Making Podcast Woolful Podcast

Episode 36: Daphne Marinopoulos – West Africa, a Maine fiber mill, creative fulfillment, and The Fibre Company

September 29, 2015


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Sponsor: I want to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Cast Away and Folk, a modern yarn, sewing & weaving shop in Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, CA. Cast Away and Folk makes their home in a turn of the century large brick loft, that inspires you as soon as you walk through the doors. The three owners, Justine, Leslee and Isla and their experienced team are so welcoming and there to gel you choose your next project or find just the right fiber or fabric you’ve been looking for. They offer a wide variety of great classes and workshops covering sewing, knitting, weaving, felting, embroidery and more. Make sure to visit Cast Away & Folk online at castawayandfolk.com or in person when in Santa Rosa. You can also find them on Instagram @castawayandfolk.

In October, Cast Away and Folk is hosting a very special field trip to one of my most favorite places, Twirl. This is the home of my friend Mary Pettis-Sarley, the creator of Twirl yarn and her myriad of alpacas, sheep, horses, cattle, dogs, chickens, pigs, goats, and of course Zack the donkey. You won’t believe this place…with Napa valley’s rolling hills, indigo fields, and fiber in every which way. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend you join this trip…you’ll leave so inspired by this place and the woman behind it. Snuggles some animals, dye some Twirl yarn and enjoy an included bag lunch…and to register, call Cast Away and Folk at 707.546.9276

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Fiber folk: When someone’s name continues to come up in conversations, you start to get the hint that maybe you should get to know said person…well Daphne Marinopoulos is one of those people. After a few months of aligning schedules and rural internet bandwidth, we were finally able to sit down and have a talk, and it spoke to me in a special way…much of that conversation you’ll hear here today. From flight instructor to foreign service officer to fiber mill owner and creator of The Fibre Company, Daphne has had a pretty incredible journey, and one highlighted by a life of fulfilling her creative passion and destiny, something I know many of us seek and aspire to do. I’ve long admired the quality, composition and obvious care that goes into The Fibre Company yarns, but I never realized the story behind it, until now…and as we all know, the story is everything. You can find Daphne at thefibreco.com.

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Sponsor: I want to thank our other sponsor for this week’s episode Kelbourne Woolens, a wonderful company built by two passionate women, Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn. Kelbourne itself is unique, serving as the US distributor of The Fibre Company yarns, a design house, author of several books, instructors and makers of their own line of tools and accessories. They focus on modern interpretations of classic designs, and the love of traditional knitting techniques. From their shared experiences in fine art, textiles, retail, and knitwear design, they offer an invaluable resource to this fiber community of ours. Look for them this weekend at the Make. Wear. Love. retreat hosted by Amy Herzog in Sebasco Harbor, Maine. And make sure to visit Kelbourne Woolens at kelbournewoolens.com and on Instagram @kelbournewoolens.

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Farmyard Tales: This week we have a funny Farmyard Tale from Angie of Kismet Fiber Works.

Giveaway: The winners of last week’s giveaway are, Ann Marie Mullen, you’ve won the mixed BFL fiber from Fiber in the Boro and Rebecca McCoyer , you’ve won 2 skeins of raw silk noil yarn from Shutters and Shuttles. Congratulations!

This week’s giveaway is sponsored by Cast Away and Folk, and we’re giving away 2 skeins of Savannah yarn and the Norie Hat pattern by Gudrun Johnston. To enter this giveaway and be one of the three winners, leave a comment on this post.

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Music by Jónsi.

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82 Comments

  • Reply Dana September 29, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    Lovely as always…I love The Fiber Company, I can never resist their yarn when my LYS has it! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂

  • Reply Michelle Turner September 29, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    I love the story of this company.

  • Reply Christine Carol September 29, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I’ve been spoiled by finding Woolful so late in the ‘game,’ and had 27 episodes to listen back to back (which I did, every time I drove my car)… now, waiting for the next episode is …. gah!!!! I will have to start re-listening from episode 1 to fill the gaps! Love all that you bring to the woolie world. So many stories and lessons.

  • Reply Brittany September 29, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    Such a lovely story! I’ve been wanting to try the Fibre Company Yarns, and now I want to try them even more.

  • Reply Sharon Imler September 29, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Love your podcast. Finally my comment is on time.

  • Reply Kim September 29, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    looking forward to listening to this podcast, I really have appreciated all of them!

  • Reply Erin September 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    What delicious yarn!

  • Reply Tiffany September 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Love hearing the back stories and the roads to happiness fiber folk take to pursue this passion! Very inspiring! And love hearing about scrumptious yarns too! 🙂

  • Reply DelightedHands September 29, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    Love your podcast; it is a step into lives we would never have contact with! Thank you!

  • Reply Patty Gnass September 29, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    I enjoyed the podcast. Thanks

  • Reply Emiko September 29, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Hooray for the fiber company, and hooray for my LYS, cast away!

  • Reply Ramona September 29, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    Loving the podcast and recruiting friends to listen. Love The Fibre Co though it’s a little hard to find locally.

  • Reply Karen September 29, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Great episode! I’m so glad I started listening!

  • Reply Tobie September 29, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    I enjoy this podcast–

  • Reply Pat Collingwood September 30, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Lovely yarn and pattern

  • Reply Marina Gvozdeva September 30, 2015 at 12:14 am

    Beautiful episode as always! inspiring!

  • Reply Anna Marquardt September 30, 2015 at 5:21 am

    The Fibre Company is my favorite yarn brand…I love Terra and Acadia especially…just made 3 hats out of different colors of Acadia!

  • Reply Kelly September 30, 2015 at 5:22 am

    Love the podcast!

  • Reply Naomi September 30, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Another of your delightful podcasts to listen to!

  • Reply Courtney September 30, 2015 at 6:26 am

    I have several family members living in Santa Rosa. I’ll definitely be stopping by Cast Away and Folk the next time I’m in the area. Thanks for the recommendation! Love this week’s podcast episode too!

  • Reply Vikki September 30, 2015 at 6:36 am

    I love her story about traveling around the whole and her beginnings with yarn. Another great episode.

  • Reply Janet Kemper September 30, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Another great podcast!!

  • Reply Mary M September 30, 2015 at 7:48 am

    Yet another great podcast and giveaway, thank you!

  • Reply Camanoah September 30, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Another wonderful story. Thank you, Ashley.

    • Reply Camanoah September 30, 2015 at 8:31 am

      Sorry, ignore/delete this post. Hit send too soon.

  • Reply Camanoah September 30, 2015 at 8:28 am

    Another wonderful story. Thank you, Ashley. I will now have to seek out Fibre Co yarn…

  • Reply Heidi September 30, 2015 at 9:04 am

    Daphne’s story was a treasure to hear on your podcast. I especially enjoyed her family’s textile heritage and how she has brought it forward. A bright adventurous woman who makes beautiful yarns.

  • Reply Elaine September 30, 2015 at 9:59 am

    I find all of these stories so inspirational. I will remember all of them as I dive into trying to find my place in this very amazing community this coming year. Thank you for bringing these stories to us.

  • Reply Jennifer F. September 30, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Another great podcast! Thank you for the chance to win.

  • Reply SuthernGirl September 30, 2015 at 10:10 am

    What a treat to hear this episode! Thoroughly enjoyed it…..

  • Reply Katelyn McCarty September 30, 2015 at 10:51 am

    I always love listening to your conversations with all of the amazing makers. It is my weekly injection of inspiration to get me through another week at my day job. Daphne is another example of amazing women doing amazing things. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply Natalie September 30, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    Another great podcast this week! I loved hearing the trials and tribulations and celebrations of Daphne’s growing business. And that hat is adorable – fingers crossed!

    Natalie
    @oystersandpearls

  • Reply Neza September 30, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    Another fascinating podcast, thank you Ashley!

  • Reply Claire Teator September 30, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    I loooove the hat 🙂

  • Reply teegan September 30, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Gorgeous, as always. Thank you.

  • Reply Cyrena September 30, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    One of my favourite episodes so far! What a wonderful giveaway. Thank you, Woolful!

  • Reply Maggie B. September 30, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Great episode! Gotta see where I can find some Cumbria

  • Reply Barbara October 1, 2015 at 3:26 am

    Interesting podcast. I love Fiber Co. yarn.

  • Reply kathy October 1, 2015 at 5:14 am

    Another great episode. I appreciated hearing Daphne’s comments about courage. Thanks, Ashley.

  • Reply Laurie Gonyea October 1, 2015 at 6:17 am

    I met Daphne way back when I first got into this crazy business (crazy in a good way). She was so kind, helpful and inspiring, plus I even saw her awesome mini mill! It was so wonderful to listen to her story and “catch up” with her after so many years. Thank you Ashley and hello Daphne!

  • Reply Elizabeth October 1, 2015 at 7:03 am

    I loved this episode! I have the Home and Away book and I splurged and got Quince and Co yarn to make one of the Cardigans. It’s not a summer knit, but I am determined to get it finished!

  • Reply Mathurine October 1, 2015 at 7:34 am

    What a true portrait ! I totally agree , what we desire and make us happy is really important , handworking is important even if as woman we want to prove we can do as well as men in intellectual works. Somehow in our lifes the moment is to make transitions just to be happy in what we are doing every day of our life 🙂

  • Reply Shelli October 1, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I enjoyed this episode very much! Fascinating to learn there are knitters all over the world. 🙂

  • Reply Margaret October 1, 2015 at 11:41 am

    I enjoyed listening to this week’s show. It’s inspiring to hear about someone who had a different career and then launched a fiber career. Thanks.

  • Reply natalie October 1, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    love the hat and the yarn

  • Reply Charlaine October 1, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Another great podcast, I am from Philadelphia PA- and love The Fibre Company yarns.

  • Reply Jennie October 1, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Of all of my handknits, my cardigan knit from Road to China Light is my favorite! I really enjoyed listening to this interview.

  • Reply Kristina October 1, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Great interview! So inspiring.

  • Reply emily falke October 1, 2015 at 10:17 pm

    What a fascinating story! Thank you, as always, for such a wonderful podcast. I really love it, and you are inspiring me to consider doing more in the fiber world.

  • Reply Katrina October 2, 2015 at 7:19 am

    That was so lovely and interesting! My hands are now begging for some Fibre Company yarn (what’s the equivalent to salivating, but for touch?). I’ll have to go seek some out…

  • Reply Rebecca Gallagher October 2, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I was so inspired by Daphne’s story. I’ve recently left my “safe” career and am trying to figure out my next step. Hearing from someone else who went down a similar path helps me to see a glimmer of future possibilities.

  • Reply Emmaline Long October 2, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Beautiful yarn, great story! Thanks!

  • Reply Debra October 2, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    Great episode.

  • Reply Erin October 2, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    What an interesting story! I recently found the Woolful podcast and have already learned so much from the people you talk to. Thank you!

  • Reply Megan October 2, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    I love the Fibre Company’s yarns, such a delight to knit! So neat to hear the story behind the brand! I have a beautiful skein of Tundra waiting to be knit into a cozy hat!

  • Reply Kara October 2, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    What a great episode! I loved hearing about her (likely unique) career trajectory, and how it circled back around to a childhood love.

  • Reply Stephanie L October 2, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Great episode! Thanks so much for sharing.

  • Reply hd October 2, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    fantastic! I love these tales about a long career, especially hearing about how folks balance work, family, and creative passion. thanks!

  • Reply Sarah October 2, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Amazing story- very inspiring. Thank you!

  • Reply Tommi T. October 3, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    I’m making a shawl in Meadow right now and I love it so much. Thanks for a great episode.

  • Reply Emily Boyd October 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    Maine definitely seems to be an amazing place for knitting and fiber arts. 🙂 I love living here.

  • Reply Amanda Smith October 3, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Interesting as always. I wish I wasn’t so far away from most of these places! I like to touch and feel the yarns I buy.

  • Reply Kim October 3, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    I have always wanted to knit with yarn from The Fibre Company! Loved hearing their story!

  • Reply Traci October 3, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Epesode 36? How can that be? I have listened to every one and each time it’s my new favorite. Oh yes, the story is everything. This one will linger on my mind for just a bit, how making certain choices of the heart gives us such courage. Oh that is so good.

  • Reply Rachel Mac October 4, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Beautiful story and another wonderful episode! (And, as a proud Canadian living in New Brunswick, I especially loved the Maritimes shoutout for Mini Mills!)

  • Reply Ann October 4, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Love the show. The fibre company have some lovely yarn. Had to laugh at the mini van story – having hauled a load if fleeces in the back of my car – know how the smell of sheep lingers

  • Reply Jaclyn October 4, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Loved hearing about her journey. Thanks for another lovely episode!

  • Reply Melanie Safir October 4, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    I am always attracted to the Fibre Company yarns in the shops and can’t resist touching them! Thank you for another wonderful episode sharing Daphne’s story it was lovely to hear

  • Reply Ellen October 4, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    Another lovely episode!

  • Reply Melanie October 4, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Truly enjoyed learning about Daphne’s story!

  • Reply Lorna October 5, 2015 at 4:07 am

    Loved this episode! It is always so inspiring to hear the stories of people who love what they do and how they got there. Thanks!

  • Reply Carmen N October 5, 2015 at 5:03 am

    Lovely yarn as usual!

  • Reply Amber Diel October 5, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Ohhhh, the Fiber Company! I love their yarns…they’re so yummy. I have a little accent scarf knit from Road to China, from back in the days when it had yak in it. When I wear it, I end up petting it all day long because it feels so wonderful…and happily, it holds up well to the incessant petting!

  • Reply Kaarina October 5, 2015 at 10:24 am

    Thanks for another great episode! Keep up the good work!

  • Reply AnastasiaMW October 5, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    I love your podcast. I find I learn something new each time I tune in. It’s the perfect accompaniment to my daily lunch-break walks. Keep up the amazing work!

  • Reply Janet October 5, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Great interview. So much passion…

  • Reply Sherry October 5, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    It was so nice to hear the story behind the yarn I’m knitting my sweater with!

  • Reply Megan October 5, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Loved hearing the story behind The Fibre Company and can’t wait to look for it at my local shops. Savannah looks deliciously tweedy.

  • Reply LuisaM October 6, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Another great episode! Thank you!

  • Reply Fräulein Rucksack October 6, 2015 at 11:53 am

    Can’t believe how fantastic fiber folk can be! Love to hear it!

  • Reply The Fibre Co.: Our Story | The Fibre Co. January 13, 2016 at 4:15 am

    […] Ashley has been providing fascinating interviews from the fibre community since this podcast launched over a year ago. Ashley is based in North Idaho where she lives with her family on 40 acres of land and hopes to create her own fibre mill. You can listen to the interview with Daphne on the Woolful podcast here. […]

  • Reply The Fibre Company {Neu bei Maschenfein} | Maschenfein :: Strickblog July 21, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    […] Unternehmen führt und alle neuen Garne entwickelt. Ihre ganze Geschichte könnt Ihr Euch in dem Podcast von Woolful anhören, in dem Daphne eine ganze Stunde lang sehr ausführlich und spannend über ihren Werdegang […]

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