Shows
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 177 Ryeland sheep breed reviewA new computer meant a whole new learning curve on new software to record and edit podcasts. I think I finally have a set up I am happy to release. In this short podcast, I review one of the 52 weeks of sheep breeds, called Ryeland. I talked about this breed in the first part of a previous podcast, you can access that with this link. The Ryeland fiber was purchased from Marie Redding fiber on Etsy.
2020-08-1222 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST is going live stream on Twitch TVSo much behind that title! I am not stopping the audio podcast. I am moving forward on the wave of technology and taking my concept for YST with it. I have set up a channel on TwitchTV You can find me under the same name as the podcast, yarnspinnerstales. I plan to live stream twice a week and during those videos you can join me, chat by typing, watch in the video what I am working on (and have been trying to explain with words for 12 years in the podcast!) ask me questions,tell me wha...
2020-07-0812 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 176The breed White Face Woodland was studied by the 52 weeks of sheep group on week 14. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a sample of this fiber yet. But this breed is not new to me, I reviewed it way back on Feb15 2014. It is Episode 104 and I encourage you to hit the link and listen to it again. The picture I show with this podcast are the tiny skeins I did during that first study. The fiber came from Hilltop Cloud. In the second part of this podcast I talk about doing a virtual shopping tour...
2020-07-0220 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 172 Black Welsh and Welsh Mountain sheepThis podcast is a review of spinning the fibers from two Welsh sheep breeds. The Black Welsh Mountain is commonly known in the US, but it considered a conservation breed, due to it's small number of animals. The Welsh mountain sheep is white, and not raised much in the US. I had reviewed the BWM breed in several previous podcasts, so I will provide links to those. Episode 62 is a review of the breed's fiber Episode 64 is an interview with a BWM breeder Oogie McGuire. Her ranch is call Desert Weyr and she is s...
2020-05-1641 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 171 East Fresian sheep fiber reviewThis is another short breed review podcast. The East Fresian fiber I spun was a lovely brown color and very easy to spin in roving. There is a short information portion included at the end for a breed of hair sheep called Barbados Blackbelly. Unfortunately I have not been able to get a fiber sample yet for this Shave 'Em to Save 'Em passport breed. But the group 52 weeks of sheep had it on the list for week 8, which is part of this podcast timing. If I ever have the chance to spin some of the fiber, I wi...
2020-05-0121 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 169Today's podcast includes an interview with Deborah Niemann, who has the wonderful job of working for the Livestock Conservancy organization. In our interview, she shares all the details of the next two year program to introduce spinners and fiber artists to the 22 rare and recovering breeds of sheep through the Shave 'Em to Save 'Em program. I recently got the passport that is used to record whenever you use a fiber from one of these breeds and will be talking about working with these fibers in future pod casts. Here are some of the links for this po...
2020-03-2645 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 168 BleuduMaine and Charollais sheep breed reviewOne of my year long projects is being a part of the FaceBook group called 52 Weeks of Sheep. Each week we study a different breed of fiber producing animals, mostly sheep. In this podcast I talk about the last month of those studies, and go into detail on two new to me breeds. Both are French in origin, the Bleu du Maine and the Charollais. One thing I failed to mention in the podcast was after spinning the Charollais fiber, I used for the first time a small sampler loom. It is a fun way to sample texture or color...
2020-02-2958 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 167 A Year of Perfect VisionHappy New Year! 2020 oh my. I start out this podcast with a yarnspinnerstales, about seeing life with perfect vision. And speaking of new, Santa brought a brand new mic set up for the YST studio. It meant a new learning curve, and I think the sound will improve more as I work with it, but all in all I am happy with it. Over the next two years, I am going to revisit and redo my rare breed sample files. It has always been a passion of mine to find and spin as many breeds of...
2020-01-2345 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 165This podcast continues from episode 164, for Oct 2019. I talk about a few problems I had to solve during the Spin Together, with my wheel and spinning. The strange title of this podcast. is all about a major reorganization I did of my fiber. The 100 year shawl along I mention, can be found as a group on Facebook. That is also true of the other group I am in called 52 Weeks of Sheep. One of the breeds this group recently studied was Babydoll Southdown, and I talk some in the podcast about this breed's inf...
2019-11-0351 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 163This 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...
2019-09-1950 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 162 TdF part 2I was able to do so much during this Tour de Fleece, it took two podcasts to tell you all about it. See the previous podcast for part one of this two part series. The first fiber I talk about spinning is called Fake Cashmere, due to it softness. It is however, 100% nylon. I bought my fiber from a dyer whose business is Jazz Turtle. It seems most people like to spin this fiber blended with other fibers, but I enjoyed spinning it on it's own. Another source for the fiber is Paradise Fibers The...
2019-08-251h 20
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 161 TdF part 1This is the first of a two part podcast, because I had so many projects to tell you about for the Tour de Fleece. In this podcast I talk about spinning cotton sliver on the Majacraft Aura, not a very traditional way to spin cotton. My challenge day project was finally achieving those beautiful tight rolags on my blending board. I also completed two skeins. The first was a dyed polworth from Yarn Hollow The second skein was a gray Horned Dorset fiber, which I got from Dyed in the Wool. I talk a l...
2019-07-2959 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 160 A book reviewHere is the first of the book review only podcasts I mentioned in a previous podcast. After years of podcasting, I realized that the book reviews will be easier to find if in their own individual podcast. This podcast reviews the book Spindle Spinning from Novice to Expert by Connie Delaney. Links to possible sources for this book can be found on Abe Books Also seen listed on Ebay here In both cases, the exact listings may no longer be available, but it serves for you to see the book and des...
2019-07-0328 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 159 Finally a fiber FairIt's that time of year, and the tents are up and the vendors hopeful as the cycle of yearly fiber fairs continue. I mention in the podcast my 'blue sky' dream of hitting them nationwide some year. A van full of fiber to sell, and be replaced by purchases, sounds just right! The photo for this podcast shows the Pegosa alpaca fiber I am currently spinning by the lock on my Roberta. There are lots of links for the podcast, for everyone that I mentioned, be sure to check out the webpages. The Wo...
2019-06-1746 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 158 May 2019I realize that is an unusual subtitle for a postcast. I recently had a total knee replacement surgery, and for the first 15 minutes or so of this podcast, I do talk about how the healing process delayed my spinning and fiber work for several weeks. But once the spinning wheels got going again, I had two WIP to talk about, the Pegosa alpaca project was continued and I finished spinning two fibers I had used for a project back in Sept. a babydoll Southdown and a Polworth. As promised I did one book review at t...
2019-05-1554 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 157It's official! I have joined the ranks of retirees. Now it is time to 'spend' my stash, or as I have decided to call it, my retirement 'fund'. We start this with a very large blanket of alpaca fiber from an alpaca named Pegosa. The first pound is washed, but not completely processed as I am using it to test various processing methods. This podcast talks about combing with handheld combs, and the yarn that I spun from that top. Needless to say there will be plenty more to podcast about Pegosa's fiber in the next...
2019-03-1856 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 156Happy New Year! It is always full of thoughts and plans for the spinning projects ahead. In today's podcast I talk about maintaining watch on the drafting zone to make your yarn more intentional. Watching the drafting zone will help you break out of making the same WPI yarn all the time to making art yarns that feature thick and thin singles. All of this is the topic of this podcast. I have done previous podcasts on drafting if you care to find those and listen to them. Just click on the links to go to them. Episo...
2019-01-0851 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 155 Stitches Midwest 2018Links 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
2018-10-0953 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 153My favorite time of the spinning year, the Tour de Fleece event. As promised, here is the review of what I spun this year. This is part one of the two part podcast. A few links. To see photos of all of the lovely fibers and yarns I talked about, go to my group in Ravelry, yarnspinners spin in and look at the TdF2018 thread in the discussions. You must be signed into Ravelry for the link to work. Links to the fiber artists whose fiber I spun and talked about are: A...
2018-08-1840 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 152 July 2018When I find that a podcast has no specific topic, but many different stories, I call them a spin-in. I also likened this to writing you a letter, dear listener! But mostly it feels like when we gather together with our spinning wheels and spin and talk. One never really knows what the conversations will be. I catch you up on my recent projects, spinning and otherwise, tell you about a few things I read online, rant a bit about books and bookcases, and end with the promise of lots of spinning to come as I participate in...
2018-07-0541 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 149 Ten Years of PodcastingIt's true, I have been podcasting for 10 years now! In the first part of today's podcast, I review the book The Weaving,Spinning and Dyeing book by Rachel Brown. In the second part I give a little bit of the download statistics for the podcast, some listener's comments about spinning in their lives over the last 10 years, and my favorite and least favorite parts of spinning. I was able to include music with this podcast, thanks for the website Free Music Archive. They have an archive on non traditional birthday music and I...
2018-01-251h 09
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Lichen Dyeing part 3This podcast is the third on lichen dyeing and concludes the project for me. I talk about the ammonia extraction method and dyeing wool with the extract. I also tried a contact dyeing method on some silk and talk about that. The fiber is lovely and I am looking forward to spinning with it next year. The photo shows the corriedale roving dyed with the ammonia extraction method. Need a special holiday gift, for a friend or yourself? The Spinners Daily spinning journal found on Lulu is a special present and helps support my archiving of all the...
2017-11-2139 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYarnspinnerstales podcastI had a wonderful week, focused on spinning as much yardage as I could. I talk about all those yards in this podcast, plus a few thoughts on spinning on the electric Roberta and also what to do about fiber with high vegetable matter in it. Looking for a way to keep track of your spinning projects? I have created the Spinners' Journal to help you with that. It was done at Lulu.com, and is a reasonable 12.50 plus shipping. Your purchases help me pay the cost of keeping yarnspinnerstales podcasts archived. Thank-you! If you...
2017-11-0247 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 144 Dyeing with Lichens part 1I have started the fun project of a lichen dye pot and in today's podcast I talk a little about the history of lichen dyeing, and how and where I collected my lichens. There's also a TdF2017 update at the end of the podcast. I had four books in my spinning library to use as references for this information. The main sources were from the same author, Karen Casselman. The books are: Craft of the Dyer Colour from Plants and Lichens and Lichen Dyes The New Source Book both published by Dover Press....
2017-07-1442 min
YarnspinnersSeason 2 Episode 1: LIVE! with Joe Galuppo, T.Gunn, and Renee MaskinLive from the Canal House in Wharton, NJ!
In a supersized season opener, Brian welcomes guests Joe Galuppo, T.Gunn, and Renee Maskin for a live (and lively!) episode.
It's been a year since the Yarnspinners fell silent, and things have only gotten worse. Now faced with a surreal, dystopian hellscape, Brian and his new sidekick-slash-producer Matthew Logie fight back against the darkness with songs, stories, and a small patch of rug. Faced with insurmountable odds, our heroes enlist the help of three powerful bards who traveled from all reaches of the land to join the...
2017-02-222h 12Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 140 Spinzilla and Natural Dye MordantsThis podcast closes the 2016 year, with details on my Spinzilla 2016 spinning. Since one of the fibers I spun during that was dyed with natural dyes and the mordants tin and alum, I did a bit of research on those mordants. I end this podcast with that discussion. These are links to some of the things mentioned in the podcast. The original dye day for the columbia roving was Episode 52. The Jacob roving I spun was from the Ross Family Farm in Pa. One good blog post I referenced in the natural dye mordant dis...
2016-12-0256 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 139 Ravellenics 2016 and State FairIn 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...
2016-09-271h 14Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 138 TdF16 podcast 3Final podcast about what I did during Tour de Fleece this year. I talk about some yarn spun, including two breed studies, Romeldale and Racka. I also dyed two different shetland fleeces, and an unknown breed ewe lamb fleece. The Romeldale fiber was purchased at DyedintheWool, The wash and dye product I used while dyeing is available at woolshampoo. The shop I purchased the drum carder cloth from is no longer in business. However, there are other sources available on Etsy. Just got to that website and search from drum carder cloth. To...
2016-08-271h 00Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 135 Pre TdF16 and a SwapIt'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 Ra...
2016-07-0347 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 134 June 2016In the first part of the podcast I fill you in on what Has happened in the last two months. I have spun some yarn, found some fiber that needs processing, and made some wonderful purchases (see links below) I also talk about my plans to enter items in the State Fair, and some preliminary plans for the Tour de Fleece. The last part of the podcast is about my recent knit with hand spun project the Kensington Steeked Pot by Gemma Pickford-Waugh. It is shown in the photo for this podcast. The di...
2016-06-1543 minYarnspinnersEpisode 17: Rebecca Emont / Pizza RatRebecca and Max of Pizza Rat drop by Yarnspinners HQ to delight us with their banter, pitch black lyrics, and pantomime of either milking a cow or jerking two dicks off. The only way it's going to make sense is if you listen to the episode, dawg. Check them out on Facebook or on Facebook. Meanwhile, Brian is forever entombed in carbonite over at rothenbeck.com.
2016-02-1141 minYarnspinnersEpisode 16: The 2015 Year in Review with T.GunnAs we close the books on 2015, Brian and T.Gunn look back at the highs, the lows, and all the space in between before they look toward the future. Meanwhile, we listen back to some of the moments that made Yarnspinners special in its first year with performances by Secret Photos, Rocky Catanese, Andrew Lange, and Hidden Cabins featuring Jefferson and Joe Galuppo. Finally, Brian and Tommy reprise the Super Awesome Fun Time Wedding Band for a performance of "Simple Song" by Avail. Keep up with T.Gunn at tgunnmusic.com and, as always, Brian is forever digitally entombed at rothen...
2016-01-1943 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 131 New Year New ProjectsIn this podcast there is news about what I have done with spinning, carding and my spinning wheels over the last six weeks.
I also talk about another big sorting of my hand spun.
And finally the first project for the year of knitting with hand spun has been chosen.
A thank you to Jon Caspi for his music that I use in the opening theme song.
The Unraveling podcast can be found here.
Find my group on Ravelry by searching under groups for Yarnspinnerstales Spin In. Join us t...
2016-01-0754 minYarnspinnersEpisode 15.5: Brian Erickson Part 2In the thrilling conclusion to our last episode, Brian and Brian talk more about life, love, loss, and redemption. Be sure to check out one Brian at thepaperjets.com and the other at rothenbeck.com. Thank you all for a wonderful 2015, and we'll see you in the new year!
2015-12-1859 minYarnspinnersEpisode 15: Brian Erickson Part OneIn a special two-part episode, Brian travels to Pennington, NJ to visit another Brian. Brian E takes us on a journey through his beginnings on Long Island to his new home in New Jersey, stopping off along the way to highlight the loves, losses, and growing up that happened along the way. Keep up with Brian the guest at thepaperjets.com, and continue to follow the saga of Brian the host as he battles his laziness to try and update his website at rothenbeck.com. Be sure to come back in two weeks to check out the thrilling conclusion of this...
2015-12-0243 minYarnspinnersEpisode 14: John A SacconeLong-time buds John A Saccone and Brian talk politics and the dangers of becoming too emotionally involved with them in this month's episode! Check out John's stuff at johnasaccone.com and Brian may have updated rothenbeck.com (but probably not).
2015-11-1140 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 129 Spinzilla 2015The Spinzilla report is actually the second part of the podcast. In the first part, I continue the review of using the Ashford quill spindle, using mohair, angora, hemp, bamboo and cotton.
A few links for things mentioned in the podcast:
Needle Junkies podcast has a link on their website
Spinzilla total yards this years was 5,246,497. See more details here.
Get your free pattern and yarn recommendations and help knit for Knitted Knockers at this website.
Fibers spun on the quill were from the following:
WC Mercantile...
2015-10-2241 minYarnspinnersEpisode 13: Andrew LangeLucky Number 13 means we're back! Andrew Lange drops by Yarnspinners HQ for some buds 'n' suds with Brian and special guest intern John Schuettler on this month's episode! The boys talk the "claw hammer", relationship purgatory, the Boss, and more! Save the date for December 16th to wish Andrew a happy birthday by buying his new record, and wish your host a happy return from the Netherworld by following him on Twitter, or when he occasionally updates his website!
2015-09-3031 minYarnspinnersEpisode 12: Brian RothenbeckWho watches the Watchmen? Who hosts the host? Guest host Jeff Banchansky takes the reigns as Brian turns the microphone on himself in the one-dozenth episode! Nihilism? Dissolution of relationships? Bedroom incompetence? Don't worry, we have them all covered; plus Speed Round returns from the dead! Keep up with your host, the musician, on his Facebook page and at rothenbeck.com.
2015-07-2229 minYarnspinnersEpisode 11: Ken KusamaBrian travels to Montclair, NJ to visit an old friend who just happens to be an incredible musician, Ken Kusama. From artistic challenges to "Serial", this episode has it all (if by "all" you mean "great songs")! Check out more from Ken on his Soundcloud page, and keep up with Bri-man at rothenbeck.com.
2015-07-0828 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 124 June 2015 podcastThere's a few odds and ends of old business at the beginning of this podcast, and then I talk about my trip to the Kentucky sheep and fiber festival in May.
The fiber I have been spinning is CVM batts from Wild Hare Fibers.
I could not find the April fool's joke emailed by the Woolery. Instead, take a look at their blog, it's really interesting.
The new designed drum carder by Majacraft can be seen here.
I must correct something in the podcast, the black merino fiber I got from Oh...
2015-07-0156 minYarnspinnersEpisode 10: Secret PhotosThis episode, Brian welcomes Shaun and Ernie from Secret Photos to the podcast to talk relationships and, well, relationships. They play songs from their record "Forever Children" as well as brand new, never-before-heard one just for you! Check out their tunes on their Bandcamp and keep up with them on Facebook, and as always, your host is over here at rothenbeck.com.
2015-06-1728 minYarnspinnersEpisode 9: Rocky CataneseBrian heads back to his natural habitat (a New Brunswick basement) to sit down with Rocky Catanese (Let Me Run / Rocky Catanese and the Chapter) to hear how the Chapter came to be, the songs that shaped him, and how he wrote his new record. Check out Rocky Catanese and the Chapter's tour dates at rcandthechapter.com, and be sure to pick up their debut record when it comes out August 4th! Saturday, June 20th, stay up late with Brian in Trenton during Art All Night, or just check out what else he's doing over at rothenbeck.com.
2015-06-0338 minYarnspinnersEpisode 8: Steve BurksBrian has some thoughts about the new "Point Break" trailer in the intro, then Steve Burks plays some old songs and also new ones from his new EP "Where I Belong". Keep up with Steve on Facebook, and your host over at rothenbeck.com.
2015-05-2727 minYarnspinnersEpisode 7: Up For NothingBrian visits the boys from Bay Ridge, Up For Nothing, for some pizza and punk rock. Josh and Justin take us down the road of bad decisions and bad relationships, seminal punk rock bands, and coin the phrase "social liability". UFN's split with Resolutions is available now at upfornothing.bandcamp.com. Check them out on tour next month, and keep up with them on Facebook. As always, your host is over at rothenbeck.com and you can follow the show on Twitter.
2015-05-2017 minYarnspinnersEpisode 6: ControlMike and Michelle Belveduto welcome Brian into their home for a night of great tunes, craft beer, and homemade pizza as they play songs from both the past and their brand new record, "Music for a Swinging Good Time"! Check it out at controlisaband.bandcamp.com where you can stream, download, and order the actual vinyl, and keep up with them on Facebook to catch their great live show! As always, your host is over at rothenbeck.com, where he is still trying to defeat the evil wizard computer so that he may be freed from his virtual prison.
2015-05-1327 minYarnspinnersEpisode 5: Books...Celebrate the spring with this episode recorded over the winter! Brian and T.GUNN head north to celebrate Books...'s birthday with some home brew and some yarn spinning. We go where eagles dare when we talk politics, reminisce, and do some damage to the legacy of the patron saint of the devil lock. Keep up with Books... on Facebook, or check out his latest EP at Oak Apple Records. If you'd like to donate to the charity mentioned in this episode, head over to http://www.cancersupportglv.org/, and as always, your host is over at rothenbeck.com.
2015-05-0633 minYarnspinnersEpisode 4: JeffersonIn a special bonus episode, Brian celebrates National Poetry Month in the intro, then we sit down with Jefferson for an incredible and intimate performance. Keep up with all things Jefferson on Facebook, and all things Rothenbeck at rothenbeck.com!
2015-04-2925 minYarnspinnersEpisode 3: Logan CarpenterA hungover Brian heads southbound past the state capital to Morrisville, PA to spend a sunny afternoon in the basement with Logan Carpenter. Logan's debut EP "Sinking Ships" will be available April 25th at his release show at the Mill Hill Basement in Trenton, NJ. For more information on that and all other things Logan Carpenter, head over to his Facebook band page, and keep up with your intrepid host over at rothenbeck.com.
2015-04-1524 minYarnspinnersEpisode 2: T.GunnBrian and Tommy hit the kitchen of the Compound (because acoustics) to bring the soul. Later, they answer the Internet's strangest questions in Speed Round.Keep up with all things T.Gunn at tgunnmusic.com and all things your intrepid host at rothenbeck.com.
2015-04-0125 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 122 Remembering the Old WaysThis podcast has a review of the DVD titled From Wool to Waulking, with Norman Kennedy. Fulll of knowledge of the old ways of handling, spinning or weaving wool, this DVD is also good for new spinners just learning the craft.
The second part of the podcast is a chatty update of my life and spinning projects.
Music is from Musicalley. The haunting interlude music is by Keldarin and is called Gaelic Shores. The closing song is by John Torres and is titled Here in History.
If anyone is interesting in the video of the s...
2015-03-2651 min
YarnspinnersEpisode 1: Jarett Quintana of Pour the Pirate SherryBrian travels to Clifton, NJ to sit down with Jarett Quintana of Pour the Pirate Sherry for our very first episode and they're joined by a very special guest (the exceptionally loud heating system).
2015-03-0418 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 121 Wool Shampoo ReviewThere are two new products out for those of us that process raw fiber, DRB wool shampoo and the Wash and Dye. I had the opportunity to try both and loved them so much I contacted Natalie Redding of Namaste Farms, the source of these products for an interview. In this podcast, I talk to Natalie, via Skype. In the second part of the podcast I talk about my experiences using both products.
Here's a direct link to the wool shampoo website, where you can buy the products.
Other links for this podcast include: Namaste Far...
2015-02-041h 07Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts Nov 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month (more or less). It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own spinner's journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you d...
2014-11-0209 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 117 A Wool Gathering reviewA Wool Gathering fiber event is at Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs Ohio every year on the third weekend in Sept. I had the fun of attending this year, and give a review of my trip.
Lots of links for things I mention in the podcast:
A Wool Gathering website
TNNA website
Spinzilla website
Spinzilla FAQ
Spinzilla rules for measuring yarn
Woven Thoughts blog
Fiber Optic Yarns
Noah's Landing Yarns
National Custom Spinworks
Ed the Wheel H...
2014-10-0440 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts Oct 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you can wa...
2014-10-0109 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts Sept 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you can j...
2014-09-0109 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts Aug 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own spinner's journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in my podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you can just...
2014-08-0109 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Fact podcast July 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this informnation here and release it once a month. If you need the information,just listen in. If you don't,you can j...
2014-07-0209 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 110 sheep and fiber fest reviewI went to the Lexington Ky Sheep and Fiber festival in May, and this podcast is a review of that great trip. Here is a link to the vendor list.
A few specific links for vendors I mention in the podcast:
The Ross Farm Fibers Dyed in the Wool
A Yarn Well Spun Rock and String Creations
I mentioned the video for Dirty Jobs, where Mike goes to Ohio Valley woolen mill.
The Ravelry pattern is the Ten Stitch Blanket by Frankie Brown. The link may or may not take you t...
2014-06-2548 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts June 2014I forgot to hit publish! Sorry about that. So here it is on June 2nd. The promised podcast is below this one on the webpage.
This is a short podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episdoes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided I would put all this i...
2014-06-0211 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the Facts May 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you can...
2014-05-0209 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the facts March 2014This is a ten minute podcast that I will release on the first of each month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own spinners' journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in the YST podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you...
2014-03-0209 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the facts podcast Feb 2014This is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me, and how to get your very own spinner' journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, just listen in. If you don't, you...
2014-02-0109 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Just the factsThis is a 10 minute podcast that I will release on the first of every month. It has all the information about how to find specific episodes, where to contact me and how to get your very own Spinners' Journal.
I listen to many podcasts and get tired of hearing the podcaster's information over and over before we get to the podcast. I have decided that to avoid that in this podcast, I would put all this information here and release it once a month. If you need the information, it is here. If you don't you can just...
2014-01-0109 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 100 Finishing YarnFrom the ways to make a skein to the why and how of washing it, this podcast is all about finishing your hand spun yarn.
Music is by Mano Reza and is called The Time Needed to Finish. It is found on Musicalley.
I reference many books for the research I did for the podcast. The list is verbal on the podcast, here is a written list:
Big Book of Handspinning Alden Amos
Joy of Spinning Carol Kroll
Spinning Merino and Super Fine Wools Margaret Stove
Handspinning Eliza Leadbeater
Handspinners Guide to Selling Pau...
2013-10-201h 18Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 89 Thinnest threadsThis podcast episode is another review of a spinners' exchange. This time the challenge was to spin as fine a thread, fondly known as froghair spinning. In the podcast I review what the spinners and myself learned with this challenge.
Music is from Music Alley and has the theme 'thread'. The interlude is Hyperthread by Podcast Troubadour. The closing song is Threads of Time by Jennifer Avalon.
2013-02-0451 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastYST Episode 82 Ravellenic project review part 1New name but old event that Ravelry has done this for years. The idea is to challenge yourself with goals to start at the beginning of the Olympics and finish with the close. I chose to join the spinning team and selected five projects to complete. I was able to finish four of them and review two of those in this podcast. Each required washing of raw fiber, processing by combing/carding and then spinning a skein to review. The first is a rare breed I have not reviewed before, California Red Sheep. The second was a different type of cha...
2012-08-1737 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSupport spindlesTwo sections of the post for support spindles, a book review and a discussion of my recent experience spinning angora on my three support spindles.
The book Fleegle Spins Supported is available here.
A YouTube video of me spinning cotton on the Royale Hare brass support spindle is found here and the spindle is available to order from her Etsy shop here. I apologize for saying on the podcast that the spindle was not readily available, I did not look up the link until after I did the recording, my bad!
The music in...
2012-04-2856 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastThe Spinner's Journal promoA Spinner's Journal, your own place to record all of the processes of the projects that turn fiber into yarn. I am a note taker, list maker by nature, and for all the years I've been spinning, those notes are on many different pieces of paper. I found I still like to refer back to them, and decided I needed a better system for taking my notes. And if I needed it, I bet other spinners do too. So I created the Spinner's Journal and it's now finally available for sale. I've given some details abo...
2011-11-0509 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastHappy fourth year of podcastingThis month celebrates the fact that I have been doing this podcast for four years. If you've listened since the beginning, THANK YOU! If you just found me today, WELCOME!
The best thing about podcasts is their longevity. Oh some podcasts are very linked to current events and may outdate, but information about spinning is always fresh. Someone is always just learning to spin, or dye fiber, or wash a fleece. And if they look at my archives and the titles, they will probably find a podcast to help them with that process.
If you are on...
2011-10-1521 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning WoolenFluffly, that's what woolen spinning is all about. You spin from fluffy batts, and you spin a lofty yarn.
The Yarnspinnerstales Spin In Ravelry group has been practicing this spinning technique this month. I joined them and talk about my experiences spinning woolen on each of my wheels in this podcast. I also give some suggestions to help you get going with this wonderful way of spinning. I also will be posting photos of what I spun for this challenge on my blog.
I was in the mood for more music in today's podcast too...
2011-10-051h 05
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastA podcast for knitters who want to learn to spinToday I decided to podcast to potential spinners, and entice them into the fold, so to speak. So the podcast is all about taking that first step or two. Before long you will be a spinner too.
I also included a review of a very good magazine to start you on your way, Knit and Spin by Interweave Press.
Music in today's podcast is from Music Alley The interlude is called Music for an unborn podcast and is by Michael van Laar The closing song is by Cat Malojian Only You. And a...
2011-08-2157 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning from a lock and from the foldSpinning a lock of wool is the traditional way to get a very thin yarn. That is because you can pull a small number of fibers out of the lock, and give the drafting zone a very thin prep of fiber. In this podcast I review how each of five different breeds of sheep's locks spun and how I made my decision whether to continue to prep the fiber for spinning by lock washing.
The five breeds discussed are Cormo/Border Leicester, Corriedale, Romney, Cormo and an unknown ewe lambs fleece.
This is on...
2011-06-0249 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastBreed review Black Welsh Mountain and Clun ForestTwo rare sheep breeds and their fleeces are reviewed in this podcast, the Black Welsh Mountain sheep, and the Clun Forest. The lovely sheep photo shown here are those Clun Forest sheep.
Thanks to Ken and Oogie at Desert Weyr for their breeding of Black Welsh Mountain sheep. Oogie was an internet aquaintance and part of the rare breeds exchange I did many years ago. She provided the samples of fiber from this breed that I talk about in the podcast.
The book by Deborah Robson The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook, is shown here...
2011-05-1736 min
Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastBlending the Tertiary colorsIn this last podcast on working with color in your spinning, I take the fiber I dyed in the six tertiary colors and discuss how to blend and spin them for a shawl. There are many options, and I must admit I have not made my final decision. But I certainly had a good time exploring the possible comibinations and found some lovely multicolored yarns along the way.
I did take some photos along the way, and will have those posted on my blog Yarnspinners. The photo here is just one of those, showing the fiber blended fro...
2011-01-101h 02Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastCarbonized bamboo History of my spinning wheelsSitting and spinning just seems to go along with sitting and chatting. So today's podcast is three different sections, all on topics that I love to talk about.
First segment is a fiber review of carbonized bamboo. It's what I am spinning while recording the podcast. The next section is about my plans for the Tour de Fleece spinning challenge. If you are not familiar with this, more information can be found on Ravelry. The idea is to challenge yourself as a spinner during the time that those bikers are spinning their wheels in the Tour de Franc...
2010-07-1251 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning ToolsSpinning tools: Do you have them? Do you need them? For this podcast I talk about the tools needed for three areas of the yarn creation process, tools for fiber prep, tools for spinning yarn, and tools to handle that yarn.
The wonderful music for today's podcast is from the podsafe music network.
Interlude music is by Celtic Reboot and is called Aufbruch/Am Feuer.
The closing song is by David Wilcox and is Open Hand the title track to his album.
I used three books from my library as references in t...
2010-05-081h 20Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastFirst things firstAn unplannned spinning sabatical while my day to day life gets rearranged. During this time I will be taking care of a post surgery husband, looking for part time work in my old career and in general not finding the time to spin. Since a podcast often takes 8-10 hours of my time, I have decided to take a three month break from podcasting. But I will be thinking about the podcast, and evaluating if it will come back in the same format or use this time for creating a new format.
Meanwhile, a big thank you to...
2010-02-1412 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastDiscussing gristGot grist? If not, this podcast will help you understand just what this spinning term means, how it is figured and why it's an important part of spinning a specific yarn.
This episode continues the discussion of spinning a certain type of yarn, regardless of the fiber you choose. This time we are not going to just copy a commercial yarn, but start from nothing but the idea of spinning yarn for socks.
A very important link on the web was mentioned in the podcast and it can be found here. It is the work of...
2009-11-3052 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSelecting non wool fibers to spin and storing fiberThis podcast continues the discussion of how to buy fibers for spinning and then store them. I first talk about what to look for when purchasing the non wool fibers, like alpaca, mohair and angora. The second part goes into how to store your fibers until you are ready to wash the fleece or spin them.
I have more photos of a recent fleece that I was prepping for storage on my blog.
I could not ignore the holiday though, and since it is Halloween, my yarnspinner tale is an original ghost story I tell jus...
2009-10-241h 17Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning with a charkhaIt'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 t...
2009-08-211h 25Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastHelping angora bunnies beat the heat and washing alpaca fiberIt's July and the spinning is easy. Grab your fiber and favorite spinning tool and listen in as I talk about washing alpaca fiber, keeping angora bunnies cool in the heat.
Music used in today's podcast in from Music Alley, formerly the podsafe music network. A big thank you to all the musicians that put there music out there for us to hear, we love you for it!
Summerfeeling is the name of the interlude music and it's by Dreamweaver.
Triple6fusion played Night of the Dancing Guitars.
The won...
2009-07-3159 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastCarding and blending fibersThis 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 sel...
2009-07-071h 08Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In Dog hair Spinning designer yarnsIt's Spin in time, grab your fiber and listen in as the podcast reviews two spinning books and later a yarnspinnerstale about best friends.
The books in the review this podcast are Spinning Designer Yarns by Diane Varney, and the newly released book by Judith Mackenzie McCuin.
I have a group on Ravelry now, come join us! Here's a direct link, or you can go to Ravelry, click the groups tab and search for yarnspinnerstales, you should get a link to connect to the group.
It seems that the Podsafe Music Network now h...
2009-06-2257 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastBamboo and TencelBamboo and Tencel, those shiny, slippery, shiny, ecofriendly, shiny, nonwool, shiny fibers (did I tell you that they are shiny?) are the topic of today's podcast. Another spinner joins me today to talk about why these and other non wool fibers are all she spins. If you have wanted to try these fibers (did I tell you that they are shiny?) this is the podcast to help get you started.
We refer to lots of things on the internet, so here's a listing of what I hope is all the links:
The youtube video of spi...
2009-05-161h 03Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastPlyingThere's a misconception in the spinning community that if you know how to spin a yarn, you know how to ply. In this episode I talk all about the whys and ways of putting single strands of handspun yarn into complex yarns.
I would like to thank the following authors for writing their books and thus helping me pass along what I learned from them in my podcast:
Alden Amos: Big Book of Handspinning
Margaret Stove: Handspinning Dyeing & Working with Merino and Superfine Wools
Diane Varney Spinning Designer Yarns
Musi...
2009-05-0156 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In Wheels at the WooleryRoad Trip! In the yarnspinners tale today I talk all about a trip to visit the wonderful spinning and weaving store The Woolery.
Speaking of traveling, one of today's sheep breeds is all the way from Norway. Spaelsau is an old Norweigen breed with a double coated fleece and I have the opportunity to work with some of the fiber. Close in nature to that breed and more readily obtainable, I also talk about the Icelandic breed in today's review of sheep breed fleeces.
If you want to visit the Woolery's website, you can find it...
2009-04-231h 17Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning and Dyeing SilkSlick and shiny top, or interesting and challenging hankies, whatever form of silk fiber you have can be spun and dyed into wonderful yarn. Today's podcast talk's all about my experiences with spinning and dyeing silk.
I refer to a number of links online during the podcast, so here they are, all conveniently gathered for you in one post.
Sources of fiber and dyes:
Tweenway Silks
Cheryl Kolander with peace silks (Aurora silk)
Silk Things for the instant silk 'teacup' dyes
Paradise Fibers for country classic dyes (or...
2009-01-261h 21Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastDrop SpindlesHappy 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 podca...
2008-12-201h 02Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In AlpacaMy first year anniversary podcast! For this spin in, the fiber animal is, for once, not a sheep. Instead alpaca fiber is discussed.
Also, a bit of audio indexing, as the year of podcasting here is reviewed. Finally, spinning really did happen, and all day. Hear all about a day at a fiber fair.
Music for this podcast is from the podsafe music network. There is lots of wonderful music in this podcast. Check out these websites and give them your support, for sharing their music with the world.
Interlude music is Talking by rob
2008-10-3153 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastFelting a fleece Felting fleece is something we spinners fear right? Not always. What if you think outside of the box, and felt fleece to your advantage?
The photo shows one time Yarnspinner thought outside of that fear of felting a fleece. Listen to the podcast to learn all about how a non spinnable fleece was felted into a lovely wool pelt.
On the more practical side, fleece batts can be shape felted into anything, as long as you have a form to serve for shaping. The next example talked about in the podcast is a felted hat.
There ar...
2008-10-2751 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In CVM and Maine Island SheepSummer is slipping away, and so this month's Yarnspinners Tale is about summer memories. But there's lots more in the podcast, as I review two rare breeds of sheep, the CVM and Maine Island Sheep.
All music is from the podsafe music network. I used five different musicians this podcast, all with music around the theme of summer.
The opening song, that said goodbye to summer is by Danny Fong.
The interlude music for the sheep breed discussion is a song called Sweet Summer Memories by Steven Cravis.
A wonderfully summer so...
2008-09-0159 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpinning Cotton Preparation TechniquesEpisode 15 is all about preparing and spinning cotton. Joining me in the podcast are some of my spinning friends with some very good explanations of just how they do this. And also something new to the show this time: videos!
First as promised a very special spinning movie. Currently it is on YouTube, to save me some MB storage space here. The Spinning Movie is set to music from Kelvin Bear, who I found on the Podsafe Music Network. This artist does not seem to have a website, so here's a link to his music.
Now for...
2008-07-181h 01Yarnspinners Tales's PodcastCotton Dyeing part 2 Natural DyesPart 2 of the cotton dyeing discusses how I dyed the roving using a natural dyestuff. And a very unusual dyestuff too.
There are photos, and a detailed description of the process on my blog.
I've included two songs in today's podcast, both from the podsafe music network. Be sure and check out the musicians webpages if you like the songs.
Copper Box played Need a Little Squeezin It's a great tune, and is featured on their website too.
Clare Dowling of Moot Music opens every podcast for me with her spinning song, a...
2008-06-0138 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastCotton Dyeing part 1 Chemical DyesDyeing Cotton Part one.
In today's podcast I am joined by my local spinners/knitters for a day of dyepots, fiber and fun. Cotton fiber, specifically and the project was all for a fiber swap starting in the Ravelry group, Garden Spinning.
Please be sure to check out the blogs for each of the dyers, for lots of pictures.
Anita, Andrea, and Viki. Yarnspinners blog is here.
Here's a few key points about what we learned:
Cotton needs to be soaked very thoroughly in soda ash water, to take up...
2008-05-3039 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In Finn and PerendaleApril is not only about spring, but many other things on this month's spin in podcast. I talk about the fleece from two rare breeds of sheep, the Finn Sheep and the Perendale. And as usual there is lots of music, and a Yarnspinner's Tale.
Today's music comes from the Podsafe Music Network. I encourage you to check out this website as well as the websites for any of the artists used on today's podcast.
Special thank you's go to Clare Dowling and Wren Ross for use of their music to introduce segments in the podc...
2008-04-2244 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastSpin In Cheviot and CorriedaleIt's the month of hearts and pink. It's still wintery here, but spring is in my heart. Join me as I sit by the fireplace and spin and talk about my history with the internet. After all, without this vital interactive web, you would never be able to hear this month's Yarnspinners Tale.
There are other pictures on my blog Yarnspinners.
All music in the podcast came from the podsafe music network. Be sure to go to this and the musicians websites and support them for their generous sharing of music for th...
2008-03-0246 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastChristmas music traditionalChristmas...it's all about traditions, at least in this podcast. Oh were you looking for somthing about spinning? Well the only thing spun, are two yarnspinners tales, the first about playing with someone else's toys and the second about her Christmas traditions. To keep with the theme, there is lots of music in, of course, a traditional style.
All music is from the podsafe music network
And because I want to send a big thank you to all the musicians that kindly shared some holiday music for us, here are their website links. Go and buy...
2007-12-1641 minYarnspinners Tales's PodcastBeta episodeWelcome to the first podcast for Yarnspinners Tales. This is a beta test of everything involved to put together a podcast, and I go into some of the details, plus talk a little about the format for future podcasts. And in between all that, there is some music that I have enjoyed and hope you will too. Just try and make it through the day without rehumming the Refrigerator Blues!
The next and official first episode of Yarnspinners Tales will be about combing fiber with large pitch combs. So grab your combs and fiber and join me.
2007-10-0934 min