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.…

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…

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 Th…

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 …

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 spin…

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.…

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. …

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 …

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 Flo…

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 Flexib…

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.By Sasha Torres

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

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

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 practiceBy Sasha Torres

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

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

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

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

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

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.By Sasha Torres

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

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

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

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.By Sasha Torres

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

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.By Sasha Torres

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!By Sasha Torres

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.By Sasha Torres

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

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.By Sasha Torres

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

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

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

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

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 c…

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 Shee…

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 reso…

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 Mor…

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 R…

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 Ra…

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 fleeceBy Sasha Torres

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 Int…

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 #1Fibe…

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 …

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.By Sasha Torres