Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Author: Barbara (Doll) Creelman

loving life; keeping it simple!
Rocking Chair Chat: Spinning, Stitching, and Living Local — August 6, 2025

Rocking Chair Chat: Spinning, Stitching, and Living Local

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By DollCanCreate

There’s something about August that invites a slower pace. Maybe it’s the heat, or the way the golden light lingers just a little longer in the evenings. Or maybe it’s the feeling that summer is quietly slipping through our fingers. Whatever the reason, I find myself drawn to the rocking chair more often these days. I sit with a spindle and knitting needles in hand. My heart is full of reflection.

Wrapping Up Tour de Fleece

As Tour de Fleece came to a close, I finished my final skeins. I felt both a sense of satisfaction and a tinge of sadness. There’s such rhythm in spinning daily — a meditative motion that anchors the day. I loved watching my handspun pile grow, knowing that each yard was crafted with intention.

My last skeins came off the spindle with a deep sense of pride. Some are destined for a vest, others for future projects I haven’t dreamed up yet. But more than the yarn itself, I’m grateful for what the tour gave me: routine, resilience, and connection.

Sock Knitting & Small Joys

Now that the spinning has eased, my knitting projects are taking center stage. The socks on my needles are growing steadily — a simple pattern, yet rich with purpose. Socks are such a humble knitting. They go where I go, stitch by stitch becoming something warm and useful.

Alongside the socks, I’m knitting a cozy hat and a lacy scarf. These feel like comfort knitting — pieces that ask little of me beyond time and attention. And that’s what I need most right now.

What’s Next?

That’s the big question, isn’t it? As I rock and stitch, I’m letting ideas bubble up. Maybe a sweater from my Tour de Fleece yarn. Maybe a mini spin-along. Maybe just more rocking and dreaming. August feels like a bridge between the seasons — the perfect time to listen for what’s next.

Living the 100 Mile Life

Lately, I’ve also been leaning into my 100 Mile Life journey — choosing local wherever I can. It’s food from a nearby farm. It’s wool from a local flock. It’s supporting a maker just down the road. I’m reminded how rich and full life can be when we look close to home.

It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not perfect. But it feels right. It feels rooted.

So tell me — what’s on your needles or spindle right now? What small joys are anchoring your days?
Pull up a chair and let’s chat. 💬🧶

Dollcancreate

Handmade. Slow Made. Joy Made.

“What I Did on My Summer Holidays (and Where I Found God)” — August 3, 2025

“What I Did on My Summer Holidays (and Where I Found God)”

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By Rev. Barbara Creelman

Linden Park United Worship Video – scroll to bottom

What did you do on your summer holidays?

It’s the classic back-to-school question. And this week, as I prepared for Sunday and reflected on the past month, I found myself answering it. I answered not as a student, but as a soul that needed rest.

Here’s what I did:

I rested.
I played games.
I worked on a jigsaw puzzle.
I walked.
I beached.
I picked blueberries.
I swam.
I visited with family.
I ate ice cream.
I went to a museum.

Nothing groundbreaking. No exotic travel plans. No massive achievements.
But in every one of those simple things… I met God.

🌿 Jesus Said, “Come Away and Rest”

One of the verses I’ve been holding onto lately is from Mark 6:31, where Jesus says to his disciples:

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

That invitation comes after the disciples had been out in the world doing ministry, helping others, and working hard. Jesus didn’t say, “Well done—now do more.” He said, come away. Rest. Be still.

And that’s what this summer gave me: stillness. Not always silence—but soul-quiet.
I wasn’t lazy. I was living gently.

The jigsaw puzzle helped me slow my thoughts.
The walk brought fresh air to tired bones.
The beach invited me to float, breathe, release.
The blueberries—well, they reminded me that the earth still gives.

🌞 There Is a Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that:

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…
That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in their work—this is the gift of God.”

I’ve read that many times, but this year it felt personal.
This summer, there was laughter around family tables.
There was dancing—of the everyday kind: in the kitchen, on the trail, through conversation.
There was joy in each small moment.
And yes—there was satisfaction in the gift of doing nothing urgent.

🧩 Life, Like a Puzzle

One of the images that has stayed with me is the puzzle I worked on.

Thousands of tiny pieces, all jumbled and confusing.
Sometimes I’d sit for an hour and not find a match.
Other times, it would come together effortlessly.

Isn’t that life?

There are days when the pieces don’t fit.
Seasons when things go missing.
But slowly, steadily, God is putting something beautiful together—even if I can’t yet see the whole picture.

🍦 Grace Tastes Like Ice Cream

And then there are moments of pure, holy joy.

A scoop of chocolate chip mint shared with someone you love.
A lake that welcomes you like a baptism.
A museum exhibit that makes you gasp with wonder.
The sound of family laughing over a silly board game.

These aren’t distractions from the spiritual life.
They are the spiritual life.

God isn’t only found in pews and prayer books.
God is also in sunshine and conversation and dessert and discovery.

✨ A Summer Blessing

So, what did I do on my summer holidays?

I lived. I laughed. I rested. I remembered who I am.
And I remembered Whose I am.

And now I’m carrying that rest into the season ahead.

Let me leave you with this blessing. Maybe it’s for you too:

May the God of rest restore your soul.
May the God of play awaken your joy.
May the God of beauty open your eyes to wonder.
And may your summer story become a chapter of gratitude.

🧶July Newsletter — August 1, 2025

🧶July Newsletter

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Dear Creative Friends,

As July draws to a close, I’m looking back with a full heart and yarn-covered hands. Whether you’ve been spinning alongside me for Tour de Fleece 2025 or merely enjoying the long days of summer with a cool drink. You might also be enjoying a quiet stitch. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. Enjoy this beautiful season.

🌀 Tour de Fleece Reflections: What I Learned

This year’s Tour de Fleece was about consistency and grace. I committed to spinning every day. Some days were spent at full whirl on my wheel. Other days were spent quietly on my spindle in the shade. There were moments of fatigue and others of elation (especially when I measured that surprise 125-meter skein!).

Key takeaways:

  • Small steps add up. Even a few minutes each day built up to sweater-worthy yardage. (or a vest)
  • Rest days matter. I embraced the official Tour rest days — and a few bonus ones too!
  • Joy in the process. Watching fibre transform in my hands still feels like a small miracle.

🧳 Summer Vacation: Rest and Play

July wasn’t just about production — it was also about pause. I walked, beached, puzzled, swam, and sat in my favourite chair with yarn in my lap. I visited museums, picked blueberries, and yes — ate ice cream with loved ones. This is the life I want to keep spinning toward: slow, full of joy, and rooted in beauty.

📸 On the Blog & YouTube

Check out this month’s uploads:

🗓️ What’s Coming in August

  • A new 30-Day Fibre Reset Challenge — clean, card, spin, and organize.
  • Blanket-building month: working with handspun and memory squares.
  • New video: “What’s In My Fibre Basket?”
  • Studio reorganizing VLOG (with my new thrifted wool shelf!). (still searching for this)

🎉 Community Corner

This month, I was inspired by all of you — the photos, messages, and stories shared. Keep tagging me at #DollCan so I can cheer you on!

Let’s Stay Connected:
🌐 DollCanCreate.com
📺 YouTube: Doll Can Create
📸 Instagram: @dollcan
📬 Got a story or finished object to share? Hit reply and let’s feature it!

Until next time,
Stay curious. Stay gentle. Keep spinning.

💗
– Doll
http://www.DollCanCreate.com
Handmade. Slow Made. Joy Made.

125 METERS & COUNTING! My Tour de Fleece Recap — July 30, 2025
What did I learn? — July 29, 2025

What did I learn?

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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.

It’s time.Spindles, Suitcases, and Sweet Escape: A Spinner’s Vacation BeginsIt’s time. — July 17, 2025

It’s time.Spindles, Suitcases, and Sweet Escape: A Spinner’s Vacation BeginsIt’s time.

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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: — July 16, 2025

✨ It’s Not Too Late:

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✨ 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

  1. There Are No Spinning Police.
    No one is tracking your start date or yardage.
  2. Your Journey, Your Pace.
    Maybe this week is when you can spin—life happens.
  3. More Inspiration Now.
    With Week 1 done, you’ve got loads of spinning posts to draw ideas from.
  4. Mini Goals Are Magic.
    A single spindle full, a bobbin cleared, or one new technique—that’s plenty.
  5. 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:

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One: —

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One:

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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

Preparing for the Sabbath: A Pause in the Quiet — July 5, 2025

Preparing for the Sabbath: A Pause in the Quiet

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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.

Tour de Fleece: Day One – Let’s Get Spinning! —

Tour de Fleece: Day One – Let’s Get Spinning!

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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!