took me a while to come to grips with the idea that there is NO SHAME in frogging something you are not enjoying. I had a T-shirt dress mostly completed. It just needed some more rows on the bottom and it would have been done, but I was not enjoying it, it didn't fit quite right, and the process was no longer enjoyable. It sat in my work area for a few months until I decided that enough was enough, and so I frogged it completely. It was weeks and weeks worth of work since it was a really fine yarn, but you know what? I feel better after frogging it, than I did looking at it. Now I can re-use the yarn for something I do enjoy.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's so awesome! I'm glad yo gave in and frogged it!

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

I painstakingly picked out all the yarn for my temperature blanket and later donated the yarn to the senior center 😂

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

oh noooo! At least you got to bless other crocheters/knitters 😀

[@egoreknits]

I have a bin as well as several project bags with abandoned projects. I am learning that I don't tend to complete complicated long term projects. With 4 kids in 3 schools I just don't have a lot of uninterrupted time to sit down and figure out detailed pattern information. I do better with simple projects that I can pick up for a few minutes here and there. When you were talking about how expectations from your childhood made you feel like you have to complete or do something even if you no longer enjoyed it, that rang true with me. More so with food for me. I grew up in a household where nothing was wasted, especially food. "Clean your plate." As an adult I can look back and see that part of my weight problem started back then. As a kid I was told to finish all my food even after I was full. Only in the last few years have I realized that is not a healthy way to live. So, now when I feel full I stop eating. Giving myself permission to not feel guilty about "wasting food" is so freeing. If it isn't something I can save to eat later I feed it to our chcickens and it isn't wasted. I think the same idea can be applied to my yarn and projects. Knitting and crochet are what I do yo relax and they are meant to be fun. So, if I stop enjoying a project before it is completed it's okay to frog it or even just give it away.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's wonderful you've made so much progress! It's weird how all those childhood things hang on so long.

[@sherrypelkey2453]

Hi. I always keep a notepad handy when crocheting. I write what I INTEND to crochet and then what I ACTUALLY crocheted along with any comments. Then I know what worked or didn’t work and why.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s great advice! I appreciate you sharing your technique!

[@mountainjune]

I have done this with both sewing and crochet projects. I really should just frog (if I'm able to as it is a weft yarn and doesn't frog easily) but I just keep holding onto it it. I'm disappointed that it didn't work up as nice as I was hoping, it's a beautiful yarn but I have little experience working with it. I also have a crow brain, distracted easily by shiny crochet hooks, pretty yarns, and squirrels so that doesn't help. TIP: I donated the frogged yarn of those WIPS, so I no longer had to look at it, and be reminded of the failures. Lesson learned and I felt so much better. It didn't entirely eliminate the situation happening again, but it did help dramatically for me.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Oh my gosh, that is a great idea!!! I don’t the reminder either!!!

[@cherylneuman]

I had finished objects that did not work for me. Color, size, shape, ect...some, I frogged them and save the yarn. (Like your blanket.) But others, I boxed up and let my friends root through it and they "loved" finding treasures. (Much to my shock and surprise!) I had a "silly little scarf" made out of Huggee (sp?) yarn and I thought it was a HUGE fail. I was going to throw it in the trash. A friend loved it, took it home, and wears it! I think I'm too hard on myself and expectations at times & it was fun to see my friends enjoy handmade, one of a kind items.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome! I will make a box like that for my fam at thanksgiving, thanks for the inspo!

[@joannunemaker6332]

It's hard to take apart a project you no longer want to finish. My guess is most people have had this problem at times. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You're so right, it is hard to "give up" officially!!

[@missybiblio4673]

Its funny but i have a completely opposite habit but feels equally toxic where I'll get halfway through a project or sometimes even completely through something and then feel like i hate it or get really excited about a different project that it would look good in and rip the whole thing out and then look back like what the heck is wrong with me

[@pamlindsey9695]

I totally agree with you regarding the self striping yarn. If it is long enough stripes I color control it. I've bought it because it looks so pretty in the cake but worked up it a different story lol!! I won't be buying it any longer. I differ in the fact that if I don't like a project part way through I will totally frog it. I don't like doing it but I just can't stand the thought of not using the yarn!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I need to be more like you and listen to myself when I don't like it!!!

[@Diabloceratops_ttz]

I definitely get distracted by new shiny projects. I have a few WIPs I really need to finish but now they're down to the finishing details - embroidery, sewing on pieces, etc. And that's where I get stuck if it's too many for me. I have thrown WIPs away or frogged them if I knew I was never going to finish them and that felt very freeing!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I need that free feeling!!

[@teacupdeux]

I use notes A LOT across different notebooks - always making sure to note pattern yarn and hook size and then what I’m doing, any math or ideas I’m trying out. I also like to use my iPad (when I remember to charge it!) to take notes on the pattern. But I usually print out the pattern and make my notes there. It’s super helpful. Like right now I’m working on a very modified version of a sweater (I’m adding a gusset for the underarm and length on the sleeves!) and I made sure to take notes so I can follow where I was going with my ideas. Also I feel you on sunk cost feelings but I’ve just enjoyed the feeling of learning and being in place in my life that my time and money and my own life are for myself (personally instead of asking myself oh Am I good enough? - I’ve been trying to ask Are YOU good enough for me and my time?) !!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks for the help!

[@teresauplinger1601]

I just stumbled upon you and now I guess I'm going to go and watch your previous posts ☺️😉.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I appreciate it Teresa!!!

[@meaganm77]

I feel all these seasons soooo deeply!!!! I do like a random color look (that one seen others do) but often when I’m using self striping yarn it turns out not random enough so it looks like you’ve made a mistake.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

YEEEES I think you hit the nail on the head for me!!

[@peglamphier4745]

I've got one like that now. I bought a sweater coat amount of yarn and I'm working it up and its too varigated for me. I'm ignoring it, which solves nothing.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol, you sound just like me Peg!

[@shaykayraycrochet]

I am the same with abandoning WIPs. Sometimes it is just the next enticing pattern pulls me away from one that has taken too long and has been too monotonous. Other times, it is the disappointment of it not turning out the way I hoped, not fitting the way I imagined, taking more yarn than anticipated and the yarn I started with is no longer available, etc. etc. etc. It seems the reasons are as endless as the WIPs (or as Crystal at Secret Yarnery calls them: UFOs - unfinished objects). I am exactly the same with the color-changing cakes, but I know this about myself, so I just always buy an extra cake to dissect for color control purposes. I love the look of the cakes, and I make a lot of pretty mandala-style baby blankets, so I know they'll always be among my favorites, but I treasure the gradient cakes that just flow seamlessly from one color to the next and carefully pick project for them that are top-down and seamless (like shawls, skirts, raglan sweaters, etc.) Those are the WIPS that seem to get my attention and drag me away from the others, so I'm learning from my WIP mistakes, too. Hopefully someday, there will be more finished objects than WIPS or UFOs, but for now, that just isn't the case, so I'm not going to dwell on it, and just enjoy making what gives me joy. Hugs & blessings!💜💜💜

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you for sharing that, it sounds so similar to me! But the tip about getting an extra cake for color control is the best thing I’ve heard in a long time! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that lol!!!

[@myhumbleheartedhome]

Girl SAME!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol!

[@katieduffy593]

Another great video Shannon. I don't feel your temperature blanket expenditure was anything to feel bad about - not a huge sum of money, you're using up the yarn, if you don't use it all you can donate it. No biggie! Re: self striping yarn. I have two kinds I like. The fair isle type I use for blankets and i employ a type of colour assignment/planned pooling/colour control without cutting to maximise the striping - width of project, height of stitch for each row to bring the stripes into a pleasing, but not perfect, alignment. Also, for boomerang scarves I like a self striping yarn where the colour change is muted, for example moving between soft yellow and soft orange with some splashes of orange on the yellow before it becomes a solid colour.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You make a great point Katie! I really love my scarf from knit picks chroma and i guess thats striped......but the color change is so gradual and muted that it doesn't feel the same way to me.

[@PamelasCrochetKnitCorner1]

I never finished a temperature blanket. Wipville is where my wips are. Now I go thru and frog if I am no longer excited about it.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I will not attempt another temp blanket ever lol! I need to be more like you and just make the decision to frog!

[@Christena1601]

I have to color control stripes yarns. I find myself buying solid color yarn. I participated in a year long CAL, ghen when done i hated it. Fortunately i have been wanting to make the Apache tears blanket. I can frog the blanket i am nit happy with and use the yarn for that. ❤❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

The Apache tears blankets are sooo pretty!

[@kaytiej8311]

As a 63 yr old, I've learned something recently. Trying is a success in itself. I agree with you about self stripping yarn. I love the look of them but have only had success in the outcome once. Ive discovered that, u less I'm willing to emvrace the random to just admire them, maybe make a note of the colours used and buy the pkain colours to stripe my own, and move on. I encourage you to frog the wips. Bite the bullet and be brave. Donate the yarn or break the yarn at the end of rows so you have a clear stripe. Better to have a gew metres of scraps to throw out than have the yarn languish and cause you discomfort.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That's a great tip Kaytie! I love the colors individually, I would probably get better use that way!

[@epicnamepwns1242]

It sounds like self-patterned yarns would suit you better for fussy cutting or perhaps in multi-strand projects where the colors are naturally dispersed and blended. I've been going through my yarn and have frogged several things that weren't going as intended, some I don't know what was intended, and some just aren't appealing. I still have a few that are nearly done, and I think they just need to be finished, but these are dishcloths, so I don't feel like I need to love them to be used by others or myself.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

very true!!

[@madisonheise]

I definitely avoid disappointment by not finishing things. Even if it’s something I really enjoy and will wear, I get to the end and don’t finish the last few things so I don’t have to worry about not liking it ! I also have a habit of making clothing items that are not my style. I enjoy crocheting them but then realistically I know I won’t wear it so I just let it sit

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

oh wow, sounds like you and I are two peas in a pod!!!

[@vickicoleman2474]

I have so many WIPs and yet, I’ll start a random new project because 1. I fall in love with a pattern 2. I buy some yarn I can’t wait to try. 3. A favorite KZbinr will offer up a make-along (I like this because I KNOW I’ll finish that project.🥸 One day I was so frustrated with myself because I started a new pattern. (Halloween hat🥰) and my dear sister said, “hey! You’re a creator and creators have to create!” Well, I can live with that. I’m not crazy about the way self-striping yarn works out. I usually color control and when I don’t, I usually don’t like the way the project works out. Another relatable video.❤️. No guilt allowed-everything is a lesson🥰 Donate that scarf, it’ll keep somebody warm!❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You are such a beautiful voice of reason Vicki! ❤

[@deborahm4484]

Hi Shannon I know what you mean about wips the self striping yarn looks good in the ball or cake but sometimes doesn't look good made up.i heard somewhere that starting new things increases endorphins in the brain .I can't stop starting new items .so wips everywhere.i donate to charity ..so I always go back to them .well most of them.love your channel Shannon always enjoy the chats.many blessings from Ireland 🍀🍀🍀

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you so much! lol, I agree, I need the endorphins too!

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

Unless a self stripping yarn has long enough colors to easily control, I'm with you. Nice in the cake, not in a project.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

exactly!

[@JeaWis]

For me cakes are beautiful but they only have one repeat of the colors which turns me off. If the yarn has multiple repeats of color sequences I like it better. I made at least a half dozen asymmetrical shawl/scarves before I realized “I don’t like asymmetrical shawls. They are too hard for me to wear. Why did it take so long to realize that?! I have changed my view on knitting and frogging. I still had the joy of knitting. Now I can use the same yarn and get more joy😁

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol, I'm a slow learner too!

[@alekfelis]

It makes a lot of sense for me, I'm that way with the time spent, I feel guilt and frustration if half thru the project realise I don't like it or not fit me right, because I feel awful from the time wasted on it. Something you may try is to recolour the projects you don't like to dark brown and gray, so will have one coherent piece. I've been dyeing yarn for the past few months and even sometimes results were surprising, it's an interesting experience and in your case extra content. Just do a quick research on how to dye finished objects, it shouldn't be so different from yarn.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s a great idea, I appreciate you sharing it! Thanks 😊

[@angelayarnivoregirl5009]

I started going through my Ravelry projects list as I was listening. I have SO MANY listed as WIP and when I look at them, I remember how I just abandoned them for different reasons: the yarn just wasn't right, the pattern was too time-consuming or boring. I feel like I only have WIPs and finished projects that just need ends woven in/blocked. I watched a video once that was about if you are a process-creator or product-creator. I am definitely a process creator so having something done doesn't matter as much to me as when I am enjoying in the moment creating (but I have to say my lack of finished projects is.....embarrassing).

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It sounds like you and me are in good company! Everything you just said is totally relatable to me!

[@lindab.716]

I made my temperature blanket after the fact. I made it using temperature history to make the day I met my fiancé (2/15/22) to our first Valentine’s Day (2/14/23) adding a row of hearts the day he proposed. 😊 I never could work up the energy to do a random year.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I live that idea!! I think that the fact it is so special would really help keep me focused!

[@lindab.716]

@ as a bonus for not doing it in real time is you can crochet when you have the time and can do multiple rows and no daily guilt. 😊

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

I absolutely hate when I pick awesome yarn and a pattern I'm sure I'll like and it works up wonky. Or when I create a sweater with a much loved stitch and screw it up. I feel like such a failure 😢

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I'm with ya there!

[@Lisbeth_59]

I know what you mean about self striping yarn! My favorite yarn is Hobbii Butterfly. So soft, drapey...but it's self striping. I hate cutting and color controlling; there's no right answer here!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Exactly!!!

[@Lorreyla]

Don't give up on the yarn, the colors are so you. Just cut and control the color changes to suit what you are making. If you really hate it just donate it to a group like Project Linus. I can understand your feelings. I really don't like that type of yarn either. I prefer the more subtle ombre type yarns with no obvious color change.

[@JoanneDick-qd5ig]

Controlled stripping is my preference with stripes

[@Beverly-xz2xh]

Hi, I have a question and I know you will know the answer. I ordered yarn on Hobbii. When it came to the payment part, they insisted that I click "Link" and fill out the information that Link wanted. I had already ordered previously with my credit card. I googled Link and it has some down sides. Do you buy yarn with Link and do you think it's safe? Also, do you like Hobbii? Thanks so much!! Love your channel!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Beverly! I haven't ever had to use LINK but I have had to use a different one at other sites. I'm not sure why, I try to avoid third party apps and I never install them on my phone when they suggest it! It's just so hard to know what's a scam anymore! Your smart for googleing it!!! Thank you for your kind words about my channel, I appreciate it! I actually haven't ever ordered from Hobbii, I've looked at their sight sooo many times, I need to just try it out! My favorite (right now anyway) is Knit Picks and Wool Warehouse is right up there too!

[@Beverly-xz2xh]

@@ShannonTalksYarn Thanks so much for your reply. The first time I ordered from Hobbii, they accepted my credit card, but yesterday, the checkout kept insisting I click on LINK and order that way. So I cancelled my order. Sadly, they're having a great sale.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

@@Beverly-xz2xh Better safe than sorry when it comes to that stuff tho!! I would have done the same thing!

[@lindarandles2106]

Omg! I probly have 5 sweaters that just need 1 more sleve😂😂.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol!!!

[@JoanneDick-qd5ig]

Just thinking if you were to finish off what's in the basket and you still don't like them donate them to goodwill. That way they will be out of your life and move on . To new exciting products and learn N from what you have made in the past .❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I think you're right! I need to move on and if they can make someone else happy that would be great!

[@wendyhayne930]

I've been there, you shouldn't be too embarrassed

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks Wendy!

[@cocoscrochet6380]

Hi Shannon 🤗 thank you for sharing! I’m definitely guilty of “startitis” 🥰🧶🤩

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You get so many beautiful projects finished!!!