Shopcast 216 - Interview with WoolDreamers Yarn of Spain
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
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00:00 Intro
0:47 Welcome & A Fun Reveal
7:02 Who are WoolDreamers? Meet Oscar & Ramon
24:09 The U.S. Connection - Bea
27:48 Directly Buying from Farmers
34:49 The First Yarn - Manchelopis
41:18 The History of Saona
46:09 More About Mota
48:22 The Legend of Cautiva
52:22 What Comes Next?
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Our new Harris Tweed Carry-All is coming on February 9th!
Be on the newsletter to know the release time. gd4ozhye22m1fti4-12340546.sho...
Find all of the WoolDreamers yarn and yarn sets thewoollythistle.com/collecti...
Or individually-
Cautiva thewoollythistle.com/collecti...
Mota thewoollythistle.com/collecti...
Manchelopis thewoollythistle.com/collecti...
Saona thewoollythistle.com/collecti...
More information about Transhumance in Spain, which Oscar mentioned thediplomatinspain.com/en/202...
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thewoollythistle.com/pages/20...
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Thank you for watching! If you go out, take your knitting!
Video editing: Intelligent Octopus www.intelligentoctopus.com
I live in Castilla-LaMancha, the same province as Ramón and Óscar, and I can attest to all the good work they are doing. Before Wooldreamers, the shepherd in our little village retired, and no one wanted to take over his flock, so they were sold for slaughter. I dream of a future where every village in Spain will still have their travelling flocks (their grazing is crucial to prevent summer brush fires), family flocks will continue to grow and improve the quality of their wool, and shepherds will once again be able to sell their fleeces for a profit. Right now, other shepherds in neighboring villages continue to throw their fleeces away because no one wants them. Without Wooldreamers, the future of the wool industry in Spain would have its days numbered. ¡Bravo, chicos! Un besazo, y os veo en LYM 💕
That is so wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing!
So wonderful to hear the back ground of this yarn. I love how they are continuing with an old tradition but with an eye to the future. The comment about how they just couldn't stand having to add nylon to their yarn -- just cracked me up!!! Thanks!!!
Thank you TWT for this bonus shopcast! What a great interview with WoolDreamers of Spain. I'm happy to support such a great mission that incorporates sustainability with the business of making yarn. I love that Ramon and Oscar are mindful of the welfare of the sheep and consider the community at large that supports the making of this yarn. I love that they work so hard to revitalize Spanish wool. Thank you, Ramon and Oscar, for making such lovely yarn that I'm proud to support! Keep up the good work!
This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about Wool Dreamers! I so much enjoyed hearing about their woven blanket history, the company’s ethics and goals, as well as their outreach into the communities. The labels have such incredible art and story! My own opinion for some color ideas is to represent the surrounding countryside as well as the colors of local sheep- just a thought. I think the more people see projects knitted in wool dreamers yarn, the more it will requested. I will plan a future project with this yarn and I would like to collect their labels!
This interview with Ramon and Oscar touched me deeply. ❤❤❤
This shopcast interview with Ramon and Oscar was so informative, and simply delightful! Thank you for sharing.😊
This was a great interview! I learned a lot, it’s so good to know there are more and more yarn producers who care about the dignity of the producers and sheep, as well as sustainability.💕
Oh wow, what a great episode. One of the things I lament is the lack of “ownership” in the world: call in a problem to a huge corporation and they 1) don’t understand 2) don’t care 3) take no pride in a job well done and 4) go home at a set time. There is so much of a difference between that and people who take pride in the product they produce. I’m in! I will support that. I am so grateful for this.
Maggie, so well handled by you. I love the way you conducted this interview - let them tell their story uninterrupted - asked respectful and intelligent questions - wonderful job here.
Oscar and Ramon - thank you for being dreamers who bring reality to ideas from the land of Don Quixote to us. I’m a fan!
I loved learning about Wooldreamers yarns. Thanks to TWT for bringing it to us!
Oh my goodness, thank you so, much for this interview. I had no idea that the wool industry in Spain had more or less collapsed as it has in the USA. Spain, the " Cradle of Merino" and with such a rich and old textile history. Ramon and Oscar told their story so well. I am so inspired to support their company and their dream! I love the labels on the yarn skeins, each with a story. Also, I love that the wool mixed with cotton is using cotton grown in Spain! Super! And I love that the loom is weaving again. I am off to Woolly Thistle to order some yarn from Wool Dreamers. It is so great to learn the back story of the yarn I purchase.
This was such a heartwarming story so thank you for hosting them. The cotton yarn blend caught my eye when it first came into the shop. Now it’s a must have! Eileen
Thank you for sharing the wool dream working!
Lovely people. Thank you for the great interview. I love there connections with the Shepards and knitters .
What a lovely treat to have this bonus shopcast. The two delightful gentlemen are very brave, and listened well to those who suggested new ways to promote Spanish wool. Many thanks to them, and to TWT.
Wow! This episode was so amazing. Ramón and Oscar were so enlightening. I’m now even more pleased with my WoolDreamers purchases from your shop. I would love 100% wool sock yarn from them. And more colors of Manchelopi? Yes, please!!! My mom was just saying she would love more vibrant jewel tones in Manchelopi. Also, yellow (both bright and pastel) would be lovely. Happy knitting 💚🧶💚
I love Manchelopis! I love your story and your caring for the animals, farmers and the land. Thank you!
I love nylon free sock yarn. I'm good with 100% wool, or blended with mohair and/or silk for added wear. I mostly use fingering weight but I would use spot or DK as well since I work nights outside as security and warmer socks would be awesome.
What an absolute privilege to listen to Ramón and Oscar. I enjoyed this immensely - thank you so much for sharing!
Wow what a great shopcast with the Wool Dreamers. It was such a privilege to hear their story. Such an inspirational conversation. Gave me a new appreciation for their yarn. Thank you, thank you.
Absolutely loved the interview with the WoolDreamers team. Thank you so much for that. Yes! to 100% wool fingering weight WoolDreamers sock yarn! Also the new totes are gorgeous!
Loved this! The idea that wool was just discarded and devalued, and they rescued it, helped to revitalize the craft, trade and help the sherpherds - like a farm to table idea - was very encouraging to hear. Now, I'll have to try WoolDreamers yarn!
Oh, those bags look perfect! And the interview with Wooldreamers was great. So wonderful to hear about the work they are doing. Their passion made me smile. 😁
What a wonderful interview! Thank you so much to Wooldreamers for taking the time to acquaint us with your family history and wools. So enjoyable and educational. Thank you TWT!
Glad you enjoyed it!
🤓 Love this! The history of Merino sheep across the centuries is fascinating. All the ways they are honoring the breeds, heritage, farmers, artisans, land, and industries through their product is exceptional. Bravo!
What a great story behind the Wool Dreamers. I love their yarn even more now.♥️
What a great interview with the minds, hearts, and hands behind Wooldreamers. Appreciate their passion for sheep, shepherds, and wool. I will be trying this yarn in the future!
Yay!!! Being in Australia I'm always one of the first to watch a new episode on Fridays before going to bed. Very jealous of your woolly wool wearing while we are sweating in 35 degrees/ 95 Fahrenheit weather! What an amazing and heartwarming story behind Wooldreamers, so clear that Oscar & Ramon are passionate about their family trade and the dedication to keeping the legacy going. Can't wait to try some of their beautiful wools.
Wishing you a very nice Night, sweet woolly dreams! Here in Germany I just watch the new shopcast at my Midday break. Isn’t it amazing, how TWT connects knitters all around the world! 😊
Thank you for sharing their wonderful story. I have some Wooldreamers yarn and love it. Having now heard their story and their commitment to sustainability and local economy, I will always keep them in mind for future projects.
That was so cool! Anytime I can buy a yarn that supports a small business and one that is ethical and supporting sustainability and the environment, I am happy to shop! Just purchased two projects worth of Wooldreamers😊❤. Great interview! Thank you Wooldreamers and Maggie and The Woolly Thistle!
What an interesting episode! I loved hearing how Wool Dreamers has helped to increase the value of Spain’s wool industry, especially in their area of Spain. I loved the stories behind their labels, and hearing about how their business has been in the family for so long, and how they have developed their yarns. I also applaud them for speaking English. We in the US are very lax about learning a second language, and I always admire those who speak two or more languages. And Bea’s weaving is stunning. Excellent ShopCast, Maggie!
This was a beautiful interview. I felt very moved, and enjoyed it very much. Sometimes we think, oh it's just yarn. Well it's way more than that. Great interview.
What a great interview and what an amazing story of passion and determination. Yes, I'd love 100% (non-superwash) wool fingering weight sock yarn!
it is always so good to meet the makers. I totally support your values.
Wonderful, warm, lovely, engaging!
This interview was fabulous! Their passion for their work, traditions and the welfare of everyone from the animals to the shepherds and the end products was palpable. It actually brought tears to my eyes!! I have worked with Manchelopi and absolutely loved it! I would love to see a red colour! I have a couple balls of Mota patiently waiting for me to finish my current project. It feels lovely so am quite exciting to work with it. Knowing their ethos definitely makes the investment in their product so worth it! Thank you Woolly Thistle for bringing this interview to us. Cheers!
Super interview. Love how they want to keep their family traditions going and to support the shepherds future. I look forward to using their current wool and see what’s up next for them. Thank you for a peek inside the background of Wool Dreamers. ❤
Thanks for watching! We're excited to see what they do next too!
Another thoughtful interview. I enjoyed hearing the stories of the label designs and the connections to the beautiful yarns.
Hi, Woolly Thistle! Good Interview, I have always wondered about yarn from Spain. I'm a recent subscriber. 😊 I like your content and can see me doing some business with your company. I love fiber, ❤️ making something for the beneficial part of humanity such as clothing to stay warm, baby blankets for a child, throws or shawls for someone in a nursing home. The list goes on and on. 😊 that's why I Crochet and beg. Knit. I'm 65, a widower who somehow fell into fiberworld. Thanks for showing this video.😊😊
That was so interesting and heartfelt. I love their passion, humbleness, and willingness to carry on their tradition. Merino yarn is the best!
Such passion. I love this. Thank you Maggie!
What an amazing interview with Oscar, Ramon and Bea. I am excited to try a new project with WoolDreamers yarn!
So much woolly goodess in ths episode ~ and those totes!❤ Thank you for continuing to offer a quality podcast. I so enjoyed learning the WoolDreamers story, so inspirational.
This shop cast was so exciting for me! I appreciate very much, learning and hearing the story behind the yarn. A "bridge" as Ramon stated. I am ready to cast on something new with WoolDreamers! Many that's for sharing this interview with us!
What a great interview! It is so very interesting to hear the story behind the wall that’s on our needles. I love what these two gentlemen are doing following in their families footsteps, and promoting all the farmers around them. What a lovely business to support.
PS: Love the new size of the Harris tweed bag!
Thanks for this. Such an interesting background enriched by history and values. I loved seeing the projects in Wool Dreamers yarns at the end, too.
What a wonderful story behind the WoolDreamers Company! Thank you for sharing their wooly mission. They are doing great good things in every step of the process!
My only suggestion is, more colour choices, especially for the unspun. Also maybe TWT could send them a skein of Rambler and/or Dover sock yarn to inspire them in their efforts to create a sock yarn?!
Loved the interview and shop cast, as always! The new project bag looks amazing!
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Ramon & Oscar and Bea, Maggie! I ordered one skein of WoolDreamer's Saona (Color: Ozetta) last year because I was very interested in the 50% wool 50% cotton blend. The swatch I knit is soft, light and bouncy with a lovely drape. I achieved gauge on my first try with US 3 (3.25mm) needles! Beautiful! WoolDreamer's Saona would be amazing knit up into a sweater. Perfect to wear here in New Hampshire in three of our four seasons. Warm yet not too warm. And light. Also a few thoughts about sock yarn. I knit a lot of socks and have a lot of sock yarn from TWT in my stash. I knit all of my socks from the Classic Socks pattern designed by Melinda Goodfellow and published by Yankee Knitter Designs (the BEST five bucks I ever spent!). This basic sock pattern includes instructions for knitting with fingering, sport and worsted weight yarns, all of which I've done. The pattern also includes all of these weights in sock sizes: Child's SM, Child's MED, Women's & Men's. I would encourage Ramon and Oscar to be open to seeing what they can develop in sport and worsted weight sock yarn as well as in fingering weight. My WoolDreamers knitting juices have been whetted anew, thanks to your excellent interview, Maggie, and to Ramon and Oscar and all they are doing to restore sustainability to the wool industry in Spain! Well done, all of you. Gracias and thank you!
Very interesting interview. Great to hear what the WoolDreamer folks are doing to make a positive difference.
This interview was very interesting and informative. It is nice to know that they are carrying on their family's tradition of producing yarn.
Thanks for sharing WD"s hard work! Here is Spain we are extremely proud of them! They've set the path to recovering an industry that was the core of the Spanish economy and culture since the middle ages. And I myself as a knitter, and their loyal customer, love their wool and never will use again any yarn non made of wool even socks! Hugs from Madrid!
Great ❤. I am impressed with Wool Dreamers. I knit while watching.
ooooh, those new tote bags look fabulous - can't wait for them to arrive! really neat interview w WoolDreamers - Ramon & Oscar are wonderful! Really inspiring to learn their story & see their passion, really cool how the names of the yarn relate to their area/legends & the labels are beautiful - I'm looking forward to trying out their yarn now 💗 maybe TWT can organize a knitting trip to visit them!!!
Wow. I really enjoyed hearing about Wooldreamers and the stories behind their labels.
Excellent interview! It really brought Wooldreamers to life. Very enjoyable.
Always enjoy your shopcasts. Very interesting interview. I am inspired to try Wool Dreamers.
What an interesting interview. Thank you! The timing was perfect for me as I just finished a hat in Manchelopis this week and I LOVE it! I am looking forward to knitting with my other WoolDreamers yarn in my collection !!
100% wool yarn for socks? Yes please!!!
Thanks for sharing this; knowing the story behind the yarn makes such a difference.
I love natural wool yarns. There are plenty of sock yarns that are SW or have nylon so if you can't make a sock yarn, I hope you keep making 100% natural wool yarns! I love it and am on my way to look for it! Thanks for bringing this video to us!
I think Wooldreamers is on my bucket list now. This interview, hearing about their history and struggles to bring wool back to the forefront, pushed me over the edge.
A sock yarn (any weight) would be interesting to see also.
Thank you to TWT for seeing that this interview was important.
Thank you so much for bringing Ramón, Óscar, and Bea to us! I can't wait for the Maggie-suggested fingering-or-sport-weight sock yarn to come out 🤗😁!
Thank you for watching! So glad you enjoyed the interview!
What an inspirational interview. GRACIAS MIL! We'll visit there soon 🐑🐑🐑
How interesting and incredible to hear about this company! I am totally on board with trying this wool. 😃👏👏👏👏❤️❤️
wow they are truely inspiring, thanks for bringing this story to the world
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!
I love learning new knitting experiences and knitting the Winter Woods sweater with manchelopis right now. It is delicate yet super warm :) Moved south to a warmer climate and looking forward to trying out Wooldreamers' Saona. Excellent interview with folks who are part of a sustainable movement! Great job Woolly Thistle!
YES to 100% sock yarn!
Loved this information! How cool to hear their story. As for non-nylon sock yarn: Emma Robinson (Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co) has 5 tips for sock knitting with wool minus nylon. It aired about 4 months ago - doesn't have an episode number because it is a short bit of information. I bought her sock set (Hearth Sock Set) from TWT and am knitting socks (for me) on 2.25mm needles. I hope to finish them this year. (Ha Ha!) LOVE this recipe (Emma's...3 x 1 rib * 64 stitches). I am looking forward to see what Wool Dreamers creates for wool without nylon! Thank you so much for bringing us this interview!🧶
Thank you for sharing this interview with us. Very informative and interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi I am using the soft green at this very moment held with a silk mohair which strengthens the fabric. The Manchelopi does break but is very easy to rub together and carry on knitting! I would definitely use this yarn again. The new yarns look interesting too. Good luck to WoolDreamers with their ventures and I hope you continue to grow your business.
What a wonderful interview! It does make a difference knowing the story behind a company. Thank you!
Fabulous interview. Thank you so much for sharing this. I love hearing about their dreams and their process and now committed to making something with their wool --- once I get through some of my stash that is nagging me! And the projects on the needles. I'm going to Spain in October and wish I was going further south and could visit their mill. Maybe next time.....
I so very much enjoyed this podcast and to learn of this family’s journey In making their yarn. Last year for the Sweater KAL I used the Manchelopis but was not pleased with the neckline so it was never worn. After the podcast I knew I needed to honor this family’s work so I altered the neckline and no wea it with pride. Thank you ❤️🧶❤️
Wonderful! I love that you've now fixed the neckline so you can wear your sweater!
Great interview. Really enjoying them. I plan to knit a 'spring' sweater with Saona after hearing their story and journey!
So inspired by your interview with WoolDreamers ❤. Always enjoyed manchego cheese but had not thought of what happens with the wool. Eager to try a project in Moto and the Manchelopi. Thank you for sharing the dream behind this wool, very inspirational. And a 4 ply sock wool yarn would be amazing. Love all the colorways of the other yarns plus just love the undyed look fleece.
Glad you enjoyed it! Let us know if you need help picking a project :D
Thank you so much for the interview with Oscar and Ramon! Their enthusiasm and love for Spanish wool and their work is so inspiring.
I would absolutely love to see them do a 100% wool DK weight sock yarn. That is something I have been wanting for so long.
I loved hearing from the owners of Wooldreamers about the history behind what they do. I will definitely support their dream. Your new Harris Tweed totes are gorgeous! All of the pockets will come in handy!
What an awesome interview! It is so fun to hear about the background and history of this company.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I loved this episode and will definitely bring knitting with Mota yarn in the future.
Inspired by listening to the family behind Wooldreamers telling their own story--love hearing about their past and future!
That was so interesting thank you for bring this to us 💜
Now deffinetly will be using this yarn when i can
Fabulous interview with Oscar and Ramon! I think a fingering sock yarn would be fabulous! Sock yarn is so frequently used for so many other knits not just socks so I can see scarves and cowls too. I’d love to see your sock yarn in your natural colors but also in the colors of your Mota landscape. ❤❤❤
Thanks for your ideas Marcia!
Wool Dreamers…. What an appropriate name. Great interview
Thank you for such a wonderful podcast! Wooldreamers way to go. I love your wool and every time I’m in Spain I order Manchelopi and have it shipped to Costa Aguilera Mar (Salobreña) and I’m extremely happy knitting with it❤❤❤
Ramón and Oscar’s interview is fantastic! To revive a Family Tradition and Legacy, while helping Farmers/Shepards in Spain is what true Sustainability is really about! Mota’s Fiber combinations are just wonderful! The hand is lovely! I don’t mind paying a bit more for such wonderful quality!
My favorite is the SANOA Yarn! I would love it if you could incorporate more colours! SANOA is perfect for Babies and Children!
I much prefer Sock Yarns to be all-natural fibers in a Fingering Weight! If people want to reinforce their heels and toes, that is their prerogative! I think that SANOA would also make a wonderful sock yarn!
Can’t wait to see what these Gentlemen will come up with in the future! I know that I will be a Big Fan❣️🧶
I loved hearing the story of their wool. Just purchased their Cautiva from TWT to make the Alpine Bloom Hat for the accessories KAL that’s coming up. Looking forward to working with this yarn. It feels great!🧶
Great interview - thank you! A WD sock yarn sounds so exciting, I hope they figure it out!
Enjoyed this informative video.
And the Don Quixote windmills on the Mota Label! Super!
Very interesting interview. I loved the family history and the stories behind their labels. They might want to try adding mohair to their sock yarn.
Excellent story to hear ❤ Gracias por contarnos la historia detras de su lana, muy interesante! La marca Onion usa ortiga en su lana de calcetines 😊
This was brilliant!!! So nice to see the face behind the brand and with such a special story and drive to help others as well as their own families. I loved hearing all the explanations behind each label and name.
Gentlemen might I suggest that more twist in both the singles and plying should help the sock yarn keep the socks from wearing out too quickly. But also if there is anyway to use some silk in the blend (5-10%) then they will be guaranteed that the socks will wear better. Pure silk is strong enough to cut skin when trying to break a 100% silk knitting yarn with just your hands. For this reason it helps give much strength to finished wool blends. It would also give your wool/silk blend a slight sheen which many knitters like and it will make an interesting look if you are dying this blend as well.
I look forward to seeing what your future sock yarn turns into. Best of luck. NancyKnot
Thanks for your suggestion! I'll make sure their team gets it!
This sure makes me want to buy WoolDreamer yarns. !00 % sport wool for socks would be great !!!
Wonderful interview. I’m heading to Spain next week and one of the tour stops is at a sheep farm near the windmills made famous by Don Quixote so maybe the same place or at least nearby. Glad I watched before we leave so I have more background information
This was a very informative conversation, thank you! I think that there is a growing market for DK weight sock yarn--especially for winter and boot wearing. Also, 100% wool sock yarn would work. The yarn could be packaged with a "spool" of reinforcing wool thread for heels and toes. It would be worth DreamWools exploring these possibilities.
Hola Ramón y Óscar, tuve la oportunidad de visitarlos en agosto del año pasado en Mota, es un gusto verlos en esta entrevista. Cuando fui a la tienda, me vendieron un kilo de la lana que lleva tencel. Hice un par de calcetines para un amigo y han sido todo un éxito. Los ha usado casi todos los días desde que empezó el frío en Madrid, no se les ha hecho hoyo y mantienen sus pies bien calientitos. Los tejí a 8puntadas por cada 2.5cm y resultó en una tela firme, pero no muy gruesa, de tal forma que los puede usar con sus botas sin ningún problema. Les comparto esto por si les sirve en la lana que están desarrollando. Les deseo lo mejor en sus futuros proyectos :)
Hi Rámon and Oscar, 100% wool, NOT superwashed sock wool is the best. If you want to blend it for strength, I'd add either some mohair, or silk, or a long lustre wool like Wensleydale. That's what I do sometimes when I prepare wool for spinning for socks. I prefer sport or DK because it gets COLD in the mountains of the northeast US and heavier socks are necessary. Just one person's opinion.
I would actually really love to see a DK yarn that's been made with socks in mind. True that fingering and sport weight are more common for socks, but maybe that's a gap in the market :)
Ok, so now I'm sitting here, petting my Manchalopi!!! Such a great podcast! It feels wonderful to be part of the wool dream!
What about making a sock yarn with the addition of silk instead of nylon?
Another yarn combination could be wool and linen? I knit socks in both fingering and dk weight!! Great interview!
Quite the interview! I have been wanting to try the Wool Dreamers yarn for sometime; and based on this evocative interview, I had better do it now before you are sold out. Add me to the list of potential customers who want more colors in the wool dreamers yarn. Thank you
A fingering weight sock yarn from WoolDreamers would be lovely! DK knits up faster, but I can use fingering weight with my CSM. I'm glad you mentioned weaving with Mota, going to think about that one!
I would love a good green yellow in the manchelopis, please 🙏
It's such a lovely yarn!
That would be beautiful!
Wow! What a wonderful episode. Ramon and Oscar are just adorable and I can’t wait to get my hands on some wooldreamer yarn to support their efforts of sustainability and community! Now…where to start ? Mota or Sauna?
Oh that's a tough choice! Mota and Saona are both beautiful. The good news is that you'll be happy with whichever you choose!
I'm gonna chime in for a dk sock yarn. Everyone goes thru their sock life differently. To get a pair done quickly a dk would be appreciated!