There's nothing wrong with being an average crocheter....I am. 

You are terrific. Everybody needs to listen to this video. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

Hey. I'm a self taught crocheter. Pick it up, put it down for years. I still consider myself a beginner. I have a friend who spins, weaves, knits, crochets and constantly wins awards. I frog two stitches for every three I crochet. My friend gets frustrated with me because I frog so much. For me, crocheting is a process. I enjoy the process as much as I like the finished product. Thank you for saying it's okay to be me

I am pretty average but my friends think I do awesome work. Of course they don’t know how to crochet.😂

My brother-in-law tells me he thinks I’m a magician for making cool stuff out of string. 😂

I love easy, relaxing patterns & budget yarn!

You, young lady, are a very wise person.

On not having to make your own pattern; 100% agree. I think crocheting and pattern making are two separate skills. Just because you don't make patterns doesn't mean you can't be a proficient and even advanced crocheter, it just means you aren't a pattern maker.

I. LOVE. THIS. Hallelujah! Finally! A nod to the NORMAL. Well said and presented, shannon. It DOES feel like pressure to “keep up with the joneses” sometimes (social media). Truly. It’s also sooo easy to be swept up in the moments. I’m SO SO SO glad to have NORMAL validated! Yay!!! Thank you! Xxx - Lisa ☺️🫶🏻🧶

I love this topic. It's so true when you see all the podcasters buying yarn. It seems to me that when I see all those yarn hauls, I feel I am missing out. I then feel that I have to buy some yarn to feel better about myself. I'm glad you say you are average. I'm average too.😊😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I appreciate it!

Thanks, Shannon. People always suggest that I teach people how to knit or crochet, and I know I'm honestly not that good at it. And I'm very much okay with that!

I crochet to relax not to compete. I have attention deficit disorder and crohet helps me . My family tell me I should sell my makes . NO !! I don't want to have too make something. I work at my pace and enjoy it . Thank you for your wise video 😊❤

What a breath of fresh air! I’ve been thinking along these lines for some time now. I enjoy making things for friends, family members and donation. And I enjoy finding favorite patterns I can do while listening to an audiobook or watching Roku. Complicated patterns give me a headache. I do have an extensive stash, but that just means I can shop at home first. Crochet is my therapy and my hobby, not my job. As you said, I don’t have to prove anything. None of us do. I will be sharing this on Facebook; I think your message needs to be heard by a wider audience. Thank you!

I just noticed I've been saying that I'm not a very good crocheter, and now I decided I'm an average crocheter and happy about it! It's so much better not to compare yourself with others -- main reason I hardly get on social media anymore. Thanks for all you do!

Thank you! I am a not-very- experienced knitter who does easy projects and uses value acrylic yarn. I do 80% of my projects for charity giveaways, and they have to be washable. There are people who like my simple little scarves, and that makes me happy!

Hi, I'm new to crochet and have dipped my toes into crochet RU-vidrs. I found this video so inspiring. Thank you so much for saying the things that needed to be said.

My all time favorite yarn is I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. It is so soft, and works up so nice.

I didn't realize how much I needed to hear this. I'm new to crocheting and always wishing i were faster/better at it, and the idea of making my own patterns is something I wouldn't even know where to start with. Thanks for the reminder that it's okay to be average and just enjoy the process!

I'm an average crocheting person also. I love this video!😊❤

Soooo all I can say about this video and your talk is you are really a REAL crafter and that is what I love we all have different budgets and styles and likes so keep it real and you have my ear from another regular crafter

This is a great video 📹 👏 I have tried making toys 🧸 but was never really happy with the results until i tried making sweaters. Wow, i totally fell in love with making sweaters. I am enjoying the whole process from designing and even frogging. I have never had so much fun crocheting. Living here in a small Canadian town also limits the yarn choices i have. So i make warm Canadian sweaters with Bernat super value yarns. Which makes these sweaters affordable for me to make and affordable for the customer to buy.😊As for hooks 🪝 i bought an inexpensive set from Amazon and just love them. It's great to be "average ".❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Sharon Talks yarn. Average. That describes me. You hit the mark with people showing the things they make and the tools they use that are intimidating if I get to feel I'm missing something. I like to watch Tony Lipsey because while she does show many projects and some high end products. She also reminds us that it is okay to buy what we can afford and no one should judge us for that. She also reminds us that yarn is her business and that she crochets simpler things when she wants to relax. I appreciate your video especially today because I found a store of high-end yarns hidden in my closet. I was very excited. I am talking silk, cashmere, camel, etc. But tonight I realized I bought those things at a convention. I don't wear things like that. I don't need things like that. And as you reminded me, that's okay. Thank you. By the way my favorite thing to crochet is the beanie. I donate them. It makes me happy.

I'm definitely average! I just simply like to keep my hands busy, so if I can match up a yarn with a project and have something to work on for a while, I'm happy. I actually love to watch crochet and knitting videos and podcasts while I'm crocheting, and I never feel like I have to keep up (although I do love to look at all that expensive yarn!).

Thank you for this chat! We crocheters have other aspects of our lives that need our attention. Spouse, children, pets, housework, errands, etc. I crochet to relax, and to bring joy to others. I give away 99.9% of what I make. In fact, I personally only own one shawl that I made for myself, and one Afghan for my husband’s & my queen sized bed. I’ve worn the shawl 2-3 times in 5 years. I’ve decided to give the afghan to my daughter as we upped our bed size almost 7 years ago. The afghan has just been stored away. Crocheting is my therapy. I’ve crocheted more on than off, for over 40 years now. I’m average. I’m not particularly fast. Recently I’ve learned how to do the most basic steps with the loop yarns. I’ve now made 3 afghans with two more to go. All gifts of course. Lol 😊 I can admire and appreciate the fancy yarns and the animal blends. I do not use them because of allergies within my own family, and then the risk of there being an allergic reaction by someone I give a gift to. I can’t justify the cost of those, when a gorgeous acrylic will do. I also cannot stand special care instructions. I need wash and dry items. Happy crafting all! 😎

This is a great video! You were in my RU-vid recommends and I’m happy to add you to my viewing. I’ve been crocheting for a long time and my favorite thing to crochet is a continuous granny square blanket, I like to make them in different weights because I actually use them year round. I have decent crochet skills and could do fancy stuff but I prefer to make stuff that I’ll actually use and in yarn that works with my life and budget.

I'm so glad you made this video as I always beat myself up that I'm not a more AMAZING crocheter, knitter and sewer. I wish I was faster, wish I understood all patterns I attempted, wish I could do lace knitting, wish I did more creative projects, wish I could design my own projects, wish I could do fair isle, wish I could teach left handers😮😖, I wish I wish I wish...... Your video helped me to STOP putting pressure on myself. Last nite I pulled apart a project I was knitting, a lace pattern on a baby cardigan. I couldn't work out where I was making the mistake. I undid a few rows and restarted but the mistake was still there. I even did a test strip with other yarn and bigger needles but the mistake still appeared so I simply pulled out what I had made, winded the yarn up and restarted another project.💪🏾The most important thing is that I did not feel guilty or beat myself up that I had wasted time on that project of a number of weeks. And I can actually watch tv and work on my new project unlike the last project where I had to work in silence.☹ L❤Ve your videos which are so more about real life. Thank you. UK🇬🇧

I love this post! Social media, picture perfect IG posts, drool worthy fancy things (homes, yarn, craft rooms, etc…) It all makes us crave & compare, possibly even feel inadequate, even if we don’t exactly realize it. Whether it’s comparing our houses, bodies or our crochet. It’s OK to be exactly as we are, and enjoy it! So many have said to me oh, you should start a crochet business. You should sell your crochet! That’s not for me. I barely have time to crochet what I want to for myself and the people I know 😂 it’s my stress reliever. If crochet became a job for me, I wouldn’t really enjoy it anymore. Not everyone has to take it to that level. I like the concept that it’s OK to be average at it. I’ve improved my crochet skills & knowledge over the years, bc I was interested in learning some specific things. And there’s still a ton to learn, for me it’s a fun journey and not a competition. I’m sure your thought provoking post will help a lot of people, Shannon!

Shannon, your channel is just the best! You always talk about the things that fellow crocheters are thinking. Myself, I have a ridiculous yarn stash; just made a custom order from Arcane Fibre works, but I also have my Goodwill yarn, mostly cruddy acrylic, but it makes really good Swiffer covers! Thanks for all you do!!!

It's so easy to get down on ourselves for not being a better and faster knitter or crocheter. Sometimes I need a podcast diet so I don't go down that road of comparing myself to everyone else. I am however super impressed with the recent group of youngish folks who have knit only one year and produce such beautiful things. Wow. Im excited for them. I agree it's ok to be who you are and where you are with these crafts. I love beautiful hand dyed yarns. I also love visiting Michaels to get yarn to crochet baby blankets. Amen sister. I also love crochet thru the back loop. Thanks for your wisdom.

8:40. This is what has gotten my attention a lot for projects. I see all these really cool things, and the whole time I keep thinking where am I gonna put them? Also, at least I know that if I make some thing that I can wear, I will be making full use out of it. Most of it has been scarves for me. But this is really reassuring. Thank you so so much.

Thanks for the encouragement.

For the most part I do agree. However, I'm in the same camp as another RU-vidr with a certain hook investment. Which honestly if it wasn't for me watching her casually I'd have never gotten as back into crochet as I have in the last year. Before a really bad wrist injury I would agree hooks didn't matter. Loved my Boye for like 2 bucks. After, I couldn't crochet for more than 10 or 15 minutes without giving up and being miserable. I am so grateful someone else admitted they had major wrist pain when crocheting until she found one of those expensive hooks. I was skeptical and only bought one at first, but it truly was life changing for me personally. The shape is far more comfortable than a regular hook or a regular hook with a little plastic wrapped around it. So for the average person? Probably not necessary at all. I'll still keep buying the investment ones here and there until I have all the sizes I use though. That said, I only plan on one in each size... I don't need to collect every variation and special edition like some of the popular channels/IGers (usually gifted to them from the brand - also important to note huge hauls are often PR whether it's hooks or yarn).

Thank you so much, I really needed to hear that. I’ve been crocheting about 4 months. I’ve made 3 blankets so far, but all have mistakes I can point out. I’ve also made coasters and a couple of bags - but I just can’t seem to get the straps right….. sometimes I get really down on myself! I needed to hear this video!

Great message! There is room for all Levels of crocheters. This is such a WONDERFUL message! I so BELIEVE we all have a place in the needlework world.

Great content Shannon ….being ‘real’ is the best way to be it’s definitely less stressful. Crochet is a beautiful craft it is so therapeutic working with colours and creating what ever we want 😘🐞💜

Love this video! You make me feel sane! As a professional crocheter I watch some of those social media videos and cannot believe how neat and tidy their workspace is. Mine is crazy with unblocked items waiting to be blocked, always many pieces waiting for the dreading "sewing in of ends," and snipped off yarn ends everywhere... Yes of course at the end of the day I clean up my yarny mess, but who cleans up every 5 minutes? Those videos are totally unrealistic. I only use simple, smooth metal Boye hooks, and never spent a cent on any other hooks. The only unique ones I have is a wooden set my husband hand crafted, as he is a woodworker. I use them sometimes because they are special for sentimental reasons.

🌹 hi. I saved a few skeins for 15 yrs. Then started crocheting again.after 10 yrs. I gave it up but for 1 blanket and 1 hat. ( Over and over)That's all. I've moved on to diamond painting.💐💐

Honestly, your video popped up and I feel like it was exactly what I needed. I have been interested in Fiber Arts for quite some time but just recently started trying to do crochet. I made a tote bag and was so happy! Then I have tons of ideas but talk myself out of trying. You have inspired me to just pick it up and start something. Thank you so much! By the way, I love normal colors and vivid colors too!! ❤😊🎉

What I like about acrylic yarn is that it is usually washable.

Thanks for this refreshing video! I tried knitting years ago and after throwing the needles against the wall at 2 a.m., I gave up and went back to cross stitching, something I'm good at and that brings me peace and relaxation. Months ago I bought a bag of cheap yarn at the thrift store and thought I'd give crochet a try. I was so intimidated by all the pro crocheters and their tutorials that I was afraid to keep going, knowing I'd never reach their level. Well, I took weeks getting used to wrapping yarn around my fingers, playing with tension, and making mistake after mistake just doing single crochet. And one day it was so comfortable and I did a large practice piece without one mistake. Then I found three bagfulls of expensive yarn at the thrift store and started my first basic scarf. I'm no expert crocheter and never will be, but I'm proud of what I'm able to do TODAY. I think every craft and hobby has conflict and controversies, but you can choose to ignore it all. Even the cross stitch world is divided between people who think the back stitches should be as perfect as the front (I don't give a flip about the back which is just like life: presentable to the public but messy underneath.)

Yes!!! Thank you!! Subscribed!!

This is so encouraging to me. Thank you.

You are speaking to me today!!!

I was taught to crochet by my grandma backnin the early 80's. She used 100% acrylic yarns exclusively. I'm now 50 and all I have ever used has been acrylic, and I'm great with that. I'm just now beginning to try some blended yarns. I find them to be way to "soft" to work with comfortably 😅

I pretty much just make scarves because that is about all I really want to strive for skill wise. I help a church charitable giving program by crocheting tons of acrylic scarves to be given to the needy along with hats made by others. I fill a need and that makes me feel complete in my crochet journey.

Honestly, I was pretty impressive, prior to a hemorrhagic stroke (brain aneurysm), that was on my occipital lobe. It took over 50% of my vision. I had to teach my self to crochet again. Somethings, I just can't see, but that doesn't stop me. I have learned what I can do, and what is just too challenging right now. No dark yarns, and minimal sparkle. I am having fun, and that is what matters. I have made over 12 ponchos, maybe 6 shawls, and a baby blanket, since December. Loads of practice and tons of frogging! No stroke is going to stop me. This is such an important video. I love seeing projects that people enjoy making. Lol, I make lots of colorful items, but wear neutrals and soft denim friendly colors. I purchase name brand yarns, Red Heart, Lion Brand, and Premier, sonetimes Big Twist. All on sale. Blessings 🕊💕🕯😇🙏💚

Thank you for the reminders! ❤🧶

i am glad i came across your channel, i am also average, or slow when it comes to crochet, with having to care for a lot of animals i have

this is such a nice video. honestly i think every crafter needs to hear this. one thing i want to add is, not only is it ok to always follow patterns, it's also okay to create your own designs and not _write_ or publish patterns! coming up with your own design ideas is an awesome thing. you don't have to commodify it, and don't owe anybody a pattern because you created a design! signed, someone who writes knitting patterns.

Really refreshing point of view Shannon thank you

About the "no need to push yourself further" part. I find it ironic that such a push exist in an art that's heavily based on the granny square concept. You'd think it'd be obvious and yet the push is there. I say this as someone who only like about 3 types of granny squares which aren't the "classic ones" because the classics don't match my style. I am however a crature of habit and that's part of why crochet appeals to me. Yes if I feel fancy I can try new stuff but even then, half the time they're based on mostly classic stitches and just have a slight twist to them while the other half just goes wild. Crochet is very nice for that, very versatile. Some of the most complicated stuff I've seen were made of mostly HDC and DC. It's the way they were used that was complicated. (also unlike knitting, it's easier to do anything with yarn other than animal based yarn even if there's still a lot. I'm allergic to most stuff and the more plant based, the better it feels). This video was great and summed up how I feel about most stuff. I don't know if it was needed because I think most people kind of know most of this as it is a hobby for most people but it definitely feels great to get a reminder and to just... hear likeminded people even if I'm not a neutral palette person myself ^^

Thanks for this video! I have felt like I should be making all the things that seem popular, and I have tried some of them, but, honestly, I'm learning to be true to what I actually like to crochet. My time is valuable, I want to spend it on what I like to crochet, not what is popular. I resonated with so many of these tips! I'm ok with my average-ness =)

Thank you!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Hi Shannon. Gee I wish you were my neighbor! Lol. We could talk yarn and drink coffee all the time! I love thrifting yarn, vintage yarns, other people's yarns......my friend told me about a house auction w 3 generations of knitters/stash!! Guess where I'm going! It's not fancy, flashy or glitzy, it's just me! You're definitely fun to listen to while I crochet. "Talk to you later "

I have learned what yarn I enjoy working with . No amount of discount will compel me to actually use yarn I don't . As a bargain hunter , that has been a hard lesson to learn . It hasn't been a clear path, but hopefully I remember that in the moment.

This is the video i needed to see! I’m happy to have found your channel. i make baby blankets for friends and charity. I have fallen in love with a basic C2C granny pattern. It’s easy and hands itself to lots of yarn weights and colors. I also don’t like counting stitches!

I appreciate this video because I’m average, too. I’m okay with that. I love crocheting and do what I enjoy at my pace. 🧶🌷💜🧶🌷🧶💜

This was such a relatable video Shannon! Everything you said is so true. We all need this reminder 🩷

well said, well said

😊I’ve been looking for simple patterns for everything I crochet. Simple is beautiful ❤

Terminally average knitter here. I'm watching you while working on my blanket where each square probably has at least one mistake, and my edges are wonky. I'm a sucker for hand dyed yarn, so I never do hauls - I don't ever buy yarn just to buy yarn (I skip sales and clearances), but thankfully I'm SUPER SLOW so my fancy yarn lasts me a long time. My hands are too big for me to use those short Furla hooks, or even Clover, but Boye and those cheap $2 hooks when on sale from Hobby Lobby are just my speed. I couldn't ever do a podcast because it only takes 2 minutes to say, "got four more rows done, and I bought no yarn again this week, but here's the mess my yarn drawer still is, and these are the same project bags I've had for years..."

I loved this video. Thank you, Shannon! I am soooo average😎

Yes, I am average and learning but, I have to say I have bought from Big box store and created a yarn room. It’s small, fun and full of ideas. Great advice have a good time and stay within one’s means. Be Creative!

Thank you so much for this video. I need to be reminded of these things once in a while. ❤️

Thanks! I needed that!

Oh my gosh! Yes!! I have ZERO desire to write my own patterns. I much rather enjoy using someone else’s pattern. I agree with all of your points. Keeping up with the Jones’s (in any area of life) is exhausting. Thank you for the mention. I wasn’t expecting that. 😁💜

My husband walked by when you said something about not buying big lots of yarn, and maybe not buying any yarn this year. He laughed hysterically. Perhaps I have enough yarn. Thanks for some perspective!

This is great!! I always browse and find patterns or yarn and have big hopes, but lets be real, I'm a slow crocheter with a limited budget.I couldn't make everything I see and drool over, nor do I honestly want to. I love simple patterns and I feel like if I try to do more complicated stuff I would lose my crochet joy.

Hi just found you and I'm impressed ❤ I don't get a tax write off for my yarn, unless I donate it, and that's not the same as running a business. However I have progressed to nice natural fibers on sale because I can. But I still buy red heart super saver because it doesn't stretch out of shape and it lasts forever. I call it the work horse of yarns

I’m also content with being average haha. Crocheting/knitting is my relaxation time and I’ve found that I just enjoy my simple movements. I’ll try out new patterns/techniques but if it starts stressing me out then I just don’t see the point. I used to feel so pushed to match the skills and quantities of what I see on social media and I realized it was just making me unhappy

This is a good video for crafters new and more experienced. Sometimes “consuming” social media content can make one feel like they need to buy all the beautiful things associated with our crafts. 😉 TFS! ❤

In my 30s which was over 30 years ago I could crochet whatever I wanted. Following instructions was a snap, and I could create patterns and garments. Many years ago I put down crochet hooks and yarns. A couple months ago I joined the yarn club in the tiny town where I live, and my passion for yarn work was reignited. I was very surprised to discover I could not follow any but the most basic Instructions any more. At 68 years of age my mind cannot process like it used to. Even counting stitches is frustrating. I tried to make a poncho and even though I practiced A LOT , I finally accepted I couldn’t do it and maybe won’t be able to revive my skills of the past……. I am making a blanket that is fun and satisfying. Scarves and hats may be doable. Thank you very much for validating those of us who are average crocheters. You helped me find a deeper layer of contentment and gratitude for my current skill level.

This was a great video, thank you.

Such a good video! I'm glad you brought this up. I've been crocheting since I was 15 yrs old in 1973. A neighbor taught me to make a chain, a double crochet and a single crochet and I was off! I'm proudly an average crocheter 🐰🐰 I'm addicted to blankets....I admit, I make killer blankets! I could make anything I want but its mostly blankets for me. I knit also so I mostly do wearable things with that but it takes something special to get me away from my blankets LOL A fellow knitter said something one time that really stuck with me. "You are the master of the knitting...The knitting does not master you". That single comment changed the way I look at my knitting and crocheting. This is no race. It if for enjoyment. If it feels that it has become a chore, take a break for a while! Done that too!

Shannon, I love you for talking about this!! ❤ I’m so sick and tired of apologizing because I use acrylic yarn. First of all acrylic yarn is not necessary scratch. There are so many soft affordable yarns. Wow! Just had to get that out. You are so right, I’m ok with being average. I like crochet because it’s fun for me and I don’t need to complete that. 😊 Thank you!!

Enjoying your channel!! Refreshing perspective 😊

OMG, every point you made hits home with me. I'm average. I crochet as a hobby. Its easy to be drawn in by other creators, but I remind myself that its a business for them and a hobby for me. I don't need a ton of yarn, and I don't work on multiple WIPs at a time. Thanks for these videos, you always bring good insights.

I needed to hear this. I see so many things on tiktok and Instagram where people make these amazing crochet: flowers, leaves, that I don't see myself doing and it brings me down. Or things like "how many granny squares can I make in a day?" (Answer: loads). 😂 Here I am happy I finished one

Thank you for doing this video! Glad you popped up in my feed. I'm going to be a new subscriber. ps. I'm average and confident too.

I haven’t had a crochet lesson since 2nd or 3rd grade and I’m 56. I’m awaiting disability and I’m just thrilled with someone handing me a bag of scrap yarn just so I can playa d learn new stitches. I’m making a lot of scrap projects and hoping for the best

This is a really great video, Shannon! ♥️🙂

Girl, have you been reading my mind! I hadn't crocheted in ten years. But before that was 20 years of struggle from trying to make the most amazing things. I would never admit that there were things I did not like doing, like granny squares. But I thought I SHOULD like everything. I get bored, overwhelmed, and hated not being perfect. I've finished maybe 12 things in my life....but had dozens of unfinished things. Yarn went musty over the years, so I had to throw it out. But I missed crocheting, anyway! lol So last month I just asked myself what do I LIKE to do, and what do I NOT like. I like I, J, and K hooks, worsted weight, inexpensive yarns, "solid" stitches. I do not like sitting under big afghans that take forever, grannys, too much assembly, lacy stitches, post stitches, a lot of color changes, fancy yarns like chenille. So I got some Oatmeal colored Red Heart Super Saver, and started making 15" squares. I just found stitches in books and online that I might like. Some I loved, some I hated. If I hated it, I just frogged it and started over with something else. I have never enjoyed it this much, before. I will stitch 9 squares together into a throw. I love it. Maybe next year I will love multicolored granny squares, lol But I am embracing what I like right now, and just having a good time!

Good afternoon Shannon I just came across your video and thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you because I am definitely average I don't have a lot of yarn I've been crocheting for years I just can't afford it I buy what I can when I can I love the craft and I can't afford Hanks and all of that stuff but if I'm doing a certain project for somebody I will buy the yarn 🧶 butt at a cheaper price thank you so much for this video it has definitely made me feel good about being average ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Oh my goodness, you have hit on so many topics I have been thinking of lately. I feel like there are a lot of things I do as a crocheter that get looked down upon in the community. For instance, in my local yarn stores, crocheting is not as popular as knitting, so they tend not to carry crochet supplies. I also am not interested in making patterns, making lace-weight socks with intricate color work, or using $30+ skeins of yarn. Like you, I love simple - hats, scarves, simple crop tops. Thank you for voicing what I've been feeling.

Thanks for posting this. 😊 You're so real with what you're saying. I just subscribed to your channel 🎉🎉 Will check out your other videos.

Girl Preach! It is so easy to compare yourselves to others. As an ennegram 4 whose main motivation is to want to stand out I have to be okay with not always being the most popular or mainstream. Great video as always!

Bless you for this video! Felt like you were giving us permission to just be ourselves and resist the crushing pressure of the crochet world! 🥰

👏👏 I haven't found another channel saying this and it's important to hear. Great job. 😊

I would love to be able to buy some Quivik yarn to make my mom a beanie. Because she would appreciate it. But right now I can't justify the price. But I am saving. I am also going to attempt to sell items. So the first time I make something I either keep it for myself or I give it away as a gift. Still getting up the courage to make a 1935 dress pattern I saw on Just Vintage Crochet.

Some of my favorite hooks are still ones that I purchased at the dollar store. They are comfortable and if I lose or misplace one it's not a big deal. Thank you for reminding us that it's okay to be average!

Right on point, as usual, Shannon. The thing I have noticed this past year is how so many crocheters seem to be obsessed with speed-how fast they can crochet. They wind up using the granny stitch or double crochet stitch for practically everything. Unless you are a production house, what’s the rush? Is that person really enjoying the process of crochet? I enjoy making stitch by stitch, and still marvel at the fabric it makes and creates. To me, that’s the joy of the craft.

Shannon, I absolutely love this video! I’ve been crocheting for over 20 years and I can relate to so much of what you said here. I have made what I consider to be gorgeous items out of Red Heart Soft yarn and Susan Bates hooks, and I am super proud of that! I’ve also never written a pattern. I’ve thought about it, but the more I think about it, the less happy the idea makes me. I do enjoy challenging myself with complicated projects and new techniques but, sometimes, I just want to make granny squares. This is my hobby. If it’s not making me happy, then why am I even doing this? This isn’t a competition. Enhance your life by not comparing yourself to others and do what brings you joy!

I really appreciate this video. I am definitely an average crocheter - and proud of it!

Just want to say Thank you Shannon! Needed to hear this today . Lisa from VA

Totally agree! Its easy to get caught up in comparison, but at thr end of the day you should make things you enjoy and will use. Im in awe of some of the other things people make, but I dont have the time and energy to make every project something crazy labor intensive. We need to remember that this is a hobby and should make us happy and not stress us out. It should be whatever makes you feel good.

Youve quickly become one of my favorite crochet gurus! Excellent content and this video is no exception ❤

YOU ARE SO FRICKIN' REFRESHING!!!! 😚

Thank you for your words.❤

I just want to add to my previous comment. I have seen competitions of people trying to knit faster. Why? Knitting and crocheting, needlepoint, etc. are meant to be enjoyed. How can you enjoy something you are trying to make faster.

Thanks Shannon. I’ve been pushing myself to do an intermediate Amigurumi kit. Beating myself up because I used the wrong hook and it was coming out bigger. This morning instead of frogging the pieces I threw them away and started over. Thanks for letting me know know it’s ok to be average but if I can do ‘intermediate’ things.. to go for it! 😂

I love this video! Thank yo for sharing this! I feel I'm avearage, I do like to challenge myself and try new things. Mostyly becuase I'm still new to crocheting; I'm going on my 3rd year. I'm in that season where I want to try everything at least once. LOL! I've thinned out my crochet hook "collection" but in the process of thinning it out again. I've also decided to use my stash and only buy with a purpose from now on. That's ust a decision I made because I don't see the point in having yarn just to sit in my cubbards. 💜