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
In this episode, Sasha reviews her brand new fiber-preparation tool, the Lock Pop from Clemes and Clemes. 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....
Oct 25, 2024•13 min•Ep. 168
In this episode, Sasha reviews the Louet two-pitch mini-combs. Spoiler alert: she loves them! Mentioned in this episode: The Fibre Garden The Woolery 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....
Oct 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 166
In this episode, Sasha talks about what you should consider when you are choosing hand carders. Mentioned in this episode: Etsy Shop: Fellview Fibres Etsy Shop: Lea Wild Creative Video: Hand Carding with Beth Smith 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....
Oct 11, 2024•12 min•Ep. 164
In this episode, Sasha discusses a variety of ways to prepare fiber for worsted spinning. Mentioned in this episode: Sources for combing tools: woolcombs.com offers English, Russian paddle, and Viking combs valkyrietools.com offers a variety of viking-style comps. Caveat emptor: those teeth are sharp. Video Demos Combing Wool the Right Way tutorial with Susan McFarland Excellent short introduction to combing with mini-combs Combing Wool Good discussion of a variety of types of combs and demos of...
Oct 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 162
In this episode, Sasha indulges in a little post-retreat reflection on how spinning enables human connection. 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....
Sep 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 160
In this episode, Sasha talks about some of the downsides of going it alone when learning to spin. 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....
Sep 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 158
In this episode, Sasha talks about the three things she wishes she had known at the start of her spinning journey. You can find the transcript 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....
Sep 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, Sasha encourages knitters, crocheters, and weavers to give spinning a try, and discusses some of the ways learning to spin will enhance their life with yarn. You can find the transcript 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....
Sep 09, 2024•10 min•Ep. 154
Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode In this episode, Sasha talks about what she calls The Pillars of Skillful Spinning™, and how they can help you think about the field of spinning knowledge in a more holistic way. You can find the transcript 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 occasion...
Aug 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 152
Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode 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 this episode: Episodes 56 and 57 , about Sasha’s spinning story. You can find the transcript for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock , Sheepspot’s free online commun...
Aug 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 151
Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode In this episode, Sasha talks about five beginner-friendly wools that new spinners can use to build their spinning skills. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast, Episodes 56 and 57 (My Spinning Story) The Sheepspot Podcast, Episode 44 (Meet the Down Breeds) You can find the transcript 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 ...
Aug 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 150
Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode In this episode, Sasha talks about what you can do with your wheel, your lazy Kate, and your singles to ply your yarns for consistency. Mentioned in this episode: Sarah Anderson's DIY Lazy Kate Video - no longer available online The Sheepspot Podcast Episode 10 You can find the transcript 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 Po...
Aug 09, 2024•14 min•Ep. 149
Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode In this episode of the podcast, Sasha walks through the process of spinning even singles, from sampling to maintaining an even twist. Mentioned in this episode: Consistent Singles Cheat Sheet You can find the transcript 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...
Aug 02, 2024•26 min•Ep. 148
