In this episode, Sasha breaks down Breed School; what it is, where it came from, and details about the newest bring-your-own-fiber version of Breed School. Mentioned in this episode: Breed Study 101 Why We (Really) Need Rare Sheep Breeds: The Case of American Jacobs Live Lesson June 14th 2pm EST or Live Lesson June 15th 4pm EST To join the live lesson, you do have to join Breed Study 101. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Floc...
Jun 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 225
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 Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha menti...
May 31, 2025•25 min•Ep. 224
In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about the ‘Down’ breeds: the Southdown, the Suffolk, the Dorset Down, the Hampshire, the Oxford and the Shropshire. Mentioned in this episode: In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool by Nola Fournier The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link t...
May 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 222
In this episode, Sasha talks about the longwools - breeds to look for, prep suggestions, and tips and tricks for spinning these fibers. Mentioned in this episode: Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no lo...
May 16, 2025•33 min•Ep. 221
In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about one of her favorite wools, Rambouillet. Mentioned in this episode: Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available....
May 09, 2025•13 min•Ep. 220
In this encore episode Sasha talks about different types of wool and their uses. Mentioned in this episode: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook , by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius The Spinner's Book of Fleece , by Beth Smith Wool types cheat sheet - available inside The Flock Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search pa...
May 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 219
In this episode, Sasha offers 5 tips for plying and finishing a big spin. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 146: Why I Never End Up with Leftover Singles When I Ply Episode 105: How to be sure your yarn has even ply twist throughout the skein You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Apr 25, 2025•12 min•Ep. 218
In this episode Sasha dives into the essential strategies for staying motivated and consistent during your big spinning projects. Based on her own experiences, she knows how easy it is to lose focus when tackling something ambitious, so she shares her best tips to keep you spinning happily and efficiently. Mentioned in this episode: Carson Demer - Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Hand Knitting. The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind Episode 36: Bobbin Winder Review Instagram @...
Apr 18, 2025•10 min•Ep. 216
In this episode Sasha dives into what it takes to set herself up for a successful spin of 16 ounces or more. Sampling is a crucial part of the process; by letting herself start with experimentation and play, she figures out how to achieve both a fun spin and one that results in a yarn that she loves. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 15: All About Sampling Episode 22: Get to know your default yarn Episode 59: Sampling for a Project Episode 95: 3 Tips for Knitting with Han...
Apr 11, 2025•15 min•Ep. 214
This episode is the first in our series focusing on the "Using Your Handspun" pillar of skillful spinning. In this episode Sasha discusses two approaches on planning a big spin and she addresses the advantages and disadvantages to both. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Apr 07, 2025•7 min•Ep. 212
In this episode, Sasha dives into the frustrating experience of leftover singles after plying, a common headache for spinners. She shares three effective strategies to ensure you never face this dilemma again. First, she explains her favorite method—working from multiple storage bobbins—which helps to minimize leftovers. She also introduces the concept of a plying bracelet, a handy technique that lets you easily ply your leftover yarn into a two-ply. Finally, for those creating three-ply yarns, ...
Mar 28, 2025•11 min•Ep. 210
In this episode, Sasha dives into the frustrating experience of leftover singles after plying, a common headache for spinners. She shares three effective strategies to ensure you never face this dilemma again. First, she explains her favorite method—working from multiple storage bobbins—which helps to minimize leftovers. She also introduces the concept of a plying bracelet, a handy technique that lets you easily ply your leftover yarn into a two-ply. Finally, for those creating three-ply yarns, ...
Mar 21, 2025•10 min•Ep. 208
In this episode Sasha explores cabled yarns, which require multiple plying steps but which have a distinct look and texture and are fantastically durable. While they don't significantly change the look of stockinette or garter stitch, cabled yarns really shine in more intricate patterns like seed stitch. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the...
Mar 17, 2025•12 min•Ep. 206
In this episode of The Sheepspot Podcast, Sasha dives into the various yarn structures, focusing specifically on singles, two-ply, and three-ply yarns, and discusses when and why to choose each type. She talks about the unique characteristics and advantages of each structure, such as the smoothness of singles, the texture and balance of two-ply yarns, and the consistency and durability of three-ply yarns. She also shares insights into how these choices impact knitting projects, highlighting the ...
Mar 10, 2025•12 min•Ep. 204
In this episode Sasha takes what she has learned from abstract painting classes and suggests how we might use those lessons in our spinning practice. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 101 - Combination Drafting vs. Combination Spinning You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Feb 28, 2025•14 min•Ep. 202
In this episode, Sasha searches for her missing mojo and talks about the steps she's taking to get it back. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Feb 24, 2025•10 min•Ep. 200
In this episode, Sasha shares her system for keeping track of her ever-growing spindle collection. Mentioned in this episode: Podcast Freebie: Click here to download You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Feb 14, 2025•9 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, Sasha shares her favorite spindle for beginners. Mentioned in this episode: Greensleeves Spindles: Bare Bones Spindles You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Feb 07, 2025•8 min•Ep. 196
In this episode, Sasha shares three of her favorite spinning resources. Mentioned in this episode: Maggie Casey: Getting Started on a Drop Spindle Abby Franquemont: Respect the Spindle Link to book Link to video You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Jan 31, 2025•13 min•Ep. 194
In this episode from 2012, Sasha and Jillian Moreno report from their shared hotel room at the Madrona Winter Fiber Arts Festival (now the Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat). Hilarity ensues. Apologies for the intermittent audio issues! You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you ...
Jan 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 190
In this episode from 2011, Sasha interviews colorist extraordinaire Deb Menz. Deb is the author of Color in Spinning, which is sadly out of print. It's an amazing book, and if you ever find a used copy of it, snatch it up. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occas...
Jan 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 188
In this episode from 2011, Sasha tells you all about a field trip to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available....
Dec 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 184
In this episode from 2010, Sasha interviews Deb Robson about the process of creating her magnum opus, The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. Mentioned in this episode: Deb Robson; The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sa...
Dec 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 186
In this episode from 2010, Sasha talks about the insane buying spree that was her one and only trip to Rhinebeck. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available....
Dec 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 180
In this episode, from 2010, Sasha interviews Beth Smith about buying fleeces. Mentioned in this episode: Beth Smith: The Spinner's Book of Fleece You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention classes or offers that are no longer available....
Dec 06, 2024•31 min•Ep. 182
In this episode, Sasha talks about the importance of value as it relates to color. Mentioned in this episode: Deb Menz: Color Works You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Nov 29, 2024•15 min•Ep. 192
In this episode, Sasha explores the difference between "blue" and "blue-green" and the relationship between different hues. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Click here to see the images of the hues....
Nov 25, 2024•12 min•Ep. 178
In this episode, Sasha explains the "continuum of blendiness," a rubric for understanding different ways to control optical mixing. Mentioned in the episode: Episode 101: Combination Drafting vs. Combination Spinning Debbie Held: Best Practices in Fractal Spinning Podcast Freebie: Click here to download You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the ...
Nov 15, 2024•17 min•Ep. 176
In this episode, Sasha explains optical mixing. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Nov 11, 2024•12 min•Ep. 174
In this episode, Sasha talks about her color journey and how she went from being massively color challenged to becoming a dyer. You can find the script for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists....
Nov 01, 2024•21 min•Ep. 170
