The Sheepspot Podcast offers quick, actionable tips that you can use right away to make better yarn, use that yarn in ways that delight you, or otherwise enrich your practice as a fiber artist by deepening your knowledge of spinning techniques or materials.
Episodes
Friday Jan 24, 2020
Friday Jan 24, 2020
In this episode, Sasha tells the amazing story of North Ronaldsay sheep, a story encompassing everything from boom to bust (in the potash industry) and from war to wool. Mostly, though, it’s the story of some very resilient sheep and the similarly resilient people with whom they share a tiny island in the North Sea.
Mentioned in the episode:
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust
The Orkney Sheep Foundation, dedicated to “securing the future of the native seaweed-eating sheep on the foreshore of North Ronaldsay”
Friday Jan 17, 2020
Friday Jan 17, 2020
In this episode, Sasha talks about breeds of sheep that produce wonderfully useful and complex fleeces: the multi-coated breeds.
Mentioned in the episode:
Episode 18, on washing fleece
Friday Jan 10, 2020
Friday Jan 10, 2020
In this episode, Sasha reviews Kate Larson’s video on finishing handspun yarns, Finishing Up.
Mentioned in the episode:
Kate Larson, Finishing Up (digital download)
Diane Palme, “The Mystery of the Disappearing Twist,” Ply 5 (Summer, 2014)
Stephenie Gausted, “Managing Twist,” Ply 5 (Summer, 2014) The Sheepspotters’ Society
Friday Nov 29, 2019
Friday Nov 29, 2019
In this episode, Sasha explains how to find the best twist for your yarn without a magnifying glass and a protractor (!) and how to maintain consistent twist as you spin.
Mentioned in the episode:
Episode 22, on measuring your yarn
The Sheepspot Community Group on Facebook
The #1Fiber5Ways Spin-along
Some Useful Resources:
Judith MacKenzie, The Intentional Spinner
Ply Magazine, the “twist” issue (Summer, 2014)
Sarah Anderson, The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Design
Friday Nov 22, 2019
Friday Nov 22, 2019
In this episode, Sasha talks about twist, the miraculous force that turns fluff into yarn, and explains the factors spinners should think about when determining how much twist a particular yarn should have.
Mentioned in the episode:
Episode 59: Sampling for a Project
Anne Field, Spinning Wool: Beyond the Basics (on spinning to the crimp)
The #1Fiber5Ways Spin-along. Click here to sign up.
Friday Nov 15, 2019
Friday Nov 15, 2019
Winter has come to Ontario—a month early—prompting this episode's meditation on literal seasons, the seasons of a creative life, and a resolution. Plus, what I've been up to during the hiatus, and a fun thing coming in December!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sunday Sep 22, 2019
Sunday Sep 22, 2019
In this episode Sasha offers some tips on getting really comfortable with your spinning wheel.
Mentioned in the episode:
The Sheepspotters’ Society! Learn more here.
Episode 63, on The Spinner’s Journey.
Episode 13, on giving your wheel a spa day.
Friday Sep 13, 2019
Friday Sep 13, 2019
This week’s episode of The Sheepspot Podcast, on The Spinner’s Journey, will help bring you clarity on where you are in your spinner’s journey, and what you might want to work on next to improve your spinning and make more yarns you love.
Mentioned in the episode:
A free video workshop from Sheepspot, The Spinner’s Journey.
Friday Sep 06, 2019
Friday Sep 06, 2019
In this episode, Sasha talks about how we teach and learn spinning right now, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and exactly how a continuing membership like The Sheepspotter’s Society (coming later this month!) can help you become a better spinner.
Mentioned in the episode:
The Sheepspotters’ Society waitlist. Sign up here.
Friday Aug 30, 2019
Friday Aug 30, 2019
In this episode, Sasha shares her best tips for staying happy and healthy while spinning as consistently as possible for a big project.
Mentioned in the episode:
Abby Franquemont, Get More Spun, Part 1
Ann Budd, Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns
Episode 36: Bobbin Winder Review
Carson Demers, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting