I’ve created a devotional for Lent that can be used along with our KAL. May you find a blessing here. (Picture found on Pintrest)
Week 1: The Word Became Flesh
Day 1: John 1:1-5 Reflection: Jesus is the Word, the light that shines in the darkness. How is His light shining in your life? Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your light and share it with others. Amen.
Day 2: John 1:14 Reflection: Jesus took on flesh and dwelled among us. How does this truth impact your relationship with Him? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to live among us. Teach me to abide in You. Amen.
Day 3: John 1:29-34 Reflection: John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. Do you acknowledge Him daily as your Light and guide. Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see You clearly and follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.
Day 4: John 2:1-11 Reflection: Jesus’ first miracle at Cana shows His power to transform. How do you need His transformation today? Prayer: Lord, change my heart and make me new in You. Amen.
Day 5: John 3:1-8 Reflection: Being born again is a spiritual renewal. Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? Prayer: Holy Spirit, renew me daily and draw me closer to You. Amen.
Day 6: John 3:16-21 Reflection: God’s love is revealed in Jesus. Do you live in the freedom of His love? Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your everlasting love. Help me to walk in it. Amen.
Day 7: John 4:7-26 Reflection: Jesus offers living water. Are you thirsty for more of Him? Prayer: Fill me, Jesus, with Your living water so I may never thirst again. Amen.
I started my Lenten project, a log cabin-style blanket, but quickly realized I didn’t like the pattern I had chosen. So, I changed it to something that felt more natural.
This blanket is made from my handspun, all Canadian wool—Shetland from Nova Scotia and a Bluefaced Leicester/Merino blend from Ontario.
Just like the season of Lent, this project is about creating a daily rhythm of prayer, meditation, and reflection as I knit.
Embracing Imperfection and Growth
As I knit, I notice how some stitches are uneven and messy, just like life. But both the perfect and the imperfect pieces come together to create something whole.
I considered ripping it out and starting over, but I decided to embrace the imperfections, knowing that growth happens in the process.
This reminds me of the Lenten journey—accepting where I am while also striving for transformation.
Feeding My Soul and Finding Gratitude
At Bible study this morning, we talked about the “bread of life” and how we nourish our souls—not just with food, but through prayer, community, and the things we take in daily.
I ask myself: How am I feeding my soul today? What am I doing to strengthen my relationship with the Divine?
Gratitude is a powerful practice. When I take a moment to notice the blessings around me, everything shifts.
As I continue knitting this blanket, stitch by stitch, I’m reminded that Lent is not about perfection—it’s about the journey. Each day, I’ll show up, knit a little, pray a little, and reflect on the ways I can grow. Some days will be smooth, and others will feel messy, but all of it is part of something bigger.
So, I invite you to join me in this rhythm. Take a moment to reflect, to pray, to create, and most of all, to notice the blessings around you. We are all works in progress, but together, we are being shaped into something whole. God bless. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation—a time to slow down and focus on what truly matters. This year, I’m incorporating that spirit into my knitting with a Lenten Log Cabin Blanket. Over 40 days, I’ll knit one section each day, allowing the project to grow as a visual and tangible reminder of this sacred season.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to blend faith and fiber arts, I invite you to join me in this project!
What is a Log Cabin Blanket?
A log cabin blanket is a modular knitting technique that starts with a small center square, then builds outward by adding strips one by one. There’s no seaming—just picking up stitches and knitting in a continuous, meditative process.
It’s a perfect metaphor for Lent—layering our faith, growing in discipline, and building on a strong foundation. As each strip is added, we are reminded that faith is not built in a day but in steady, intentional steps.
The Lenten Knitting Plan: 40 Sections in 40 Days
This project is structured around daily knitting goals, making it both manageable and meaningful. Each day, I’ll add a new section to the blanket, sometimes incorporating special stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent.
Choosing Colors for Lent
Your color choices can add another layer of meaning:
Purple – The traditional color of Lent, representing repentance and reflection.
Earth Tones – Symbolizing simplicity and fasting.
A Gradient from Dark to Light – Moving from reflection to renewal as Easter approaches.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Knit the Center Square
We begin with a simple garter stitch square—the foundation of the blanket. This represents the foundation of faith and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Adding Log Strips
Once the center square is finished, I’ll pick up stitches along one edge and knit a new strip. Each day, a new strip is added in a clockwise direction, causing the blanket to grow outward in a natural rhythm.
This daily practice of knitting a section becomes a spiritual discipline, just like prayer or fasting. It offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and be mindful.
Symbolism & Stitch Patterns for Lent
To make this project even more meaningful, I’m incorporating different stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent:
Garter stitch – Simplicity and steadfastness.
Moss stitch – Growth in faith.
Broken rib – The struggles and perseverance of the journey.
Cross motifs – A visible reminder of faith.
Lace and eyelets – Light breaking through, symbolizing renewal.
Each stitch carries significance, turning this blanket into a tapestry of devotion and reflection.
A Daily Practice for Lent
By the time Easter arrives, this blanket will be a physical representation of the season—each section carrying the prayers, thoughts, and reflections from the journey. Whether you knit in quiet prayer, meditate on scripture, or simply use this time to slow down, this project can be a deeply spiritual practice.
Join Me in This Lenten Knitting Journey!
Are you knitting a Lenten project this year? I’d love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments what colors you’re using, what reflections you’re bringing into your stitches, or if you have any special traditions that combine faith and fiber arts.
And if you want to see the progress of my Lenten Log Cabin Blanket, be sure to follow along on my [YouTube channel] (or insert social media links)!
Happy knitting, and may your Lenten journey be filled with peace and reflection.
Here’s your printable guide for the Lenten Log Cabin Blanket! (my gift to you)
Imagine walking with a friend—perhaps on a quiet path, sharing thoughts, when suddenly, they are transfigured before your very eyes. Their face shines like the sun, their garments glow with a brilliance beyond this world. How would you react? Would you be afraid? Amazed? Overwhelmed?
This is the scene that unfolds in the Transfiguration of Jesus—a moment when his divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John. In an instant, Jesus is radiant, and beside him stand Moses and Elijah, two towering figures of faith. The disciples, startled and unsure, react as we might: Peter impulsively suggests building tents to capture the moment, to give it form and structure. Yet, the voice of God intervenes: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
There are times in life when we, too, witness something extraordinary—moments that catch us off guard and fill us with wonder. The glow of a sunset over still waters, the breathtaking grandeur of an ancient cathedral, the profound peace in the laughter of a loved one. These moments remind us that the divine is not distant, but near.
But transfiguration isn’t only about grand, celestial encounters. It happens in the everyday. It happens when a new mother looks into the eyes of her child, when a person lost in despair finds hope, when someone chooses love over fear. Transformation is not just about the visible; it is about how we are changed from within.
Even the simplest things—our hands, our work, our presence—hold traces of the divine. Our hands, once seen as ordinary, become instruments of kindness, of healing, of prayer. Our daily lives, when seen through the lens of faith, become part of something greater.
So, the question remains: do we recognize the light of Christ in ourselves and in those around us? Do we, like Peter, rush to capture it, or do we allow it to change us? Do we listen when God says, “Pay attention. Listen to me.”
The challenge before us is not just to witness transfiguration, but to live it. To shine the love of God in a world that desperately needs light. To see the miracle of the ordinary, to listen deeply, and to respond with faith.
May we walk forward in that light, transformed by the One who calls us by name.
Hello, dear friends! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to have you join me today. As we usher in March, the landscape around us is in flux—snow, rain, sleet, and the promise of spring. It’s a season of renewal, and what better time to embark on a year-long journey of mindful, local crafting?
Embracing the 100-Mile Crafting Challenge
Inspired by the 100-Mile Diet, which encourages sourcing food within a 100-mile radius to promote sustainability and support local economies, I’ve decided to apply this concept to my crafting endeavors. The goal is to source fibers and materials from local farms and artisans, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a deeper connection with our community.
Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift from one project to another, leaving many unfinished. By setting specific objectives, we can channel our creativity more effectively and experience the satisfaction of completing meaningful projects. For instance, committing to knitting a pair of socks each month or spinning a certain amount of fiber weekly can provide structure and motivation.
Recently, I’ve been spinning some delightful brown fiber gifted from Germany—a blend that’s been a joy to work with. Additionally, I’ve spun yarn from local sheep, resulting in a sturdy two-ply yarn. While I haven’t decided on the final projects for these yarns, I’m contemplating various options like scarves, socks, or perhaps even a cozy sweater.
Tips for Your Crafting Journey
Start Small: If you’re new to spinning or knitting, begin with manageable projects like hats or scarves. Completing these can boost your confidence and inspire you to tackle more ambitious endeavors.
Keep Records: Maintaining a crafting journal can be invaluable. Documenting your projects, materials used, and techniques learned not only tracks your progress but also serves as a reference for future projects.
Set Seasonal Goals: Align your projects with the seasons. Winter might be ideal for cozy accessories, while spring could inspire lightweight garments. Summer offers opportunities for natural dyeing, and fall is perfect for larger undertakings like sweaters.
Health Benefits of Knitting and Spinning
Beyond the tangible products we create, crafting offers numerous health benefits. Engaging in activities like knitting can reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and promote relaxation. It’s a therapeutic practice that nurtures both mind and body.
Join Me on This Journey
I invite you to embark on this year of mindful local crafting. What’s the first project you’ll start this March? Where will you source your materials? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below. Together, let’s make this year one of creativity, sustainability, and community connection.
Until next time, happy crafting, and may your projects bring you joy and fulfillment.
Reflecting on My Journey – February Highlights & What’s Next!
As February comes to a close and March begins, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress I’ve made in our commitment to a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. This past month, I’ve explored ways to source local wool, deepen my spinning and knitting practices, and integrate intentional prayer into my daily crafts.
Highlights from This Month: ✔ Continued progress on the 100 Mile Life in 100 Days challenge – discovering amazing local products! ✔ Exploring the beauty of handcrafted wooden items and their place in sustainable living. ✔ Strengthening our connection between spinning, knitting, and personal reflection. ✔ Embracing frugal living by finding creative ways to reduce waste and make the most of what we have.
Looking ahead, March will bring new opportunities to refine my practices, connect with local artisans, and expand my creativity. Stay tuned for upcoming challenges, local finds, and inspiration for living intentionally.
What’s Next? 📌 More insights on sourcing sustainable fibers locally 📌 Exciting new spinning and dying projects 📌 Special reflections on mindfulness in crafting 📌 Practical tips on frugal living and making the most of every resource
I’d love to hear about your journey too! What were your biggest takeaways this month? Hit reply and share your thoughts.
Here’s to another great month ahead! March will come; lion or lamb? I’m ready for whatever. Are you?
Hi, friends! I’m here today with an update on my 100-Mile Life experiment. We’ve officially hit the one-month mark, and I wanted to share what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what’s ahead.
The Challenges & Surprises (or Lack Thereof)
There were certainly challenges, but no real surprises. Some of my favorite foods have been hard to replace. For instance, I’m still enjoying coffee we had in the house, but I plan to switch to a locally roasted option soon. Chocolate was another stumbling block. I thought I was being smart by picking up Ferrero Rocher, knowing there’s a factory just outside of Brantford. However, buying their imported product doesn’t quite fit the 100-mile criteria. I’m now looking into Cadbury chocolate made in Toronto, which is close enough at around 160 km.
Bananas and clementines are still making their way into my shopping cart. I want them, I need them, and I haven’t found a local alternative. The same goes for the G Zero beverage I enjoy—I haven’t done enough research to find a good local substitute yet. Suggestions are welcome!
What’s Working Well
Dairy has been an easy win—milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream are all produced within 100 miles. Bread has been a mix of homemade and store-bought. If I’m not baking, I’ve been able to find bread made in Hamilton. Flour is another area I’m researching; while large mills in Ontario supply much of the flour I find, I’m also exploring smaller, truly local sources.
Eggs, oatmeal, and other staples are readily available, making it relatively easy to stick to local food.
Clothing: Staying Local & Sustainable
I’m avoiding new clothing purchases except for essentials. I did buy one new clergy shirt since I didn’t have the skills to make one myself. Beyond that, I finished knitting a pair of warm socks—yay! But I had to part with an old pair that had been mended one too many times.
A fiber market in Hamilton is on my radar for March. I’ll be on the lookout for locally made spindles and handcrafted knitting needles. My spinning is going well—I’m currently chain-plying a BFL Merino blend from a local shepherd. What will I make with it? No idea yet, but spinning itself is a joy, so I’m rolling with it.
Unexpected Lessons
One of the biggest benefits of starting this challenge is how much more awareness there is about buying Canadian. Grocery retailers are labeling local products more clearly, and it’s making my research easier.
Shopping habits have also shifted. I’ve realized how easy it is to fall back into old patterns—just grabbing what’s convenient rather than making informed decisions. I want to be mindful of what enters my home, where it’s from, and why I’m buying it.
Moving Forward
One unexpected bonus? I’ve spent significantly less on gas this month. Less driving for groceries has cut down fuel use, and I plan to keep monitoring that. Walking more and combining errands into fewer trips will be priorities.
I also want to focus more on fiber projects—spinning, knitting, and sourcing local wool. That’s a big part of who I am, and it aligns perfectly with the 100-Mile Life.
What About You?
Have you ever thought about what a local life would look like for you? What would be the hardest thing to give up? For me, it’s coffee and chocolate, hands down. But I’m not giving them up!
Would your local life mean weekly shopping trips or just one big haul per month? Do you have easy access to delivery options that still support local businesses?
Leave a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’ve got a month and a half left of this 100-day journey, and I’ll be sharing more updates, especially on my fiber projects. I’ll be sending out a newsletter update soon, so sign up if you’d like to receive those right away.
Thanks for being here with me on this journey. You are a blessing! Until next time, this is Doll from Doll Can Create. You can too.
Hey there! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m sitting here in front of my really bright window—so bright, in fact, that I’m turning myself around a little so you’re not completely blinded by the light. How are you? It’s the start of a new week, maybe even the start of something new in your life.
As for me? Nothing too new happening over here. I’m still working away at the things I’ve been working on, still planning what I’ve been planning. But I do have a few new things to add to my brain dump this week.
First up, I need to rejig the budget as we’re coming up to the end of the month. And then, on the content side of things, I have three videos planned:
1️⃣ An update on my 100 Mile Life challenge. 2️⃣ A rocking chair Knit & Chat wrap-up for the end of the month. 3️⃣ A video all about knitting socks—choosing my next yarn and picking a pattern. (Maybe you can help me out with that one!) I think that might be a great way to get everything set before March 1st rolls around on Saturday.
Weather-wise, it’s looking like a warmer day here, around 4 or 5°C, but the winds are already picking up. So, batten down the hatches, hold on to your hat—do whatever you need to do!
And as you go about your day, whether you’re keeping your hands busy with a project or just taking a moment to breathe, know that I’m right there with you. Take those deep breaths we all need now and then before diving into the work ahead.
I’m rooting for you! If you have any questions or just want to chat, drop them in the comments below.
Hello, dear friends! 🌿✨ We’re on the mend over here, and I hope you’re staying well and healthy, too.
Today, I’m sharing my latest fibre adventures—fingerless mitts for Nick (with an unexpected spinning surprise!), a sock update, and some spindle experiments.
🧶 Projects Mentioned: Fingerless mitts with wheel-spun vs. spindle-spun yarn Vanilla Latte socks & thoughts on yarn choices Spinning with different spindles (Turkish, mini Ashford & more) My journey as a self-taught spinner since 2003
☕ Grab your favourite beverage, pick up your knitting, spinning, or crafting, and let’s spend some cozy time together.
Let me know in the comments—do you hand wash your socks or machine wash them? Do you block them? And what’s on your needles right now?
Until next time, may your day be filled with light and creativity.
Hi everyone, it’s Doll from Doll Can Create and You can too.
Today, I want to talk a little bit about self-care—taking care of myself. You can probably tell from my voice that I’m just a little under the weather, though I’m feeling better than I was. I just wanted to set this up, so it looks okay—there we go.
So, I was watching a YouTube channel by Transformed Homemakers Society, and she was talking about a dopamine menu. I thought, “Okay, I’ve never heard of that before.” So, I jotted down a few things. But what really caught my attention was the idea of mindful rest—not just collapsing into bed from exhaustion, but purposeful napping.
Sometimes, when we are feeling low energy, we beat ourselves up over unfinished tasks. But when you are sick with a cold, self-care must come first, right? A few things from the video stood out to me, and I will try to remember to link it below because I found it useful.
Simple self-care activities like getting fresh air, watering plants, journaling, crafting, listening to music, thrifting, and gardening can make a significant impact. Even small tasks, like watering plants, can bring joy—seeing them soak up water and thrive the next day is a little reward.
Then there are the tasks I tend to put off, like changing the bedding. It takes five minutes, yet I procrastinate. Why? Once it is done, you feel accomplished, and then you can nap without guilt. Laundry is another one—it only takes five to ten minutes to start, yet I hesitate. But once it is going, it’s done, and I can move on to something else (or, again, take a guilt-free rest!).
There is this misconception that slowing down is laziness, or that we don’t deserve rest. But we do. You are important. You matter—to yourself and to others. And as the saying goes, you must fill your own cup first.
So, what am I doing today? Well, I started some laundry and changed two beds—one in the office and one in the bedroom. I went upstairs to feed the cat and water his plants. I even stepped outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air and clear the steps of snow.
Another thing that helps me when I am feeling sick is watching my favorite YouTube channels and listening to motivational speakers—people who have struggled and found a way through. It is a reminder that we all go through tough moments, and sometimes, we need to lean on others for guidance and encouragement.
Of course, if you have followed me for a while, you know I create things. Right now, I’m working on a sock, a sweater, and a hat. My goal is to finish the sock by the end of the month—sooner, if possible. Knitting is mostly what I am doing today. A few days ago, during the storm, I barely managed a couple of rows. Yesterday, I felt better and made more progress. You can only push yourself so far, right?
I am also working on my to-do list (or as I like to call it, my to-done list). Here’s what’s on it:
Sending out an email [done]
Taking out the trash and recycling
Planning videos and social media posts
Filling Nick’s medication tray
Looking for a good protein ball recipe
Continuing with my budgeting
Time-blocking the week (though, since this is turning into a sick week, I might have to be flexible)
House chores like sweeping, swiffering, and picking up (hopefully, I can delegate some of that to Nick!)
One tool I use is the Eisenhower Matrix, sorting tasks into urgent/important, urgent/not important, things I can delegate, and things that are not important right now. That way, I know what truly needs my attention and what can wait.
But enough about me—what are you doing today? Do you have a plan for the week? I’d love to hear how you organize your tasks. Do you use an online calendar, a bullet journal, or a happy planner? Let me know! For now, I’m going to keep knitting—working on socks, a hat, and a sweater. If you have any questions about any of those projects, just ask! I love helping others with their creative pursuits.
Oh, and my rabbit just decided to make a racket with the water bottle, so I guess that’s my cue to wrap things up!
I hope this post has been inspiring. Even when you’re feeling low, you can find little things to lift your spirit—and remember, a nap is always a good thing.
This is Doll from Doll Can Create and you can too. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. See you in the next one!
