Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Fancy Tiger Crafts, a beautiful yarn shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own yarn Heirloom, which you can find in their shop, both in person and online. Make sure to share and visit fancytigercrafts.com
Fancy Tiger Crafts has an exciting event coming up in the beginning of October, Wool Day at the Lyons Farmette…a local fiber retreat which will include your choice of two classes, a catered lunch and a cocktail hour. What could be better than spending a day of spinning, knitting and dyeing in the presence of fellow fiber enthusiasts and a fiber animal bunch…ending with cocktails with the Alpacas. For more information and to register, visit fancytigercrafts.com/events.
Fiber folk: I first met Brooke a couple years ago when I sat across from her at a little knit gathering Karen from Fringe Supply Co had at her studio. At the time I wasn’t aware that she was the force behind Sincere Sheep, but it didn’t take long for me to get to know the passion, knowledge and love this woman has for the fiber industry. She’s so giving with her knowledge and has been a great encourager and connector for my own fiber pursuits, enlightening me about wool classing and encouraging me to attend a local wool classing certification and introducing me other fiber folk who have great wisdom to share. But more than all that, she’s an extremely hardworking mother who naturally dyes the most beautiful collection of domestic yarns. You can find Brooke at SincereSheep.com and on Instagram @sinceresheep.
Sponsor: I wanted to thank our other sponsor for this week’s episode, Stash, a local yarn shop based in Corvallis Oregon who will be celebrating their 4th anniversary next month. The owner, Sonia was a very early supporter and encourager of the podcast and it’s been so great to get to know her a bit and watch all the positive energy she puts into her shop and fiber community. This week Sonia a new podcast, Stash, where she explores topics around creativity, motivation, and staying inspired while running a creative business through conversations with all types of makers. Make sure to visit when in Corvallis and online at stashlocal.com…and stay tuned in the next couple weeks as Stash launches their new online shop, carrying many of the same wonderful yarns, notions and patterns you find in store.
Farmyard Tales: I’m beginning a new segment on the podcast that will rotate with the regular Man on the Street segment…it’s aptly named Farmyard Tales…fun and encouraging anecdotes from farmers and their farmyards…starting with mine.
Many of you know that back in April we welcomed a flock of 4 Icelandic ewes to the ranch…Ethel, Louise, Lucy and Alice. We bought them from a lovely woman near us who thought they might be pregnant from an escaped ram. We watched them over the following month and yes, it did appear as though they might be pregnant. We had a vet out to confirm and opted to skip the ultrasound because he also believed they were pregnant and we’d know soon enough, right? Wrong. The very fluid possible due date has come and gone and so it appears we just have fat sheep. Because of their new greener pastures, small added grain for “pregnancy” and thickening fleeces…it would appear we’ve been duped. This is after much anticipation of lambs, including building projects to prepare for them..haha. What is it they say? That everyday is a lesson in farming? Well this was a humorous and humbling one for sure.
Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Judy from Judy in the Dyes! You’ve won the Pompeii hat kit, which includes a skein of natural SilverSpun yarn and a skein of dyed SilverSpun yarn, along with the Pompeii Hat pattern. Congratulations!
The giveaway this week is sponsored by Sincere Sheep and we’re giving away, not one, but three Brookfield Shawl pattern kits, which includes a skein of Sincere Sheep Silken Fingering and Brookfield a pattern created by Annie Rowden for Among Friends, a collaboration between Brooke of Sincere Sheep and Lorajean of Knitted Wit. To enter this giveaway and be one of the three winners, leave a comment on this post.
Events: For all of the UK listeners, I wanted to bring your attention to an event happening this weekend at Loop, in London. On Saturday September 19th, Nathalie Lété will be painting Loop’s large storefront window in honor of their 10th anniversary. If you’re in the area, make sure to visit for this beautiful event and to also check out Loop’s new book 10, featuring twelve patterns celebrating ten fabulous year of Loop London…including designers Pam Allen, Ysolda Teague, Stephen West, Donna Higgins, Juju Vail, Tif Fussel and Kirstin Kapur and many beautiful yarns.
Music by Jónsi.
135 Comments
I first heard of Sincere Sheep when I saw the pattern for Spate fingerless gloves. Love their story.
I’m such a big fan of Brooke and of Sincere Sheep! Thanks for interviewing her. And that shawl pattern from Annie is gorgeous!
Oh, I sure wish I lived in ya’ll’s neck of the woods! I’ve never seen a group that has so much FUN! Until something comes around here in South Western North Carolina, I’ll have to live the wild life through this wonderful computer. The beautiful Fall line up and wonderful sponsors always make a good read and Your Pictures are always so colorful. They are wonderful inspiration on their own. I hope the next week is a happy one in Colorado !
As always, I’d love to win one of your fabulous giveaway prizes!
hurray it’s brooke. she patiently taught me how to use a drop spindle and shared some
of her gorgeous roving/fleece in the process. sincere sheep is “yummy”!
hurray it”s brooke. she patiently taught me how to use a drop spindle and
shared some of her gorgeous roving/fleece. sincere sheep is “yummy” to know with.
hurray it’s brooke. she patiently taught me how to spin yarn on a drop spindle,
sharing some of her beautiful roving/fleece in the process. sincere sheep
is yummy to knit with.
What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win.
Love the Woolful podcast. I am a big fan of Sincere Sheep. I live in San Francisco, so it’s great to have this wonderful yarn dyer in my backyard.
I have so enjoyed this podcast: I’ve learned so much and it had opened my fiber windows! Thank you!
Those shades of blue green yarn in the photos are lovely.
Another wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!
I love Sincere Sheep, thank for highlighting how lovely she is. Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Another wonderful podcast. I look forward to each and every one and have never been disappointed.
That Sincere Sheep looks luscious. Can’t wait to learn more about it.
Oh my goodness, their yarn is so beautiful. I hope I win some!
Thanks for the chance to win that beautiful shawl pattern and yarn!
Those yarn colors are so beautiful!
I know I have run across this yarn in my travels and now regret not paying closer attention to it! I would love to win some-
I love this podcast! Looking forward for my trip to SF next year and visiting all great places!
would love a chance to win. Beautiful yarns and pattern!
Another lovely yarn tale. I remember Straw Into Gold too. Great to learn the background to Sincere Sheep and hoping it goes from strength to strength
Wonderful podcast, as usual! I’ve been hooked since the very first one…
I love the story about the fake-pregnant sheep! Thanks for offering this giveaway.
Deb
Thank you as always to introduce these amazing entrepreneurs and their great yarn and fabric. I follow some of them on Instagram and always follow the links to explore their websites. There are always great surprises!
How beautiful this prize! And 3 winners!
Listening to this podcast just made my morning! Thank you!
Can’t wait to have a listen! Ashley – keep up the amazing work here, always inspiring!
Great episode. Funny how lots of architects wind up in the fiber industry. Love your fat vs pregnant sheep story!
Love this episode! Thanks:)
It is a lovely cloudy day to iron and catch up on podcasts. Loved hearing a bit about the decision making behind the magic.
Love reading about your journey and listening to the podcasts – so inspiring! And such funny sheep stories!
Fat ewes! Giggle.
Thank yo so much for introducing me to Sincere Sheep. I learned a lot about the natural dyeing process. Now following on Instagram. Until we can have some of these lovelies on the East Coast I will scour through the website.
Love this story about your ewes!
I am not a spinner not a dyer, but I absolutely love hearing from your interviewees who are!! So appreciate Brooke’s heart for natural dyeing, even when it means more work and more challenges. I also loved her bit about history and how she tied the past into this craft we love even still today! Thanks Ashley and Brooke!!
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful creatives with us each week. Love the Woolful podcast.
I’m currently knitting a breezy cardigan from the Cormo/Cotton blend in the Woolful shop, and I have fallen in love with Cormo! Can’t wait to try the sincere sheep cormo, as I have only experienced Brooke’s yarns through Fringe Supply Co. and they were awesome!
What a lovely episode! It really got my creative knitting juices flowing 🙂
Thanks for another great podcast Ashley. xo
Oh my goodness, that yarn is gorgeous!
Sincere Sheep has a lot of interesting and lovely wool. Thanks for another terrific podcast.
Thanks for another great podcast!
First off I just love the name, and the colors…! Gorgeous !!
Thank you so very much for introducing me to Sincere Sheep. I am fairly new to knitting, but am quickly becoming obsessed with fiber. One aspect of knitting that I am drawn to is being able to pick what kind of fiber I use. I am a big proponent of the #eatlocal movement that Brooke mentioned in the podcast. I hope to be able to #wearlocal and support the fiber industry. As a graduate student in an environmental science program, I very much enjoy learning about the sustainable steps that so many fiber folk are choosing. Brooke’s decision to use natural dyes is very refreshing. I live in a rural area of southwest Louisiana. I have not found a passionate group of fiber folk nearby, but have found many through Instagram and your podcast. I would love to win and feel Sincere Sheep running through my fingers. Also, as I have not been knitting for all that long, I have yet to knit a shawl. I think it’s about time. Thank you for another great podcast. Cheers.
So lovely to hear Brooke’s story. Thanks for doing what you do!
i need this yarn!
I LOVED this week’s episode! As a wildlife ecology major, this piqued my interest big time on trying out natural dyes on yarn. Thanks to this podcast, I plan to find some time to give it a shot. Thanks for always bringing us interesting fiber folks!
Best,
Natalie
@oystersandpearls
http://www.oystersandpearls.com
Thanks for the chance to win some really lovely yarn. I can’t wait to sit down and listen to this week’s podcast.
I busted out laughing at your fat sheep story. Thank you for making such a wonderful podcast and for introducing me to Brooke’s work!
Another very interesting podcast and lovely items in the Sincere Sheep online shop. Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for another amazing episode!
Thank you, So much for another great podcast! Sincere Sheep yarn has been on my wish list for some time. I love Brooke’s approach to fiber sustainability and her dyeing process is enviable. Great to have her fiber story and the historical underpinnings to her fiber journey!
Can’t wait to listen to the new episode!
This was another excellent episode in this series of podcasts! I look forward to each one and learn so much plus I feel inspired to persevere in my own efforts whether it is knitting spinning or working in my little yarn shop . I am passionate about all things alpaca and focus on locally raised and processed alpaca yarns and rovings. Since I started listening to this podcast I have added Alpaca Elegance from Green Mountain Spinnery and O Wool Local to my shop. I have 2 alpacas of my own but they are agisted on a farm as I live in the city but I happily work with alpaca fibre as much as I can. I look forward to many more interesting and inspiring episodes!
Love that lavender yarn.
The yarn looks scrumptious. Thanks for the opportunity to enter. Fingers are crossed!
Great episode! I first encountered Sincere Sheep 5 years ago at my LYS and I had been knitting maybe just about a year and LOVED it! Sadly there were I think 3 of us that felt so strongly drawn to it (Brooke talks about the culture of “soft” and people didn’t “get” the subtle beautiful shades. I’m so happy to hear about Brookes journey and drive and vision and am also happy that more people are catching up to what’s good. Also, I grew up in Ojai and Brooke was very lucky to have had the Thatcher experience. Thanks again!
Hi,
My name is Felicity (stringtheory2pt0 on Ravelry) I was recently introduced to your podcast by Amy (urban_farm_wife). I grew up on a sheep farm in NH but am now a transplant to Atlanta – Amy and I are part of a group of knitters/spinners who work together and share stories and resources – it’s a really great group. Anyway, as a super commuter I love podcasts, and was really excited when Amy told me about yours. I’ve been burning through past episodes and find listening to all the many different life adventures you explore really fascinating. I miss sheep and I miss living in a colder climate where my skill-set would be more standard(?), but listening to your conversations always makes my day and inspires me to get back into spinning and learning about sheep breeds. I love learning about all the new sources for fiber and yarn (even if I stopped listening today I’d still never be able to work with all the things I’ve learned about from you!) and I look forward to hearing more.
Thanks for doing this!
Beautiful, as always!
Such am interesting story. Loved listening to it. Will definitely look into Sincere Sheep. Thank you for all you do.
Great episode- her yarns are beautiful! So excited to see she has Lincoln Longwool blends!
Loved the conversation about natural dyes. Hope to get out to my local ravine this weekend to collect some goldenrod and sumac to dye some Romney fleece I’ve been working through since December.
Thanks for another interesting episode! I would love to knit up the shawl with the Sincere Sheep yarn! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love sincere sheep luminous soooooooo much. And Brooke is so kind and generous. Wonderful to hear her story.
Great podcast, as always. Obviously loved hearing about Sincere Sheep, but also loved hearing about the whole boarding school experience! Made me feel good knowing I wasn’t the only weirdo growing up (I didn’t fit in at my school, either). 🙂
I really enjoyed this podcast. Story of the yarn origins and company are fantastic!!
Oh I would love to win one of these skeins of Sincere Sheep yarn! What a delightful episode with Brooke. As always, your podcasts are informative and inspiring! Thanks!! (Drawn2knit on Ravelry)
Another great episode, thank you!
As always, a lovely episode! And thank you for your wonderful give-aways.
You’re right, she gets some amazing colors with her natural dyes… I wouldn’t have expected it either!
I’d love to win – I’ve always wanted to try Sincere Sheep!
What a wonderful company! Thank you for sharing Brooke’s story with us!! Would love to win!!!
Brooke has been a great guest on your podcast. I’d love to win the giveaway this week!
What a very fun interview!! Beautiful yarn but even more a beautiful story!
I just discovered your podcast and I love it! I really enjoyed your conversation with Brooke.
Amazing podcast. Thank you!
Lovely episode this week! I would love the chance to try some Sincere Sheep yarn.
Sincere Sheep has been on my radar for so long now! I must try her yarn!! 🙂
Thank you for the podcast. I really enjoyed listening to it.
I really enjoyed this episode and learning about Brooke’s fiber path and Sincere Sheep. Thanks as always, Ashley; and at least the building is ready for lambs next season–great to be ahead of the game and ready in that regard!
I loved listening to this episode. I can’t wait to work with this yarn 🙂
Those weaving photos are just lush. Yumm. Thanks again for the fantastic podcast!
Love the name, and the story behind Sincere Sheep!
Love it. I so love naural dyes! And this makes me want to start weaving… untop of all.
Thanks for this episode, can’t wait for the next!
I really loved this episode! It might be my favorite so far. Brooke is so inspiring, and I could really relate to her. I loved hearing her stories and I hope to see her at a fiber festival some day!
Thanks for putting together a really great episode. I love Sincere Sheep and am lucky enough to have an LYS here in northern California that carries it. xo.
Your podcasts are such a joy to listen to! I’m new to the knitting and fiber world and I have learned so much since tuning in. Thanks for doing what you do and I’m looking forward to the next episode :).
Fat sheep are happy sheep, right? Hearing about more natural dyeing reminds us to linger longer by the bubbling dyepots at Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival next weekend! Which might be a good place for Sincere Sheep next year. . . ?
I love you podcast so much always so inspiring! It’s so nice to hear what others are doing! Thanks again!
I love Brooke’s commitment to natural dyeing. Her diverse experience with textiles is amazing. I just love that she weaves with her yarn!
Another great podcast! What a great giveaway
Looking forward to another great interview! Thanks for a great giveaway!!
What a fantastic interview, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Brooke’s journey from boarding school to creating her own business. Thank you both for sharing.
Great episode! I especially enjoyed the history connections regarding the dye trade.
Love that beautiful shade of lavender. Thanks for the opportunity to get to know Sincere Sheep.
Once again, thank you for an inspiring “visit”! Each week I want to go and do something I’ve heard about on the podcast. This week I had my desire to have an indigo dyepot stoked once again. I hadn’t known Sincere Sheep before and now I am drooling over the colors; all the more so because of the natural dyes! Oh, and I like your new segment, too; so sorry you were disappointed about the possibility of pregnancies!
I listened to this episode on the looong flight back from my honeymoon — thanks for keeping me company while my husband slept!
I loved listening to Brooke’s story. Thank you for another great episode and a generous giveaway!
[…] Woolful’s podcast this week featured Brooke Sinnes. Listen at 33:30 for her discussion about her natural dye process in relation to her company Sincere Sheep. […]
Ha! and thank you for another fabulous podcast!
Thanks for the opportunity to try some of your luscious looking yarn.
I always look forward to listening to your podcast every week. Thank you for another great episode!
That’s too bad about the lambs! Hopefully next year will be better. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I LOVE Brooke’s yarn! I end up drooling over the colors in her booth every year at Madrona. Her stuff is gorgeous.
I am DREAMING of a Fringe Supply Field Bag naturally dyed/printed(?) by Sincere Sheep, I hope that’s what Brooke was alluding to!
I look forward to listening to the podcast; with the cooling weather, my interest in natural dyeing has been reawakened and I am constantly looking for new inspiration! Thank you for the podcast and the giveaway.
I’m so happy that this podcast exists! I’ve been recommending it all over the place to my fibery friends.
Wonderful and inspiring episode! And what lovely yarn!
Such a fan of Sincere Sheep! And the interview was such a wonderful trip down memory lane because I used to drop my daughter at the Richmond Arts Center for pottery classes with Kay Coffey then head over to Straw Into Gold and/or New Pieces for some mama time. Thanks!
Wow, her commitment to her yarn, company and passions is impressive. I would love to knit with some of her yarn.
Loved this episode! I think it’s fascinating how you can get such a range of colors from just one source. Thanks for another fun giveaway!
I love to knit shawls,such beautiful yarn and a another wonderful podcast- thank you!
Beautiful colors and great insight on small business owner! Loved this!
Such a beautiful shawl pattern – and colorway! I love blues
I loved hearing how the company got its name.
Another very informative episode, especially about the history/importance of natural dyes.
I’ve always wanted to try Sincere Sheep! Thank you for such a wonderful episode of the podcast. You are always such a pleasure to listen to.
I just discovered your podcast and I have found it so interesting to listen to! Thank you for the great work and the fascinating interviews!
Wonderful podcast and I look forward to trying Sincere Sheep yarn one day!!
Wonderful and inspiring podcast! I hope to try the yarn one day!
I loved this episode!
Thanks a lot for this new podcast, love natural dyeing!
I love this podcast and I loved hearing about Brooke’s fibre adventures. I am beginning to amass quite the list of yarns to try and Sincere Sheep is most definitely on that list.
I loved this show and learned a lot about natural dye, and wool native to the U.S. It changed my perspective on wool. Thanks. Very well done.
This might be one of my favorite episodes! Hearing Brooke share her story resonated so deeply with me. I’m a young architect and hearing her talk about her decision to not pursue landscape in favor of something more uncertain was super inspiring. What a great role model!
New listener here! Wonderful episode- catching up on back episodes has been a treat. Would love to try some Sincere Sheep yarn!
Can’t wait to give a listen – I’m excited about the new Farmyard Tales segment! 😉 Would love to try Brook’s yarn someday. <3
The history lesson on natural dye was really neat. Thanks for sharing!
Another fantastic podcast and giveaway!
Love Sincere Sheep colors! Enjoyed the podcast about Brooke and her process.
What a great giveaway! I am loving all the podcasts & love hearing about those that dye their own yarn!!
Discovering your podcast has been amazing and deepened my love (and now obsession!) for fiber! Looking forward to the next episode!
Another very inspiring podcast! I really want to knit something with some Sincere Sheep yarn.
Great interview. I really enjoy hearing more about natural dyeing as well as how someone like Brooke uses her strengths and skills to develop her own business.
I think everyone you interview is just so inspiring. Can’t wait t try Sincere Sheep
[…] bumped into her. I saw Brooke the first time at Lambtown in October. It happened to be just after I caught her on the Woolful podcast and I decided to interview her for a personal project to get a local view of fiber. I […]