The Sheepspot Podcast
The Sheepspot Podcast
Sasha Torres
The Sheepspot Podcast offers quick, actionable tips that you can use right away to make better yarn, use that yarn in ways that delight you, or otherwise enrich your practice as a fiber artist by deepening your knowledge of spinning techniques or materials.
Episode 157: Breed School is Back
In this episode, Sasha breaks down Breed School; what it is, where it came from, and details about the newest bring-your-own-fiber version of Breed School.  Mentioned in this episode: Breed Study 101  Why We (Really) Need Rare Sheep Breeds: The Case of American Jacobs Live Lesson June 14th 2pm EST  or Live Lesson June 15th 4pm EST  To join the live lesson, you do have to join Breed Study 101.  You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners.   Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.
Jun 6, 2025
19 min
Episode 156: Encore Episode: Meet the Multicoated Breeds
In this episode, Sasha talks about breeds of sheep that produce wonderfully useful and complex fleeces: the multi-coated breeds. Mentioned in the episode: Episode 18, on washing fleece Breed School You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.
May 31, 2025
24 min
Episode 155: Encore Episode: Get to Know the Down Breeds
In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about the ‘Down’ breeds: the Southdown, the Suffolk, the Dorset Down, the Hampshire, the Oxford and the Shropshire. Mentioned in this episode: In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool by Nola Fournier The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith Breed School  You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.
May 23, 2025
23 min
Episode 154 Encore Episode: Meet the Longwools
In this episode, Sasha talks about the longwools - breeds to look for, prep suggestions, and tips and tricks for spinning these fibers.Mentioned in this episode: Breed School  You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.
May 16, 2025
33 min
Episode 153 Encore Episode: Getting to Know the Fine Wools
In this episode of the podcast, Sasha talks about one of her favorite wools, Rambouillet.Mentioned in this episode: Breed School  You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.
May 9, 2025
12 min
Episode 152: Encore Episode Wool Types - An Introduction
In this encore episode Sasha talks about different types of wool and their uses.   Mentioned in this episode: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook, by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius The Spinner's Book of Fleece, by Beth Smith Wool types cheat sheet - available inside The Flock Breed School  You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists. Since these episodes are encores, you may occasionally hear Sasha mention links that are no longer available.
May 2, 2025
17 min
Episode 151 Big Spins: 5 Tips for Plying  and Finishing
In this episode, Sasha offers 5 tips for plying and finishing a big spin. Mentioned in this episode: The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 146: Why I Never End Up with Leftover Singles When I Ply Episode 105: How to be sure your yarn has even ply twist throughout the skein You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.
Apr 25, 2025
11 min
Episode 150 Big Spins: The Singles
In this episode Sasha dives into the essential strategies for staying motivated and consistent during your big spinning projects. Based on her own experiences, she knows how easy it is to lose focus when tackling something ambitious, so she shares her best tips to keep you spinning happily and efficiently. Mentioned in this episode: Carson Demer - Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Hand Knitting. The Sheepspot Podcast: Episode 12: Be Kind, Rewind Episode 36: Bobbin Winder Review Instagram @sheepspot @sashatorrespainting You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.
Apr 18, 2025
10 min
Episode 149:Big Spins: Sampling and Setting up
In this episode Sasha dives into what it takes to set herself up for a successful spin of 16 ounces or more. Sampling is a crucial part of the process; by letting herself start with experimentation and play, she figures out how to achieve both a fun spin and one that results in a yarn that she loves.  Mentioned in this episode:  The Sheepspot Podcast:  Episode 15: All About Sampling Episode 22: Get to know your default yarn Episode 59: Sampling for a Project Episode 95: 3 Tips for Knitting with Handspun Podcast Freebie inside The Flock:  Spinning Records You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.
Apr 11, 2025
14 min
Episode 148: Big Spins: Two Approaches
This episode is the first in our series focusing on the "Using Your Handspun" pillar of skillful spinning. In this episode Sasha discusses two approaches on planning a big spin and she addresses the advantages and disadvantages to both. You can find the script for this episode HERE. You can comment on and discuss this episode here in The Flock, Sheepspot’s free online community for inquisitive spinners. Here's the link to the Podcast search page and playlists.
Apr 7, 2025
7 min
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