Episode 134~|Handspinning Fleece in the Grease|KnittingUpdates & A New Cast On~

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Crochet Tutorial: by @Erica_arndt Granny Square Tutorial

Music:

Intro/Outro LesFM In the Forest Ambient

Epidemic Sound Playlist

[conniesimonich]

Absolutely loved this podcast. Everything I’m doing for this winter except spinning in the grease. Thanks for sharing😊

[WanderingStitches.]

Thank you for another lovely episode full of inspiration and joy.

[lisafall]

The first fleece I ever bought was a Romney. I didn’t intend to spin it in the grease, but I didn’t wash it very well, lol. I made a beautiful V-neck sweater that I treasure to this day.

[therepublicofme]

Thank you dear friend for being a refuge in the craziness of it all. ❤

[jamiethrogmorton]

My first time here, I was smiling the whole time—especially seeing your gorgeous quilt! 🎉

[pollyg]

Thank you Sarah. I'm not a spinner and I have learned so much from this episode. Your podcasts are always so informative and inspiring. x

[jacquelinesalem]

Thank you for sharing your process and your work. It is inspiring and a pleasure as always. Your granny squares have special rustic appeal. Also looking forward to following the transformation of that beautiful fleece.

[erinriddle]

I raised Romney sheep for twenty years and now have Romney Shetland crosses. Nothing captures my heart like a fleece with strong Romney characteristics! Yours looks like a stunning example, and a pleasure to work with.

I particularly love your knitting nostalgia. I learned to knit in the mid nineties and have many of the same books on my bookshelf. I also recently bought Sark. We seem to be drawn to the same grounding, natural, earthy, soulful knitting designs, fleeces, and yarns. I feel a kinship with you as a fellow wool person, navigating the intricacies of life with the comforts of knitting, sheep, wool, spinning, and creating always near to hand.

Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. You are very much appreciated. 💜

[valkelley]

Sarah, thank you for another inspiring episode. Your quilt is stunning.

[theknittystew]

This entire episode was so grounding and inspiring Sarah! That gorgeous raw Romney fleece spun in the grease… is just wow wow. OKAY AND YOU ALSO CROCHET now! This challenges me to stop resisting. I have far too many bits n bobs. Thanks for taking the time to share you thoughts and process and beautiful pieces.

[mywoolmitten]

We're cut from the same cloth Sarah 😊 My knitting projects are a sweater I've been making for my daughter for two years now and a blanket from Kate Davies using scraps of Peace Fleece yarn, joined with my farm flock Corriedale that I started before Bill passed, so three years now. I fondly remember a beautiful charcoal grey Romney fleece I was able to purchase from Michelle after being "introduced" to her via your podcast ❤

[dianemh]

You've reminded me that I have a small stack of granny squares from the start of a blanket project from I wouldn't like to say how long ago! Inspired to dig it out and have a look again. Thanks for the episode as ever. ❤

[danielleboots]

Your projects are beautiful! Love the quilt😍

[spinningstones]

Hi Sarah, that was a great episode highlighting the joys of spinning in the grease and using beautiful fleeces. These were the things that drew me to your blog many years ago. I would love to see more of your process of sorting the fleece and how you decide to divide it up. Here in NSW Aust we are limited in the breeds we have access too but my favourites are the longer breeds. I still have border leicester fleeces in buckets (washed to keep better)from the 90's and have recently pulled them out. I too am reminded of the joys of working with a whole or partial fleece. Like you I too have returned to older books to savour the pleasure of so many great patterns and ideas. So much is so instant today and books seem to slow me down somewhat. Currently finishing a Kate Davies design for one adult daughter in lettlopi but mostly I work with my handspun. Thanks for all the inspiration.

[melodyneal]

My finest spin was a Romney that I knit in the grease. I simply laid the fleece on my lap and spun. The grease drops glistened in the light. It was beautiful.

[kristinehammond]

Hi from Australia. Thank you Sarah for another great episode. I have been spinning since the 70s and, like everyone else then, learnt to spin 'in the grease'. I still do it this way and only occasionally buy carded tops. I prefer to feel the fleece, prepare it (mostly by flicking it, or combing with a dog's comb) and take the process of creating yarn from beginning to end. We are fortunate to have growers now who keep their spinners' fleeces very clean and free of vegetable matter, and provide them well skirted and all at a reasonable price. Here it's mostly fine wool like Merino, Corriedale, Polwarth, or Finn breeds. I too have built up a large amount of hand spun yarn and am looking for ideas to put it all to good use. Perhaps a few granny square rugs....

[jeanandreas]

Hello……so interesting and inspiring….😊

[pathowes]

Hi Sarah, I love your podcast. You have such a creative mind. I love all your projects. I have limited relatives who want knitware! Sad. I wont knit for anyone who wont wear the item. I’m looking forward to the New England Fiber Festival this November. This is the only festival I’ve been to in awhile. Be safe

[freshwindbrightsky]

I bought a gorgeous coated Coopworth fleece at Common Ground this year and I can’t wait to get back to spinning after many many years off! I’m gently scouring it and will have fun carding on my drum carder. I think I’ll look for some mini-carders at Rhinebeck…going for the first time!

[leslienero]

Looking forward to seeing the yarn that comes from that beautiful fleece!