Start A Conversation...With Other Crocheters!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I’ve got the link to the form fixed now (I think!) thanks for your patience 😊

[@theattemptedhomemaker]

Done!

[@deniseyoung3738]

One of my church friends started a knitting/crochet group at church. She talked to a lot of mom's picking up their kids from the church school, and now we have a group every other week to help learn from each other. And right now we are making baby blankets, booties and hats for different charities our church is involved in. Don't be afraid to start a yarn-a-long if there isn't one around!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so cool you all were able to start a group! I guess I never even considered starting one lol 😂 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@BeeWOWdbyAprilLee]

I've been wanting to start a crochet group at church.

[@tamaraking8259]

While I'm fairly newish to crochet, one thing I've learned from my other fibrecraft hobbies is that if you practice your craft in public, your people will find you! It's how I found out that there are three knitting and crochet groups that meet on different days in my neighbouring suburbs and there's a lacemaking and spinning group that I can go to for lessons and a chat if I so desire them.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s a great tip!!! And that’s awesome you’ve got those resources too!

[@3AM_Crocheter]

As a person who's spent a lifetime feeling awkward, I want to share something that's finally been a breakthrough for me. Every time I'm in one of those situations, and I feel that awkwardness starting to build up, I think "This is one of those moments where I'm going to feel awkward, but guess what? I DON'T HAVE TO. I can choose how to feel about this and I'm choosing to not feel awkward at all." Maybe this sounds silly but, I swear, this has changed everything for me. Love your videos and your channel! And love how you cover such interesting topics from a unique angle 😊❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you Sandie! And thanks for the encouragement ❤️ That’s so awesome, it’s not silly at all! Logically I think I know that……but convincing myself is another story. But I’ll keep practicing 😃 I habitually try to avoid unpleasant feelings so I’m spending a lot of time telling myself that feeling awkward is just a feeling and it doesn’t mean there’s actually anything bad. I know that probably seems obvious to everyone else but that’s where I’m at!

[@3AM_Crocheter]

I understand! I think I do the same thing too - not focus on the feeling and realize I don't need to "fix" it. It will pass! 😊

[@findingmyway3492]

I just found out that there is a maker's store in my area and they have open craft table during the week! You get to meet people and they let you try the products. Their goal is sales, but i love the idea! Thank you for your ideas of wearing items and working on WIPs out and about ❤

[@BeeWOWdbyAprilLee]

I met my best friend in the parking lot of joann fabrics. She approached me when i was donating yarn to a prayer Shaw ministry. We grew a super strong relationship.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome!!! I love that ❤️

[@slowcrochet]

Great topic as usual, Shannon, and lovely comments section! Love hearing everyone's stories and hearts! You really have a way of bringing out the gold in people! Something to remember: we aren't the only ones hoping for a "yarny friend". It may very well be that that person in the yarn aisle would LOVE to have you as a friend, but THEY feel awkward and nervous about talking to strangers. You never know when YOU could be the answer to someone else's prayers! 💓💓

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You are soooo right!!! It’s possible we are being sent to the yarn aisle just for that reason! ❤️

[@dclare2300]

I take my crochet everywhere. I also started a group very local to home and it really has bought the community together. We now make and sell our makes to help charities in our community .definitely a win win situation . X

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome!!! I love that!!! ❤️

[@vanessamorrison4458]

If your library doesn’t have a crochet and knit group, ask your librarian about starting one. The group I’m a staff liaison for meets twice a month now and has run for 15 years. It draws in all ages of regulars and new people for crafting, chatting, instruction, free tools and donated yarn! Park districts and townships may also help you set up a group. Thanks for another great video topic!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s such a great idea Vanessa! It’s super possible there’s others out there hoping someone starts the group! Thats so cool you’re a group liaison!

[@leilonnihamilton8356]

Hi Shannon, l used to go to 2 different crochet groups at the library. One was English speaking, and the other one was Spanish speaking. I enjoyed them both. Then came the day that we could not go because of COVID. That lasted a while, then when they opened up again they had the library closed for repairs. In the meantime we met at the YMCA. Now the library is open again but now I can't drive. I have You Tube crocheters l talk to. It's not the same as talking face to face, but it is better than nothing. I do talk to people at the store when I have the opportunity. I also take my crochet with me wherever I go . People come to ask what I am making and it helps start a conversation.😊 I love talking to you when you put a new video on. I will try to send my information later for your group.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Leilonni! I tell ya, that dumb thing ruined so much!!! Around here, it really altered peoples behavior even now. People here just don’t participate in things like they used to. Of course some businesses closed but even several churches in my area closed due to lack of people. I’m glad you’re still making contact with other crocheters even if you aren’t attending the group anymore. You can’t risk your health and safety to drive!!! I’m glad your here on YT, you’re an important part of the yarn community 🫶🏻

[@leilonnihamilton8356]

@@ShannonTalksYarn that's so sad to hear of churches closing up. We need that getting together for feeling a part of a group. I sure missed getting together with like minded people, whether we were at church or at the library or any other gatherings. It felt so good to see and hear other people around you. I'm glad I am a part of your community 😄.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

@leilonnihamilton8356 I’m so glad you are too! ❤️

[@kellycarter2497]

Hi Shannon. I have walked up to ladies at walmart, the farmers market and asked if they made what they're wearing. They are so pleased that their handmade creations are recognized. I've chatted in yarn aisles at Joann's, asked for and given advice. I carry my yarn everywhere, I feel naked without it lol. A lady told me she doesn't do much crochet because she can't read a pattern. I said, watch Bag'o'day. Watch and follow along, stop and start the video. I did forget, you did remind me, the local library has a Saturday yarny get together, I should look into it.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol I can say I feel naked without yarn too! 😂 That’s awesome I bet you have really made those people feel so good!!! And you’re right, with KZbin now, there’s no reason to rely solely on patterns!

[@HappyCraftyHomemaker]

I started our Prayer Shawl Ministry years ago but for the most part I have just accidently met yarn-heads in the wild. My online friends though are so wonderful!!!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome!! I agree, I’m so thankful for my online friends! It’s truly amazing that we have real time access to other people with our same interests around the world!

[@cleoklobucher3062]

I'm a super introvert and have to work hard at meeting people. I use my time away away from home as socializing. I've gotten better at approaching people. That's for your videos They seem to be just what I need.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It can be so hard to put yourself out there and be vulnerable, I’m proud of you!! 🫶🏻

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

I always take my crochet. I met a lovely group of women at the doctor's office and found a group that meets at a local church. Unfortunately I can't drive that far anymore, but it does work and we had a great get together right there in the waiting room that brightened my day

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s such a great way to meet other crocheters! Hopefully you will find another group that’s closer to you!

[@sweetmomentsbyjessie]

I’m such an introvert and don’t get out of the house as much as I should 😁… it’s also hard for me to go up to someone and start a conversation. That is a great idea to work on or wear projects in public! I need to work up some courage to try a crochet group 😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I’m in the same boat for sure! I don’t know if it’s the same for you or not, but it’s so much easier to make a YT video and talk to the camera than it is a person right in front of me lol 😂

[@sweetmomentsbyjessie]

@@ShannonTalksYarn Lol yes for sure! 😂

[@susancoleman4833]

Thank you for another great and useful video 📹 👍 ❤. I try to remember that no matter how advanced i get as a crocheter, there are many others that are much better. That's one of the things i ❤about KZbin and different communities coming together. There is always something more to learn. ❤😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Susan!! I couldn’t agree more! I’m so grateful for the opportunity YT gives us to connect ❤️❤️❤️

[@DebC313]

I found a crochet group at a library that meet every week. I went by and peeked in real quick just to see, but didn't join (yet) There were about 8-10 ladies of various ages. I didn't want to barge in and interrupt, than later on I wondered why I didn't. After all, they are my "tribe", my "people"! 😆

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It can be intimidating to walk into a group for sure! That’s awesome you found it, I hope you get to check it out! 🫶🏻

[@Baselle]

BTW: Love the macrame wall hanging behind you and the shawl next to it.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you!!! The shawl was from The Craft Nut and it’s in Drops Fable in chocolate. Unfortunately I didn’t make the macrame……it’s mass produced from TJ Maxx if I remember correctly. I would love to learn macrame but I just love crochet so much more, I never make the time to learn 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mishellegarrett9243]

I laughed out loud when you you said, "If you want to meet crochet people you have to get out of the house!" 😂

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

😂😂😂 unfortunately I’ve found it to be true!!!!

[@rosemarycreger2770]

Your posts have been so good for me Thank you so much for taking the time to care us all

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 🫶🏻

[@debmoore629]

I’m so blessed in my town. The local shop has a weekly get together, also our library did a monthly but 4 of us turned it into a weekly and our coffee shop does a monthly but I go at other times too.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That is awesome! I love that you made it your own too!

[@Baselle]

One word : transit

[@FloridasYesteryear]

Your Google doc said I didn't have permission. But I love the idea of email conversations like you were talking about.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Shoot! I’ll see what I can do!

[@janismadigan6178]

Hi Shannon. Thank you!!! I found 3 yarn groups in my area! Yay! Thank uou for your suggestion! BTW, yes, I am retired. 🧶🧶🧶

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s so awesome!!! 😃Yay!

[@janismadigan6178]

@@ShannonTalksYarn I had so much fun! It was my first ever knitting / crochet get together!

[@showandtellmeg]

I'm always knitting or crocheting anytime I have to wait anywhere - I even do it in church! It is kind of an instant ice breaker because people are frequently curious about what im making. Also I love the email idea :) Do you ever use Ravelry? A Ravelry group would probably be good too.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thanks for the tip! I have a ravelry account but I haven’t really explored the site at all, I didn’t even know you could have groups!! I’ll check into it!!! Thanks 😊

[@Desaundrea]

That’s easily answered: YARN. That should do it, and your off to the races 😂

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s all it takes to start a convo with me! 😂

[@LisaB.-ci7bi]

I have some friends that we meet on Monday and go out side

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s awesome! 😃

[@The-Vintage-Needlecrafter]

Thank you for creating this inner circle and I hope I can be of some knowledge and learn new things as well😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You’re welcome! I’m excited to get it started! 😃

[@wifeoftim]

Maybe one of the women at my church could start a crochet/knitting group.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You should totally check into it!!! 😃

[@ASquareGranny]

We could start a “discord” for a group…just a thought and only now learning of this magic! lol. Thank you for another great video! See you online ☺️🫶🏻🧶🧡💐. Happy belated Mother’s Day! - Lisa

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Lisa! Happy Mother’s Day to you too! You are ahead of me, I don’t even know what a discord is…I’m off to google it! 😂😂😂

[@thefroggirl1]

Hi Shannon! I was looking for a group to crochet with and found a few locally through Facebook. They would have different members host on certain weeks, a little like Bridge clubs. Also, my local library and the Y has knit and crochet classes. I am also very rural but near to an established city. I really just found though, I am most comfortable crocheting at home in my comfy chair with my kitties, who love to "help". I enjoy your videos a lot. You think up some great topics.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it! And how awesome you found the groups! I will be honest, even though I’d like to meet a group occasionally, I also love crocheting at home! After a long week of working with the public, I’m ready for quiet time!

[@Life_With_Lady]

I would love to make more yarny friends but Im disabled and mostly home bound, (I dont drive anymore, long story behind why) so I cant go out and meet other crocheters in my area.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That is totally understandable and that’s why I’m so thankful for the internet! I love how KZbin has helped me find my community ❤️❤️❤️

[@FloridasYesteryear]

I am totally down for the email. When I see someone who is wearing crochet I always compliment it and ask if they made it.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Awesome! Looking forward to it 😃 I’m sure you’re brightening their day ❤️

[@3AM_Crocheter]

Also, I LOVE your hat and would love to know about how you made it and what yarn you used! 😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Sorry I just realized I spelled Sandy wrong! I apologize! The hat is super quick and easy it’s one of my go to patterns. It’s an older video from Littlejohn’s Yarn. Slouchy granny beanie. The hat she’s wearing in the thumbnail is light pink and cream. For this I used Big Twist Tweed in chocolate with a 5.5 hook. Hope that helps! 😃

[@3AM_Crocheter]

Thank you SO much!! Going to look up that pattern and the yarn too. It's beautiful!!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

@3AM_Crocheter 😃

[@GumboGirl13]

Great video! A subject that is important to get us all out there with real people who love yarn! 🧶 The email idea is perfect. Love it!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, I really appreciate it! 🫶🏻