The Sheepspot Podcast

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 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 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 mention links that are no longer available.

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 to the Podcast search page and playlists.  Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.  

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 longer available.

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.

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 page and playlists.  Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.  

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. 

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 @sheepspot @sashatorrespainting 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. 

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 Handspun Podcast Freebie inside The Flock:  Spinning Records 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. 

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. 

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, she discusses chain plying as a way to use leftover singles. These three techniques will help you make the most of your singles and eliminate waste when plying. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast Episode 11: Plying for consistency Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind Episode 104: How Much Ply Twist? The Plyback of the Ply and the Question of Balance Episode 105: How to be sure your yarn has even ply twist throughout the skein Spin School - the online course for new and self-taught spinners   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.     

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, she discusses chain plying as a way to use leftover singles. These three techniques will help you make the most of your singles and eliminate waste when plying. Mentioned in this episode: Available in The Flock Spinning Record Cards Bonus Lesson: How to Make a Plying Bracelet The Sheepspot Podcast - Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind 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. 

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 Podcast search page and playlists. 

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 importance of selecting the right yarn structure for lace, cables, and other patterns. 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.   

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 may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.