Lisa I have to tell you that this episode was an extra treat because of the timing. I saw in your intro that you were doing long draw on a dark chocolate brown wooly wool, and that's what I sat down to my spinning wheel to spin while enjoying this episode. Then to have you give such great tips from the book you discovered while I was working on my long draw seemed like serendipity! Thank you for all the wonderful things you share with this community!
Hi Lisa, I do love making toys. It’s very satisfying. I am a childcare provider. I have two books a knitted version by Susan B Anderson. “itty bitty toys” also crochet from Toft UK. Edwards Menagerie. My kids love to look through the books. It’s so fun to see their faces. They will bring out my books 3-4 times a year. Even my 10 year olds are still into a new animal for Christmas. So cute!
Thanks for mentioning the Paula Simmons book in one of your newest videos (Dec 2023)-you referred to having talked about it in an earlier video-so I came “here” and watched that segment. I am glad to know about Paula Simmons-I hadn’t heard of her until now. I have requested one of her books through interlibrary loan and look forward to learning more about her long draw spinning technique. (edited to correct typos!)
I learned a lot from the book. I love all the “old school” philosophy of spinning. Still can’t mange all one handed all the time but my spinning has speeds up considerably after reading her. I hope you enjoy it. Take care!
Hi Lisa, thank you for your podcast, I always look forward to seeing you. Your book review brought back memories. I have both and have spent time on both methods. They both influence my spinning. Your projects and new fibers are lovely. Thanks again. Terry from B.C.
Another really lovely podcast, perfect to sit and listen to this Sunday morning. Super interesting to hear about that long draw method - as always, I could easily have sat here and watched more x 😊
Your bear sweater is awesome. No, it is not silly. You are very creative and offer a fantastic channel to you tube. I'm glad I found you. I am a knitter and I am returning to spinning lately.
I laughed out loud when you stretched out your arm and looked at the camera instead of the yarn in the long draw. Back many years ago when I had a walking wheel, I could spin on it like that, as taught by Norman Kennedy. Oddly, now, when I spin long draw on a treadle wheel, I always have my second hand hovering right there, ready to help out if I need it. I think I'll try spinning with one hand again . Thanks!
Hi Lisa, I've needle felted along to many of your videos. And what a delight it is too. It is so interesting and therapeutic and feels like you are chatting companionably in the room to me. I do hope you are safe and well too. I'm particularly keen to learn about the one-handed technique you showcased as Paula Simmon's technique, as I'd love to give spinning a go but I can only rely on my left hand for good dexterity. Thanks so much for all your marvellous videos. Best wishes from the Welsh borders (near Shropshire!) Woof, woof to Peaches too!
I love your book reviews. Hearing your thoughts on books that are otherwise not readily available to peruse at a local bookstore or even library is invaluable.
Lisa, I love that juxtaposition of such wildly different spinners. Much to be learned from each. I also love that you are so thoroughly enjoying retirement! Happy Easter!
I can't say anything that listeners haven't already said! Ditto, ditto, ditto. I'm really enjoying the bookshelf section of your episodes lately. I have many of those books but you inspire me to dust them off. Many of them were purchased when I first started spinning so much of the information was beyond my understanding. Now that I have more experience I'm sure they'll make more sense! I would love to see how you wind off cops and ply your singles. Do you always do 2 ply from your Turkish spindles? Thanks for yet another entertaining episode!
Thank you! My from the bookshelf segment has given me a newfound appreciation of my books, too. Like you, they make a lot more sense now that I have some experience. I almost always make 2 ply or singles yarn. I prefer to make a plying ball winding the singles from spindles into a tight ball and plying, even with my Turkish. I’ll often ply from the inside and outside if I have extra. I think winding the yarn off the spindles also distributes the twist a bit more an makes a pretty even looking yarn. Isn’t it great having books to refer too? Take care. 💕
I made a bear (knitted) candy bear is the pattern. And I made it for my little one with cerebral palsy and I planned to make the clothes for the bear (and I will) but I’m gonna start with This little sweater!. This will be an OT tool for her to learn to dress herself. (OT’s idea) so I am gonna make this for her little bear and I think I’ll make it longer like a dress. And candy may need a quilt also 😂 and yes you are a great sock knitter ! .. I love your hand spun sock, wear them ! 😊
It was so fun knitting up that little sweater. You’re little one will love it! I’ll look up the best pattern you mentioned. Susan B. Anderson had a sweet pattern fur a bear that includes outfits. I’m trying to work my way up to it. 😊
Good morning Lisa, thank you for your lovely video! The sweater for your teddy bear looks adorable… yes, knitting toys and toy garments is really fun. It is quite a lot of work, it takes time and patience… but it always puts a smile on my face 🙂 Although I’m not a spinner, I’m really impressed by all the different breeds of sheep and the skills you have with the craft! And this support spindle just looks amazing. Happy Easter (if you’re celebrating), and a cosy and creative week! Best wishes, Marjam
I sew and knit toys for my daughters cat stuffed with high quality catnip. I made cat a pillow stuffed with left over wool fluff. A big hit. Cat sleeps on it all the time.
Wonderful episode, Lisa 🤗 I’m afraid I’m not able to say anything more detailed, now that I’ve night shift lambing-brain 😅 But I did just get some more Cladoir, what is possibly a whole or much of a single fleece (? It’s still in the burlap sack, but the bit I’ve pulled out looks promising.) I’ll be processing it & Suzanna will talk about the breed & restoration process on a video we hope to film soon….disclaimer: we will both have lambing brain 🤪
The speed spinning method sounds so interesting to me. I have stepped way back from spinning because of thumb pain over the last year. That method of one-handed, unsupported long draw might be my way back in!
Oh how interesting to hear about the two different approaches to spinning. Which one do you think you'd prefer? I'm intrigued by the very fine approach but definitely think that I would give up after five minutes and switch to woollen :) The excitement on your face when you said you'll talk about the acquisitions... loved it. ❤❤❤
I love how sweet the bear sweater is! I’ve been giving my kids my swatches when I’m done and they use them as blankets for their dolls. Seeing your bear sweater and your swatch hat, I think I’ll try knitting some sweaters or small garments for my kids as swatches for bigger projects for me. A sweater for my newborn is about as big as a true swatch should be anyway! Off to go stash diving… thanks for the inspiration!
Fantastic information. Clarifying regarding long draw, often confused more than not, sizing: what it was back in the day and so much more. Keep the videos coming Please!
There are very few videos that can be found with more advanced techniques on spinning on RU-vid. Thank you so much for presenting books on these wonderful (and somewhat forgotten?) great contributors to the craft and demonstrating the skills they talk about. This is so appreciated! ❤
Your spinning is amazing! I've been a spinner for over 30 years but am definitely a newbie when it comes to 1 handed long draw!!! I think part of my difficulty is learning to "let go" ... with wool as well as in my life.😂 We're kind of neighbors! Do you ever come to Wisconsin? Would love to spend time with you over a cup of tea,coffee, etc. I have 2 wheels & multiple spindles and I'd love to compare spinning styles! You'd be most welcome in my home. Thank you for continuing to impart all the wonderful knowledge in your podcast episodes! Be well! Katt
I just adore your spinning! I've learned some very valuable techniques from you. Now I'm off to find one if the books you reviewed. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Looks like it would require a rolag for soft spinning? I have been flicking border Leicester locks I washed. I'll have to try it on those. Thanks so much for this demo!!!
Your spinning on the turkish spindle was just so memorizing (especially with the music you added). I have done only a little spindle spinning and so of course, not so smooth and fluid as your spinning is. I cannot even see how you are starting the spindle spinning, you are so quick and comfortable with the whole process. I wish you were a neighbor so I could observe you doing it in person.
I love your Bear! His sweater, his quilt, and all the other things you will make for him! Yes to socks!! I knitted Bertie (my green knitted bear) some Norwegian fair isle mitts! :)
Happy Easter Lisa. What a treat to enjoy this episode today. I look forward to them. This has been my year to spin, knit, crochet and sew as much as I want BUT now over-use pain in my hands has caused me to slow down a bit. Did you have that problem this past year with more time to play with fiber?
You could overlay crochet some little stems! That wouldn’t take very long and wouldn’t be nearly the ends to weave in. Just an idea, I’ve done that in the past and it worked great!
Each of your episodes feels like catching up with an old friend. I love that little Turkish style spindle. Speaking of toys, I have made some knitted cat toys. Thanks Lisa!
Hi Lisa, when I lived in Olympia, Washington I use to go south about 30 miles to the Black Sheep Creamery. It’s a wonderful cafe and knitting shop. Meg was always very helpful with knitting projects. It’s a small world. Nice to see her fleece on your podcast.
Sounds like a great place to visit. The fleece is really pretty and easy to spin. I think the fiber world is a small one. So many connections! Thanks for sharing that. 💕
I loved the discussion of your two new books and their distinct approaches to washing and spinning! But I have to say, hearing Paula Simmons' discussion of the "right" way to wash fleece is giving me hives! 😱 Shove in 20-30 pounds of wool until it's so thick you can't even push it down into the water? As a person who loves the process of going bit by bit and sorting out each lock just so before washing, I can't even fathom this! 😂
Charlie looks so chuffed to have a new sweater! I made a bunch of tiny Christmas ornament sweaters to practice using DPNs the year before last, and they were so adorable and satisfying to make! Now I'm thinking of making another Christmas ornament with my first handspun that I finished plying yesterday, thanks to your guidance on using a Turkish spindle! This time I will make a snitten (snail/kitten) :)
Such an entertaining video! I love that you just decided to knit a sweater for a bear!! I have the Merino book from ages ago... then i realized it was for spinning and forgot all about it (no intetest in spinning at the time), and recently found it with my knitting books... what a happy surprise! Just ordered the other book from ABE books, and also another one from her about spinning with wool for weaving. I am taking a class on tahkli spinning at PLY-Away later this month, and a tahkli spindle comes with the class. Does your beautiful new spindle have a ball bearing at the bottom point? I have heard that it makes for a fast, smooth spin.
Fun fact: I'm pretty sure Paula Simmons was married to Patrick Green of picker fame. I guess they were sort of a fiber power couple back in the day! You're right that you podcasters/vloggers are so inspirational! I'll have to dig out my Simmons book and give her method a try. Maybe to make a wee sweater for a teddy bear:)
I get so much inspiration and knowledge from your u-tubing . I’m just getting into using a spindle. I have a spinning wheel, but haven’t used it as much as I should. So I have been inspired to learn and enjoy more in my fiber endeavors.. I’m out here learning from you, thank you!
Your spare room sounds like a fiber fairyland full of potential! Charlie Bear is charming and I think he should grace the background of your videos, somewhat like your vase of flowers (or spindles)!
I love your podcast, you are such an inspiring woman. I went back your past episode, and doing your breed study once a week, and loving it too. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion.
Well there’s another rabbit hole to jump down! Immediately ordered Paula’s book too! I imagine you need well prepared fibre? What prep were you using in your demo? A lovely inspiring episode as always ❤
I purchased that blouse form a maker on Etsy from Lithuania. I wish I could make garment for myself! I am learning how to grease and oil my featherweight. Can’t wait to see up a little something on her. Thanks for watching!
Good idea for using odd bits of hand spun for a Teddy t-shirt. Actually some knitting classes use doll or teddy sweater knitting to demonstrate the different sweater yokes styles so that would be a great beginner's lesson on sweater construction.Thank you for taking the time to continue the podcast!
Lisa, I think I saw Charlie smile with joy when you put his new sweater on ❤ So good to see you this Easter morning! And hurray for handspun, handknit woolly socks!
Greetings from New England this beautiful Easter morning. I love your podcasts so much. Thank you for taking the time to make such great content. You are a natural teacher. I have learned so much from watching your fiber journey. May God richly bless you and your family. He has risen!
Лиса, здравствуйте! Прелестное видео. Благодарю вас за покой, уют, милую собаку, цветы и прядение. Ваши видео спасают меня от безисходности. Будьте здоровы и благополучны! Happy spinning!)))
What a unique podcast, Lisa! I love the way you keep coming up with fresh material and you present it so soulfully ❤ I have a featherweight also. Aren’t they amazing?!
The little featherweight lacking is so whimsical and charming. I’ve been thinking about how those old machines required the user to maintain more than the new ones. All those oiling points!
What was the brand of double points you are using for your socks? I’m a magic looper but love the idea of double points. I enjoy knitting socks and want to try to expand my options 😊
Thank you! I’ve been binging as many of your videos as I can find, my first support spindle is coming for my birthday next week and I can’t wait 😊 I’m enjoying them so much!
Thank you, Lisa, for another great episode. I love Charley’s jumper!! I immediately found the long draw book by Paula, on Abe books and ordered a copy. I’d love to learn the technique. I’m not sure how I feel about the whole emphasis on speed though😂 Luke you, I tend to cherish our fibre arts for precisely their slow, meaningful element….maybe I’ll feel differently after reading Paula’s book. I’m in hospital recovering from stoma reversal surgery, so I’m doing an awful lot of ‘screen’ (instead of window) shopping and need to calm down!! It’s so easy to buy all the things🙈 !! Thank you again for this video😊🙏
I really l Iike that grey fleece, I think you should fleck the tips and spin on the fold. Don't forget to add a little to the scrap book and who sent it. I like wish you a happy Easter 🐣 😊.
@Soulful Spinning your welcome. The yarn looks 👌 great and saulf. I am going to try the way you shared and just feel the fiber works in my hands and close my eyes. I'm working right now a merino/ soybean BFL. This is so fluffy, and I am waring it seem. I can't wait for your next video 😍.
OK.... I'm not even going to try "no look" spinning. You are amazing. I have to tell you about my breed sampling for this month...so exciting... Valais Blacknose x Teeswater. It's fun to spin as the staple length is incredible (over 6"). It's similar to alot of the longwools. The finished yarn is REALLY fuzzy, a bit harsh but so pretty, creamy white. Mittens maybe with some of the Hebridean I'm working on now. I only had 3 oz so it's not enough to do much with. I guess I need more but it's rather pricey. $7 per oz. In support of a new breed in the US I will gladly spend a bit more. Oh BTW, the sheep's name is Jolene. I like knowing their names too. Looking forward to your next vlog. THANK YOU! ❤
@@SoulfulSpinning I don't think it's enough for mittens...BUT...I contacted the Shepherdess that I acquired the roving from and she's offered me a fleece from the same sheep. EEEEEE! PLUS she lives an easy distance from me just across the border into VT. Uh Oh!
Nothing better than a good used book or two! It feels like not only are you gaining the wisdom and knowledge of the author, but maybe also of the prior owner too!
