I’m very excited to share the twenty-seventh episode of the Woolful podcast. Each and every week I’m so eager to introduce you to a special guest and this week I’m as excited as ever…meet modern pastoral maiden, Brittany Cole Bush.
Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Kismet Fiber Works. A collaboration between Angie LeNoir and Stephanie Stotts of Buchanan Virginia, Kismet Fiber Works sources their fibers from local, family owned farms and a Women’s Cooperative in Tajikistan. They recently launched a very special new yarn called Rooted, a minimally processed Alpaca yarn made of fiber from Stephanie’s family farm and milled at Echoview Mill in North Carolina. They’ve also released a series of beautiful patterns that highlight the unique qualities of Rooted, make sure to check these out on Ravelry. This is a yarn with a story…and one you really need to experience for yourself. You can find Kismet at kismetfiberworks.com and on Instagram @kismetfiberworks.
Fiber folk: It’s been wonderful to follow Brittany’s journey on a local level, being that she and her operation are located here in the Bay Area. When she reached out earlier this year and shared what she was up to, I knew you all would enjoy hearing about it just as much as I. Brittany is a self proclaimed Shepherdess, pastoring flocks and purveying fleeces. Her enthusiasm for everything from landscape to animals to people is infectious and I hope you’ll be just as inspired by her story as I was. You can find Brittany at brittanycolebush.com and on Instagram @brittanycolebush and @shepherdesshides.
Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked a follow up to last week’s question: “If you could work within the fiber industry what would you choose?” We had some great answers from Leanne @leannecoppola, Amy @urban_farm_wife, Barbara @stixandstring, Beatrice @threadandladle, and Sonja @atreebytheriver.
Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Kathleen! You’ve won Hannah Fettig’s new book Home and Away, and yarn for the pattern of your choice from Quince and Co. Congratulations!
The giveaway this week is sponsored Kismet Fiber Company, and we’re giving away the beautiful Flambeau shawl kit, which includes the Flambeau pattern and Kismet’s Rooted yarn. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment in the comment section at the bottom of the post page.
Sponsor: I wanted to make sure and thank our other episode sponsor, Ambatalia. Created by Molly de Vries and located in Mill Valley California. Ambatalia has had a rich history, with it’s roots as a modern ecological textile good company, focused on pioneering sustainable, multi-use, everyday linens to support a non-disposable life. I know many of you are familiar with the popular Bento Bags, created by Molly for so many uses…from produce to project bags. They’re so handy, much like everything else in Molly’s shop, including the smocks and aprons I’ve had my eye on for some time. Make sure and visit Ambatalia in person when in Mill Valley and find all the goods in the online shop at ambatalia.com and on Instagram @ambatalia.
Knitalong: Tomorrow I’ll be announcing the details of the newest Woolful Knitalong on the blog. Beginning July 1st we’ll spend the next couple months knitting a pattern from Hannah Fettig’s book, Home and Away. And the best part? You get to pick the pattern! So start looking for the pattern you want to knit, get your yarn in order and check back for more details on Wednesday.
Events: I wanted to bring your attention to a few events taking place. On June 27th, the first annual Eastside Fiber Festival will be held in Nashville. Organized by Meg Anderson of Nutmeg, it’s sure to be a wonderful time. So if you’re in the Nashville area, make sure to stop by and support these fiber folks doing something amazing.
Also on June 27th, if you’re in the Grand Rapids area, make sure to visit Have Company who is having a release party from 4-8pm, celebrating the launch of the newest addition to this lovely shop, yarn, yarn and more yarn. You’ll find a beautiful selection of Quince and Co and Camellia Fiber Co yarns, and Brittany needles…so go have what’s sure to be a great time!
Music by Jónsi.
106 Comments
love the way she works but in Australia we have found that this is bad for our landscape our soil is very old and fragile and the sheep are very harsh on the land and need large acreage to live as there is so little water in the plants. and it has been found that sheep and goats actually spread invasive weeds rather than cut them back. but still would love her job
I loved listening to Brittany’s story that I listened twice! Smart, adventurous person she is indeed. Looking forward to the KAL and my book should arrive any day now.
Ahh, I’ve fallen behind, new podcast about to come out and i haven’t listened to this one! Of course I’d love to try new yarn that’s so special.
I’m so excited about the Home & Away knit-along! I’d already been plotting to knit a couple of projects from the book, but it will be even more fun as part of a KAL. Also, that Rooted yarn is to die for.
looking forward to listening! I wanted to give you a heads up that your blog isn’t playing nicely with Bloglovin – for the past few weeks when I click on a post it brings me to a blank page, but if I “X” out of bloglovin it loads. I’m on Chrome on a Mac.
I am constantly amazed at ALL the INCREDIBLY creative
People there are in this world…..Thank You for bringing
To my attention so I can continue to fuel my
Creative flame!! The scarf is fantastic!
Oh, beautiful! All of it.
Also, my offer for episode transcription still stands!
I love Ambatalia bags. Many of them are on my Pinterest boards!
asteride on Ravelry
Your blog is very inspiring. I love looking at the pics and developing new ideas. Rarely I have the time to realize the finished objects but visualizing through inspiration sometimes is enough. Thank you.
Excited to listen this week! Looks like another great episode!
Kismet… will be checking out that site later this afternoon! gorgeous shawl kit give away! who will be the lucky winner?!
I have always wanted to try a knit along, hannah fettig I’m in
Thank you
Shawl and yarn are gorgeous
Your podcasts mean so much to me. Eagerly await each new one. Thanks for bringing new people to the spotlight .
I really enjoy hearing the life stories of people lucky enough to live their dreams. Thanks for a great podcast and for keeping it real.
XoxhugzxoX … Looking forward to listening!
Tuesday already, quickly becoming my favorite day!
I hope you do another post talking about the ranch soon. I love the podcasts but I really enjoy the glimpses into your journey too.
The podcast was very interesting. It’s wonderful to learn everything about these aspects of sheep herding and care. Thanks
Can’t wait to listen to this podcast.
Swoon! Rooted yarn is beautiful.
What a lovely giveaway! I am looking forward to trying Kismet yarn soon.
How do you come across so many interesting people? Glad you do!
Can’t wait to listen to this episode of the podcast and I am so excited for the kal! 🙂
It’s so dangerous to listen to these podcasts on my lunch break…I have a hard time going back to the office, I just want to go home and knit! (Or plan my escape from the corporate world and plan my life as a farmer).
Wow, I never heard of land stewarding, very cool!
What a fabulous interview!
I found this episode to be especially interesting. Using controlled grazing in an urban or suburban area is a very useful idea and Brittany Cole Bush is an excellent spokeswoman for its use.
I’ve had my eye on Kismet for my shop for awhile now. Gorgeous.
I am SO in love with the new rooted yarn line!
Such a beautiful shawl. Count me in.
Lovely once again, such a treat! Thanks for the chance to one. 🙂
Oops, I meant chance to win. 🙂
What a beautiful pattern and yarn to have a chance to win. Love the texture of it! I’m hoping to catch up on enough projects to participate in the KAL. So many lovely patterns to choose from…
I think my husband is soon to ban me from listening. Every episode, I start concocting my own plan for getting off my current work treadmill and into something I really care about! 🙂 Thank you! Would love to win the Flambeau shawl kit!!
Such a great description of holistic land management and mob grazing!! So exciting to hear how this concept is becoming main stream! Thanks for your work!
Awesome podcast and Rooted is stunning!!
Such an interesting and educational episode! Thank you for sharing! would love to win Flambeau shawl kit, such a beauty!
I would love to join the knit along! I love her patterns!
Looking forward to listening to the podcast. Thanks for a super interesting and quality podcast.
Britanny’s enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit really resonated with me while listening to this podast. I’m looking forward to the upcoming knitalong, having recently purchased Hannah’s book and looking for an excuse to knit one of the patterns.
Nice podcast. I enjoyed learning about shepherding.
I recently found this podcast and it is quickly becoming one of my favourites. Another great episode!
i thank goodness for this podcast every day, and for the inspiring people in it – changing my world, and keeping my dreams alive. thank you!
Waht a wonderful gift you have this week! Thank you for the new episode.
This is a fantastic program! So glad my friend shared the link on Facebook. I especially liked the definition of “flock” versus “herd.” You learn so much about animals when you dig into the fiber arts!
Thanks for this interesting episode, and opportunity to win a shawl kit. My Rav name is kimbuktu7
Your podcasts are truly a highlight of my week – keeping me inspired.
Excited about the Home and Away Knit-Along as I have already started the Boothbay.
Great podcast. I can just imagine being on the street when the herd is being transported. Also I had no idea that just one little goat and make a herd!!!
Awesome episode! Brittany’s story is so cool.
Kismet’s greys are a amazing!
I’m probably in the minority but it makes me sad that sheep are raised for meat or hides. Especially hides because it’s not a necessity. I wish it were not so.
Stumbled on your podcast a few days ago…and downloaded all of them! No more boring commutes!!
Love your blog and podcast – would love to win!
So great! She has so much knowledge and was so interesting to listen to!
I get so happy when I find your newest podcast on my phone. I listen to it as I go around on my job of home visits. It makes the time fly by and I have learned so many great things. You have made me question how the yarn I buy is processed, where it comes from and how it has a story. Thank you fir improving my quality of life.
This yarn is beautiful. Pick me!
Thanks for sharing Brittany’s story. I really loved it. And I love the Flambeau pattern! So unique.
I love hearing about herding sheep and using dogs! I would love to hear an interview with a herding dog trainer.
Wonderful listen, I learned a lot!
I loved hearing about how quick-and-dirty grazing is healthy for the land, much like wildfire–we just have to manage it. It made so much sense, in the way of everything old is new again.
Looking forward to listening!
Thanks for this interesting episode. I was especially interested to hear the discussion related to “holistic” hides and the possibility that you may explore this topic in more depth in the future.
I used to live in the Bay Area, and I remember seeing flocks of goats munching along the side of the freeway in the Oakland hills. I have never forgotten the beautiful sight, and it is so cool to finally learn more about those goats & their amazing sherperdess. Thank you, Ashley!
Great show! Very informative and interesting. Thank you!
I loved this week’s podcast. Keep up the great work!!
Another great show! Thank you so much for doing this podcast. I’m so inspired after every episode, and really appreciate all the work you put into it.
So grateful for your blog – it gets me through some LOOOOONG drives to and from work every day. Very inspired to get me some sheep and hire them out to graze – thanks for introducing us to Brittany Cole Bush
Beautiful pattern!
I hadn’t been able to keep up with the podcasts over the past month, so this week I’ve been binge listening and it’s been fantastic. Thank you for introducing us to all of these amazing fiber artists.
Love the shawl pattern and this week’s podcast was super interesting…nice to hear about a completely different aspect than we knitting junkies are used to!
Love the podcasts! So interesting! Keep them coming!
Looking forward to another great episode – excited to learn about how she manages the animals.
Gorgeous shawl! Thanks for the great podcast
I really enjoyed listening to Brittany’s story. I hope to try Kismet yarn soon. Thanks for the wonderful podcast and giveaway.
Love your podcast.
This wool looks so interesting.
What a delightful show. She was a beautiful soul to listen to.
I just listened to 3 episodes of the woolful podcast back to back and am finally almost caught up! it really is a wonderful listen. Thanks!
Never have I thought in this way about sheep and goats occupying urban/suburban land. It’s certainly a unique perspective. So pleasant listen to Brittany’s enthusiasm and radiance about her passion!
Another great podcast, it was interesting to hear about the different aspects of the business. I have seen Kismet yarn and the colors are beautiful
I love the way I learn so much from your podcast. I grew up in NZ, so stopping the car while livestock make their way down the road is a familiar experience–great hearing about it happening in the city 🙂
I love the idea of doing follow up episodes to check back in with a few previous guests. Great interview today!!
Oh, and I forgot to add… I would love to watch the sheep moving process. I can only imagine the looks they get from passersby!
Just discovered the podcast. It’s fantastic!
Lovely yarn and as usual, great podcast.
So inspiring, as always!
The Rooted yarn looks gorgeous! I’m especially excited because it’s very local to me, as I’m located in Virginia, too.
What an interesting podcast and an awesome, inspiring woman! The shawl is beautiful too!
Great episode! Thanks Ashley
The Flambeau shawl is beautiful!
Thank you so much for your podcast. I am impressed by how hard everyone works with and for these fiber animals to bring us quality products.
Such a beautiful shawl – I hope I win!!
Beautiful shawl!
So wonderful to hear her story <3
This episode was extremely captivating. I am encouraged by the diversity that our younger generations are pursuing for jobs in a non traditional field. We should teach more children about shepherding in school!
I will be in Grand Rapids for a couple hours on Wednesday, and thanks to your podcasts I know exactly where I’m headed! I can’t wait to visit Have Company and finally see some of the yarn that’s been discussed! I’m sure I’ll come away with atleast ten things 🙂
Thanks for all that you share and do!
fabulous, inspiring podcast! thanks!
Another fascinating podcast. Thank you Ashley.
Lovely! What a cool thing she’s doing! And an exiting giveaway! <3
I loved this episode. It was informative and fun to learn about Brittany’s pathway into sheperding. I remember when we 1st move to Wyoming and how strange I thought that BLM was discussed in the daily newspapers. Ranching and the use of the land is of utmost importance to us all.
another GREAT podcast!!!! thanks for taking the time to do this!! Love it!
Looks awesome… Can’t wait to give a listen! <3
What a great story! I loved seeing her video as well 🙂
lovely episode, as always 🙂
Great interview! I shared the video link with my kids and they loved it.
Thanks so much!
loved listening to brittanys story
Entering for the lovely yarn. Loved the podcast!
[…] folk: I first met Emily at the 2016 ASI convention, where I was introduced by our mutual friend Brittany Cole Bush. Brittany’s first words were, ‘You need to get to know Emily. She is the most incredible […]