Making Podcast Woolful Podcast

Episode 46: Max Bainbridge & Abigail Booth – London, Amish inspiration, traditional crafts, and Forest and Found

January 21, 2016

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Sponsor: Old Homestead Alpacas is a beautiful homestead built in the 1870’s, located in Walla Walla Washington and now owned and operated by Elaine Vandiver and her husband. They’re creating a wonderful and welcoming place, with visions to live off the land and share their goods with their local community and beyond, including their gorgeous alpaca fiber and yarn. But their dreams go much deeper, and their story even deeper still. Elaine is an Iraq War vet and her husband a soldier in the National Guard, and as members of the Farmer Veterans Coalition, they are hopeful that this year they will be able to partner with their local VA hospital to start a program to bring returning combat vets suffering from PTSD and other service related trauma to the farm, sharing with them the incredible opportunity and purpose a career in farming can bring…something they themselves have found to be positively life changing. I encourage you to visit Old Homestead Alpacas on Facebook at Facebook.com/oldhomesteadalpacas, on Instagram @oldhomesteadalpacas and their lovely shop full of alpaca goodness at etsy.com/shop/oldhomesteadalpacas

oldhomesteadalpacas

Fiber folk: Max Bainbridge and Abigail Booth have built a life and business together in East London. Max is a woodworker and Abigail a natural dyer and quilter, and despite their individual practices seeming very different – their roots in traditional craft and the natural environment make them a perfect combo. It’s been a pleasure to follow their journey this past year as they’ve built their business and explored the different facets of making. You can find them at forest-and-found.com and on Instagram @forestandfound. And with that, here’s Max and Abigail…

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6bitsstorybooks

Sponsor: 6 Bits Storybooks, is a digital quarterly publication for knitters who love to immerse themselves deeply in their knitting experience…from the mouths of story tellers: knitters, photographers, writers, designers, friends & nature. These storybooks incorporate designs, imagery, location, words, learning and tools to create an deeply engaging experience, taking readers on a journey. 6 Bits was created by two incredibly passionate and inspiring folks within this community, Melissa and Melody, and this week they’re releasing their second issue Dwell, a beautiful digital editorial magazine, featuring articles from international knitters and dyers, where you hear the ‘whole’ story behind the designs and modeled in beautiful environment tied to the issues theme. So make sure to visit 6 Bits Storybooks at 6bitsstorybooks.com to subscribe to this stunning new publication and experience the newest issue Dwell and follow along on Instagram @6.bits.storybooks.

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Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway is, Erica Garris. You’ve won a skein of the beautiful Pamiri yarn from Kismet Fiber Works. Congratulations!

This week’s giveaway is sponsored by Old Homestead Alpacas and they’re giving away a skein of their small farm Suri Alpaca yarn, homegrown in Walla Walla Washington. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on today’s episode’s blog post at woolful.com.giveaway

Music by Jónsi.

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78 Comments

  • Reply Charlotte Powell January 22, 2016 at 4:33 am

    Thanks for introducing me to Forest & Found, I wasn’t aware of them before. I’ve already been admiring their amazing products & will be listening to them on the podcast on my journey home this evening

  • Reply Andrya Newman January 22, 2016 at 6:07 am

    I just love this podcast and blog! it has been so inspiring to me! These two on this episode are no exception. I love their story! thank you for this!

  • Reply JC January 22, 2016 at 6:24 am

    Wonderful podcast! Relaxing to listen to. Really felt like I got a great sense of place. Loved learning that wood chips can be used as dye! Great partnership! Thank you!

  • Reply Michele January 22, 2016 at 6:45 am

    Oh my gosh what a great giveaway prize!

  • Reply Cathy January 22, 2016 at 7:00 am

    Would love to win! I so enjoy listening to this podcast. Your guests are always interesting and I relish hearing their stories.

  • Reply Lynn January 22, 2016 at 8:09 am

    What a wonderful interview and introduction to a lovely partnership! Their products and work are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win one of their gorgeous skeins … keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂

  • Reply Ady Grafovna January 22, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Great podcast! So happy for a chance to win!

  • Reply Stephanie L January 22, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.

  • Reply Katie January 22, 2016 at 10:54 am

    I hadn’t heard of Forest and Found. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply Margaret January 22, 2016 at 11:11 am

    Very interesting episode. I particularly enjoyed hearing about how crafting is in the UK as opposed to here in the US.

  • Reply Julia January 22, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Very nice to hear about young artists making the transition from school to work studio, especially having failed to do so myself I have a lot of respect for their success. A refreshing inspiration, maybe this will be the year I return to textile dying, or finally get my whittle on. Thanks!

  • Reply Ginni January 22, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    Lovely as always!

  • Reply Filipa January 22, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Great to listen to, as usual!

  • Reply Pat Collingwood January 22, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    Lovely giveaway prize

  • Reply Dana January 22, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Lovely! I’m following Forest and Found now, such a great IG account. Thanks for the chance to win, alpaca is one of my favorite yarns to work with.

  • Reply Steph Nappa January 22, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    I recently found your blog and podcast and I have to say I am loving it! I may be binge-listening to all your episodes starting from the beginning… They’re so great to listen to while I relax and knit in the evenings 🙂

    After every podcast I look up all the people you talk to and all the yarn brands, shops, and makers. Thank you for introducing me to so many wonderful fiber folk! I think I’ve started following 20 new Instagram accounts in the past week, haha!

    I’m currently living in Oregon while I go to grad school, so I love hearing about Pacific Northwest yarns. And alpaca happens to be my boyfriend’s favorite fiber, he always requests I make him things with it. Definitely going to be checking out Old Homestead.

  • Reply Lea Dietzel January 23, 2016 at 4:22 am

    I found your podcast 3 weeks ago and have been listening to almost all of them. They are so inspiring and I love that I learn new stuff from them or hear about brands that I did know about
    Thanks for a wonderful podcast

  • Reply Linda January 23, 2016 at 4:38 am

    What beautiful woodworking pictures. My husband loves to use his lathe and makes beautiful bowls, too.
    Lmecoll on Ravelry

  • Reply HeiM January 23, 2016 at 5:08 am

    Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply Tyna January 23, 2016 at 6:37 am

    What a wonderful thing to do for our vets! They deserve this and so much more.

  • Reply asteride January 23, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Lovely podcast! Sometimes I find the beautiful items of Forest and Found on some website but hearing about them, the way they met at Chelsea, the way they decided to build a career in crafting, gives a totally new perspective. Thanks!

  • Reply Brittany January 23, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Thank you for another wonderful episode!

  • Reply Eileen January 23, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Wonderful show this week!

  • Reply colleen January 23, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Suri alpaca! I’d love to win. Thanks for the chance!

  • Reply Claudia January 23, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Lovely to hear their story, and I really love their aesthetic. Thanks!

  • Reply Hd January 23, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Inspiring story of young makers! Thanks!

  • Reply Neza January 23, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    I love the studio of Forest and found. Thank you for a lovely interview!

  • Reply Carrie January 23, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Absolutely loving the alpacas on the Old Homestead Alpacas IG feed!

  • Reply Debra January 23, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    Love working with alpaca! Thanks!

  • Reply Karen Grauman January 24, 2016 at 2:31 am

    The photos on the website have brought the podcast to life. I am particularly taken by the beauty of the naturally dyed fabric

  • Reply Elaine January 24, 2016 at 6:31 am

    Another great interview. Thank you. Learning so much every time.

  • Reply Lisa January 24, 2016 at 7:06 am

    Discovered your podcast through Soulemama and am loving catching up on back podcasts. Excellent job! Excellent people and stories!

  • Reply Charlaine January 24, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I love this podcast, discovering all the crafty people that I am not aware of and listening to how they made their dreams come true.
    Look forward to listening to every episode.

  • Reply Claire January 24, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    loved listening to the Max and Abigail story. So cute how they finished each others’s sentences

  • Reply Kathy January 24, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Thanks for this interesting and, once again, inspirational podcast episode, Ashley. I appreciate the commentary by Abigail and Max regarding people wanting to step back from a largely technology based life and taking pleasure in and valuing finely crafted items made by others or by themselves.

  • Reply Sheree January 24, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    Great podcast as usual. I would love to hear more about the work Old Homestead Alpacas is doing, especially with veterans. I hope they will be a guest on a future podcast. Thank you so much for this delightful and educational podcast!

  • Reply Cm January 24, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Inspirational work, all of it & stunning photography 🙂

  • Reply Rain January 25, 2016 at 5:20 am

    Love Old Homestead’s mission! Would love to win!

  • Reply Lulu January 25, 2016 at 5:53 am

    Very interesting. I checked the links and was enjoying visiting their websites.

  • Reply Terri January 25, 2016 at 7:15 am

    What a beautiful story, and inspirational couple. I love the beautiful wooden implements, quilts and yarn that they produce – they give a glorious taste of times in the past where the amazing household goods makers produced were simply necessities, and were probably taken somewhat for granted because these objects were just a daily part of their lives, and to have them they needed to make them. Beautiful.

  • Reply Kim Schroeder January 25, 2016 at 7:27 am

    Absolutely beautiful episode. Thank you for the amazing quality and quantity

  • Reply Cathy B January 25, 2016 at 8:12 am

    Thanks for the opportunity, would love to win!

  • Reply Bowen Gibson January 25, 2016 at 11:01 am

    Thank you for continuing to bring great stories!

  • Reply Allie January 25, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Thanks for another great episode!

  • Reply Tonya January 25, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    So excited to be listening to this episode – very inspiring and I can relate a little as my husband and I make our living working with wood and wool too.

  • Reply Sarah W. January 25, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    Thanks for mentioning the Old Homestead Alapas: I love learning about local farmers here in Washington, especially those that help veterans.

  • Reply Judy January 25, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    Another interesting and wonderful podcast! Thank you.

  • Reply Greta January 25, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    Great episode! Really inspiring to hear from those able to pursue their passion. I also hope to hear more about Old Homestead Alpacas and their work with veterans. There seem to be wonderful connection themes lately – with domestic wool sourcing by the military and veterans interested in farming.

  • Reply Tommi T. January 25, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    What an inspiring business. They make such beautiful things.

  • Reply Emily Boyd January 25, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    Max and Abigail’s work is beautiful! I love how they are using traditional crafts in a modern world and creating items that people today will use.

  • Reply Traci January 25, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    It’s so interesting to hear how every makers story is so different form other makers. There is something very special about hearing others voice’s tell a bit about their own journey. I look forward to every podcast and post.

  • Reply Dominique January 26, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Those quilts are beautiful, very inspiring!

  • Reply Natalie January 26, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Alpaca yarn is my absolute favorite – so soft and squishy! Thanks, as always, for another great podcast!

    Natalie
    @oystersandpearls
    @maidensouth

  • Reply Kristin January 26, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    I am enjoying your podcast episodes so much. Thank you for bringing stories of dedicated fiber artists to your listeners. It helps me to appreciate their work even more.
    I am excited to learn more about Old Homestead Alpacas. We spend summers in Washington state, so I am happy to learn about their work, their mission and their wonderful story. I would be proud to win a skein of their alpaca yarn.

  • Reply teegan January 26, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    LOVE!

  • Reply Sabra January 26, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    I think the Homestead Alpaca’s veteran idea is a viable idea. Being on the farm with a small, intimate crew will still give the veterans that team feeling that is very important in the armed services, but in a natural environment. I hope they can find healing in physical, outdoor work surrounded by plenty of animals (and maybe convert a few to fiber enthusiasts).

  • Reply Joyce January 26, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    I haven’t yet ventured into knitting with alpaca, but I hope to try soon!

  • Reply Monica January 27, 2016 at 6:25 am

    As always, super interesting and inspiring!

  • Reply Sherry January 27, 2016 at 9:05 am

    When I listen to this podcast on my way to work it starts the day off peacefully! Thanks so much.

  • Reply Savannagal January 27, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    It always makes me smile when I hear about someone who is living the dream. Thank you.

  • Reply Darcilla January 27, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    I just happened upon your blog…and as a fell knitter and fiber enthusiast…I have officially fallen in love with your blog!
    Thank you so much for sharing!

  • Reply isabel January 27, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Love this episode. Thanks for introducing me to yet another great pair of creators!

  • Reply Caitlyn January 27, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    So inspiring!

  • Reply Marina Gvozdeva January 27, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    great podcast! very inspiring!

  • Reply Jenna O January 28, 2016 at 2:01 am

    So beautiful pictures! 🙂

  • Reply Lori January 28, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    I loved this episode! I can’t wait for the next one!

  • Reply Leslie January 29, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Great Interview! I’m really enjoying the posts..

  • Reply Ramona January 30, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Yet another great and informative episode. Thank you so much to you and your amazing guests!

  • Reply Sheena January 30, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    I love the woodworking and the natural colours of the alpaca.

  • Reply LuisaM January 31, 2016 at 10:20 am

    I loved this episode too…
    Thanks again for the giveaway.

  • Reply Heidi January 31, 2016 at 10:51 am

    I love alpaca! And listening to your podcasts is so informative. Thanks.

  • Reply Lena M January 31, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    What a lovely podcast! So interesting to hear how Forest & Found uses natural materials to create such beautiful things, especially reusing the wood chips to dye fabric.

  • Reply bookboxer February 1, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Just discovered your site; thank you for so much fabulous information – and such a generous giveaway!

  • Reply Ann in the Mitten State February 2, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    I am glad that you are enjoying spinning so! That’s how I still feel about knitting–voracious appetite for it and everything else falls to the side. Thank you for this podcast and for inspiring so many of us! Oh–I made it to Idaho once; I can just imagine it in the winter, and how beautiful it must be! : )

  • Reply sarah beth February 2, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    lovely as always

  • Reply Pam Hunter February 5, 2016 at 6:46 am

    Thank you for such a beautiful giveaway. I’m not sure if the contest is still ongoing – if so, would love to win. If not, I won anyway by being connected to your amazing website and listening to your most recent podcast.

    Oh my goodness! Your website is so incredibly comforting and “like home”. Exactly what I have been searching for on my maker/creative journey. I crave connection to fibers of all kinds. I am pretty certain that your love for your craft will provide the guidance I have been looking for. From my heart and soul to both of you – thank you!

  • Reply Some Things | by marion February 5, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    […] from the forest in the hands of awesome creative craftsmen. I stumbled upon their work through this podcast episode, and admire it so […]

  • Reply Christine Biedermann February 8, 2016 at 1:59 am

    Since I discovered your website and podcast, I am always very much looking forward to listen to it as soon as it’s released. It’s very inspiring and informative for any yarn and fiber enthusiasts. Thank you very much for all your hard work you put in there !

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