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
In this episode, Sasha talks about the strategies she's developed when spinning commercial fiber blends with mixed staple lengths. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 15: All About Sampling Episode 66: Twist is a Choice 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....
Jul 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 147
In this episode, Sasha offers four crucial tips for creating wool/silk blends with a drum carder. 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....
Jul 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 145
In this episode, Sasha shares an easy fiber blending project; her chemo hat recipe. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 100: The Woolen Drafts 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. Also in The Flock, you'll find the freebie for this episode. And if you do try this, please share pictures in The Flock or on Instagram with the hashtags #sheepspotpodcast and #chemo...
Jul 12, 2024•11 min•Ep. 143
In this episode, Sasha offers some tips and resources on creating unique fiber blends. Mentioned in this episode: Sarah Anderson's Spinning Exotic Fiber Blends The Fiber Imp: Sheepless Fiber Sampler Hand Cards: Schacht link Clemes & Clemes link 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. Also in The Flock, you can download the freebie mentioned in this episode b...
Jul 08, 2024•11 min•Ep. 141
In this episode, Sasha talks about some of the resources linking handwork to happiness and healthy brains. She is joined by two members of The Guild by Sheepspot - Suzanne R. and Susan C. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 102: Spinning and Mental Health 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....
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 139
In this episode, Sasha talks about the inspiring effects of community. Mentioned in this episode: Scenius: why creatives are stronger together Wired.com, Scenius, or Communal Genius 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....
Jun 21, 2024•12 min•Ep. 137
In this episode, Sasha talks about what to look for in a healthy spinning community. 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....
Jun 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 135
In this episode, Sasha talks about a particular kind of learning community: the community of inquiry. She describes the essential components of communities of inquiry, using The Guild by Sheepspot as an example of such a community. And she proposes some specific questions you should ask when you're considering joining an online spinning community. 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 ...
Jun 07, 2024•19 min•Ep. 134
In this episode, Sasha talks about how plying on an e-spinner challenged her thinking about twist and plying. 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....
May 31, 2024•14 min•Ep. 133
In this episode, Sasha talks about how to ensure that your yarn has even ply twist throughout the skein when working with a treadle wheel. E-spinning aficionado? We'll talk about ply twist and your e-spinner next week. 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. If you're interested in Sheepspot's Spinning for the Soul Retreat, you can find all the details here . An...
May 24, 2024•13 min•Ep. 132
In this episode, Sasha talks about how to figure out how much ply twist to use in your yarn and whether spinners should obsess over whether or not their yarns are balanced. 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....
May 17, 2024•15 min•Ep. 131
In this episode, Sasha talks about why and when to let your singles rest before you ply them. Mentioned in this episode: Sheepspot Podcast Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind Jillian Moreno, "Why Plying with a Center Pull Ball Doesn't Work For Me" 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....
May 10, 2024•14 min•Ep. 129
In this episode, Sasha talks about what science has to say about the mental health benefits of activities like knitting and spinning. Mentioned in this episode: The Journal of Positive Psychology: Everyday Creative Activity as a Path to Flourishing Kelly Lambert: Lifting Depression Betsan Corkhill: Knit for Health and Wellness: How to Knit a Flexible Mind and More Lisa Mitchell’s Article: Spin Off Summer 2023 You can find the transcript for this episode HERE . You can comment on and discuss this...
May 03, 2024•22 min•Ep. 127
Confused about the difference between "combination drafting" and "combination spinning"? You're not alone! In this episode, Sasha defines and explains each technique, and talks about how she's using both techniques for a current project.
Apr 26, 2024•25 min•Ep. 125
In this episode, Sasha talks about the long and short of woolen drafts.
Apr 19, 2024•19 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, Sasha talks about the crucial role your feet play in creating consistent yarns.
Apr 12, 2024•9 min•Ep. 121
In this episode, Sasha talks about predrafting: what it is, how to do it, why you might (or might not) want to do it, and her own evolving relationship with this controversial practice
Apr 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 119