Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Walking with Jesus: A Holy Week Devotional Guide — April 12, 2025

Walking with Jesus: A Holy Week Devotional Guide

Introduction
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection. This devotional guide is designed to help you walk with Christ each day, reflecting on the events leading up to Easter. Through Scripture, meditation, prayer, and personal action, may you deepen your faith and grow closer to the Savior who gave His life for us. Take time each day to pause, read, pray, and respond to God’s love and sacrifice.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
Meditation: Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king, yet He rides on a humble donkey. The crowds cheer, but their hearts will soon change. Do we welcome Jesus into our lives with true faith or just passing excitement?
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize You as my true King and to follow You with a heart that remains faithful in every season. Amen.
Call to Action: Reflect on areas of your life where you need to welcome Jesus more fully. How can you honor Him as King today?

Monday: Cleansing the Temple
Scripture: Matthew 21:12-17
Meditation: Jesus cleanses the temple, showing His desire for purity in worship. What distractions or sins need to be removed from our hearts so that we may worship Him fully?
Prayer: Lord, cleanse my heart and remove anything that keeps me from worshiping You in spirit and truth. Amen.
Call to Action: Take time today to examine your heart. What needs to be surrendered to God so you can worship Him wholeheartedly?

Tuesday: Teaching in the Temple
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40
Meditation: Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. In what ways can we embody this love in our daily lives?
Prayer: Lord, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as You have loved me. Amen.
Call to Action: Find one practical way to express love to God and one way to show love to others today.

Wednesday: The Betrayal Begins
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16
Meditation: Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Are there areas in our lives where we betray Christ by choosing sin or selfishness over Him?
Prayer: Lord, keep my heart from turning away from You. Help me to be faithful in my love and devotion to You. Amen.
Call to Action: Examine your heart for any compromises you may have made. Ask God for strength to remain faithful.

Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper
Scripture: John 13:1-17, Luke 22:19-20
Meditation: Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and institutes the Lord’s Supper, calling us to serve and remember Him. How can we follow His example of humility and love?
Prayer: Lord, teach me to serve others with humility and to always remember Your sacrifice with gratitude. Amen.
Call to Action: Perform an act of humble service today, such as helping someone in need or offering encouragement.

Good Friday: The Crucifixion
Scripture: Luke 23:33-46
Meditation: Jesus endures suffering and death for our salvation. His sacrifice shows the depth of His love. How do we respond to such great love?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross. Help me to live in gratitude and obedience to You. Amen.
Call to Action: Take time today to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider fasting or setting aside a quiet moment of gratitude and prayer.

Holy Saturday: Waiting in Hope
Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66
Meditation: Jesus lies in the tomb, and His followers grieve. Yet, hope is not lost. In our own times of waiting and uncertainty, do we trust that God is at work?
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to find hope even in the silence. Amen.
Call to Action: Spend time in stillness today, reflecting on God’s promises and trusting Him in times of waiting.

Easter Sunday: He is Risen!
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10
Meditation: The tomb is empty! Jesus has conquered sin and death. How does the reality of the resurrection transform the way we live?
Prayer: Lord, You are alive! Fill my heart with resurrection joy and help me to walk in the power of Your victory. Amen.
Call to Action: Celebrate Christ’s resurrection by sharing His love and hope with someone today.

Catching Up on My 100 Mile Life — Check-In — April 9, 2025

Catching Up on My 100 Mile Life — Check-In

Hi friends, it’s Doll. Just popping in with a little life update — where I’m at in this 100 Mile Life journey.

  • We took a quick run to Costco after Bible study. Some hits, some misses!

The Misses (and lessons learned):

  • Grapes from South Africa — delicious, but not local.
  • Mandarins from Morocco — sweet, but definitely outside the 100-mile goal.
  • Blueberry bagels — I thought they were fresh, but it turns out the blueberries were simulated. Big disappointment! I should have read the label more closely.

The Wins:

  • Oak Run Farm Bakery English muffins — made in Brantford, which is local.
  • Plain bagels (also from Costco) — possibly made in-house, but unclear.
  • Local apples still in my fridge.
  • Summit Dairy cream and chocolate milk — both local.
  • Allen’s Apple Juice — made in Ontario.
  • Local maple syrup (label gone, but I promise it’s local!).
  • Liverwurst — also a local purchase.

Freezer Peek (yes, I showed it!):

  • Bacon — 100 Mile approved and Canadian.
  • Shaw’s, My favourite ice cream — Canadian-made
  • Pierogies from Toronto — a great local find!
  • Leftover chili and other good things waiting for me.

Other food notes:

  • All our meat is Canadian, much of it local.
  • One exception: canned ham from Denmark — and yes, I love it.
  • Coffee is tricky. I’m finishing up my stash but plan to switch to Canadian-roasted or locally roasted beans soon. The price jump is real though , my favourite coffee— $18.99 now vs. $9.99 back in the day!

Reflections:

  • The journey is real — and full of trial and error. I do my best and pray over the rest, as the saying goes.
  • I started this for 100 days, which brings me to Easter Monday. After that, I might refine it even more and lean harder into local. As we move into spring/summer and planting season I believe that the journey will be a bit easier.
  • Local fiber is especially important to me — I’m really passionate about Canadian wool.
  • I’m still spinning every day (100 Days of Spindling!), and yes, I’m still knitting too. A mitten for the fall mitten tree, and slowly working on a sock.

What’s Next:

  • A new video coming soon on my fiber declutter and de-stash project.
  • Planning for Palm Sunday and the big parade — so exciting.
  • After Easter? I’m taking a reading week — some rest, some reflection, and gentle learning. A little soul-care.

To You, My Reader:

  • If you’re trying a 100 Mile Life or a 160 km journey, I’d love to hear from you.
  • What’s worked? What’s been hard? What have you joyfully given up on?
  • We all have those “I’m still buying bananas” moments — and that’s okay.

Final Thoughts:

  • I feel so blessed. I’m doing what I love, surrounded by people who care. That’s a gift not everyone has, and I don’t take it for granted.
  • Let’s keep encouraging each other. One little thing at a time is how it starts.
  • Until next time, friends — God bless and take care.
  • And remember: you can create too.
Climbing Trees & Changing Lives: A Letter from Zacchaeus — April 6, 2025

Climbing Trees & Changing Lives: A Letter from Zacchaeus

A short work of fiction –

“I got a letter in the mail today—from my son, Zacchaeus. Yes, that Zacchaeus. He wrote:

“I heard Jesus was coming through Jericho. As chief tax collector, I knew people hated me—maybe for good reason. I’d built a life on their losses. But something stirred. I ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree like a child, just to see Him.”

Then Jesus stopped. Right under that tree.

“Zacchaeus, come down. I must stay at your house today.”

He knew my name. He didn’t rebuke me. He invited Himself in.

“It changed everything, Mom. I gave half of what I owned to the poor. I paid back four times what I stole. Jesus came to find the lost—and He found me.”

And then, his letter turned tender:

“Mom, maybe He’s calling your name too.””


Let’s take a few moments to reflect on this story.

Zacchaeus reminds us what Lent is really about: repentance, change, and grace. He felt unworthy, but Jesus called him by name. The crowds grumbled, but it didn’t matter—Jesus saw him.

We’ve all been Zacchaeus at some point—feeling small, hidden, maybe ashamed. But Jesus sees. Jesus calls. Jesus loves—more than He hates sin.

So as we near the end of Lent, maybe we ask ourselves:

  • What trees are we willing to climb to see Jesus?
  • Who needs our apology, our kindness, our open heart?
  • What can we give—not just in money, but in prayer, time, and love?

May we be generous. May we be kind. And may we remember: we are called by name.

Because the community—the bread we offer each other—isn’t just within the church walls. It’s out there, waiting to be fed.

Who are you feeding today?

Please share your thoughts. Has this story spoken to your heart or life today?

00:00 Opening Worship and Call to Worship

05:45 Sharing Good News and Community Updates

12:37 Interactive Scripture Reading with Children

21:37 A Life Transformed by Jesus

24:05 Reflections on Sin and Redemption

29:01 Living a Life of Repentance and Community

*picture found on Pinterest

Project for Lent — April 4, 2025

Project for Lent

This is not a transcript but some additional thoughts:

In this video I share a bit of a tutorial as I knit the 10 row blanket – adding in a new colour/section.

What does this project mean to me? While I knit, I meditate. I meditate on the day, the weekly scripture. I pray for my family, friends, and community.

With so much chaos in our world today a few moments of relaxation, stillness, and prayer is just what the Doctor would order – if I had a GP that is.

Watch the recording of Facebook live:

I think I chose a especially a modular one, because it’s only 10 stitches and it’s something I can work on every day.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ten-stitch-blanket (free on Ravelry)

While working on this blanket, I’m not finding specific emotions connected with it, possibly joy. It’s very calming to work on it. I don’t have stress or anxiety about needing to get it done or moving forward with it. It’s just coming together.

The colors I use are coming from bits and pieces that I have had spindle spun over the last few months that are in jars. And when I choose a color, the only thing I’m looking at is that it’s not the same as what is the row before. So it needs to be contrasting or complementary, but not the same. But I’m not creating a specific color pattern as I go.

Working on a modular design means I don’t have to worry about getting through, like, 200 stitches in a day or in an hour or whatever. Ten ten stitches and then 10 stitches back, so 20 stitches. It it isn’t very much. And I try to work on whatever little ball of yarn I have. I try to finish that color when I sit. But it’s not time it doesn’t hold me up whether or not I have enough time to do it. It’s the time I have intentionally decided to pick it up.

In the last week of working on this blanket, I realized that there is a message to be found here about diversity, about differences, and how things can all mesh together, that we’re all interwoven. So I believe there’s a sermon in there.

So do my colors reflect my personal journey? I don’t believe so. I’m drawn to purple, blues, pinks, but the bulk of the blanket are more neutral earth tones. So I’m not sure color plays into the emotion for me.

So the colors I choose might reflect my day. Or if I’m tired of working on neutral tones, maybe I want a splash of color in there to brighten things up. Or maybe the day’s dark because it’s raining and cloudy and foggy. And so I need something in purples or pinks, gold or yellow to lift my spirit.

I think the modular design connects with my personal journey in that small changes are helpful, that although it’s been a long road in life to get to where I am, there have been bits and pieces of my life that have come together in beautiful ways and helped me to move forward in much the same way as this blanket does, in much the same way as my faith does.

May you continue to find blessings as you walk through Lent to the celebration of Resurrection Day!

Pastor Barb aka Doll

My 30 Day Fibre Declutter Challenge — April 3, 2025

My 30 Day Fibre Declutter Challenge

30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project: Why I’m Doing This

Like many fiber artists, I’ve spent years building up a collection of yarn, needles, books, and patterns. Every new project seems to come with new tools and materials, and before you know it, you have an overflowing stash. But here’s the thing—I’ve been working on decluttering my home, and there’s one area I’ve completely ignored: my fiber arts supplies.

That changes today!

I’m kicking off a 30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project, where I’ll go through everything—yarn, needles, books, patterns, and tools—to decide what stays and what needs a new home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own stash, I’d love for you to join me!


Why Declutter Fiber Arts Supplies?

As knitters, spinners, or fiber artists, we know how easy it is to collect things. We see beautiful yarn, and we buy it—even if we don’t have an immediate project in mind. We hold onto tools just in case we need them someday. We have patterns and books that we swear we’ll use… but haven’t touched in years.

I’ve realized that my clutter isn’t just taking up space—it’s making it harder for me to enjoy my craft. I forget what I already own, I feel guilty about unused supplies, and sometimes, the sheer amount of stuff makes it harder to start a new project.

This project is about more than just tidying up. It’s about making space for creativity, inspiration, and the joy of fiber arts.


What I’ll Be Decluttering

Over the next 30 days, I’ll be sorting through:

✅ Yarn: I love my stash, but there are skeins I’ll never use. It’s time to be honest about what fits my current style and projects.

✅ Knitting Needles & Tools: I’ve somehow ended up with multiple sets of the same needles. I’ll be keeping my favorites and passing along the extras.

✅ Books & Patterns: Some have been great resources, but others no longer serve me. I want my collection to reflect what I actually use and love.


The Emotional Side of Decluttering

Decluttering isn’t always easy. Letting go of fiber arts supplies can feel personal. Some yarns hold memories of projects never started, gifts never given, or plans that never came to life. There’s also the guilt—thinking about the money spent or the “waste” of giving something away.

But I remind myself: letting go doesn’t mean failure. It means freeing up space for the things that truly bring joy. When I donate yarn, someone else gets the chance to create with it. When I pass on books, another knitter finds inspiration.

So, I’m approaching this project with kindness toward myself and the understanding that my stash should serve me—not the other way around.


My Plan for Documenting This Journey

To keep myself accountable, I’ll be documenting my 30-day challenge through:

📸 Instagram: Sharing progress photos and before/after shots of my stash
🎥 YouTube: Weekly vlogs showing my decluttering process and lessons learned
✍️ Blog Posts: Writing about the emotional and practical sides of fiber arts decluttering

If you’d like to follow along, I’d love for you to join me! You can declutter with me, share your own experiences, or just enjoy the journey.


The Biggest Decluttering Challenge: Getting It Out of the House

One of the hardest parts of decluttering isn’t sorting through things—it’s actually getting rid of them! I don’t want to be one of those people who bags everything up… only to let it sit in the car for weeks.

So, I’ll be making a Declutter & Donate Checklist to keep myself on track. That way, the items I no longer need can quickly find a new home where they’ll be loved and used.


Join Me!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your fiber arts stash, I invite you to declutter along with me! Whether you’re tackling your yarn, your tools, or even just organizing your space, let’s do this together.

What’s the hardest part of decluttering for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

✨ Happy crafting (and decluttering!),
Doll

Spinning for 100 Days: Finding Joy, Rhythm, and Mindfulness — April 2, 2025

Spinning for 100 Days: Finding Joy, Rhythm, and Mindfulness

  • Hi friends! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create.
  • Sharing my 100-day spindle spinning challenge.
  • A fun and engaging challenge with a group of us.
  • Today, I’m spinning fiber that was a Christmas gift.

The Joy of Handspun and Modular Knitting

  • Wearing a handspun, modular knit scarf (ENTRALAC pattern).
  • Made this scarf years ago—still a favorite.
  • Modular knitting is a satisfying and creative process.

Why a 100-Day Challenge?

  • Creates space to slow down and breathe.
  • Spinning is calming and meditative.
  • Establishes a routine—spindle does the work.
  • My two goals:
    1. Spin 100+ grams of fiber on a spindle.
    2. Document the journey and share my next steps.
  • Storing singles on a jar for plying later.

The Rhythm of Spinning

  • Currently on Day 7 of 100.
  • Challenge ends as Tour de Fleece begins.
  • Tour de Fleece → switch to wheel spinning.
  • Spinning is part of my daily routine (morning or refocus time).
  • BFL blend fiber with hints of yellow—feels soft and luxurious.

Challenges and Magic in the Process

  • Breakage happens—especially while meditating.
  • Accidental reverse spinning weakens the twist.
  • Drop spindle really does drop sometimes!
  • Spinning is a sensory experience:
    • Feel the fiber.
    • Watch the spindle spin.
    • Listen to the soft whir.
  • Connects to mindfulness, prayer, and meditation.

My Favorite Spindles

  • Lightweight spindle by Nick (cherished piece).
  • Heavier spindle with a moose design (great for blending/plying).
  • Hand-painted spindle by Annie May (2004, found on eBay)
    • Heavier, good for beginners.
    • Marked an inch for wraps-per-inch checks.
    • My first spindle

The Satisfaction of Handmade Yarn

  • Spinning takes time but is deeply rewarding.
  • Even imperfect yarn (thick, thin, uneven) is beautiful.
  • Handmade yarn is art—you create something unique.

Join Me on This Journey

  • Follow along with my 100-day challenge!
  • Share your spinning progress if you’re joining.
  • More spinning conversations and tutorials coming soon.
  • Whatever you’re creating—be proud of it!
  • You are not alone—I’m cheering you on!

Be blessed.

Doll from Doll Can Create

Reflections for the Final Days of Lent —

Reflections for the Final Days of Lent

Introduction
As we enter the final stretch of Lent, these days serve as a time of deep reflection, renewal, and preparation for Holy Week. This devotional is designed to guide you through themes of compassion, humility, trust, and discipleship. Let us walk these remaining days with open hearts, seeking to grow closer to Christ and embrace His call to love and serve.

Day 30: A Heart of Compassion
Scripture: Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Reflection:
As we draw closer to the end of Lent, we reflect on the call to embody compassion. Christ’s ministry was marked by deep love and care for others, especially those in need. How can we intentionally clothe ourselves with compassion today?

Prayer:
Lord, soften my heart so that I may see others through Your eyes. Help me to be kind, patient, and humble in my interactions. Let my actions reflect Your love. Amen.

Practice:
Show compassion in a tangible way today. Write a letter, visit someone who is lonely, or extend kindness to a stranger.


Day 31 Carrying Our Cross
Scripture: Luke 9:23 – “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”

Reflection:
Following Christ is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, self-denial, and a willingness to trust Him even in difficulties. What are the crosses you carry in your life? How can you surrender them to Jesus?

Prayer:
Jesus, give me strength to bear my cross each day. Help me to embrace both the struggles and joys of discipleship, trusting that You walk beside me always. Amen.

Practice:
Identify one challenge in your life and offer it to God in prayer. Reflect on how Christ carried His cross with love and perseverance.


Day 32 The Power of Humility
Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Reflection:
Jesus, the King of Kings, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet and gave His life for us. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility. How can we imitate Christ’s humble heart?

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk in humility. Help me to set aside my pride and serve others selflessly, just as You have served me. Amen.

Practice:
Find a way to serve someone today without seeking recognition. Consider helping a family member, volunteering, or doing an act of kindness in secret.


Day 33 Trusting in God’s Plan
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Reflection:
Life is full of uncertainties, but God’s plans are always greater than our own. When we surrender our worries to Him, He leads us on the right path. Do we fully trust God with our future?

Prayer:
God I surrender my plans to You. Lead me in Your wisdom and guide my steps according to Your will. Strengthen my trust in You. Amen.

Practice:
Write down one area of your life where you need to trust God more. Spend time in prayer, surrendering it to Him completely.

March Reflections: Fiber, Faith & Finding Calm — March 31, 2025

March Reflections: Fiber, Faith & Finding Calm

Hello friends,

As March draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the rhythm of my days—filled with fibre, faith, and finding small ways to bring more peace into my life. This month has been about creativity, mindful making, and managing anxiety with intention. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve been working on and learning.

Spinning & Knitting Updates

March has been a full month on my needles and spindle! Here’s what’s been keeping my hands busy:

  • Socks, a shawl, a sweater, and a blanket—each one growing stitch by stitch.
  • Spindling DK brown & spinning fawn—finding joy in slow, meditative movement.
  • Carding white & brown wool—preparing fiber is just as satisfying as spinning it!
  • English Paper Piecing (EPP)—a quiet, mindful project for piecing beauty together.
  • Knitting a hat—because there’s always room for one more.

I’m also planning recorded a spindle plying tutorial, which I’m excited to share soon! You’ll see this later today.

Lenten Knitting & YouTube

I continue to work on a Lenten knitting project, setting aside an hour a day to stitch with intention. This ties into a YouTube video I’m creating about faith and knitting, where I explore how these practices intertwine.

Another video I create is this shortform: “Finding Calm: Strategies for Managing Anxiety.” I’d shared how spinning and knitting has become powerful tools in my journey, along with other techniques that help me reset when anxiety starts creeping in.

Managing Anxiety: What’s Been Helping

Anxiety has a way of showing up uninvited, but I’ve been focusing on small, tangible ways to shift my mindset. Here are some go-to strategies I’ve been leaning on:

  • Fresh air & water—getting outside, even for a few minutes, helps.
  • Knitting—stitching my worries into something tangible.
  • Watching something funny—laughter truly is medicine.
  • Healthy food—choosing what nourishes both body and mind.
  • Writing down blessings—a simple way to shift perspective.
  • Decluttering—turning tidying into a game keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
  • Driving—sometimes a change of scenery is all I need.

Recognizing the early signs of anxiety—like staying up too late or feeling a racing heart—has also been key in catching it before it takes over.

Sourcing Local: My 100-Mile Life Challenge

Another focus lately has been my 100-Mile Life in 100 Days challenge. I’m continuing to seek out locally sourced wool and other products, making mindful choices about where my materials come from. It’s been an eye-opening experience, deepening my connection to both my craft and my community.

Looking Ahead

As April approaches, I’m eager to continue these projects and see where they lead. If you’re also on a journey of mindful making, I’d love to hear from you—what’s been on your needles, spindle, or heart this month?

Until next time,

Doll from Doll Can Create

The Blessing of Humility and Hospitality | Luke 14:7-14 — March 30, 2025

The Blessing of Humility and Hospitality | Luke 14:7-14

Some of my sermon and bible study notes:

1. Humility: Taking the Lowest Place (Luke 14:7-11)

  • Jesus tells a parable about a banquet where people seek the best seats.
  • He teaches us to take the lowest place, letting the host elevate us if needed.
  • Life lesson: Aging brings natural humility—our roles change, and we may feel overlooked.
  • Key verse: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
  • Reflection:
    • Have you experienced a time when humility brought a blessing?
    • How has growing older taught you humility?

2. Hospitality: Inviting Those Who Cannot Repay (Luke 14:12-14)

  • Jesus challenges us to welcome those who cannot repay us—true hospitality is selfless.
  • We often show hospitality expecting something in return, but Jesus calls us to a different way.
  • Life lesson: Even if we can’t do what we once did, small acts—calls, visits, kind words—reflect Christ’s love.
  • Key verse: “Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:14)
  • Reflection:
    • Have you ever been blessed by someone’s kindness when you had nothing to give back?
    • How can we show hospitality to the lonely or those in need?

3. Living with Kingdom Values

  • We don’t need recognition—God honors the humble.
  • We don’t need repayment—God blesses generosity.
  • Reflection:
    • Where can I choose humility in my life?
    • Who can I bless with kindness without expecting anything in return?
  • Encouragement: God sees, remembers, and will reward every act of humility and love.

Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help us walk in humility and extend kindness without expecting anything in return, trusting in His eternal promises.

📖 Key Takeaways:
✅ Humility brings unexpected blessings (Luke 14:11).
✅ True hospitality expects nothing in return (Luke 14:14).
✅ God sees, remembers, and will reward every act of love.

Reflection Questions:
🔹 Where can I choose humility in my life?
🔹 Who can I bless with kindness without expecting anything in return?

If this message encourages you, like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-filled content!

🙏 Let’s grow in faith together. Share your thoughts in the comments!

#BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Luke14 #Humility #Hospitality #Sermon #FaithInAction

How to Ply Yarn with a Spindle: My Simple Method — March 29, 2025

How to Ply Yarn with a Spindle: My Simple Method

Hi friends! Welcome to this tutorial where I share my personal method of plying yarn from a spindle. While there are many techniques out there, this is the one that works best for me, and I hope it helps you too. (this is not a word for word transcript)


Getting Started

Before we begin, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Your favorite spindle (or one of them, if you’re like me and have several!)
  • A small amount of spun singles
  • Your hands—no fancy tools required!

This method works best with a fiber that has some grip to it. Today, I’m using a beautiful fiber from Germany that’s naturally grabby, making for a warm and fuzzy finished yarn.


Step-by-Step Plying Process

1. Preparing the Singles

  • Remove the spun singles from your spindle.
  • Wrap the singles around your hand by first looping it around a finger and then wrapping it around your open hand.
  • Once fully wound, slide the loops down onto your wrist, creating a bracelet of yarn.

2. Setting Up for Plying

  • Find the two ends: the one from the inside of the bracelet and the outermost strand.
  • Make a slipknot with these two ends and attach them to your spindle.
  • Start spinning in the opposite direction from how you originally spun the singles.

3. Plying the Yarn

  • Hold the two strands together and let the twist distribute evenly as you spin.
  • If needed, gently guide the twist so that the yarn plies consistently.
  • Wind the newly plied yarn onto your spindle and repeat until all singles have been plied.

Finishing the Yarn

1. Making a Skein

  • Once all the yarn is plied, remove it from the spindle.
  • If you don’t have a niddy noddy, use the old-fashioned elbow method: wrap the yarn around your forearm to measure out a small skein.

2. Setting the Twist

  • If your yarn has extra twist, give it a quick flick or a gentle shake to distribute it evenly.
  • Soak the yarn in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to set the twist.
  • Squeeze out excess water and hang it to dry.

Tips & Encouragement

  • If you’re new to spinning, don’t stress about perfection! It’s all about practice and enjoying the process.
  • Your yarn’s characteristics (twist, thickness, and texture) will determine its best use. Sometimes, the fiber itself will tell you what it wants to be.
  • Spinning can be addictive, and it’s easy to fall down the fiber arts rabbit hole! Enjoy the journey and explore different tools and techniques at your own pace.

Join the Spinning Community!

Are you taking part in a spinning challenge? I’m currently spindling for 100 days, leading up to the Tour de Fleece! Whether you’re just beginning or have been spinning for years, I’d love to hear from you.

Leave a comment below: Are you new to spindle plying? What projects are you working on? Need any extra help? Let me know!

If you found this tutorial helpful, consider subscribing to my channel or blog for more fiber arts content. Let’s grow together—my goal is to reach 200 subscribers, and I’d love for you to be part of that journey!

Happy spinning, and may your yarn bring joy to your hands and heart!

Until next time,

Doll from Doll Can Create

(Like, share, and subscribe to help support the channel and blog!)