CRAFTING ON A BUDGET! 👑 20 Money Saving Yarn Hacks Every Crafter Needs To Know

[@drdouglas36541]

My mom always said I spent too much money on yarn. She passed away November 2023 and i inherited her stash yarn. Over 1000 sheins. I laughed and cried thinking about her. I now dont have have to goto theyarn store for a long time. Im sorting through moms yarn and mine and making notes for projects to make with what is already present. All those blankets that I have OOhhhh and AAwed over are now not just wished but are going to be born with this yarn mountain. I can gift to family for holidays and donate to local charities. Thank you Toni for the tips and tricks of my favorite hobby. My mom taught me to crochet at age 4. But I have learned so much more by watch your videos and some other KZbinrs. Thank you again and keep up the amazing work that you do.

[@debbiemcclure2874]

So sorry for your loss. Lost mine in 2021. Roughest thing I've been through. I'm glad she left you all her yarn. That was a blessing

[@susanrussell8195]

Your mom was trying to teach you from her ‘mistake’. Even though I have a ridiculous stash of fabric I would also caution my children from buying more than what they had an immediate need for. I am finally getting a handle on my stash, so I hope by the time I leave this world, I won’t be leaving so much behind.

[@holoinfinity4691]

this happened once when my church had a yard sale but non of their knit/crochet supplies nor yarn sold. i took it all bc they were gonna throw it all away so I made a ton of garments. This was 7 yrs ago

[@dianecummins4168]

I have built quite a stash from thifting yarn and my one lesson from that is ; it doesn't have to come home with me just because its inexpensive. Leave the find there to make someone elses day😊 So, I have been more discriminate. It ain't easy leaving yarn when its $1.99 and you know its $12 at the big box store. 😅 I always come away from your videos feeling more confident in my craft. Thank you!

[@stonytina5177]

Ooh, I like thrifting yarn. Feels a bit like taking home a puppy from the dog pound and give it a good life The most beautiful skeins I ever bought was in a thrift store: 5 skeins of a discontinued line (somewhere in the 80s) of #12 cotton from a Dutch brand, in a gorgeous dusty pink, four skeins unused, fifth skein only slightly used with the WIP still connected so no loss at all. Cost 50 eurocents each, where new price would have been 4,5 euro each. The only thing that made me sad is the realisation those skeins were not the kind of yarn a beginner would have bought. Most-likely scenario is that it was from an old lady who knew very well how to crochet but had to give it up.

[@marymiller9605]

My stash is mostly thrift deals. Loveciy. It is hard to turn a good deal down.

[@dianecummins4168]

@@stonytina5177 yes!

[@dianecummins4168]

@@marymiller9605 me too 😊

[@flypinkswimmeltedkat4469]

Where do y’all go thrifitng? Goodwill or local small shops

[@connierosenberger126]

As a librarian it warms my heart each time you promote libraries. I’ve spent this summer exploring the crochet books in my local library system. Also, my local library has crafting groups that meet each month. I’ve met some great people and learned new things.

[@grandmasmagic3858]

pe covid a weekly craft group I attended would meet up in our library..unfortunately they gave our room away after everything opened back up so we had to find an alternative venue..we tried taking turns at our houses but we had more people than chairs..in the end I was able to commandeer a room at a community centre which also has a library..wo we can hit the group, hit the library all at the same time..

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

I recently found out my local library has a crafting circle. The issue I have is it's at 10-1100 on a Tuesday so I can't attend. My mom has a crafting circle I am currently a part of but maybe I should make my own too.

[@kristinlagerquist8161]

Re. yarn bowls: You know those old school tupperware pitchers/jugs and rubbermaid cereal keepers with the pouring lid that live in the back of the cabinet or pantry? Those make GREAT yarn bowls. See-through stackable yarn storage.

[@sibleyhoneybee427]

Such a great idea! Thank you! ❤🧶

[@karleedu]

I use the large plastic containers from the Dollar Tree. Perfect size for skeins!

[@deborahpasha9727]

You can also use the empty cleaning wipes containers. They hold a full skein very well.

[@christyr7714]

@@deborahpasha9727love this idea!

[@leslieridley8653]

I waited until it went on sale! I only shop when there's a sale or if I have a coupon!😂

[@sennaka]

on the stitchmarkers - when I was out at Michaels I'd take a tour through the jewelry section after getting my yarn. Get your hands on some lobster claws (for crochet) or jump rings (for knitting), rifle through their extremely cheap jewelry findings (careful not to pick anything that's particularly pointy or snaggable in your yarn!) and MAKE yourself some stitch markers unique to you. Drop about $5 and you've got enough fittings for 12-20 markers. They're great for you, and you can make some for friends. Stitchmarker exchanges are a thing at some fibercons, too!

[@angelayarnivoregirl5009]

Claire's dangling earrings on clearance are also SO cute and make great stitch markers. Just remove the earring part and attach the lobster claw instead. Rubber ducks, boba tea, smores with smiles are just a few I have made with them.

[@Rachel-rv8db]

I just make stitchmarkers from small loops of yarn, larger than the needle/hook, tied with a knot. They cost nothing. I've never spent a dime on markers.

[@Rachel-rv8db]

I should have said: I do this when I'm knitting... when you put the stitchmarker on the needle.

[@Banar89]

I use lobster claws and jumps rings with buttons to make my stitch markers. I took apart a charm bracelet my ex gave me and use lanyard hooks to put on the last stitch so it’s doesn’t get accidentally frogged. I also use letter beads, elastic string and a lanyard hook to make hook size reminders.

[@BeckyS]

​@@angelayarnivoregirl5009ok, that is BRILLIANT!!

[@annetaylor1095]

On the bottom shelf at Goodwill I spied new in Hank sock yarn shoved in a bag for $12.99!!! I got it home and searched every brand…$675 in wool! It was my lotto win! I second thrifting! The prizes can be found! ❤

[@nicolezarroc6261]

When I first started to crochet, I was given all my grandmothers scraps. I made my mom this scarf out of the leftover bits. She wore that terrible first scarf until it fell apart. Now, many years later I actively use "scrap" yarn to make the most unique pieces. Love to mix and match the colors and make a whole theme of it. Never underestimate the power of left over scrap yarn!

[@McQueenFam]

There are tons of videos to teach you how to make your own T-shirt yarn or plarn as well! Every now and then I make a post on one of my local Buy Nothing groups asking for old shirts that people would rather throw away than donate. The types of things my Nana used to rip up for cleaning rags. 😂 I'll get quite a few bags of them, and then I just throw them in the wash on my sanitary settings to get out anything icky, and then I make my own yarn. It's great for really big blankets as well as really sturdy baskets or tote bags!

[@Logger2008]

You all... dying your own yarn is such a good skill to have. Not only does it end up being less expensive in the long run, but you can 100% customize the colors you want for your projects. Plus, think of how much you spend on just one skein of indie dyed yarn (rightly so I might add so continue to support them please). If you learn to dye, you can make your own. (ChemKnits on KZbin will be your new favorite channel.) The deals that WeCrochet/Knitpicks has on bulk packages of bare yarn are good, but during their mega sales, it's incredible. I buy three or four 10-packs at once and I have yarn for a YEAR. The ONE thing Toni didn't mention is that only fibers you can dye with food coloring/koolaid/professional acid dyes are ANIMAL FIBERS. So this will NOT work for plant or synthetic fibers. Happy dying!!

[@lesliehawkins3386]

Yes! I've been experimenting with dying yarn! I love the process and it's a surprise on how the colors turn out. I can only do small batches at a time, usually about 5 skeins on a weekend and then I use a clothes rack to let them dry. I was using the cheap flimsy aluminum food trays, but they leak and then I got a mess in the oven. So I gotta find a better tray, and my kitchen smells like white vinegar!😂

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

The last minutes of this video are worth the whole video. Thanks, Toni, for the sage words. I have had a serious case of FOMO all my life-and I also enjoy my creativity so that helps me keep the brakes on-sometimes! LOL!

[@stonytina5177]

Visser? Are you Dutch?

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

@@stonytina5177 No, but my husband is! Thanks for asking!

[@stonytina5177]

@@andrealouis-visser4973 LOL. Such a recognisable last name. Cheers!

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

@@stonytina5177 I’m guessing you might be English?

[@mattimakes]

I Love that you suggested spinning your own yarn. There are a lot of farmers that raise for meet and milk. The sheep have god fleece and most are just giving them away. I have tutorials on my channel showing how to prepare fleece for spinning, from free fleece. Please go make friends with a local farmer, collect a few fleeces and remember to make them a gift from their own sheep’s fleece.

[@VonScully]

Love thrifting yarn, especially when I manage to find vintage skeins. I once found what had seemingly been a Grandma’s stash of yarn made in the late 50’s and I used my own Grandmother’s hook that I inherited to make a baby blanket for my newborn niece. I like to believe that that blanket is full of Grandma Love and that I made whoever owned the yarn first proud.

[@lindamcknight7443]

I made a yarn bowl out of a gallon ziplock bag wherein I put my thread inside and punched a hole in the side of it and pulled the thread through.

[@lilymoto28]

The last bit brought me to tears. TY for always being real ❤ ALSO your hat is super cute !!

[@katejohnson1381]

Thank you so much for the last bit. I desperately needed the reminder to be true to me. Learned to knit 35 years ago, but didn’t become a knitter/crocheter until about 15 years ago (if you know what I mean!). It’s now been almost 9 years (November) since my mom passed away and she was my knitting bestie. Family history of knitters and crocheters and weavers and quilters and sewists… and they’ve all passed on now… and I am left to keep this legacy alive and keep the fiber/fabric arts alive in my children… I don’t have a single “maker” type friend where I live, so getting to join you and other podcasters for little snippets of time gives me a boost and a friend. Thank you.

[@FaithChildress]

I appreciate Toni’s tips.But her bestie warning about FOMO was the best. I feel FOMO about yarn, especially, but I try to remember that actually sitting down and crocheting whatever I’ve got is way better than spending time scrolling through someone’s else’s craft life (except Toni, of course!). Doing crochet is the best antidote for FOMO!

[@terriepurkey708]

I could watch your videos all day! I love how it feels like you're talking directly to me. #1 because your content is solid, but mostly because of your little asides and smiles that lets me imagine you're sitting across from me sharing a coffee. That in itself is a real skill and certainly contributes to all of us returning to you over and over. PLUS you then have all that amazing yarn advice and crocheting tips that you so selflessly share. I'm relatively new to crocheting - starting something new in my retirement - and I have followed you faithfully to help me improve. Thanks for all you do! (and can I say, that last section of the video is genius! Love it!)

[@carmenlane7681]

You just said what I came here to say. 🫶🏼😊

[@TJtheBee]

A drop spindle and fiber isn’t that expensive! I’m on the poverty line and I can afford it, which makes me super happy. Just make sure your final yarn is in Z-twist, so that it meshes well with crochet. ;)

[@mxhoneyfoot42]

So you're saying I should start spinning? I feel you're definitely saying that. 😂 Seriously, though, thank you for these tips! A good reminder of all that is possible. :D

[@marianeculek3261]

That is smart about buying together! I have no crochet friends 😊

[@catherinemcnicoll5397]

Girl, I need you with me all day reminding me to hydrate

[@ilaquinndesignsCo]

You already had me on every point.... But that last one!!! touched my soul!

[@maryb6872]

Last night I started a written inventory of my yarn stash: brand, color, fiber content, weight, yardage. I got tired of opening bins and exclaiming, "I didn't know I had this yarn!"

[@octubre_lilaka]

On patterns: I have a Samsung phone, and therefore the Samsung notes app comes preinstalled. It can import PDFs, remembers the last place you left off, and you can mark on the pattern in the middle of it. Very handy for making adjustments or made to measure patterns. I also have a Kindle and I can upload patterns to it for easier viewing in direct daylight without printing. Can't mark on the pattern with it (just a Paperwhite) but it also remembers where I left off, plus I can read when not working on patterns. There is a storage concern especially with patterns with photos but keeping projects organized should help.

[@monadietrich]

My own pattern hack (?) - I actually use a lot of vintage patterns. Either from scanned, public domain works or from the thrift store/flea markets. It's absolutely amazing what you can find and tweak for a modern look and in my opinion, collected volumes are usually the best value. Especially when making stuff for kids, the basic patterns tend to be much of the same :) . Just using different colors and maybe adding a little bit of applique or embroidery works wonders when updating a design!

[@valeriehowden471]

I've become besties with my local library! 100% agree with upcycling something old and your cooking analogies. Don't throw out dry bread - use it for French toast, dressing or bread pudding. I made multiple cat beds out of an old blanket and a cotton pillow cover out of a badly stained sweater. Thank you especially for your FOMO discussion.😊

[@julierines1100]

Check to see if your library has a Library of Things, these are collections of non traditional items and often have craft items like knitting needle and crochet hook sets and ball winders and yatn swifts that you can borrow the same way you would borrow a book. Handy if you don't usually use a Jumbo hook but need one for a particular project

[@MarshmallowPumpkin889]

8:20 I always enjoy using my large Ramen bowl from Marshalls that has koi fish all over it. It has a hole for the yarn and knitting needles to pass through, the divot on the other end also is helpful when resting tools on it.

[@kittycat2167]

Omg, I was spinning as I was watching this video!! Crochet and knitting is a gateway drug, I swear. Y'all it is so easy to DIY your first spindle. If you have or can borrow a drill from someone, buy a dowel, some wood rounds and some screw hooks at a craft store. Drill a hole in the round of wood, stick your dowel in, screw in the hook and voila, you have a spindle. Now you can brag about the item you made, with yarn you spun yourself on a spindle that you made!

[@daylasimeone336]

I have an old melamine mixing bowl that I have repurposed into a yarn bowl. It is perfectly smooth and much bigger than most actual yarn bowls to hold those bigger skeins!

[@vivienrubio8129]

For my 'yarn bowl' I got a large, empty coffee canister and melted a small hole in the plastic lid. The yarn stays contained and when I need to put it away for a bit I can pop the lid off and place the project inside. I also love that my library carries digital copies of Toni's book as well as other crochet books and techniques that I want to try but can't afford to buy the book.

[@farquharson92]

I love you and Elise. You changed my life Toni! You are a great teacher. Side note you and Elise should come to Niagara Falls Canada!!! And do a meet and greet! I’ll show you around. There’s lots of wineries around here I’m sure you both would love it!!! Pleeeaaase lol

[@rhondaregister8081]

Old or new wooden salad bowls make great yarn bowls. You can even drill holes in the side to pull 2 or more strands through at a time.

[@teatimecherry4718]

My yarn bowl is a beautiful Monkey wood salad set I found at Good Will several years ago.

[@thedyingunicorn]

I have almost 10 totes of just thrifted yarn. Thrift stores are a blessing!

[@elizabethramos6527]

I have not responded for a while. I got caught up in seeing new yarn and feeling down about not being able to get more yarn. But I had to remind myself self that I have a substantial yarn collection amassed during the COVID lockdown. I need to go into my storage totes to see what I have. To start using it up!

[@bettymarshall2702]

I can't live without my Tulip Etimo and Clover Amour crochet hooks and Clover Locking Stitch Markers.

[@julieparker8553]

Best video yet ! You spilled 🍵 but it was great! Thank you Very informative n inspired! Can’t wait till next video

[@maryb6872]

I want to crochet some summer tops, and don't want the stitch to be a clunky double crochet....I'm looking for a lacy stitch. The internet seems to offer only one choice: make two rectangles and seam them. The gal from Crafters Autonomous shows how to crochet a top to fit your body...the top has straps and a curved neckline. The problemis her top is in double crochet. I found a book called Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary by Dora Ohrenstein that demonstrates how to increase, decrease and shape 125 different stitches so I can make a shaped neckline with lacy stitches. I haven't tried the patterns out yet but I'm very hopeful!

[@Gab_Dash126]

I recommend PassioKnit Kelsie, she has some really good summer top designs

[@c.h.e.r.i.]

You might have luck with Japanese patterns. They're generally a lot lacier and lighter, and they use mainly charts so you don't necessarily need to speak Japanese to understand them.

[@CrochetKrisMI]

@CinnamonStitches has lacy top patterns.

[@JuliaLynn1234]

Your crochet knowledge knows no limits. Learn something every time. However, you are so much fun to watch!!!! Thank you so much for bringing the spirit and fun into my craft room :) 😂❤ Many people have said to me what you said in the last minute or so but you saying it coming from such a strong crafter made me melt. Gotta save this video for when I need a reality check #hug from Central WI

[@peacewithHim]

Great ideas! I've crocheted since I was 18, that's 50 years total. I've used it for my personal pleasure and therapy. I've made gifts for others and some for myself. I'm known to my family as the woman who crochets in parking lots. If I have to wait for someone, I just pull out a wip and clear my mind. My point is, some of your suggestions I have never thought of. One can ALWAYS learn new tricks. Thank you.

[@yarnstead]

thanks for speaking about FOMO! I think it's a huge thing in the crafting world. Love the tips on your channel!

[@Yourrrr]

I’m a baby knitter (~6 months) and wealthy zip code thrift stores have been *the best*!! Also love coming up with crafty ways to use old earrings/charms to make cute looking stitch markers. Love these tips I’m excited to try out yarn sub

[@pernilles3123]

Girl, as a student I totally second both yarn subbing as well as thrift stores!!

[@thatcasualdragon2975]

another thing that libraries often have now are Library of Things selections and while there might not be yarn (although there might be!) it's a good place to try out hooks/needles or other crafts without spending anything.

[@AntisocialAuntie]

My favorite blanket was a temperature blanket during my "no buy" year. I had crazy colors of sock yarn that I never would have put together. It looks fabulous 🧡

[@deborahpasha9727]

I have found that over time there are a few "special" tools that I did need. In the past year I have included blocking mats, a hand steamer, blocking combs, a simple yarn winder. I still favor my simple Susan Bates hooks but I am slowly investing in a more ergonomic set of steels for lace work. I made my own "yarn bowl" out of a basket that I had. What I did was make a liner for the basket out of some scrap fabric I had. Around the edge I sewed loops into the seam. It is a nice size basket and it holds several different balls at a time and each ball has their own loop guide. So no tangles. I often frog old WIPS and look through thrift stores for skeins. I always wanted to learn how to spin and dye. Thank you for all of your great suggestions.😁

[@ShoggothKnits]

HEY, just a headsup Toni, the background you got going on for your water break could cause seizures and Migraines in those of us who have a sensitivity to flashing lights! as always love your content!!!! ❤❤❤

[@kathleengolding7823]

Thank you for you 🥰 and your killer smile … your presence is so beautiful

[@autumnmarilyn5216]

I love to save my longer scraps and make a magic knot ball to use for scrappier practical projects like a plastic bag storage or a rag rug, it’s super handy and a fun way to catalogue projects from the past

[@teresacort4551]

Toni Thank you so much for your chat at the end of this vid So many times I have felt left behind. Being a crochet learner from You Tube I am learning slowly and listening to audio books while doing my craft. Crocheting for me is relaxing.

[@HooksUp-ir8to]

I took a plastic coffee container as a yarn bowl. Thanks for the video!!!

[@tracycaldwell7679]

I love how you tell it like it is.things that worry me on social media is all the pattern stealing.i feel bad for everyone.

[@Tri_AgainProject]

You're simply awesome. Entertaining, hype-person, funny & resourceful. 🥰

[@ProlificCrocheter]

I VERY much appreciated the last segment on fomo and social media. Thank you.

[@sennaka]

And another one on crafting books - if you're gonna purchase them for your shelf (while I have plenty of books on my Kindle I still like the feel of a good physical book) try and get them USED. Why? Not only are they cheaper, but quite a few of the pattern / crafting info books I've picked up on the cheap include notes written into the corners and free spots by the previous owner/s - there's a good chance those notes are corrections they've made to the patterns within or observations. They're dropping knowledge to you that may come in handy when you start your project.

[@anntally7503]

"Comparison is the thief of joy." Thanks Toni for the sidebar at the end and the reminder to hydrate! I hope you get to 1M soon!

[@ZimVader-0017]

I don't have any thrift stores that sell anything other than clothes (and most are from Shein 😒), so no vintage crochet hooks for me. BUT, I was gifted some fingering yarn by an old teacher, and my ex-MIL gave me a huge bag of crochet thread (and some fabric) from her own mother, who passed away. She doesn't crochet, but she remembered me and brought it over.

[@debkuppusamy7912]

Toni- absolutely fabulous video. Another tip- I use a collapsible dog water bowl for a yarn bowl. It won’t slide around, it’s collapsible to toss in your bag and they are so inexpensive

[@veronikaramirez5002]

Toni I can't tell you how much I appreciate your content. It quite literally saved me during one of the darkest moments in my life. Thank you so so much❤

[@yarn9147]

Congratulations, I saw you on a TV show with Knitting and Crochet, on regular television!

[@gojints]

My favorite stitch markers - Bobby pins! My grandmother used them and so do I.

[@pattycole8026]

Toni I love your humor.

[@Cat_Rescuer]

Just 219K to go! Let's make this happen y'all!! 🎶go Toni go Toni go go go Toni🎶🤗❤️

[@bgoquick]

I’d seen something about a year and a half ago at a yarn shop that I loved too. They had taken one of those little leave a book take a book library box things that they turned into a leave a skein take a skein. It was a great little way to yarn budget and keep your stash fresh. I have also definitely taken advantage of thrift stores and gotten some amazing deals on supplies

[@kop-uv2dx]

regarding the stash: if you have access to an IKEA, get those Billy bookcases with glass doors... it keeps your yarn stash looking fantastic, dust-free & gives you an easy overview of what you have... those glass doors make it very easy to quickly see if you have certain colours or not... (and the Billy's that are 30cm deep exactly fit Hobbii's Megaball yarns!!!!)

[@mariarichards8229]

I have a nice yarn stash and plenty of hooks. But what I don't have is some yarnhive merch. Guess who has some mercy now. This girl! Thank you very much

[@HaphazardPeach]

my yarn bowl is a literal bowl. I got one years ago from a small individual potter on a trip, and it's been chilling with the rest of my dishes completely unmatched. but now it's sitting pretty keeping my yarn from rolling everywhere.

[@ILostCountAgain]

Our library has a library of "things" you can check out. If yours does, they might have a collection of hooks or gadgets you'd just like to try out before you buy.

[@pattycrochets2559]

Your last bit is the best advice ever! Thank you ❤

[@VitreousJohn]

Love your FOMO talk at the end, Toni, more specifically the Chopped story where we as crocheters can create beautiful works of art from the ordinary. Thank you . . . now it's time to pull from my stash.😎

[@deborahlarimer9124]

Wonderful and useful video. I use a stand up reusable shopping bag as a yarn bowl. Works as storage bag for current projects.❤ You

[@lsnoss]

Yes, I tend to the Goodwill and other thrift shops in neighborhoods where the real estate is high. I have found entire sets of kitchen cabinets andsome beautiful sweaters. I have a whole sets of cashmere from old sweaters and it also allowed me to mix threads to create my own colorway!

[@choochoo405]

your spirit is sooo beautiful and your ideas are so common sense. Thank You.

[@star_magician]

building off of the stash organizing tip: if you don't have a lot of room and have to double layer yarns/have some yarns stored out of sight, it can be a good idea to take photos (with bright lighting!) of the parts of your stash that you can't see to easily to return to later without pulling all the yarn out. thank you for all the tips Toni, love your content!!

[@maryelizabethgarrity5514]

Thanks for reminder at the end. Brought tears❤

[@Crystal-dc3oy]

I just grabbed the pitcher out of the kitchen to use as a yarn bowl. It even fits the super jumbo budget skeins.

[@teetaloo]

to add to your point about going to bougie thrift stores for yarn - might I suggest also looking at thrift stores close to retirement communities? there is a town about 40 minutes out from where I live, which is mostly retired folks, elderly people, and their caretakers. they have the BEST thrift stores, full of yarn and craft supplies, and vintage clothes. plus those thrift shops are often non-profits or charity shops, and typically pretty cheap. don't be afraid to get out of town!

[@stitchdxpaige3874]

I agree with every hack except the alternative yarn bowl. I think a nice wooden yarn bowl makes lovely home decor while also being functional. Also I’m weird about food tools being used for non-food activity lol.

[@pattiray8542]

What a great chatty video! Love you, Toni ❤️

[@donnastiles2167]

Not all heros wear capes! Toni is the crochet cheerleader we all need!! Such good tips and can-do spirit!!! ❤

[@lovealwaysmom]

When you mentioned the yarn swap party, I was reminded of the clothing swaps some parents had when my children were in elementary school. I agree with the other commenters that the last 3 minutes of this post are the most important segment!! I've always had the mindset of thinking outside of the box. Most items I have are multipurpose items. It would be nice if more creators would promote the concept of the ages - use the resources that are readily available. 1. Your unique creativity 2. Shared knowledge 3. The material you have 4. The barter system

[@RhondaLorch]

I am so glad I found your channel - great advice and a non-judgy delivery!!💕🇨🇦

[@michelera6365]

❤ I do not crochet but really enjoy your content! And your enthusiasm is so inspiring.

[@daustinrichards]

For #17, your local library might also have craft meet ups. You can meet other people in the fiber arts. Sometimes I also take my projects to the library to work on. It's nice to spread projects out on the tables (I don't have one at home), and people seeing the projects is very motivating oddly

[@Kayari]

I've used everything from my own earrings to bits of craft wire to just a bit of different colored yarn toed around my needle as a stitch marker and my yarn bowl is literally just one of my dishes. I do want to get a nice fancy one eventuality, and there is a clay studio pretty close to where i live so when i have the time/money i'll probably check them out, and maybe see what they offer as far as making your own projects.

[@yvettealdrich1201]

I have made some really cute stitch and row markers with beads and jewelry clasps. I wanted something nice and to make some for my sister who is an amazing crocheter. I also use Notability on my iPad Pro as well. I also think that an amazing alternative to a yarn bowl is a paper towel holder that has a good heavy base. Thrift store find!

[@maryannw5289]

Thanks for your words of encouragement at the end of the video. I often feel my projects aren’t “good enough”. I recently went through my yarn collection and used organza bags to make “kits”. I put together yarns I wanted to use for a project, and put in s slip of paper with the pattern name and whether I already owned the pattern. This got me excited to use my stash, and made it quick to gather materials fora project, so I’m less likely to go online and buy new yarn. (Emphasis on “less” 😂)

[@jdbfortney]

Yarn bowl... heavy bowl with a clip (palm to forehead). Been crocheting for over 40 years! Have had yarn bowls, didn't like them! This tip is brilliant!! I know which bowl I'm going to try! ❤❤❤ TY

[@SylvieR66]

I love your spirit, your personality and your way to say things. 😍🥰We are blessed to have you here ! 🙌🌺 Thank you for all these good advices. I haven't missed a single one of your videos since I have subscribed to your channel. You're like the best friend everyone wishes they had. 💞🫂

[@heathersgoinnuts]

I go thrifting for my patterns as well. I found Vogue knitting magazines for 50 cents each. You can always photo copy the patterns. Also I found lots of tools at thrift stores. I just recently found Schitts Creek yarn from lion brand yarn. I got 6 skeins for 10 dollars. They were brand new and still packaged in the plastic that it came with.

[@sonjacapo9244]

I make plarn from plastic grocery bags that I get from Walmart recycle boxes in front of store I make sharn from bed sheets (most donated to me, some I buy at thrift stores on discount days) Both are great for crocheting totes ans rugs 🧶💚🧶

[@iijules]

I have used my ramen (noodle) bowl as a yarn bowl! It has a hole and groove for chopsticks so it works perfectly 😅 As for thrifting, I bought some of my very first crochet and sewing materials from a goodwill years ago. Unfortunately, my area Goodwills and thrift stores have gone insane with pricing. The last time I saw yarn, it was a bag of mostly half used and rough looking red heart probably worth about $5 marked at $19.99. Honestly, dollar tree and budget yarn at the craft stores have become my budget recommendations lately. I miss the good ol days finding deals on things at the thrift stores.

[@jodycoolidge4139]

I love Elise Rose. I have learned so much from you and her

[@karleedu]

I bought a cheap set on Amazon and I love them. They have a thicker handle, but a longer shaft than other "ergonomic" hooks.

[@kathyd7506]

Thank you! I have two of the Clover knockoff sets and a couple real Clover Amour hooks, and the only difference I can tell is that the cheap ones had a slightly longer shaft. So I actually prefer them! I am not sure what I’m missing when people pay they aren’t s good as the real thing.

[@offthehookcrochetnicole]

Great tips! I use many of these regularly so that I CAN splurge on nicer yarns and tools now and then.

[@lesliehawkins3386]

Love it! Yes hobbies get expensive! Although I donated my red heart collection to my best friend who has made so many cute thing's! I just got burnt out on red heart for the past 10 years and I feel like some of my projects would have looked better in a different yarn. Thank you so much Toni Lipsey for introducing me to the Happy Place yarn! It's all natural, a firm softness, although if you soak it in fabric softener for 30min. It gets very soft and lovely. I mean straight up had a mid life crisis with yarn! But honestly your yarn is very affordable, it is better to buy in bulk. For me you definitely replaced the horrible stuck in red heart rut. I just get so much more definition in seeing the stitches, it doesn't split up as much. I can dye it, it feels so good!❤

[@melissaxiques6298]

How did you read my mind?! This came at the perfect time! Thank you!

[@INKSTARS1138]

I definitely need to organize my stash again. I had it roughly organized by weight once, but oof it has gotten out of hand again. (You know, you pick out stuff to do a project, end up doing something else, put it away because you need to tidy up without putting it where it actually goes.....it happens). These are great tips, thanks!

[@sharondowns1572]

Ms. Toni, I have been shopping thrift stores for yarn for years. I do ride out to the better neighborhoods. Once, I went to a Goodwill and scored a bag of 8 Lion Brand skeins for $12. I started smiling from ear to ear, SOLD! ❤😂

[@HelloWifey]

I try to only buy yarn if I have a purpose for it and I love checking out crochet books at the library. My library also has free yarn if you checkout looms and crochet/knitting tools.