Episode 16: Talk on the Wild Side (34:00)

Do you know the story behind the fiber you're knitting, crocheting or spinning? Before it makes it to your yarn pusher, all non-plant fibers most likely belonged to a creature. Linda Cortright, editor and publisher of Wild Fibers magazine discusses the magazine and her fiber travels. Wild Fibers educates and promotes all aspects of the natural fiber industry with special emphasis on sustainable practices and responsible use of natural resources throughout the world.

While Stephen was away traveling, Michael heard Linda speak at the Spindles and Flyers guild in El Cerrito, CA about the Chantang nomads of Ladakh and their cashmere goats in northern India. Cosmically, two weeks later, the universe aligned so Stephen enjoyed seeing Linda's presentation at Rhinebeck, aka, the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival.

Other topics discussed:

• The mentioned men's pattern from the Summer 2006 issue of Wild Fibers is not available online. (Does anyone know the name of this sweater or have a photo? Let us know!)
• Wild Fibers' Breeder's Directory
• Ladakh cashmere fiber available for purchase while supplies last. Email Wild Fibers' office
• Wild Fibers writer's guidelines for submissions
• United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres 2009
• Keep the Fleece, an international competition in celebration with the United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres

Contest (and a surprise for everyone!)
Linda has given us a one-year subscription to Wild Fibers magazine to give away. Just let us know what sort of far-flung places has your fiber exploration taken you, geographically, spiritually, or emotionally? A winner will be randomly selected from all entrants.
DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THIS CONTEST IS DECEMBER 7, 2008.

For those of you who want to subscribe, Linda has offered YKNIT listeners a 10% discount rate which is applicable to subscriptions (both new and gifted), as well as back issues. Enter the promo code "Yknit" when you place your order online. This offer is valid through December 1, 2008.

Contest Winners
Congratulations to our winners from episode 14 with Brooke and Maia of Tactile Fiber Arts. The new-to-spinning winner is BeckyJean and the already-been-spinning winner is Noricum/Andrea. Thanks to everyone who entered and shared their stories. We love reading about your yarnie passions and hope you're reading them too!.

A big thank you to everyone who listens, reviews, recommends and responds to YKNIT! Without you, we're nothing.

YKnit? It's a great source of fiber!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Walk on the Wildside" performed by Lou Reed from Transformer (RCA, 1972)
• "Wild Thing" performed by Tone Loc from Lōc-ed After Dark (Delicious Vinyl, 1989)
• "Tree Hugger" performed by The Rugburns from Taking the World by Donkey (Manifesto, 2004)
• "Heat Wave" performed by Ethel Waters from The Incomparable Ethel Waters (Okeh/Columbia, 1933)
• "Variation on Genesis" and "Bounty Full of Crops" performed by Ravi Shankar from Genesis: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Milan, 1986)
• "Aïrauyqtyn Aschy Kuïi" performed by Maîtres de la Dombra from Dombra du Kazakhstan (Buda Musique / Believe Digital. 2006)
• "Joyce No. 2" performed by Johnson Mkhalali from The Indestructible Beat of Soweto - Volume One
• "Para Elisa" performed by Los Destellos from The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias from Peru (Barbes Records, 2007)
• "The Thing (Main Title)" by Ennio Morricone from The Thing: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Universal, 1982)
• "Kashmir" performed by Lez Zeppelin from Lez Zeppelin (Emanation, 2007)
• "Kashmir" performed by Rockabye Baby! from Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin (Baby Rock Records, 2006)
• "Born to Be Wild" performed by Steppenwolf from Steppenwolf Gold (ABC/Dunhill, 1971)
• "The Wild Boys" performed by Duran Duran from The Wild Boys (Capitol, 1984)