The Sheepspot Podcast

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 for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.

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.

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. And if you'd like to join the "Inspired to Spin Challenge," you can do that right here.

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.

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.

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 episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners.

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.

In this episode, Sasha talks about the long and short of woolen drafts.

In this episode, Sasha talks about the crucial role your feet play in creating consistent yarns.

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

In this episode, Sasha talks about mistakes she's made (repeatedly!) when knitting with handspun.

In this episode, Sasha talks about how she uses Ravelry to make better projects with her handspun yarn.

In this episode, Sasha offers three tips for how to get great results when knitting with handspun yarns.

In this episode, Sasha explains why new spinners should start using their handspun yarn right away.

In this episode, Sasha talks about her course for new and self-taught spinners, Spin School.

In this episode, members of The Guild by Sheepspot, our membership program that provides community, consistency, and challenge to intermediate and advanced hand spinners, share the rewards they reap from their spinning habits.

In this episode, Sasha talks about how to create a spinning habit quickly and easily.

In this episode, Sasha talks about how to manage your spinning life in ways that support a durable spinning habit.

In this episode Sasha explores the nature of habits, and why you should build spinning into your daily routine.

In this episode, Sasha shares her three favorite wheels for newer spinners, why she loves them, and what new spinners should consider when choosing their first wheel.

In this episode, Sasha solves two mysteries of wheel mechanics that had her stumped for ages.

In the third 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.

In this episode, Sasha shares what she's been up to in the 2 years, 9 months, and 3 days since the last podcast episode.

In this episode, Sasha talks about strategy, tactics, why spinners tend to focus on tactics, and the advantages of thinking strategically about the kinds of spinners we want to be. Plus, a freebie download to help you get to know your ideal future spinning self!

In this episode, Sasha explains how these yarns work, what fiber to use, and exactly how to make them, step by step.

In this episode, Sasha talks about her five favorite resources for spinning textured or “art” yarns, and about why even the most traditional spinners can benefit from learning these techniques.

In this episode, Sasha talks with Sheepspotters’ Society member Bridget Flynn about her spinning journey.

In this episode, Sasha chats with Sheepspotters’ Society member Vicky McKay about her spinning journey.

In this episode, Sasha chats with Sheepspotters’ Society member Nenette McNamara about her spinning journey.

In this episode, Sasha chats with Sheepspotters’ Society member and biology graduate student Allyssa Kilanowski about her spinning journey.

In this episode, Sasha talks with student and Sheepspotters’ Society member Sandy Silver about her spinning journey. Mentioned in this episode: Stripes, by Andrea Mowry Carson Cooper’s beautiful spinning wheels. Carson’s studio was destroyed last year in the massive CZU Lightning Complex fires in the Santa Cruz mountains. Please click here if you can donate toward helping him rebuild. The Sheepspotters’ Society Swatch Mitts, by Clara Parkes

In this episode, Sasha talks about five beginner-friendly wools that new spinners can use to build their spinning skills. Mentioned in the episode: The Sheepspot Podcast, Episodes 56 and 57 (My Spinning Story) The Sheepspot Podcast, Episode 44 (Meet the Down Breeds) Check out The Flock, our free online community for inquisitive handspinners!

The audio podcast is back! In this episode Sasha talks about three tips to help self-taught spinners find community, get their questions answered, and make more yarns they love. Plus: some catching up, a new freebie, and info about our free online community, The Flock. Mentioned in the episode: Sheepspot’s Journal of the Plague Year videos The Sheepspot Podcast, video version The Flock: Join us here! Spinning classes on Craftsy Spin-Off Magazine on Long Thread Media

In this episode Sasha offers some resources for those of you wanting to make the most of this time to improve your spinning--as well as lots of love to those of you still working! Mentioned in the episode: I’m live on Instagram weekdays at 1 You can still #groomyourstash. Find all the resources here. You can access all the spinning and weaving resources at Long Thread Media (formerly Interweave) and get a subscription to Spin-Off for $99 USD. Here’s my (affiliate) link: https://bit.ly/2yJcDdM. The Sheepspotters’ Society will be open to new members from April 20-April 23, and we’ve retained January’s price of $29/month. Sign up here for more information and a reminder.

In this episode, Sasha talks about how your knitting style affects your ply twist when you’re knitting with your handspun yarns. Mentioned in the episode: The Crafting With Compassion Podcast Esther Rodgers, Expressive Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom Sheepspot’s #groomyourstash Challenge Follow Sasha on Instagram The Stitch Sampler Shawl Jillian Moreno, Picking and Grinning Jillian Moreno, Yarn Detective: Twist And Knitting Style, Part 2

In this episode, Sasha talks about a great way to use your handspun yarn stash and learn something new at the same time. Mentioned in the episode: Jane Patrick, The Weaver’s Idea Book Jane Patrick, Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom (video download) Liz Gipson, Weaving Made Easy: 17 Projects Using a Simple Loom Esther Rodgers, Expressive Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom (video download) Schacht Spindle Company’s Cricket Loom Schacht Spindle Company’s Flip Loom Sign up for the #groomyourstash challenge, March 30-April 3.

In this episode, Sasha suggests a small shift in how you think about fiber that can really help your spinning. Mentioned in the episode: Episode 44: Meet the Down (And Down-like) Breeds Episode 9: Breed Spotlight: Rambouillet Episode 4: Woolen? Worsted? Episode 15: All About Sampling Episode 59: Sampling for a Project

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 A Yarn from North Ronaldsay The Orkney Sheep Foundation, dedicated to “securing the future of the native seaweed-eating sheep on the foreshore of North Ronaldsay” Orkney Sheep Foundation YouTube channel Patterns for North Ronaldsay

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

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

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

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. The Sheepspot Community Facebook Group

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: The #1Fiber5Ways Spin-Along The WriteLife Podcast with Kim Klassen, episode 31 Kim Klassen on Instagram The Sheepspot Community Facebook Group

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.

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. Episodes 56 and 57, about Sasha’s spinning story.

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.

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 Morro Fleece Works Ann Budd, Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind Episode 36: Bobbin Winder Review Hand Exercises for Spinners Ply Magazine Carson Demers, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting

In this episode, Sasha reviews Jillian Moreno’s 12 (Plus!) Ways to Spin a Batt, shares her favorite ways to spin a batt, and talks about how she’s spinning her Viajante batts. Mentioned in this episode: Jillian Moreno, 12 (Plus!) Ways to Spin a Batt

In this episode, Sasha talks about the two kinds of sampling spinners do and how they differ. The first kind is sampling to decide how to spin a fiber; Sasha talks about this in episode 15. Here she focuses on how to sample when you want to produce a particular fabric. Mentioned in the episode: Viajante, by Martina Behm The Sheepspot Podcast, episode 15 Sidekick Tyvek wristbands The Sheepspot Podcast, episode 22

In this episode, Sasha tells all about a batt-making misadventure. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 53: Choosing Fiber for a Project Jillian Moreno, 12 (Plus!) Ways to Spin a Batt