Take a look. Let me know if you participated and if you have plans for the newly spun yarn.
Blessings,
Doll
Author: Barbara (Doll) Creelman
loving life; keeping it simple!
Reflections on Daily Spinning: Lessons from Tour de Fleece
By Doll – July Wrap-Up
🧶 1. Consistency Counts More Than Speed
Spinning even a little each day adds up. Whether on the spindle or the wheel, showing up regularly built real momentum—and yarn!
🧵 2. Different Tools Serve Different Energy Levels
The spindle offered a peaceful pace for tired days, while the wheel let you make quick progress when you had more energy. Learning when to use which helped keep the joy in the process.
🪷 3. Grace Makes the Journey Sustainable
Read below for more:
Some days you were tired, and that was okay. You learned to listen to your body and spin gently, reminding yourself that rest and rhythm go hand in hand.
Tour de Fleece has just come to a close, and I’m pausing to reflect on what daily spinning taught me—about yarn, yes, but also about persistence, pacing, and grace.
I joined this year’s Tour with a clear intention: to spin enough yarn for a vest or sweater. A lofty but exciting goal. And while I didn’t set strict daily targets or try to hit big spinning milestones, I did commit to showing up—every single day—with spindle or wheel in hand.
The Process
Most of my spinning was done on my trusty spindles. They’re portable, calming, and surprisingly productive when used daily. But for larger quantities—and on days when I had more time and energy—I turned to my wheel. The result was a nice rhythm between the two, and a growing understanding of how each tool fits into my creative life.
On both spindle and wheel, I used a short forward draw, spinning worsted-style with the aim of achieving a DK to sock-weight yarn. It’s the weight I enjoy knitting with the most—and it’s also versatile enough for the layering pieces I want to make.
The Only Real Challenge: Energy
There weren’t many obstacles, really—no tangled messes, no broken bobbins, no spindle disasters. What I did notice was how my own energy levels played a role. Some days, especially those hot, midsummer afternoons or late evenings after long walks, I just didn’t have much to give. And that’s okay.
I learned to respect that tiredness, to spin just a few minutes if that’s all I had, and to remind myself that every meter counts.
A Memorable Moment
One of the most exciting moments came when I skeined off a large bobbin from the wheel and measured out 125 meters of yarn. That’s a big number for me—larger than usual. It felt like a real celebration. Not just for the yardage, but for the consistency, the colour, the sense of completion. A visual and tactile reminder that spinning adds up.
What I Learned
Small sessions add up – Whether five minutes or fifty, the act of returning to the spindle daily built momentum. Tools work together – The spindle and wheel don’t compete in my world. They complement each other. Each brings a different rhythm to the work. Energy is part of the equation – Spinning isn’t just physical; it requires presence. Giving myself grace on tired days made the whole journey more sustainable. Every skein tells a story – That 125-meter skein? It’s a symbol of patience, persistence, and purpose. And it’s going into something I’ll wear with pride.
What’s Next?
Now that Tour de Fleece is over, I’m planning to swatch with some of the yarn and start sketching ideas for that vest or sweater. I may even keep the daily spinning going, even if it’s just a little each morning—because it grounds me.
To those who spun alongside me this month: congratulations. Whether you spun 10 meters or 1,000, whether you spun daily or sporadically, you moved fibre through your fingers and created beauty. That’s something worth celebrating.
What did you learn from Tour de Fleece? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @DollCan – I’d love to see what’s on your bobbin.
I could be doing 20 other things right now.
The dishes are calling, the laundry’s lurking, and I know I should double-check the packing list… but here I am—writing. Not because I have to, but because this moment deserves to be marked.
It’s time.
Time to pack the car.
Time for vacation.
Time for spindle spinning.
There’s something sacred about these threshold moments—when we move from the everyday into the extraordinary. The hum of routine fades away. It is replaced by the rustle of maps. You can hear the buzz of zippers and the clink of water bottles being tucked into side doors. And nestled between sunscreen and snacks? My spindle.
Because no matter where I go, the rhythm of spinning grounds me. Whether I’m sitting by a lake, I feel at home. I feel at home perched on a cabin porch. Or I feel at home stealing a few quiet moments before everyone else wakes up—spindle in hand.
So yes, there are 20 other things I could be doing. But I choose this:
The gentle weight of wool, the whisper of twist, the promise of rest.
Vacation begins now.
Let the spinning continue.
✨ It’s Not Too Late: How to Join Tour de Fleece Anytime
Have you been watching Tour de Fleece unfold online and thinking,
“I wish I’d joined… but I missed the start”?
Here’s the good news: Tour de Fleece isn’t a race. It’s a rhythm. And yes—you can start anytime.
Why Join Late?
Tour de Fleece is about celebrating spinning, building community, and connecting with the joy of fibre. Whether you’re seven days in or seven days out, your spinning still matters. The “rules” are more like suggestions, and the most important one is: just spin.
5 Reasons It’s Not Too Late
- There Are No Spinning Police.
No one is tracking your start date or yardage. - Your Journey, Your Pace.
Maybe this week is when you can spin—life happens. - More Inspiration Now.
With Week 1 done, you’ve got loads of spinning posts to draw ideas from. - Mini Goals Are Magic.
A single spindle full, a bobbin cleared, or one new technique—that’s plenty. - You Belong.
Late or early, you’re part of the community the moment you show up.
Quick Start Checklist ✅
Download this printable: Tour de Fleece Late Start Checklist
Or just use this list to focus your energy:
- ☐ Set one small goal for the rest of the Tour
- ☐ Spin 10–15 minutes a day
- ☐ Choose a fibre that brings you joy
- ☐ Let go of perfection—progress is the win
- ☐ Share your spin with the community (if you want to!)
Join the Spin Now
Even if today’s your first spin of the Tour, that counts. It matters. And it’s worth celebrating. So whether you’re picking up your spindle after a break or just discovering the event—you’re in. Welcome!
Let me know what you’re spinning this week in the comments. You can also tag me on Instagram at @dollcan. I want to cheer you on!
Check out the video here:
My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why
Posted on July 12, 2025 by Barbara aka Doll
The wheel is humming, the spindle is whirling, and Tour de Fleece 2025 is officially underway! There’s something energizing about spinning alongside a global community—each of us finding our rhythm, one draft at a time.
Whether you’re just joining in or you’ve been prepping for weeks, Week One is about beginning. And this year, I’m starting with gratitude, curiosity, and a basket full of beautiful wool.
This week’s video is a summary of week one and a catch up as well. Scroll to the bottom to view the video.
✨ What I’m Spinning
This week I’m working with both my spinning wheel and my drop spindles. They offer different joys. My wheel brings long, peaceful stretches. My spindles are perfect for spontaneous spinning outside or during quiet breaks in the day.
I’ve chosen some naturally dyed wool. It includes onion skins and just a hint of avocado. I also have some fleece in natural shades. It’s not about spinning for speed; it’s about connection: to the fiber, the rhythm, and the story each skein holds.
🎥 On the Channel:
Tour de Fleece Week 1: My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why
This week’s YouTube video walks through:
- My fiber and tool choices
- How I prep for both spindle and wheel spinning
- Why Tour de Fleece is about more than just yarn—it’s about peace, purpose, and play
📣 I’d love to know—are you spinning this year? Drop a comment or tag me @dollcancreate on Instagram!
🧵 Spinning Reflections: The Ritual of Beginning
Starting something new always brings mixed feelings—excitement, nerves, maybe a little overwhelm. But here’s what spinning taught me this week: start small, and let the joy grow.
Even 15 minutes a day is enough to settle into flow. The sound of the wheel brought me back to center. The pull of the spindle and the twist of the wool did as well. This isn’t about pressure. It’s about presence.
🌟 Join Me?
If you’re spinning along, I’d love to follow your progress! Tag me on social media or send a note. Whether you’re making art yarn or refining your drafting technique, your journey is valid and beautiful.
Let’s spin a little joy into the world—one twist at a time.
Follow along all month at dollcancreate.com and on YouTube @dollcancreate
In the hush before the dawn,
A pause is gently drawn,
Not from haste, nor from demand,
But from the stillness of the land.
Today, we set aside the race,
To carve a moment, find our place,
In quiet steps, we prepare the way,
For tomorrow’s calm, the gift of day.
A cup of tea, a whispered prayer,
A mindful breath, a moment’s care,
The clutter fades, the peace takes hold,
In simple acts, the Sabbath unfolds.
Not tomorrow, but today we sow,
The seeds of rest we long to know,
In silence deep, in quiet grace,
We find our hearts a sacred space.
So as the sun begins to set,
The Sabbath pause, we’ve gently met,
And though tomorrow’s peace may come,
The rest begins when we’re undone.
Blessings as you rest this evening.
Welcome to my channel! I’m Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you through the Tour de Fleece 2025. If you’re new here, I believe anyone can create—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. It’s all about learning, growing, and getting better each day, and today, I’m taking you along for my spinning adventure.
See video below.
What’s On My Wheel?
I’ve hauled my Babe wheel up the stairs. Let me tell you, one of the best things about these wheels is how light they are. For the first day of the Tour de Fleece, I’m spinning a lovely BLUEFACED LEICESTER. This fiber is from Rampart Farm and Woolen Mill, in Branchton, Ontario. I bought this fiber last fall and dyed it myself using onion skins. I added just a touch of avocado. Although, the avocado didn’t really leave much color on this batch.
I’m using a short draw technique for a worsted spin, aiming for a fine yarn. While it’s not the softest fiber, it’s incredibly easy to work with. That is exactly what I wanted for day one. I’ve decided to spin for about half an hour today. Still, I won’t make you watch the wheel spin for all that time. We all know that part’s not the most exciting, right?
The Sounds of Summer
As I’m spinning, I’m also enjoying the neighborhood sounds. There’s a hawk circling overhead. It’s calling out in his usual way. Nearby, a sparrow’s nest has taken up residence in the carport corner. The background traffic is minimal since we’re at the end of a court. I’m definitely getting all the wonderful outdoor vibes today.
Goals for Day One
My goal today is to spin for at least an hour. I’m going to focus on the wheel. I’ll also be picking up my spindle to do some work there. I’ve got a blue fiber waiting for me. I can’t seem to find it right now. So, I’ll be digging around in my stash to track it down. During the Tour, I’ll also be spinning some white of the same fiber.
Originally, my plan was to spin enough for a vest—or, if I’m feeling ambitious, a whole sweater. I’ve seen others do it, so why not? If they can do it, I can too. Right?
Challenges and Updates
I know some of you are probably thinking, “How does everything go so smoothly?” Well, I can tell you that this little wheel’s drive band is causing trouble. It’s jumping off every now and then. I can feel some minor grease or maybe soap residue on the fiber. It’s all part of the process. When I set the twist, it should be fine.
Speaking of which, I need a new drive band for the wheel. I’ll have to handle that before the end of the challenge. But, like I always say—there’s nothing like a little challenge to keep things interesting!
What’s Coming Up?
Looking ahead, I’ll be finishing up the Tour de Fleece at a campground. I’m not sure if I’ll bring my wheel. It all depends on space and what else I need to pack. I’m committed to spinning as much as I can throughout this month. I’m excited to share this experience with you.
Join Me!
I’ll be posting updates on Instagram, Facebook, my blog, and of course, on YouTube. If you’d like to follow along, please like this post. You can also subscribe to my channel. Share it with your friends. You can also join the fun using the hashtag: #NotAMasterSpinner and #TourDeFleece2025.
I’m so glad to have you with me on this Tour de Fleece journey. Let’s spin, create, and enjoy the ride together!
Take care, God bless, and I’ll see you soon!
Embracing the Sabbath in the Summer Season
We are now entering the heart of summer. The days stretch longer. The world seems to slow down just a bit. For many of us, this season offers the perfect opportunity to step back from our busy lives. It allows us to reflect on the rhythms of rest that God has designed for us. It’s a time when we can honor the Sabbath, not just as a day off. More than that, it is a spiritual discipline that helps us reconnect with our Creator.
In Exodus 20:8-10, God commands us to “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” But what does that really mean for us today? How can we incorporate Sabbath into our lives? Our time is often consumed by responsibilities. We also have many tasks and distractions.
The Call to Rest
The concept of Sabbath rest isn’t just about taking a break from work. It’s about pausing to recognize God’s presence. It also allows ourselves to be renewed by Him. God established the rhythm of work and rest from the very beginning of creation. After six days of creating the world, He rested on the seventh day, setting an example for us. The Sabbath is a sacred time to step away from our labors. It is a moment to focus on what God has done in our lives. We also consider what God is doing now.
In the midst of a busy summer, it can be easy to forget the importance of this spiritual practice. The hustle of our everyday routines can prevent us from slowing down enough to truly rest in God’s presence. But the Sabbath reminds us to stop, reflect, and breathe in His goodness.
Rest as a Gift
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This invitation isn’t just for those who are physically tired. It’s for anyone feeling the weight of the world. It’s also for those carrying emotional or spiritual burdens. Jesus promises to give us rest—a rest that refreshes our souls and brings us peace.
Summer can be a time to experience this rest in new ways. We can spend time in nature. We can enjoy a slower pace of life. Or we can simply sit in quiet reflection. In these ways, we allow God to renew us. The Sabbath calls us to embrace this gift of rest. It allows our minds and bodies to be restored. This way, we can fully experience the peace that only God can give.
Embracing God’s Presence
As we pause to rest, we also pause to recognize God’s presence in our lives. Summer is a wonderful time to slow down. It is a perfect time to take in the beauty of creation. We appreciate the flowers in bloom, the sun shining brightly, and the stillness of a quiet evening. These moments invite us to remember that God is in all things, and in His presence, we find true rest.
But true rest isn’t just about being physically still. It’s about spiritually resting in God’s arms. It’s about surrendering our worries, releasing our anxieties, and allowing His peace to wash over us. In these sacred moments of stillness, we hear His voice. We feel His comfort. We experience His love in a deeper way.
How to Practice Sabbath in the Summer
- Create Space for Silence – Take a walk in nature or enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea. Sit in your favorite chair with a Bible in hand. Carve out moments of silence to reflect on God’s goodness.
- Disconnect from Distractions – The summer heat can often lead to a slower pace. Use this time to disconnect from screens. Step away from emails and social media. Embrace the freedom of being present in the moment.
- Enjoy the Outdoors – Spend time outside, taking in the beauty of creation. Go for a walk in the park, sit by the lake, or simply enjoy a sunset. These moments remind us of the Creator’s handiwork.
- Worship and Reflect – Take time to worship, either in a community setting or privately. Singing hymns, reflecting on scripture, or simply praying can help us reconnect with God’s presence.
Hymn for the Day: Take Time to be Holy
Closing Thought:
In this busy world, it’s easy to feel like there’s always something more to do. But the Sabbath is a gentle invitation to slow down, rest in God’s presence, and embrace His peace. This summer, let’s commit to honoring the Sabbath as a sacred space to be renewed and restored. Remember that the rest we find in God is not just a pause from work. It is a deep and lasting peace that fills our souls.
May this mid-week pause encourage you to take a step back, breathe deeply, and find rest in God’s loving arms.
Blessings to all
Tour de Fleece Checklist
The Tour de Fleece is a fun and exciting challenge for spinners all over the world. Whether you’re a beginner, it’s a fantastic way to push your spinning skills. If you’re seasoned, it’s a great opportunity to engage with the community. If you’re gearing up for the Tour de Fleece, having a clear plan can help you stay focused and organized. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you’re ready to spin!
1. Set Your Goals
Before you dive into the Tour de Fleece, take a moment to set your spinning goals. Ask yourself:
- What fibers do I want to spin during this challenge?
- How much spinning do I want to achieve?
- Do I want to try a new technique or spin for a specific project?
Setting clear, achievable goals will keep you motivated and help you stay on track throughout the event.
2. Prepare Your Fiber
Now that your goals are set, it’s time to get your fibers ready. Go through your fiber stash and pick out the ones you’d like to work with. This could include:
- Washing and prepping raw fibers
- Carding or combing fibers to make them easier to spin
- Sorting fibers by color or texture for a specific project
Prepare your fibers ahead of time. This will save you precious time during the challenge. It will let you focus on the actual spinning.
3. Prepare Your Tools
Your spinning wheel or spindle is your main tool, so make sure it’s in top shape.
- Clean and oil your spinning wheel or spindle
- Check your bobbins for wear and tear
- Make sure you have any extra tools, like knitting needles or crochet hooks, ready for finishing your spun yarn
Taking a moment to check your tools now can prevent any delays during the challenge.
4. Plan Your Spinning
A little planning goes a long way! Create a daily spinning schedule to help you stay organized and committed. Rest days (July 15 & 21) are part of the challenge. Be sure to schedule those into your plan.
- What fiber will you spin each day?
- How much time can you dedicate to spinning?
- Do you need to factor in time for other fiber-related tasks (like plying or setting your yarn)?
A clear spinning schedule helps you pace yourself and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.
5. Engage & Celebrate
The Tour de Fleece is all about community and fun. Don’t forget to share your progress with others:
- Join a Tour de Fleece group or challenge
- Post updates on social media using the hashtag #TourDeFleece
- Celebrate your accomplishments at the end of the event, no matter how much you spin
Engaging with others and celebrating your journey is an important part of the experience. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and having fun!
By adhering to this checklist, you’ll be set for a successful Tour de Fleece. Whether you’re aiming to spin a specific yarn or you just want to enjoy the process, planning ahead is key. This ensures you make the most of this exciting challenge. Happy spinning, and may your bobbins be full!
You can download a printable checklist here:
✋ A Five-Finger Prayer for a Faithful Life
(shared during worship at Linden Park Community United Church)
Have you ever looked at your own hand and seen a prayer?
I recently started praying with my fingers. No fancy words—just five simple requests that come from the heart. Each one is anchored in scripture and rooted in my deep longing to walk closer with God. I call it the Five-Finger Prayer, and it’s become a daily rhythm, a spiritual check-in, and a beautiful reminder of how God shapes us, one step (or finger) at a time.
Let me walk you through it.
👍 Take Me
Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
It all begins here: surrender. I offer myself to God. All of me—my plans, my fears, my gifts, and even my broken pieces. I hold nothing back. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about saying, “Here I am, Lord. Take me.”
☝️ Love Me
Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
After surrender comes the hard part: receiving. Sometimes it’s easier to believe that God loves others than to believe He truly loves me. But He does—with a love that never lets go. Every day, I pray, “Love me, Lord.” Not because I doubt Him—but because I need to be reminded.
🖕 Wash Me
Psalm 51:2 – “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
This is the tallest finger. For me, it represents my need for God’s grace. We all carry things we wish we didn’t. Guilt. Shame. Regret. But the good news? God doesn’t just cover over our sin—He cleanses it. “Wash me, Lord,” I pray. “Make me new again.”
💍 Fill Me
Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.”
The ring finger symbolizes union, covenant, and connection. It reminds me that I can’t do this alone. I need the Spirit to fill me—again and again. I ask for strength, wisdom, peace, and joy. “Fill me, Lord. Pour into me what I can’t find on my own.”
🤏 Use Me
Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
This is the pinky. It is the smallest finger, but it reminds me God can use even the smallest act. Even the simplest “yes.” I don’t need to be famous, perfect, or powerful. I just need to be willing. “Use me, Lord,” I whisper. “Wherever. However. I’m yours.”
👐 A Daily Practice
Sometimes when I don’t know what to pray, I just hold out my hand and go finger by finger:
- Take me
- Love me
- Wash me
- Fill me
- Use me
Simple. Honest. Transformative.
🙏 Want to try it?
Take a moment. Look at your hand. And pray this with me:
“Take me, Lord. I surrender all that I am.
Love me. Let me receive the fullness of Your grace.
Wash me clean of anything that holds me back.
Fill me with Your Spirit and Your strength.
Use me to bring hope, peace, and love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Let this prayer shape your day. Let your hand remind you that you’re held, loved, and sent.
📌 If this blessed you, you are welcome to print the Five-Finger Prayer Card. You can also share it with someone who might need it.
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