In this podcast, I talk about what I learned about cotton and spinning cotton in a class at SAFF this year.  I also had the chance to do some fiber and fleece shopping, and talk about that experience. I mentioned that I would list the four currently grown species of cotton plants and their details. Gossypium hirsutum  Known as upland cotton and native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Southern Florida.  This species accounts for 90% of commercial cotton grown. Gossypium barbadense  Known as extra-long staple cotton, and is native to South America.  This species accounts for 8% of all cotton grown. Gossypium arboreum  Known as tree cotton, it is native to India and Pakistan.  This species accounts for 2% of all commercial cotton grown. Gossypium herbacaum  Known as Levant cotton this species is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and is the last percentage of the cotton grown world wide. Extra long staple cotton requires special ginning, known as roller gins. This type cotton can only be grown in a few places in the world, because it requires a long season and will not tolerate rain before harvest.  Currently California and Arizona are the two US areas growing this cotton.

In this podcast, I talk about what I learned about cotton and spinning cotton in a class at SAFF this year.  I also had the chance to do some fiber and fleece shopping, and talk about that experience. I mentioned that I would list the four currently grown species of cotton plants and their details. Gossypium hirsutum  Known as upland cotton and native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Southern Florida.  This species accounts for 90% of commercial cotton grown. Gossypium barbadense  Known as extra-long staple cotton, and is native to South America.  This species accounts for 8% of all cotton grown. Gossypium arboreum  Known as tree cotton, it is native to India and Pakistan.  This species accounts for 2% of all commercial cotton grown. Gossypium herbacaum  Known as Levant cotton this species is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and is the last percentage of the cotton grown world wide. Extra long staple cotton requires special ginning, known as roller gins. This type cotton can only be grown in a few places in the world, because it requires a long season and will not tolerate rain before harvest.  Currently California and Arizona are the two US areas growing this cotton.

YST Episode 189 Spinning cotton and picking wool

A short podcast talking about the last five skeins in the yarn wash up, and my recent spinning. I mention fiber from a Phatt fiber box, they can be found here. The other fiber I have been spinning awhile is from Hobby Lobby.  I finally looked it up online and can provide a  link.  I am spinning Yarn Bee Showstopper in the Winter Solstice colorway.

A short podcast talking about the last five skeins in the yarn wash up, and my recent spinning. I mention fiber from a Phatt fiber box, they can be found <a href="https://www.phatfiber.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. The other fiber I have been spinning awhile is from Hobby Lobby.  I finally looked it up online and can provide a <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Yarn-Needle-Art/Yarn/Winter-Solstice-Yarn-Bee-Showstopper-Yarn/p/80990667" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> link.</a>  I am spinning Yarn Bee Showstopper in the Winter Solstice colorway.

YST Episode 188 How old is that fiber

After I spin a skein of yarn, it needs to be washed.  I put this off until I have enough to take several days of washing.   I also talk about doing a burn test on fiber to determine the fiber content.  One was a very big surprise!  The flow chart I was using for this burn test can be found here. My pack of luxury fibers contained white angora and it is shown on the Nano spinning wheel in the photo with this podcast.  The pack of fibers came from Sericin Silk Etsy store.

After I spin a skein of yarn, it needs to be washed.  I put this off until I have enough to take several days of washing.   I also talk about doing a burn test on fiber to determine the fiber content.  One was a very big surprise!  The flow chart I was using for this burn test can be found <a href="http://www.ditzyprints.com/dpburnchart.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a> My pack of luxury fibers contained white angora and it is shown on the Nano spinning wheel in the photo with this podcast.  The pack of fibers came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sericin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sericin Silk</a> Etsy store.

YST Episode 187 The big wash up

This podcast is for the week of Sept 5th, and talks about prepping cormo fiber for the dyepot, and spinning a merino silk bamboo blend. I also refer to two past podcasts so here are the links:  Episode 38 talks about buying a fleece.  Episode 39 talks about buying non wool fibers and how to store all fibers.  Also the ghost story that I wrote is at the end of this episode. The fiber I was spinning was from Wooliebullie.  Right now the Etsy store is only selling art batts, and hand knitted items.

This podcast is for the week of Sept 5th, and talks about prepping cormo fiber for the dyepot, and spinning a merino silk bamboo blend. I also refer to two past podcasts so here are the links: <a href="http://yarnspinnerstales.com/yst-episode-38-selecting-a-wool-fleece-to-buy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 38</a> talks about buying a fleece.  <a href="http://yarnspinnerstales.com/yst-episode-39-storing-fiber" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 39</a> talks about buying non wool fibers and how to store all fibers.  Also the ghost story that I wrote is at the end of this episode. The fiber I was spinning was from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wooliebullie?section_id=5242286" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wooliebullie</a>.  Right now the Etsy store is only selling art batts, and hand knitted items.

YST Episode 186

A catch up podcast talking about Stashdash, the state fair and a black and white Shetland fleece. Stashdash is a challenge created by the podcast TheKnitGirlls. The young spinner I mention in the state fair has grown up and now has her own fiber business at Cedar Ridge Fiber Farm. If you would like to see the daily streams I did during Tour de Fleece, they are archived  here.  I am still uploading those, but all will be there soon.  My current streams can be found at Yarnspinnerstales on Twitch.TV

A catch up podcast talking about Stashdash, the state fair and a black and white Shetland fleece. Stashdash is a challenge created by the podcast <a href="https://theknitgirllls.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheKnitGirlls.</a> The young spinner I mention in the state fair has grown up and now has her own fiber business at <a href="https://cedarhillfiberfarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cedar Ridge Fiber Farm</a>. If you would like to see the daily streams I did during Tour de Fleece, they are archived <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCIAHpT6wIlfpcFLrviFHSqg/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&amp;sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here.</a>  I am still uploading those, but all will be there soon.  My current streams can be found at Yarnspinnerstales on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/yarnspinnerstales" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitch.TV</a>

YST Episode 185 A Yin Yang fleece

Just a brief note to fill those of you that haven't heard of my Mom's illness.  I have to stop the podcast for awhile, as I spend time with her.

Just a brief note to fill those of you that haven't heard of my Mom's illness.  I have to stop the podcast for awhile, as I spend time with her.

July 26 2021 An Open ended Absence

A tiny but perfectly acceptable spinning wheel is being 3D printed by Dreaming Robots.   I have the smaller version called the Nano and I talk about it in this podcast.   I purchased it at the Hoosier Hill fiber fair at the booth for Susan's fiber shop. I referenced the book Big Book of Handspinning by Alden Amos.  This is just one source for the book.

A tiny but perfectly acceptable spinning wheel is being 3D printed by <a href="https://www.dreamingrobots.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dreaming Robots.  </a> I have the smaller version called the Nano and I talk about it in this podcast.   I purchased it at the Hoosier Hill fiber fair at the booth for <a href="https://www.susansfiber.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susan's fiber shop</a>. I referenced the book Big Book of Handspinning by Alden Amos.  <a href="https://woolery.com/the-alden-amos-big-book-of-handspinning.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This</a> is just one source for the book.

YST Episode 184 07/21/21

The podcasts will have a new format starting with this one.  The good news is they will be more frequent, and the maybe or maybe not bad news is they will be shorter. For years I have been using this podcast to teach many things about the spinning of yarn.  Those are available on the website by checking under archives.  There is even listings of the episode topics to find specific podcasts.  With the future podcasts, I will be sharing  my experiences and stories of working with fiber everyday.  These will be dated with the episode number but not about specific topics. I am still streaming three days a week on Twitch.tv   on Wednesday, Friday and Sundays.  I just completed streaming all 21 days of the Tour de Fleece and these can be found on my Twitch page under Yarnspinnerstales.  There is a lot of spinning there, and it is a good way to catch up on what I have been doing lately. Thank you for all the years you have joined me on this Journey! And as always, happy spinning.

The podcasts will have a new format starting with this one.  The good news is they will be more frequent, and the maybe or maybe not bad news is they will be shorter. For years I have been using this podcast to teach many things about the spinning of yarn.  Those are available on the website by checking under archives.  There is even listings of the episode topics to find specific podcasts.  With the future podcasts, I will be sharing  my experiences and stories of working with fiber everyday.  These will be dated with the episode number but not about specific topics. I am still streaming three days a week on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/yarnspinnerstales" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitch.tv  </a> on Wednesday, Friday and Sundays.  I just completed streaming all 21 days of the Tour de Fleece and these can be found on my Twitch page under Yarnspinnerstales.  There is a lot of spinning there, and it is a good way to catch up on what I have been doing lately. Thank you for all the years you have joined me on this Journey! And as always, happy spinning.

YST Episode 183 07/19/21

Podcasting for me is on the back burner at this time.  I plan to return with the Tour de Fleece in July 2021.

Podcasting for me is on the back burner at this time.  I plan to return with the Tour de Fleece in July 2021.

YST A Brief Hello

Last podcast of 2020 and maybe the last breed reviews I do for awhile.  It is time to move forward into other areas of spinning and the new year seems a good time to start. The breeds reviewed today are Llanowag and Lleyn.  The fiber was part of a Welsh breed study pack from Wychwood Spinners This podcast was created from the audio of a livestream I did when I reviewed these fibers.  It is different than my normal podcasting, but I think the addition of the actual sounds of processing and spinning is unique enough to be interesting. Happy New Year! and of course may it contain much spinning!

Last podcast of 2020 and maybe the last breed reviews I do for awhile.  It is time to move forward into other areas of spinning and the new year seems a good time to start. The breeds reviewed today are Llanowag and Lleyn.  The fiber was part of a Welsh breed study pack from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WychwoodSpinner" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wychwood Spinners</a> This podcast was created from the audio of a livestream I did when I reviewed these fibers.  It is different than my normal podcasting, but I think the addition of the actual sounds of processing and spinning is unique enough to be interesting. Happy New Year! and of course may it contain much spinning!

YST Episode 182 Welsh Sheep breeds review

Join me as each time I either prep fiber for spinning, or sit at my spinning wheel.  There is also music and stories while we spin our fiber into yarn.

Thanks for a great podcast! Keep up the good work.

Thanks!

Really helpful to a new spinner and very nice just to sit back and relaxes with.

Great pod cast

Yarnspinners Tales's Podcast

Do you really know how your spinning wheel works?  Knowing how it works will help you spin the yarn you want, instead of just spinning whatever happens type of yarn. It's September, and that means back to school.  So we hit the books and learn about three different types of flyer bobbin systems used in spinning wheels.  Once you figure out what type of wheel you are using, you can then understand how to make your wheel work for you. There's lots of information on this podcast, so to give us a bit of a break, I am using music from the group CatzintheHatz.  Here's a link to their music: http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=b588c2cc09c7fe6855202a2901643905 And to close the podcast, there's a wonderful parody song, Wake Me up When this Math Class is Done, by the group fump: http://www.thefump.com/ As always all music is from the podsafe music network. Thanks for listening!

Do you really know how your spinning wheel works?  Knowing how it works will help you spin the yarn you want, instead of just spinning whatever happens type of yarn. It's September, and that means back to school.  So we hit the books and learn about three different types of flyer bobbin systems used in spinning wheels.  Once you figure out what type of wheel you are using, you can then understand how to make your wheel work for you. There's lots of information on this podcast, so to give us a bit of a break, I am using music from the group CatzintheHatz.  Here's a link to their music: <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=b588c2cc09c7fe6855202a2901643905" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=b588c2cc09c7fe6855202a2901643905</a> And to close the podcast, there's a wonderful parody song, Wake Me up When this Math Class is Done, by the group fump: <a href="http://www.thefump.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.thefump.com/</a> As always all music is from the <a href="http://music.podshow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podsafe music network</a>. Thanks for listening!

YST Episode 19  How the Wheel Spins

Happy Holidays listeners!  The main part of this podcast is all about drop spindles.  I talk through the basics of how to spin with one, and then talk about the different spindles I have, and what fibers they spin well. There's a yarnspinner tale too, although it's an indulgent list crossing off session of holiday happenings.   As always, there's music to bebop along with as you work or drive, with a holiday theme.  I hope you find the music as enjoyable as I did. All music is from the Podsafe Music Network.  Today's podcast opens with, What Child Is This? - Greensleeves - classical guitar Christmas instrumental by Derek K Miller. Next Winzenried a.k.a. Hollywood Drunks gives us an upbeat version of Carol of the Bells. Pink Christmas by The Moneyshot Cosmonauts is between the segments and the podcast is closed by Hipcola with Winter Wonderland. OK so it's a cliche...but talk to you next year!  Thanks for listening.

Happy Holidays listeners!  The main part of this podcast is all about drop spindles.  I talk through the basics of how to spin with one, and then talk about the different spindles I have, and what fibers they spin well. There's a yarnspinner tale too, although it's an indulgent list crossing off session of holiday happenings.  As always, there's music to bebop along with as you work or drive, with a holiday theme.  I hope you find the music as enjoyable as I did. All music is from the <a href="http://music.podshow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Podsafe Music Network</a>.  Today's podcast opens with, What Child Is This? - Greensleeves - classical guitar Christmas instrumental by <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=0250b0e6c006b4b920ccb81a59066f63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derek K Miller</a>. Next <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=082e5aa3474a24d58c17e9f91c210311" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winzenried a.k.a. Hollywood Drunks</a> gives us an upbeat version of Carol of the Bells. Pink Christmas by <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=53ed9999937c75761728272156dc002c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Moneyshot Cosmonauts</a> is between the segments and the podcast is closed by <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=94354662c286953389e4b053406665ba" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hipcola</a> with Winter Wonderland. OK so it's a cliche...but talk to you next year!  Thanks for listening.

YST Episode 23 Drop Spindles

A follow up on the skein plied with commercial yarns.  I split each type and washed one half in order to compare and see if it made any significant difference in the yarns. The second part of the podcast is a ramble about what I learned about myself as a spinner, as I prepared a fiber swap box for a swap partner. Music is from Music Alley.  The theme song is by Jon Caspi and the First Gun.  An interlude around the word twist included music by Filip Marian and M C Robin.  A second interlude was Fantasy for Two by Michael Van Laar.   Closing song is The Learning Curve by Paul Rose YST now has a Twitter account, and I have started posting three minute audios through Audioboo as tweets.

A follow up on the skein plied with commercial yarns.  I split each type and washed one half in order to compare and see if it made any significant difference in the yarns. The second part of the podcast is a ramble about what I learned about myself as a spinner, as I prepared a fiber swap box for a swap partner. Music is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Alley</a>.  The theme song is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=b8c38662cc266e517e5b3925410e3df1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jon Caspi and the First Gun</a>.  An interlude around the word twist included music by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=7c7086900ddda5c8bb7365246b54dec4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Filip Marian</a> and <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=2a7dfc134475de0a7bd0c90d0366fde2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">M C Robin</a>.  A second interlude was Fantasy for Two by<a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=7f90710e9b560e015b7a977be2efd86f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Michael Van Laar.  </a> Closing song is The Learning Curve by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=46f4f9ea9d0e1a506deb367db1952844" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Rose</a> YST now has a <a href="https://twitter.com/yarnspinners_g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> account, and I have started posting three minute audios through <a href="http://audioboo.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audioboo</a> as tweets.

YST Episode 91 What I learned

Coopworth and Polypay are two sheep breeds reviewed in this podcast.  And since spring is here in all it's glory, the spin in is held on the front porch.  Grab your MP3 player, fiber and favorite spinning tool and join me for some spinning without a purpose, spinning, just because. A big thank you to the Milk and Honey Farm for the use of their adorable picture of polypay lambs on this blog and the Itunes photo. All music is from the podsafe music network.  A special thank you to Wren Ross for her wonderful It had to be Ewe. The interlude is by Triple6fusion and is call First Day of Spring. The closing song is by the Dust Rhinos and is called Breathe a Little Slower.

Coopworth and Polypay are two sheep breeds reviewed in this podcast.  And since spring is here in all it's glory, the spin in is held on the front porch.  Grab your MP3 player, fiber and favorite spinning tool and join me for some spinning without a purpose, spinning, just because. A big thank you to the <a href="http://www.milkandhoneyfarm.com/sheep/sheep.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milk and Honey Farm </a>for the use of their adorable picture of polypay lambs on this blog and the Itunes photo. All music is from the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podsafe music </a>network.  A special thank you to <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=a68851ad2c6097ec3b5e1e710426ca7c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wren Ross </a>for her wonderful It had to be Ewe. The interlude is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?pageNum_MusicList=4&amp;totalRows_MusicList=33&amp;BandHash=fd7e660acc99f1121fbf45e1f0f583a2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Triple6fusion</a> and is call First Day of Spring. The closing song is by the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=74bb7d5b4ed9cafb1afdfd361379691c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dust Rhinos </a>and is called Breathe a Little Slower.

YST Episode 45 Spring Spin In

Sweaters by Hand Designs for Spinners and Knitters by Helene Rush and Rachael Emmons is the subject of todays book review podcast. Music is from Music Alley, a timeless classic by Dust Rhinos, Wild Mountain Thyme.

Sweaters by Hand Designs for Spinners and Knitters by Helene Rush and Rachael Emmons is the subject of todays book review podcast. Music is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Alley</a>, a timeless classic by<a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?pageNum_MusicList=2&amp;totalRows_MusicList=19&amp;BandHash=74bb7d5b4ed9cafb1afdfd361379691c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Dust Rhinos</a>, Wild Mountain Thyme.

YST Episode 99 Book Review

This podcast talks about carding with handcarders, or a drumcarder.  Not only is it a wonderful way to get your fiber ready to spin, it is also a very useful tool for blending fibers or colors. Carding with handcards is shown on this video. We made this video when we were podcasting about cotton, but the concept of carding is the same, and I thought it would be good to include the link again. There was a big announcement quietly made in this podcast: My new online shop! This shop will be a place for selling fibers and other creative pursuits that catch my fancy.  You can find it at  ZavagantStudios at the Artfire website. If you want to see other carding that I have been doing, check out my blog. The music used in today's podcast is from a podsafe music network, mevio (formally the podsafe music network site). The interlude music is Summer by General Fuzz.   The closing song is Midsummer Night by Robert Walker. And as always a big thank you to Clare Dowling for the spinning song that I use as my podcast theme song. Happy blending!

This podcast talks about carding with handcarders, or a drumcarder.  Not only is it a wonderful way to get your fiber ready to spin, it is also a very useful tool for blending fibers or colors. Carding with handcards is shown on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsvWwK6Icjo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> video. We made this video when we were podcasting about cotton, but the concept of carding is the same, and I thought it would be good to include the link again. There was a big announcement quietly made in this podcast: My new online shop! This shop will be a place for selling fibers and other creative pursuits that catch my fancy.  You can find it at  <a href="http://wwww.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&amp;seller_id=35479" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ZavagantStudios</a> at the Artfire website. If you want to see other carding that I have been doing, check out my <a href="http://www.yarnspinners.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog.</a> The music used in today's podcast is from a podsafe music network, <a href="http://music.mevio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mevio</a> (formally the podsafe music network site). The interlude music is Summer by <a href="http://music.mevio.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=bb696c9d3c1d9d48d0dd6d9a3547243e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">General Fuzz</a>.  The closing song is Midsummer Night by <a href="http://music.mevio.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=5fcb25d5a6d38cfcfaaa12e9addeefbf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Walker</a>. And as always a big thank you to <a href="http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=f200c4c9c0149cd7a669969c8d83f3ab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clare Dowling</a> for the spinning song that I use as my podcast theme song. Happy blending!

YST Episode 34 Carding and Blending Fibers

Buying a fleece straight from the sheep is the true starting point for many spinners.  In this podcast I talk about thinking through the process before you actually go shopping, and then what to look for when you are finally ready to buy. I would like to include references to two books that I mention in this podcast: Turning Wool into a Cottage Industry  by Paula Simmons In Sheep's Clothing by Nola and Jane Fournier Music is from the podsafe music network  and was the instrumental Change of Autumn by Brian Turner.   As promised: a listing of sheep breed based on the softest possible micron count (the number listed after the name of the sheep): Sheep breeds softest to roughest listing Reference  In Sheep's Clothing  by Nola and Jane Fournier Fine wools                                                                                                       Merino 18   Rambouillet 19               CVM 21                                                                                     Cormo 21                                                                                     Polworth 21                                                                           Romeldale 21                                                                   Targhee 22                                                                           Polypal 22                                                                         Bond 23                                                                             Columbia 24                                                                             Corriedale 26                                     Down Breeds                 Shetland  23  Southdown  23  Clun Forest  25       Montadale  25               Tunis  25         Black Welsh Mountain 26    Ryeland  26  Shropshire  26  Suffolk  26  Cheviot  28      Longwools                                                                  Blue faced Leicester 24                          Texel   26                                                    Gotland   28                                                    Perendale  28                                                        Teeswater  30                                                 Wensleydale 30                                          Romney 33                                               Cotswold  34                                            Coopworth  35                                          Lincoln 36                                                  Border Leicester  37

Buying a fleece straight from the sheep is the true starting point for many spinners.  In this podcast I talk about thinking through the process before you actually go shopping, and then what to look for when you are finally ready to buy. I would like to include references to two books that I mention in this podcast: Turning Wool into a Cottage Industry  by Paula Simmons In Sheep's Clothing by Nola and Jane Fournier Music is from the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podsafe music network</a>  and was the instrumental Change of Autumn by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Turner</a>. As promised: a listing of sheep breed based on the softest possible micron count (the number listed after the name of the sheep): Sheep breeds softest to roughest listing Reference  In Sheep's Clothing  by Nola and Jane Fournier Fine wools                                                                                                       Merino 18   Rambouillet 19               CVM 21                                                                                     Cormo 21                                                                                     Polworth 21                                                                           Romeldale 21                                                                   Targhee 22                                                                           Polypal 22                                                                         Bond 23                                                                             Columbia 24                                                                             Corriedale 26                                    Down Breeds                 Shetland  23  Southdown  23  Clun Forest  25       Montadale  25               Tunis  25         Black Welsh Mountain 26    Ryeland  26  Shropshire  26  Suffolk  26  Cheviot  28      Longwools                                                                  Blue faced Leicester 24                          Texel   26                                                    Gotland   28                                                    Perendale  28                                                        Teeswater  30                                                 Wensleydale 30                                          Romney 33                                               Cotswold  34                                            Coopworth  35                                          Lincoln 36                                                  Border Leicester  37

YST Episode 38  Selecting a Wool Fleece to buy

First in the podcast, some thoughts on the wide variety of niche markets we have in this fiber world.  Then I tell about my three Spinzilla projects and how I figured my yardage for submission to their total amounts. There is more music in today's podcast, and it  is from Musicalley First interlude is from Space Agency and is called Godzilla. Middle break music is from the FuMP, always a fun romp, and is also called Godzilla (yes just pretend it is really Spinzilla).  Since this group has lots and lots of songs, find this specific one by searching Godzilla on Musicalley. The closing song is by Tracy Jane Comer and is Drive for Miles.  I think of it as Spin for Miles since that is one of the measurements used by Spinzilla.  Lovely song, whether you are driving or spinning.

First in the podcast, some thoughts on the wide variety of niche markets we have in this fiber world.  Then I tell about my three Spinzilla projects and how I figured my yardage for submission to their total amounts. There is more music in today's podcast, and it  is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Musicalley</a> First interlude is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?pageNum_MusicList=1&amp;totalRows_MusicList=12&amp;BandHash=0a70baa91c83b395af2358b6f8609d73" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Space Agency</a> and is called Godzilla. Middle break music is from the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=53ed9999937c75761728272156dc002c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FuMP</a>, always a fun romp, and is also called Godzilla (yes just pretend it is really Spinzilla).  Since this group has lots and lots of songs, find this specific one by searching Godzilla on Musicalley. The closing song is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?pageNum_MusicList=2&amp;totalRows_MusicList=12&amp;BandHash=6c4aa077cc71515a55798c5f633ee558" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tracy Jane Comer</a> and is Drive for Miles.  I think of it as Spin for Miles since that is one of the measurements used by Spinzilla.  Lovely song, whether you are driving or spinning.

YST Episode 118 Spinzilla

In the first part of this podcast I explain just what is this thing called ravellenics.  Then I go into the details of what I did for the event. First is spinning, and after that, the next knit with hand spun yarn project, the Oslo Shawl. In the second part of the podcast, I talked about the seven items I took to my state's fair for the spinning category. A few links for sources of the fiber I used to spin the yarns: The Painted Tiger Yarn Hollow fibers Kundart Spindles  The spindle shown on this website is exactly like the one I got! Photos of what I entered in the state fair can be seen  here.

In the first part of this podcast I explain just what is this thing called ravellenics.  Then I go into the details of what I did for the event. First is spinning, and after that, the next knit with hand spun yarn project, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oslo-shawl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oslo Shawl.</a> In the second part of the podcast, I talked about the seven items I took to my state's fair for the spinning category. A few links for sources of the fiber I used to spin the yarns: <a href="http://www.thepaintedtiger.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Painted Tiger</a> <a href="http://yarnhollow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarn Hollow fibers</a> <a href="http://www.kundertspindles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kundart Spindles</a>  The spindle shown on this website is exactly like the one I got! Photos of what I entered in the state fair can be seen <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Yarnspinnerstales/handspun/2016-state-fair-entries" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

YST Episode 139 Ravellenics 2016 and State Fair

The reviews of the British Rare breed sheep continues in this episode. The fiber came from Hilltopcloud.uk.com Music is from Musicalley  and todays song called Winter is by Jakki Jelene Photos of the yarn can be found on my blog

The reviews of the British Rare breed sheep continues in this episode. The fiber came from <a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hilltopcloud.uk.com</a> Music is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Musicalley</a>  and todays song called Winter is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=2607b54cad8bbad03918627d53238aec" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jakki Jelene</a> Photos of the yarn can be found on my <a href="http://www.yarnspinners.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog</a>

YST Episode 104 Whitefaced Woodland wool review

How to decide whether to comb or card a fleece once it is washed, is the topic of today's podcast.  I also do a hands on recording of the packet process I use to wash wool locks and then review the results of that project.In the closing I invite listeners to join the Ravelry group for Yarnspinnerstales, for our first spin along.  In March we are going to investigate spinning singles and knitting with the yarn.Music in today's podcast is from Music Alley.Interlude music is by George Winston and is called Be My Valentine Charlie BrownThe closing song is by Vanessa Peters and Ice Cream on Mondays  and is titled, The Maybe Love SongUntil later, happy spinning!

How to decide whether to comb or card a fleece once it is washed, is the topic of today's podcast.  I also do a hands on recording of the packet process I use to wash wool locks and then review the results of that <a href="http://project.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">project.In</a> the closing I invite listeners to join the Ravelry group for Yarnspinnerstales, for our first spin along.  In March we are going to investigate spinning singles and knitting with the yarn.Music in today's podcast is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Alley</a>.Interlude music is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=0ebb3f0d273c8de12bbb8c9d9255c216" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Winston</a> and is called Be My Valentine Charlie BrownThe closing song is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=7ac6dd32c9aac34295eb2f6721d7333d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vanessa Peters </a>and Ice Cream on Mondays  and is titled, The Maybe Love SongUntil later, happy spinning!

YST Episode 59 Washing and Combing five sheep breed locks

Fibers combs all are designed to give the spinner lovely top to spin.  But with such a wide variety of type of combs available to the spinner, how does one decide which is right for them?  That is the question I talk about in this podcast, discussing things I know from experience, and from internet research. One interesting webpost I discovered was about a person's attempt to recreat an old Icelandic comb, which was probably used both from human and animal hair.  That site can be found here. Several web sources to purchase combs are: Forsyth Combs Woodland Woolworks Susan's Fiber Shop The music today is from Music Alley The interlude is by Blake  and is called The Hungarian Love Song The closing song is by Debbie Cunningham  and is the jazz classic, My Funny Valentine   Until later, happy spinning!

Fibers combs all are designed to give the spinner lovely top to spin.  But with such a wide variety of type of combs available to the spinner, how does one decide which is right for them?  That is the question I talk about in this podcast, discussing things I know from experience, and from internet research. One interesting webpost I discovered was about a person's attempt to recreat an old Icelandic comb, which was probably used both from human and animal hair.  That site can be found <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/olafvanta/Dirk/comb/combstruction.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Several web sources to purchase combs are: <a href="http://www.woolcombs.com/w/Welcome.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.woolcombs.com/w/Welcome.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forsyth Combs</a> <a href="http://www.woolworks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woodland Woolworks</a> <a href="http://www.susansfibershop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susan's Fiber Shop</a> The music today is from <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Alley</a> The interlude is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=df28fd101063fc92c4844f7b8793899e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blake</a>  and is called The Hungarian Love Song The closing song is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=3bf0ef70f4c011c1f6842da22864a620" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Debbie Cunningham</a>  and is the jazz classic, My Funny Valentine Until later, happy spinning!

YST Episode 58 Different Types of Fiber Combs

I review the last two breeds from the sampler purchased from Hilltopcloud etsy store.  The breeds are Manx Loaghtan and Hill Radnor. To see more pictures of this fiber and yarn go to my blog. Music for the show continues the snow theme used during this series, in honor of the Winter Ravellenic event.  Today's song is from Music Alley and is by Emile Menasche.  It is call Watercolor Winter.

I review the last two breeds from the sampler purchased from<a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hilltopcloud </a>etsy store.  The breeds are Manx Loaghtan and Hill Radnor. To see more pictures of this fiber and yarn go to my<a href="http://www.yarnspinners.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> blog</a>. Music for the show continues the snow theme used during this series, in honor of the Winter Ravellenic event.  Today's song is from<a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Music Alley</a> and is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=9de87ccc2a092ef3ec29cd9a321d788d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emile Menasche. </a> It is call Watercolor Winter.

YST Episode 107 Final British Rare breeed reviews

It's like a spinning studio, in a book size box.  That's how the charkha spinning wheel is described in the podcast.  Along with many fun stories involving spinning on this unique spinning tool, we also try to give you specifics on just how to spin on one yourself. Every now and then it seems that the pictures really will speak louder than the words, so to help you understand just what we are talking about we have posted a video on Youtube.  Here's a direct link for it.  You have to pick which to do first, listen to the podcast, or watch the video...just don't do them both at the same time! I have lots of links about charkhas. You can find lots more through Google I am sure.  If you want to join the discussion, come on over to Ravelry and join the Yarnspinnerstales group there.  We'd love to hear from you. Thank you to Elaine Benfatto for her DVD Charkha Spinning: Tips and Techniques, which I review in the podcast. Thank you to Jonathon Bosworth, for making not only the charkha we talk about, but many other lovely spinning tools. Thank you to Gokul Salvadi for all the music in today's podcast.  The interlude was Plucked Sitar and the closing song was Traibal Dance.  His music can be found at Music Alley, formerly the Podsafe music network. Here's lots more links http://www.markshep.com/nonviolence/Charkha.html http://www.journeywheel.com/content/section/6/107/ http://www.charkhafiberbook.com/  http://ssbjecharka.blogspot.com/2009/03/spin-sing-and-power-e-charkha-way.html http://www.mielkesfarm.com/charkha_vid.htm http://www.charkha.biz/Charkha/tools.htm  advertises tuned indian charkha http://www.woolery.com/pages/charkhafr.html  has video I reviewed http://www.paradisefibers.net/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD-p/999131.htm  also has video http://halcyonyarn.com/spinning.php  has video http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD/productinfo/VS-DX417/  has video http://www.dyegarden.com/2009/05/cigar-box-charkha-building-and-dye.html  building a cigar box charkha http://www.woolworks.com/Shop/Videos/Spinning  has video http://fiberdrunk.blogs.se/2007/09/16/charkha_plying_solution~2990381/  cool upright kate

It's like a spinning studio, in a book size box.  That's how the charkha spinning wheel is described in the podcast.  Along with many fun stories involving spinning on this unique spinning tool, we also try to give you specifics on just how to spin on one yourself. Every now and then it seems that the pictures really will speak louder than the words, so to help you understand just what we are talking about we have posted a video on Youtube.  <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYysYumB_Io" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here's</a> a direct link for it.  You have to pick which to do first, listen to the podcast, or watch the video...just don't do them both at the same time! I have lots of links about charkhas. You can find lots more through Google I am sure.  If you want to join the discussion, come on over to Ravelry and join the Yarnspinnerstales group there.  We'd love to hear from you. Thank you to Elaine Benfatto for her DVD Charkha Spinning: Tips and Techniques, which I review in the podcast. Thank you to <a href="http://www.journeywheel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jonathon Bosworth</a>, for making not only the charkha we talk about, but many other lovely spinning tools. Thank you to <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=cac322f73fd1b84bd2b314d6941edacd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gokul Salvadi</a> for all the music in today's podcast.  The interlude was Plucked Sitar and the closing song was Traibal Dance.  His music can be found at <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music Alley</a>, formerly the Podsafe music network. Here's lots more links <a href="http://www.markshep.com/nonviolence/Charkha.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.markshep.com/nonviolence/Charkha.html</a> <a href="http://www.journeywheel.com/content/section/6/107/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.journeywheel.com/content/section/6/107/</a> <a href="http://www.charkhafiberbook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.charkhafiberbook.com/</a> <a href="http://ssbjecharka.blogspot.com/2009/03/spin-sing-and-power-e-charkha-way.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ssbjecharka.blogspot.com/2009/03/spin-sing-and-power-e-charkha-way.html</a> <a href="http://www.mielkesfarm.com/charkha_vid.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mielkesfarm.com/charkha_vid.htm</a> <a href="http://www.charkha.biz/Charkha/tools.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.charkha.biz/Charkha/tools.htm</a>  advertises tuned indian charkha <a href="http://www.woolery.com/pages/charkhafr.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.woolery.com/pages/charkhafr.html</a>  has video I reviewed <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.net/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD-p/999131.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.paradisefibers.net/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD-p/999131.htm</a>  also has video <a href="http://halcyonyarn.com/spinning.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://halcyonyarn.com/spinning.php</a>  has video <a href="http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD/productinfo/VS-DX417/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/CHARKHA-SPINNING-TIPS-DVD/productinfo/VS-DX417/</a>  has video <a href="http://www.dyegarden.com/2009/05/cigar-box-charkha-building-and-dye.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dyegarden.com/2009/05/cigar-box-charkha-building-and-dye.html</a>  building a cigar box charkha <a href="http://www.woolworks.com/Shop/Videos/Spinning" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.woolworks.com/Shop/Videos/Spinning</a>  has video <a href="http://fiberdrunk.blogs.se/2007/09/16/charkha_plying_solution~2990381/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://fiberdrunk.blogs.se/2007/09/16/charkha_plying_solution~2990381/</a>  cool upright kate

YST Episode 36 Spinning on a Charkha

Links to vendors mentioned in the podcast: Stitches events in general Atlanta Ga event May 30-June 2 2019 Stitches United is on that page too. Youghiogheny Yarns Keri Fosbrink dyer Fiberlady bamboo fiber Buffalo Wool Co Buffalo wool yarn and fiber Franklin Habit Shirsty Cat Designs Merino silk fiber 2 Guys Yarn Company Soak Flatter spray Lost City knits Denise Bell   Applecross Highland shawl Ravelry pattern Knitted Knockers knitbahpurl Stevenbe  Vintage Lace book by Gladys Amedro The video blogger I mentioned is Quayln Stark and he blogs on youtube.  The stitches midwest podcast can be found here I talk about a fiber processor  but failed to mention the name. The farm business is called Alpaca Pines and their website can be found here. There was a what I called a wood ball winder that I was unable to find online to show you. I have found out since that this item has another use, which is to hold the ball of yarn wound on to it as you knit. So the concept for it I think is to wind the yarn on it from a skein and then let it sit near you as you knit, it will rotate release the yarn. No balls of yarn rolling away from you. I was not able to find any 1500 yard one dye lot skeins of yarn online, like I saw in the market. I think this concept is a custom dye project, so if interested contact your favorite dyer, see if they can purchase the yarn in the large skein and dye it for you.

Links to vendors mentioned in the podcast: <a href="https://www.knittinguniverse.com/stitches/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitches events</a> in general Atlanta Ga event May 30-June 2 2019 Stitches United is on that page too. <a href="https://www.youghioghenyyarns.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youghiogheny Yarns</a> Keri Fosbrink dyer <a href="https://store.fiberlady.com/collections/fibers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fiberlady</a> bamboo fiber <a href="https://thebuffalowoolco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buffalo Wool Co</a> Buffalo wool yarn and fiber <a href="http://franklinhabit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franklin Habit</a> <a href="https://www.shirstycat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shirsty Cat Designs</a> Merino silk fiber <a href="http://www.2guysyarn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2 Guys Yarn Company</a> <a href="https://us.soakwash.com/collections/flatter-smoothing-spray" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soak Flatter spray</a> <a href="http://lostcityknits.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lost City knits</a> Denise Bell  <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/applecross-highland-shawl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Applecross Highland shawl Ravelry pattern</a> <a href="https://www.knittedknockers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knitted Knockers</a> <a href="https://www.knitbaahpurl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">knitbahpurl</a> <a href="http://www.stevenbe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stevenbe</a> <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/The-Gladys-Amedro-Vintage-Lace-Collection-Volume-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Vintage Lace</a> book by Gladys Amedro The video blogger I mentioned is Quayln Stark and he blogs on youtube.  The stitches midwest podcast can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsjwB_bJGdA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> I talk about a fiber processor  but failed to mention the name. The farm business is called Alpaca Pines and their website can be found <a href="https://www.alpacapines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. There was a what I called a wood ball winder that I was unable to find online to show you. I have found out since that this item has another use, which is to hold the ball of yarn wound on to it as you knit. So the concept for it I think is to wind the yarn on it from a skein and then let it sit near you as you knit, it will rotate release the yarn. No balls of yarn rolling away from you. I was not able to find any 1500 yard one dye lot skeins of yarn online, like I saw in the market. I think this concept is a custom dye project, so if interested contact your favorite dyer, see if they can purchase the yarn in the large skein and dye it for you.

YST Episode 155 Stitches Midwest

Part 2 of the three part series on dyeing discusses dyeing wool with acid dyes to a specific color.  I challenged myself to try and create the color wheels tertiary colors with dyes, and found some failures and successes along the way.  Listen in as I talk all about all of that experience. Music for today's podcast continues with the theme of color and is from the podsafe music network. The interlude music is by Psykosoul  and is called Coloring Outside the Lines. The closing song is by Matthew Ebel  and is called Every Color.   Enjoy and happy dyeing!

Part 2 of the three part series on dyeing discusses dyeing wool with acid dyes to a specific color.  I challenged myself to try and create the color wheels tertiary colors with dyes, and found some failures and successes along the way.  Listen in as I talk all about all of that experience. Music for today's podcast continues with the theme of color and is from the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podsafe music network.</a> The interlude music is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=e1bc6c5dded184cf51ff40f012041b1f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psykosoul</a>  and is called Coloring Outside the Lines. The closing song is by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=280202729dad1ad3a780a4d20afbe39b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Ebel</a>  and is called Every Color. Enjoy and happy dyeing!

YST Episode 51 Dyeing the tertiary colors

The last part of the three part fiber dyeing series discusses my experiences with using walnut leaves (and mordants) to produce the lovely colors shown in this photo.  I also talk about making and using the 'quick' version of an indigo dyepot, a totally magical dyeing experience, since the fiber comes out of the pot one color and turns blue as it sits in the air. I also spend a bit of time talking about just how fiber feels after it's been dyed and dried, how not to felt it, and how to get it back in shape for spinning. Music in today's podcast is from the podsafe music network The interlude music is called Living Color by Doug Astrop The closing song is So Color Me by Tenth Hour Calling Thanks to all my wonderful listeners for your comments, suggestions and questions! Until later....happy spinning.

The last part of the three part fiber dyeing series discusses my experiences with using walnut leaves (and mordants) to produce the lovely colors shown in this photo.  I also talk about making and using the 'quick' version of an indigo dyepot, a totally magical dyeing experience, since the fiber comes out of the pot one color and turns blue as it sits in the air. I also spend a bit of time talking about just how fiber feels after it's been dyed and dried, how not to felt it, and how to get it back in shape for spinning. Music in today's podcast is from the <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podsafe music network</a> The interlude music is called Living Color by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=11a77f8dae1a54ceace5ad7b36fecd41" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doug Astrop</a> The closing song is So Color Me by <a href="http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=cb8a358ee0d1e4871a398f7710007554" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tenth Hour Calling</a> Thanks to all my wonderful listeners for your comments, suggestions and questions! Until later....happy spinning.

YST Episode 52 Walnut Leaf and Indigo dyeing of fiber

It's tour time again, no not the spinning rock band, but the Tour de France.  And that means Tour de Fleece is rolling too.  In this podcast I give a synopsis of what I hope to accomplish during the next three weeks. I also was in a wonderful fiber swap, and I talk all about the box I sent, and the box I got. A few links for things I mention in this podcast: My blog is here. I will try a link to my Ravelry group, please be logged into Ravelry before clicking the link, then it should work.  It is yarnspinnerstales spin in, if you want to search groups.  It's a very good way to access a listing of past episodes, and I tell you how to find that in the podcast. The Clouds of Luxury fibers came from Sericin on the Etsy store.  You may have to special request the item. I will be recording podcasts during the TdF but will not be releasing them until after the tour.  This will give me time to do more of the spinning I want to do during the tour. See you in August!

It's tour time again, no not the spinning rock band, but the Tour de France.  And that means Tour de Fleece is rolling too.  In this podcast I give a synopsis of what I hope to accomplish during the next three weeks. I also was in a wonderful fiber swap, and I talk all about the box I sent, and the box I got. A few links for things I mention in this podcast: My blog is <a href="http://yarnspinners.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I will try a link to my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarnspinnerstales-spin-in" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ravelry group</a>, please be logged into Ravelry before clicking the link, then it should work.  It is yarnspinnerstales spin in, if you want to search groups.  It's a very good way to access a listing of past episodes, and I tell you how to find that in the podcast. The Clouds of Luxury fibers came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sericin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sericin</a> on the Etsy store.  You may have to special request the item. I will be recording podcasts during the TdF but will not be releasing them until after the tour.  This will give me time to do more of the spinning I want to do during the tour. See you in August!

YST Episode 135 Pre TdF16 and a Swap

Happy 2017! It's a new year and that always makes me think about my spinning goals.  Along the way, I discovered some specifics about three ply yarn, and plying in general. I close the podcast with a review of the book,  Yarn i tec ture by Jillian Moreno.

Happy 2017! It's a new year and that always makes me think about my spinning goals.  Along the way, I discovered some specifics about three ply yarn, and plying in general. I close the podcast with a review of the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yarnitecture-Knitters-Spinning-Building-Exactly/dp/1612125212" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Yarn i tec ture</a> by Jillian Moreno.

YST Episode 141 Spinning New Year's Resolutions

This podcast is very different and so you have a choice. There is a library based video website called Kanopy.  I found a very interesting video on spinning throughout the world.  I wanted other spinners to see it too, but they may not have access unless their library card (and their library system) grants access to Kanopy.  The reason I do not include a link here, is because it is best to access it from your library's website.   So first, if you have a current library card,go to their website and look for Kanopy, click through to it and  set up a free account. Then search and watch the video World Spinning Techniques.  If you do watch the video, you really do not need to listen to the podcast.  If you can not access the video, then there is a detailed, albeit,verbal description from when I watched the video. Or do both, I would love to have you listen in to my reactions to all the amazing things I saw in the video. The picture connected with this podcast has just slight relevance, it is three sample skeins of the alpaca fiber I have been spinning lately.  Alpaca is the first fiber talked about in the video.

This podcast is very different and so you have a choice. There is a library based video website called Kanopy.  I found a very interesting video on spinning throughout the world.  I wanted other spinners to see it too, but they may not have access unless their library card (and their library system) grants access to Kanopy.  The reason I do not include a link here, is because it is best to access it from your library's website.   So first, if you have a current library card,go to their website and look for Kanopy, click through to it and  set up a free account. Then search and watch the video World Spinning Techniques.  If you do watch the video, you really do not need to listen to the podcast.  If you can not access the video, then there is a detailed, albeit,verbal description from when I watched the video. Or do both, I would love to have you listen in to my reactions to all the amazing things I saw in the video. The picture connected with this podcast has just slight relevance, it is three sample skeins of the alpaca fiber I have been spinning lately.  Alpaca is the first fiber talked about in the video.

YST Episode 163 A review of the video World Spinning Techniques

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