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Modern Wool
The Modern Wool podcast is hosted by Lydia Christiansen and explores modern topics, questions, and techniques affecting fiber farms, cottage mills, and discerning hand crafters. Follow along as we share the secrets we've learned along the way about sustainable, small batch wool.
What are we going to do with all this wool? (#009)
In this episode, we'll unpack some of the dilemmas and opportunities with small batch wool, and consider some options for wool that don't involve yarn.
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The Wide World of Dyes (#008)
In this episode we’ll explore color and the wide world of dyeing. I’ll share some ideas on how we are affected by the colors around us as well as a crash course on acid dyes. Plus, we will talk about my favorite way to dye wool at home.
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Royal Sheep (#007)
In this episode we’ll tell you about our relentless quest for balance; both in yarn and in life. We’ll also discuss our house DK yarn we call Verdant, and dip our toes into the history of a breed of sheep that might be one of the closest breeds to royalty that there is in the sheep world, Rambouillet.
Finnsheep (#006)
Dive into the secrets behind Finnsheep. Hear about the fiber and breed itself, and chat with two shepherdesses who tend the wool I’ve been spinning this month. I’ve even got a hot tip on where you can purchase these brand new small batch yarns.
The Secrets of Josef & Anni (#005)
Hear about the secrets behind one of our top selling yarns, Josef & Anni. Learn how the yarn came to be and other stories behind the names. We’ll take a close look at the Targhee sheep breed, one of our local family farms, as well as the original Targhee namesake.
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Spinning Stories (#004)
Spinning a yarn about spinning yarn, in this episode you’ll find stories about hand spinning that you don’t have to be a spinner to appreciate. I’ll also share some notes on creativity and how it affects us at the mill, plus an opportunity to try out the role of Yarn Designer by creating your own small batch of roving or yarn.
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Wool Scouring (#003)
In this episode we’ll unpack the nuance of one of the greatest barriers to sustainability of small batch yarn, wool scouring. We’ll share the 4 essential requirements for scouring, discuss fermented suint, reveal 3 types of scouring baths we use at our mill and also share pro-tips on how to tell whether you’ve washed your wool effectively.
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Wool Quality (#002)
In this episode learn the top three questions people ask about their wool, listen in on a conversation about skirting with local shepherdess Sarah Pope, and discover two fantastic Pacific Northwest sheep breeds.
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Welcome to the Modern Wool Podcast (#001)
In this inaugural episode of Modern Wool, Lydia shares an intimate look at the genesis of her mill, where yarn comes from, and the value of wool in the modern world.
