Thank you for sharing those lovely quotes from Pam's book. Having only recently discovered spinning, I have been blown away by how much I can feel myself healing as I work with the fibre/ yarn. That's a lot for me to say after doing a Fine Art degree and studying many different media over the years. I don't know if it is simply the physical connection to something natural, a sensory pleasure, or if it is more metaphorical, eg the yarn being bigger than the sum of its parts/ making something 'whole', the act of creation... connecting with ancestors... maybe its all of that and more. Anyway, I have to say that you are my favourite YT channel for spinning for these same reasons - your philosophical approach to spinning is very special and I get a lot of joy from it.
I’m discovering your videos about Shetland wool. I have a ridiculous amount of fleece from my wonderful pet flock of Shetlands of many colours and types ...where to start! I was hoping to get to spinning classes as a way to start processing all these fleeces but having now to do my learning from videos and books. So many thanks for opening my mind to possibilities and the freedom to just get on with it and enjoy the process. Such a grounding and wholesome activity in these strange and uncertain times. Taking a dirty and tangled looking fleece from one of these sweet animals and taking it through the process of eventually producing a beautiful piece of work has to be good for the soul!
I agree. Fiber and spinning soothes the soul I feel exactly the same and am so glad I found this hobby a few years ago. Thank you Lisa for not bringing politics into our hobby. I so respect you for that. You made a comment on your last episode and I totally agree (doesn't matter which side people sway). Our hobbies are our escape from the everyday stress and turmoil, and your channel makes me happy above all.❤❤
Well, I watched all your recent videos, so I’m going back to some of the older ones. First, I heard you sing and you have a fabulous voice! You should sing for us more. I heard you talking about the Michigan fiber festival, and now that I have moved to Michigan, I’ll be going to the MFF more regularly; maybe I’ll meet you there sometime. My husband and I had camp there in the past for the festival. I thought about taking a Spinning class, but I don’t think that will happen this year. I have taken classes in the past with Amy Tyler and she’s a delightful teacher.
How lovely that you review Pam Austin’s book! She taught me to spin and is the loveliest lady. Her words reflect the woman that she is, a skilled , practical lady who is incredibly generous with her knowledge and skill.
Her personality shines though her lovely book. I am so glad I have it I’m my library! How wonderful she taught you to spin. 💕Her encouragement of the long draw technique is wonderful. So many spinners are afraid to try it.
Dear Lisa, I'm wachting your podcast since the last few months and I love it! Mostly I'm a quiet watcher of podcasts and don't respond often.... But this touched my heart. I'm spinning since about 10 years (with intervals...) and just lately discoverd the beauty of spinning shetland wool. It's a dream come true....
Hi Lisa,. I love the singing! You come alive when singing. I do the same thing. We should spin and sing together. We would be a hit. The Singing Spinners! I just love your show. I'm waiting for my Valkyrie combs to come any day. It's so exciting!
Lisa! Thanks again for such a beautiful and content rich video. I so share your thoughts on spinning bringing emotional comfort and calm. Wonderful handspun yarn is a welcome by product. And your shetland fleeces are simply lovely!
Spinning foe me has been very therapeutic. I started about 6 yrs ago. Right around the time my husband took sick with the cancer. I would spin away next to him over the years through the illness. When he passed away in November Inever spun on my wheel again until yesterday. But I did support spinning all winter. Now I’m using the Tour de Fleece to kick start me again. Love your vlog, glad I found it. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻
An absolute delight ! Thank you so much for sharing your spinning journey. As a knitter and crocheter, I’ve never spun yarn. But lately have found myself digging for all the information to learn more. My mom was a spinner and had a love for Shetland sheep. Sadly I didn’t learn before she passed away in 2017. Thank you,Lisa, I’ve already learned so much from you. My mom would have loved your podcast, too! 🌷🐑
Just discovered your channel. Thanks so much for sharing your passion and knowledge. I have been spinning for a year now and I love long draw. I’m currently hand processing a Shetland fleece. It’s a real learn as you go experience. Your video helped me understand what I have. Lots of fine, crimpy fibres and other varieties mixed into one fleece. I will order that book tomorrow. I’ll be binge watching your videos this week.
Your lovely podcasts evidence your love of the craft which is as inspirational as any author. I remember a visiting spinner from Shetland demonstrating how to wear a Shetland hap shawl using me as a model. That handspun moorit Shetland wool shawl was as soft as butter and like being wrapped in a big hug. I have wanted to spin and knit my own ever since.
‘Wrapped in a big hug’ that’s what I want to spin and knit for. How wonderful that you were able to be the model for the hap. Thank you so much for the compliment 😊. I do love the craft ever so much. 💕
I truly enjoy listening to your book reviews... i believe we share many thoughts and passions. Even tho I am still a fledgling spinner, your passion for this pastime comes thru and encourages me to spend more time getting to know spinning better. I will look for the book in this episode, as well as a book by Mary Oliver you reviewed elsewhere. Thank you for your calm podcast.
Your review of Pam Austin’s book has cut me free from my bondage of avoiding spinning because it’s not good enough. I loved doing corespinning and it seemed to come to me so easily, but people would say, “ What in the world can you do with that!?” I tried knitting a couple things and they were Ok and I wanted to try weaving with it, but I stopped…I mean I stopped spinning anything because I was just crushed that “nothing “ I could spin halfway decently was “worthy or “useful.” I put those words in quotes because I know when I hear them coming out of me, it means I am engaging in unhealthy behavior of “all or nothing” thinking. BUT NOW I can allow my soul to delight in corespinning and creating art just because I love to do it! Sorry to get so deep, but I’m astounded at how much Pam’s view shifted things in me. Thank you for your book reviews!
Your message fills me with joy! I am so glad. I am getting the nerve to make a weaving in my rigid heddle with some art yarn and other handspun I have in my stash. Inspired my this video. th-cam.com/video/9t4rVFFj4YI/w-d-xo.html Pam’s book was a revelation. I adore her and her book. Take care!
@@SoulfulSpinning Thanks for the link. Her art yarn and weaving project was drool worthy. I even got my Lendrum out and did some spinning tonight. It looked horrible, but I love the tactile nature of the craft. It’s a start!
Thank you Lisa, for a wonderful video. I know you are having challenges with your beautiful fine Shetland but you will make a wonderful job of it and learn so much to pass on! It’s so lovely to hear what you say about how spinning makes you feel and what it means to you...I feel that way too. I am reading a wonderful book called Making a Life by Melanie Falick which says the same thing about how fundamental making is. Renate Hiller (in the book) says that spinning is a ‘cosmic gesture of creation’... Thank you also for the great book review of Hand Spinning - I have bought it on your recommendation!! I look forward to your next video. 🙏
Thank you Beverley! I will check out the book you mentioned. I am in contact with the breeder and she is giving me extra tips on dealing with such a fine fleece. I had a heavy hand I think and will no doubt learn with more experience. I have to remember what Pam Austin says in her book: “Be kind to yourself”. Good advice, I think 💕.
I went to a wool festival must be 9 years ago in Bedford uk, Pam Austin was demonstrating long draw and asked me to have a go, that moment set me up to want to spin. Have been spinning ever since. Will get that book !
That is amazing handspun yarn! I love it. Spinning and prepping a beautiful fine fleece is my favorite hobby. It’s hard for me to knit with bought yarn.
I found your podcast a few weeks ago. I’ve been watching from the beginning as I can and keeping up with your new podcasts. I love your spinning journey, many things match my own. I began by spinning many miles of home processed Suffolk about 20 years ago, mostly for sanity. Later for the absolute joy it provides. The learning never ends. Thank you for podcasting, I enjoy what you do so very much!
How wonderful for you to have had your spinning for 2 decades. Handling fleece, spinning and knitting has given me so much and it sounds the same for you! Thank you 💕.
Thank you Lisa, that was absolutely beautiful, like fleece you are truly nourishment for the soul. I recently watched The Natural Spinner, her latest cast on reclaiming waste with combs and I thought it may work to reclaim fibre from your batts with the neps +++++. It is worth watching, in fact I highly recommend all her casts, though they are not regular but so so good. Oh yes, I nearly forgot, more singing please! Jenny(NZ)
Thank you sweet Jenny! I did not know The Natural Spinner has more videos. I have watched her combing Mr. Bates many times. I will watch anything she uploads 💕. Take care and be safe 😊.
I really enjoyed this episode. You make me want to give a Shetland fleece another try. The first fleece I ever bought, back when I knew nothing about fleece, was a black Shetland fleece. It was about 1 lb of wool and 2 lbs of VM, large and small it had it all, and it was very course wool. After that, until today I have had no interest in another Shetland fleece. Thank you!
Oh yes a bad experience like that one would turn you off the breed for sure. Shetlands are so variable, some dual coated and on the coarse side and others fine as merino. I hope someday you’ll have chance to spin really high quality well prepped Shetland. You might try to get some roving from a fine Shetland breeder as a start. Thanks again for taking the time to comment in my video. 🤗
I think I need to go back to watch the Turkish spindle video...I have some questions now that I kinda know what I’m doing. 💟 and we’ll, you know Barry Manilow is my jam also!!
Your videos are very interesting and comprehensive. I hope you continue. You pick uncommon fleeces to feature. I'm loving the shetland spinning. I started a hap with hand processed horned dorset, which is a conservation breed. So that is another one to try; it's super squishy and bouncy. Started processing some Florida Cracker, which has interesting characteristics too. Gosh! so many beautiful sheep and fleece and never enough time!
How I enjoy your videos! I love Shetland too. Thank you for sharing the Hilltop Cloud wool packs. I’m definitely going to try and get some. I have a new Heavenly Handspinning blending board and that would be so perfect for blending rolags. Have a great week!
Thank you Mary! I realized I failed to leave a link to Hilltop Cloud. It’s a wonderful shop. Thanks for watching and saying ‘hello’. Have a great week 💕.
growing up, we had a dog named mandy and we used to sing it to her all the time! still the best song ever..lol. your story about your fine shetland fleece is reminding me on my disastrous experience with my very first 18 micron merino fleece. it so super fine that i've finally decided to just spin it from the lock, on the fold... i've seen a master spinner do this and you can go super fine... it's incredible the amount of yardage you can get from just one little lock. thanks for sharing your experience, every opportunity is a learning experience. xo
I think that is why the breeder spins from the lock. I think it is Margaret Stove who spins superfine merino into the most beautiful lace weight yarn. I’ll have to experiment with that method! I guess that is why superfine fleeces are not recommended for beginners. 😃
I have a lot of projects on the needles. I never get bored with a project it is more like oh!! I want to do that one too! I made the decision in early June to try and knit only on one project weekdays , and then free whatever knitting on the weekend. Hopefully I will finish more things that way. However, if it gets to the point where I hate knitting or avoid it because I always pick detailed projects , I will go back to my “What do I want to knit today ?? “ Knitting
I think many of us have a lot of projects on the go. I’d like to have more to show for all my effort though, but it’s a hobby not a job so let’s have fun and try not to put pressure in ourselves! Thank you for watching!
Thank you just what I needed to help me get motivated. I am in uk just started 2 weeks leave and uk going back into lockdown. Had to cancel our walking holiday, think I need to get back processing my stash. Thank you 🙏
Mandy Hill it sure is a good time to have a stash! I am sorry you had to cancel your holiday. It’s pretty bad here in the US too. Take care and happy processing!
Hi Mandy I'm in UK too. I'm going to start Drop Spindle spinning after Christmas as I'm having some for then. I only found these videos last weekend (21st November). I've got some Riving that I wanted to use other than in my Lap Loom weavings. Keep safe . Jen England UK xx
Hi Lisa thanks for my weekly dose of wholesome fiber goodness!! Your passion for fleece is contagious! The sheen of that worsted spun shetland was just stunning! I hope to get a shetland fleece next shearing season. I am slightly afraid of getting a coarser fleece because I'm a bit sensitive to coarse wools. One of my goals this TdF is to learn worsted spinning, I plan to watch your worsted tutorial many times. My last attempt didn't go that well because I kept pulling my yarn apart- I'll try with more twist this time.
I just found your podcast and it's wonderful! thank you for taking the time to film. I am also trying to practice my spinning with my drop spindle and wheel.
My best friend growing up was nicknamed Mandy, she introduced me to the Barry Manilow song. Your yarn is so lovely. I love where you are hugging all those skeins! Thanks for having such informative content. Don't ever think you ruined a fleece because it ends up having neps. Tweedy yarns are beautiful too. The neps tend to blend in with plying, especially a chain or 3 ply in my experience.
Hi Lisa, i love your podcast! I'm so glad i stumbled upon it. It's so inspiring and full of tips and great technique. I personally struggle plying my hand spun (either too much twist or not enough). Could you pls should us how you ply your gorgeous hand spun? Thanks Lisa!
Another great episode. I struggle with neps when using my Strauch Finest as well. I think for me each fleece I’ve tried had unique challenges (weak tips, 2nd cuts, etc). Also I really enjoy your book reviews. It reminds me that I should pull out some books/magazines on my shelves and give them a good read as opposed to having them just decorate my craft room ;)
Hi Ingrid, so interesting to hear your experience with the Finest. I had some success making a 1 ounce batt with a fine Shetland on my Clemes carder that has fewer tpi, go figure. I think I want my Strauch too fast because it’s electric. I am going to try again, but very slowly. I also found that putting the locks in in one direction helped immensely. I have so many books and magazines that I forget about, too. It’s good to go back to the, for inspiration. Thank you so much for watching 💕.
Hi Lisa, you would enjoy this TH-cam video entitled “Growing Up with Sheep on Shetland” by Promote Shetland. It is just under 30 minutes, so grab a cup of tea, and snuggle in a comfy chair. There are 2 children in this video who are shepherding with their families on this gorgeous and mystical windswept island, it is a treat for the armchair traveler, and a wonderful “escape” from our quarantine days...! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Love your podcast. I had some cormo processed at a mill and they ruined it. It is full of neps or noils. The mills says they warned me But they never did. When I called about their mill I told them I had a cormo fleece. When I dropped it off, nothing was mentioned. Because of the situation with the virus, I had the processed fleece mailed to me. I have called the mill several times. No luck!!! The last call they hung up on me. The fleece was very expensive. What a waste😢
Pat Howes I am so sorry Pat about your Cormo fleece. You might try combing the roving they sent to you to salvage some of it, or spin in up into a textured yarn. It may spin up better than you expect!
Hello. Question: I'm a very new spinner. I have a very basic spindle spinner. Can I use the wool for felting from Hobby Lobby ? I tried it and it was difficult to get it to draft. Thank you.
I’ve never tried spinning from wool that was specifically marked as felting wool. I would say that the staple lengths and openness of the wool may be a bit variable. I recommend a carded roving ir medium combed top for new spinner. Something like a Corriedale or Blue Faced Leicester would be ideal. Wool for spinners is readily available at online shops and Etsy. A weaving or yarn shop will often have wool for spinners as well. Happy Spinning!
Soulful Spinning I've both flicked every single lock before carding and I've combed it all before carding. I also have a picker tool that came with the carder. You can carefully open up and feed small pieces. Anyway you go about it, it will take longer than your nice and easy medium wool!
Thank you for sharing those lovely quotes from Pam's book. Having only recently discovered spinning, I have been blown away by how much I can feel myself healing as I work with the fibre/ yarn. That's a lot for me to say after doing a Fine Art degree and studying many different media over the years. I don't know if it is simply the physical connection to something natural, a sensory pleasure, or if it is more metaphorical, eg the yarn being bigger than the sum of its parts/ making something 'whole', the act of creation... connecting with ancestors... maybe its all of that and more. Anyway, I have to say that you are my favourite YT channel for spinning for these same reasons - your philosophical approach to spinning is very special and I get a lot of joy from it.
I’ve never seen such gorgeous big, soft, luscious, batts. Gee whiz, they make my mouth water and my head spin. Beautiful fleece you have there Lisa.
I absolutely LOVE that last quote. It is so true. Spinning is the only thing keeping me sane in this messed up world we are in.
That quote resonated with me too! I don’t know how I would be coping without my spinning.
It’s obvious to me when you are spinning that your fleece is beautifully prepared. Perfection.
I’m discovering your videos about Shetland wool. I have a ridiculous amount of fleece from my wonderful pet flock of Shetlands of many colours and types ...where to start! I was hoping to get to spinning classes as a way to start processing all these fleeces but having now to do my learning from videos and books. So many thanks for opening my mind to possibilities and the freedom to just get on with it and enjoy the process. Such a grounding and wholesome activity in these strange and uncertain times. Taking a dirty and tangled looking fleece from one of these sweet animals and taking it through the process of eventually producing a beautiful piece of work has to be good for the soul!
I agree. Fiber and spinning soothes the soul I feel exactly the same and am so glad I found this hobby a few years ago. Thank you Lisa for not bringing politics into our hobby. I so respect you for that. You made a comment on your last episode and I totally agree (doesn't matter which side people sway). Our hobbies are our escape from the everyday stress and turmoil, and your channel makes me happy above all.❤❤
Thank you so much LuAnn. Now more than ever I am so grateful for this craft. Take care and peaceful spinning 💕
Well, I watched all your recent videos, so I’m going back to some of the older ones. First, I heard you sing and you have a fabulous voice! You should sing for us more. I heard you talking about the Michigan fiber festival, and now that I have moved to Michigan, I’ll be going to the MFF more regularly; maybe I’ll meet you there sometime. My husband and I had camp there in the past for the festival. I thought about taking a Spinning class, but I don’t think that will happen this year. I have taken classes in the past with Amy Tyler and she’s a delightful teacher.
How lovely that you review Pam Austin’s book! She taught me to spin and is the loveliest lady. Her words reflect the woman that she is, a skilled , practical lady who is incredibly generous with her knowledge and skill.
Her personality shines though her lovely book. I am so glad I have it I’m my library! How wonderful she taught you to spin. 💕Her encouragement of the long draw technique is wonderful. So many spinners are afraid to try it.
I watch your podcasts over and over and always really enjoy them. Thank you so much!
Thank you Mati! 💕
Dear Lisa, I'm wachting your podcast since the last few months and I love it! Mostly I'm a quiet watcher of podcasts and don't respond often.... But this touched my heart.
I'm spinning since about 10 years (with intervals...) and just lately discoverd the beauty of spinning shetland wool. It's a dream come true....
Thank you so much for your comment 🥰. It is so nice to know there are people in the world who understand 💕.
Hi Lisa,. I love the singing! You come alive when singing. I do the same thing. We should spin and sing together. We would be a hit. The Singing Spinners! I just love your show. I'm waiting for my Valkyrie combs to come any day. It's so exciting!
Lisa! Thanks again for such a beautiful and content rich video. I so share your thoughts on spinning bringing emotional comfort and calm. Wonderful handspun yarn is a welcome by product. And your shetland fleeces are simply lovely!
Holly Scott Thanks again for turning in, have a great week 💕.
For the soul! I loved. Thank you.
So kind of you and thanks for watching 😊.
Spinning foe me has been very therapeutic. I started about 6 yrs ago. Right around the time my husband took sick with the cancer. I would spin away next to him over the years through the illness. When he passed away in November Inever spun on my wheel again until yesterday. But I did support spinning all winter. Now I’m using the Tour de Fleece to kick start me again. Love your vlog, glad I found it. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻
I am so sorry for your loss, Sue. I pray that spinning continues to give you some comfort. ❤️
An absolute delight ! Thank you so much for sharing your spinning journey. As a knitter and crocheter, I’ve never spun yarn. But lately have found myself digging for all the information to learn more. My mom was a spinner and had a love for Shetland sheep. Sadly I didn’t learn before she passed away in 2017. Thank you,Lisa, I’ve already learned so much from you. My mom would have loved your podcast, too! 🌷🐑
Thank you so much, Cristina 🥰. I hope you will learn to spin. I think you will love it!
Just discovered your channel. Thanks so much for sharing your passion and knowledge. I have been spinning for a year now and I love long draw. I’m currently hand processing a Shetland fleece. It’s a real learn as you go experience. Your video helped me understand what I have. Lots of fine, crimpy fibres and other varieties mixed into one fleece. I will order that book tomorrow. I’ll be binge watching your videos this week.
Your lovely podcasts evidence your love of the craft which is as inspirational as any author. I remember a visiting spinner from Shetland demonstrating how to wear a Shetland hap shawl using me as a model. That handspun moorit Shetland wool shawl was as soft as butter and like being wrapped in a big hug. I have wanted to spin and knit my own ever since.
‘Wrapped in a big hug’ that’s what I want to spin and knit for. How wonderful that you were able to be the model for the hap. Thank you so much for the compliment 😊. I do love the craft ever so much. 💕
You're just so peaceful.... I'm learning so much and just could listen to you all day!
I truly enjoy listening to your book reviews... i believe we share many thoughts and passions. Even tho I am still a fledgling spinner, your passion for this pastime comes thru and encourages me to spend more time getting to know spinning better. I will look for the book in this episode, as well as a book by Mary Oliver you reviewed elsewhere. Thank you for your calm podcast.
I used my extra fine Valkyrie combs to comb my very fine shetland fleece it came out beautiful.
Your review of Pam Austin’s book has cut me free from my bondage of avoiding spinning because it’s not good enough. I loved doing corespinning and it seemed to come to me so easily, but people would say, “ What in the world can you do with that!?” I tried knitting a couple things and they were Ok and I wanted to try weaving with it, but I stopped…I mean I stopped spinning anything because I was just crushed that “nothing “ I could spin halfway decently was “worthy or “useful.” I put those words in quotes because I know when I hear them coming out of me, it means I am engaging in unhealthy behavior of “all or nothing” thinking. BUT NOW I can allow my soul to delight in corespinning and creating art just because I love to do it! Sorry to get so deep, but I’m astounded at how much Pam’s view shifted things in me. Thank you for your book reviews!
Your message fills me with joy! I am so glad. I am getting the nerve to make a weaving in my rigid heddle with some art yarn and other handspun I have in my stash. Inspired my this video. th-cam.com/video/9t4rVFFj4YI/w-d-xo.html
Pam’s book was a revelation. I adore her and her book. Take care!
@@SoulfulSpinning Thanks for the link. Her art yarn and weaving project was drool worthy. I even got my Lendrum out and did some spinning tonight. It looked horrible, but I love the tactile nature of the craft. It’s a start!
Thank you Lisa, for a wonderful video. I know you are having challenges with your beautiful fine Shetland but you will make a wonderful job of it and learn so much to pass on! It’s so lovely to hear what you say about how spinning makes you feel and what it means to you...I feel that way too. I am reading a wonderful book called Making a Life by Melanie Falick which says the same thing about how fundamental making is. Renate Hiller (in the book) says that spinning is a ‘cosmic gesture of creation’... Thank you also for the great book review of Hand Spinning - I have bought it on your recommendation!! I look forward to your next video. 🙏
Thank you Beverley! I will check out the book you mentioned. I am in contact with the breeder and she is giving me extra tips on dealing with such a fine fleece. I had a heavy hand I think and will no doubt learn with more experience. I have to remember what Pam Austin says in her book: “Be kind to yourself”. Good advice, I think 💕.
I went to a wool festival must be 9 years ago in Bedford uk, Pam Austin was demonstrating long draw and asked me to have a go, that moment set me up to want to spin. Have been spinning ever since. Will get that book !
I would love to meet Pam Austin. She’s my kind of spinner and her book is beautiful! Thank you so much for your comment. Happy spinning 💕
That is amazing handspun yarn! I love it. Spinning and prepping a beautiful fine fleece is my favorite hobby. It’s hard for me to knit with bought yarn.
Hi Lisa I love your videos I am brand new spinner. You have taught me so much keep the good work. Bye for now
I'm so glad! Spinning is such a wonderful hobby 💜 .
OH yes, I have tonnes of WIP ! It is a nice club !
I found your podcast a few weeks ago. I’ve been watching from the beginning as I can and keeping up with your new podcasts. I love your spinning journey, many things match my own. I began by spinning many miles of home processed Suffolk about 20 years ago, mostly for sanity. Later for the absolute joy it provides. The learning never ends. Thank you for podcasting, I enjoy what you do so very much!
How wonderful for you to have had your spinning for 2 decades. Handling fleece, spinning and knitting has given me so much and it sounds the same for you! Thank you 💕.
Thank you Lisa, that was absolutely beautiful, like fleece you are truly nourishment for the soul.
I recently watched The Natural Spinner, her latest cast on reclaiming waste with combs and I thought it may work to reclaim fibre from your batts with the neps +++++.
It is worth watching, in fact I highly recommend all her casts, though they are not regular but so so good.
Oh yes, I nearly forgot, more singing please!
Jenny(NZ)
Thank you sweet Jenny! I did not know The Natural Spinner has more videos. I have watched her combing Mr. Bates many times. I will watch anything she uploads 💕. Take care and be safe 😊.
I really enjoyed this episode. You make me want to give a Shetland fleece another try. The first fleece I ever bought, back when I knew nothing about fleece, was a black Shetland fleece. It was about 1 lb of wool and 2 lbs of VM, large and small it had it all, and it was very course wool. After that, until today I have had no interest in another Shetland fleece. Thank you!
Oh yes a bad experience like that one would turn you off the breed for sure. Shetlands are so variable, some dual coated and on the coarse side and others fine as merino. I hope someday you’ll have chance to spin really high quality well prepped Shetland. You might try to get some roving from a fine Shetland breeder as a start. Thanks again for taking the time to comment in my video. 🤗
I think I need to go back to watch the Turkish spindle video...I have some questions now that I kinda know what I’m doing. 💟 and we’ll, you know Barry Manilow is my jam also!!
Barbara Hudak Thank you Barb ( I have a dear sister of the same name 💙).
Your videos are very interesting and comprehensive. I hope you continue. You pick uncommon fleeces to feature. I'm loving the shetland spinning. I started a hap with hand processed horned dorset, which is a conservation breed. So that is another one to try; it's super squishy and bouncy. Started processing some Florida Cracker, which has interesting characteristics too. Gosh! so many beautiful sheep and fleece and never enough time!
Marianne Hobart those are two breeds I have yet to try. Yes, so many breeds not enough time!
How I enjoy your videos! I love Shetland too. Thank you for sharing the Hilltop Cloud wool packs. I’m definitely going to try and get some. I have a new Heavenly Handspinning blending board and that would be so perfect for blending rolags. Have a great week!
Thank you Mary! I realized I failed to leave a link to Hilltop Cloud. It’s a wonderful shop. Thanks for watching and saying ‘hello’. Have a great week 💕.
Thank you for the great podcast. I love Shetland also and I will definitely get this book.
Shetland is an amazing breed. So much variation even within the breed.
growing up, we had a dog named mandy and we used to sing it to her all the time! still the best song ever..lol. your story about your fine shetland fleece is reminding me on my disastrous experience with my very first 18 micron merino fleece. it so super fine that i've finally decided to just spin it from the lock, on the fold... i've seen a master spinner do this and you can go super fine... it's incredible the amount of yardage you can get from just one little lock. thanks for sharing your experience, every opportunity is a learning experience. xo
I think that is why the breeder spins from the lock. I think it is Margaret Stove who spins superfine merino into the most beautiful lace weight yarn. I’ll have to experiment with that method! I guess that is why superfine fleeces are not recommended for beginners. 😃
@@SoulfulSpinning ha! yes, margaret stove.....
I have a lot of projects on the needles. I never get bored with a project it is more like oh!! I want to do that one too! I made the decision in early June to try and knit only on one project weekdays , and then free whatever knitting on the weekend. Hopefully I will finish more things that way. However, if it gets to the point where I hate knitting or avoid it because I always pick detailed projects , I will go back to my “What do I want to knit today ?? “ Knitting
I think many of us have a lot of projects on the go. I’d like to have more to show for all my effort though, but it’s a hobby not a job so let’s have fun and try not to put pressure in ourselves! Thank you for watching!
Thank you just what I needed to help me get motivated. I am in uk just started 2 weeks leave and uk going back into lockdown. Had to cancel our walking holiday, think I need to get back processing my stash. Thank you 🙏
Mandy Hill it sure is a good time to have a stash! I am sorry you had to cancel your holiday. It’s pretty bad here in the US too. Take care and happy processing!
Hi Mandy I'm in UK too. I'm going to start Drop Spindle spinning after Christmas as I'm having some for then.
I only found these videos last weekend (21st November). I've got some Riving that I wanted to use other than in my Lap Loom weavings.
Keep safe . Jen
England UK xx
Hi Lisa thanks for my weekly dose of wholesome fiber goodness!! Your passion for fleece is contagious! The sheen of that worsted spun shetland was just stunning! I hope to get a shetland fleece next shearing season. I am slightly afraid of getting a coarser fleece because I'm a bit sensitive to coarse wools. One of my goals this TdF is to learn worsted spinning, I plan to watch your worsted tutorial many times. My last attempt didn't go that well because I kept pulling my yarn apart- I'll try with more twist this time.
I just found your podcast and it's wonderful! thank you for taking the time to film. I am also trying to practice my spinning with my drop spindle and wheel.
My best friend growing up was nicknamed Mandy, she introduced me to the Barry Manilow song. Your yarn is so lovely. I love where you are hugging all those skeins! Thanks for having such informative content. Don't ever think you ruined a fleece because it ends up having neps. Tweedy yarns are beautiful too. The neps tend to blend in with plying, especially a chain or 3 ply in my experience.
Thank you! It will all work out in the end. Have a great week!
Hi Lisa, i love your podcast! I'm so glad i stumbled upon it. It's so inspiring and full of tips and great technique. I personally struggle plying my hand spun (either too much twist or not enough). Could you pls should us how you ply your gorgeous hand spun? Thanks Lisa!
I save a ply back sample and try to match that when I ply. I usually go by the look of the yarn, not too scientific I’m afraid 😃.
Skein hugging; yeah, I could do that. : )
Another great episode. I struggle with neps when using my Strauch Finest as well. I think for me each fleece I’ve tried had unique challenges (weak tips, 2nd cuts, etc).
Also I really enjoy your book reviews. It reminds me that I should pull out some books/magazines on my shelves and give them a good read as opposed to having them just decorate my craft room ;)
Hi Ingrid, so interesting to hear your experience with the Finest. I had some success making a 1 ounce batt with a fine Shetland on my Clemes carder that has fewer tpi, go figure. I think I want my Strauch too fast because it’s electric. I am going to try again, but very slowly. I also found that putting the locks in in one direction helped immensely. I have so many books and magazines that I forget about, too. It’s good to go back to the, for inspiration. Thank you so much for watching 💕.
Do the hand spun sweater! I promise the other WIPs won't be jealous. They will wait for you. 🤭
I have cast today. Strike while the iron (and the motivation) is hot!
@@SoulfulSpinning I want to "❤️" this many times over. Looking forward to viewing the in progress item in a future episode.
Have you ever done the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Great Fun.
Like your singing and so nice to see the jacob fleece turns to lovely yarns, you have estimate of the yardage? thanks Lisa
I am going to count it up today! I really am curious. Thank you for watching 😊
About 1700 yards.
Hi Lisa, you would enjoy this TH-cam video entitled “Growing Up with Sheep on Shetland” by Promote Shetland. It is just under 30 minutes, so grab a cup of tea, and snuggle in a comfy chair. There are 2 children in this video who are shepherding with their families on this gorgeous and mystical windswept island, it is a treat for the armchair traveler, and a wonderful “escape” from our quarantine days...! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I’ll watch it today to escape the heat. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Love your podcast. I had some cormo processed at a mill and they ruined it. It is full of neps or noils. The mills says they warned me But they never did. When I called about their mill I told them I had a cormo fleece. When I dropped it off, nothing was mentioned. Because of the situation with the virus, I had the processed fleece mailed to me. I have called the mill several times. No luck!!! The last call they hung up on me. The fleece was very expensive. What a waste😢
Pat Howes I am so sorry Pat about your Cormo fleece. You might try combing the roving they sent to you to salvage some of it, or spin in up into a textured yarn. It may spin up better than you expect!
Do you have a video that shows how you wash your Shetland fleece?
Hello. Question: I'm a very new spinner. I have a very basic spindle spinner. Can I use the wool for felting from Hobby Lobby ? I tried it and it was difficult to get it to draft. Thank you.
I’ve never tried spinning from wool that was specifically marked as felting wool. I would say that the staple lengths and openness of the wool may be a bit variable. I recommend a carded roving ir medium combed top for new spinner. Something like a Corriedale or Blue Faced Leicester would be ideal. Wool for spinners is readily available at online shops and Etsy. A weaving or yarn shop will often have wool for spinners as well. Happy Spinning!
Hi I stopped by to visit you're Lovely channel i hit all the buttons and bell I hope you do too Tyfs!! Have a wonderful day much love to you 🥰
I have a few tips for drum carding fine wool. If you're interested pm me but basically it involves a lot of prep work.
I think carefully flicking and oh so slowly carding. But any advice would be welcome 🙏. Jen , the breeder is giving me some tips, too.
Soulful Spinning I've both flicked every single lock before carding and I've combed it all before carding. I also have a picker tool that came with the carder. You can carefully open up and feed small pieces. Anyway you go about it, it will take longer than your nice and easy medium wool!