The Sheepspot Podcast

Episode 157: Breed School is Back

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sc...

Episode 156: Encore Episode: Meet the Multicoated Breeds

31 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about breeds of sheep that produce wonderfully useful and complex fleeces: the multi-coated breeds. Mentioned in the epis...

Episode 155: Encore Episode: Get to Know the Down Breeds

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about the ‘Down’ breeds: the Southdown, the Suffolk, the Dorset Down, the Hampshire, the Oxford and t...

Episode 154 Encore Episode: Meet the Longwools

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about the longwools - breeds to look for, prep suggestions, and tips and tricks for spinning these fibers. Mentioned in ...

Episode 153 Encore Episode: Getting to Know the Fine Wools

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about one of her favorite wools, Rambouillet. Mentioned in this episode: Breed School  You can find ...

Episode 152: Encore Episode Wool Types - An Introduction

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this encore episode Sasha talks about different types of wool and their uses.   Mentioned in this episode: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook, by De...

Episode 151 Big Spins: 5 Tips for Plying and Finishing

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ne...

Episode 150 Big Spins: The Singles

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Sasha dives into the essential strategies for staying motivated and consistent during your big spinning projects. Based on her own exp...

Episode 149:Big Spins: Sampling and Setting up

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 148: Big Spins: Two Approaches

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first in our series focusing on the "Using Your Handspun" pillar of skillful spinning. In this episode Sasha discusses two approac...

Episode 147: Common Plying Problems and How to Solve Them

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha dives into the frustrating experience of leftover singles after plying, a common headache for spinners. She shares three effect...

Episode146: Why I Never End Up with Leftover Singles When I Ply

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha dives into the frustrating experience of leftover singles after plying, a common headache for spinners. She shares three effect...

Episode 145: Are Cabled Yarns Worth the Work?

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Sasha explores cabled yarns, which require multiple plying steps but which have a distinct look and texture and are fantastically dura...

Episode 144: Common Yarn Structures: The Whys and Wherefores

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Sheepspot Podcast, Sasha dives into the various yarn structures, focusing specifically on singles, two-ply, and three-ply yarns...

Episode 143: Creativity Lessons from Denise Love

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Episode 142: My Missing Mojo

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 H...

Episode 141: How to Keep Track of Your Spindles

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha shares her system for keeping track of her ever-growing spindle collection. Mentioned in this episode: Podcast Freebie: Click...

Episode 140: My Favorite Drop Spindle for Beginners

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha shares her favorite spindle for beginners. Mentioned in this episode: Greensleeves Spindles: Bare Bones Spindles You can fi...

Episode 139: Great Spindle Spinning Resources

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha shares three of her favorite spinning resources. Mentioned in this episode: Maggie Casey: Getting Started on a Drop Spindle ...

Episode 138 | SpinDoctor Flashback: Sasha and Jillian at Madrona 2012

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 137 | SpinDoctor Flashback: Talking Color with Deb Menz

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

Episode 136 | SpinDoctor Flashback: Maryland Sheep and Wool 2011

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 135 | SpinDoctor Flashback: An Interview with Deb Robson

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode from 2010, Sasha interviews Deb Robson about the process of creating her magnum opus, The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. Mentioned in th...

Episode 134 | SpinDoctor Flashback: Reporting from Rhinebeck 2010

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 epi...

Episode 133 | SpinDoctor Flashback: Buying Fleece with Beth Smith

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, from 2010, Sasha interviews Beth Smith about buying fleeces.  Mentioned in this episode:  Beth Smith: The Spinner's Book of Fleece ...

Episode 132: Working With Value

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 131: Learning to See Hue

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha explores the difference between "blue" and "blue-green" and the relationship between different hues.  You can find the script ...

Episode 130: The Continuum of Blendiness: Color Management Basics

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha explains the "continuum of blendiness," a rubric for understanding different ways to control optical mixing. Mentioned in the e...

Episode 129: Color in Spinning: Understanding Optical Mixing

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Th...

Episode 128: A Color Story

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 scrip...

Episode 127: Reviewing the Clemes and Clemes Lock Pop

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 HER...

Episode 126: Product Review: Louet Mini Combs

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 125: Four Things to Consider When Shopping for Hand Carders

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about what you should consider when you are choosing hand carders. Mentioned in this episode: Etsy Shop: Fellview Fibres ...

Episode 124: Tools for Worsted Prep

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha discusses a variety of ways to prepare fiber for worsted spinning. Mentioned in this episode: Sources for combing tools: woolco...

Episode 123: Can Spinning Heal the World? A Post-Retreat Reverie

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 122: 10 Pitfalls of Teaching Yourself to Spin

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Episode 121: Three Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started Spinning

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Episode 120: I'm a Knitter/Crocheter/Weaver: Why Should I Learn to Spin?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha encourages knitters, crocheters, and weavers to give spinning a try, and discusses some of the ways learning to spin will enh...

Episode 119: The Pillars of Skillful Spinning™

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode  In this episode, Sasha talks about what she calls The Pillars of Skillful Spinning™, and how they can help yo...

Episode 118: The Spinner's Journey

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode  This week’s episode of The Sheepspot Podcast, on The Spinner’s Journey, will help bring you clarity on wher...

Episode 117: Five Great Wools for New Spinners

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode  In this episode, Sasha talks about five beginner-friendly wools that new spinners can use to build their spinni...

Episode 116: Plying for consistency

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

Episode 115: Spinning More Consistent Singles

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spinning Fundamentals Encore Episode  In this episode of the podcast, Sasha walks through the process of spinning even singles, from sampling to main...

Episode 114: Spinning Commercial Fiber Blends with Mixed Staple Lengths

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about the strategies she's developed when spinning commercial fiber blends with mixed staple lengths. Mentioned in this e...

Episode 113: 4 Tips on Creating Wool/Silk Blends with a Drum Carder

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. Y...

Episode 112: An Easy Fiber Blending Project: My Chemo Hat Recipe

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha shares an easy fiber blending project; her chemo hat recipe.  Mentioned in this episode:  Episode 100: The Woolen Drafts  Yo...

Episode 111: Get Started Blending Fiber

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha offers some tips and resources on creating unique fiber blends. Mentioned in this episode:  Sarah Anderson's Spinning Exotic...

Episode 110: Spinning and mental health II: a conversation

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Episode 109: Community as a Source of Inspiration, or The "Scenius"

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about the inspiring effects of community. Mentioned in this episode:  Scenius: why creatives are stronger together Wi...

Episode 108: What to look for in a healthy spinning community

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 commen...

Episode 107: Spinning Communities as Learning Communities

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about a particular kind of learning community: the community of inquiry. She describes the essential components of commun...

Episode 106: What I learned about plying from my e-spinners

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 epi...

Episode 105: How to be sure your yarn has even ply twist throughout the skein

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 104: How Much Ply Twist? The Plyback of the Ply and the Question of Balance

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 the...

Episode 103: To rest or not to rest (your singles)

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about why and when to let your singles rest before you ply them.  Mentioned in this episode:  Sheepspot Podcast Episod...

Episode 102: Spinning and Mental Health

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about what science has to say about the mental health benefits of activities like knitting and spinning. Mentioned in thi...

Episode 101: Combination Drafting vs. Combination Spinning

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Confused about the difference between "combination drafting" and "combination spinning"? You're not alone! In this episode, Sasha defines and explains...

Episode 100: The Woolen Drafts

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 99: Drafting with Your Feet?

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 98: How I learned to stop worrying and love predrafting

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 relationshi...

Episode 97: When Handspun Attacks!

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 96: How to Use Ravelry to Make Better Projects with Your Handspun

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 95: Three Tips for Knitting with Handspun Yarn

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 94: Why New Spinners Should Start Using Their Yarn Right Away

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 93: What Is Spin School?

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 92: From The Guild: The Benefits of a Regular Spinning Practice

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, members of The Guild by Sheepspot, our membership program that provides community, consistency, and challenge to intermediate and adv...

Episode 91: How to Make Creating a (Spinning) Habit Easier

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 90: Clearing the Decks for a Healthy Spinning Habit

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 89: Why You Should Make Spinning a Habit

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 88: My Three Favorite Wheels for New Spinners

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 87: Wheel Mechanics Mysteries Solved!

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 86: The Pillars of Skillful Spinning™

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 spinnin...

Episode 84: She’s Baaaaack

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. 

Episode 85: Strategy, Tactics, and Why Spinners Need Both

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about strategy, tactics, why spinners tend to focus on tactics, and the advantages of thinking strategically about the ki...

Episode 83: Spinning a (Deliberately) Thick and Thin Yarn

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 82: Five Great Resources for Spinning Art Yarns

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about her five favorite resources for spinning textured or “art” yarns, and about why even the most traditional spinn...

Episode 81: Bridget’s Spinning Journey

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 80: Vicky's Spinning Journey

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 79: Nenette’s Spinning Journey

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 78: Allyssa’s Spinning Journey

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

Episode 77: Sandy’s Spinning Journey

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks with student and Sheepspotters’ Society member Sandy Silver about her spinning journey.    Mentioned in this episode:...

Episode 76: Five Great Wools for New Spinners

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about five beginner-friendly wools that new spinners can use to build their spinning skills.   Mentioned in the episode:...

Episode 75: Three Tips for Self-Taught Spinners

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 74: I love you. How are you?

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Episode 73: Is your Knitting Style Changing your Ply Twist?

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ep...

Episode 72: Handspun on a Simple Loom

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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: Ja...

Episode 71: Fiber Has Two Jobs

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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: M...

Episode 70: Breed Spotlight—North Ronaldsay

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha tells the amazing story of North Ronaldsay sheep, a story encompassing everything from boom to bust (in the potash industry) an...

Episode 69: Meet the Multi-coated Breeds

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about breeds of sheep that produce wonderfully useful and complex fleeces: the multi-coated breeds. Mentioned in the epis...

Episode 68: A Review of Kate Larson's Finishing Up

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha reviews Kate Larson’s video on finishing handspun yarns, Finishing Up. Mentioned in the episode: Kate Larson, Finishing U...

Episode 67: Twist for the Measurement-Phobic

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 consisten...

Episode 66: Twist is a choice

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha talks about twist, the miraculous force that turns fluff into yarn, and explains the factors spinners should think about when d...

Episode 65: Creative Seasons

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Episode 64: Become Besties with your Wheel

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Sasha offers some tips on getting really comfortable with your spinning wheel. Mentioned in the episode: The Sheepspotters’ Society...

Episode 63: The Spinner’s Journey

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Episode 62: Why a Membership?

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 conti...

Episode 61: Five tips for big spinning projects

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 60: Spinning Batts

23 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 59: Sampling for a Project

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 58: Preparing Fiber for Viajante

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sasha tells all about a batt-making misadventure. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 53: Choosing Fiber for a Project Jillian Moreno,...