How are you doing in your 100 Mile Life? If you’ve been following me, you’ll know that I’ve embarked on a journey to create a life within a 100-mile radius of where we’re living.
Hi, this is Doll from Doll Can Create. You can too!
In Canada right now, there’s a big push to buy Canadian, which I understand. But my thought is—why not buy 100 miles? Let’s cut down on shipping, trucking, and the environmental impact. Let’s be good to this big, beautiful world that we live in. Right? That’s where I’m coming from.
I started this challenge and this journey before last week’s shift in government and before last week’s announcements about a federal and provincial election. This started before that, and I want to bring you along with me.
So if you’re interested, like, subscribe, and share with your friends. Know that I’m here to help, and through my longer videos and blog posts, I’ll share strategies and things to look for as you enjoy your 100 Mile Life—not just today, but for many days to come.
Hello, my friends! Have you ever stopped to think about where your food comes from? Is it flown in from thousands of kilometers away or sourced just down the road?
Welcome! This is Doll from Doll Can Create, where I share my journey of crafting and living intentionally. Today, I’m diving into the second set of rules I’ve created for my 100-Mile Life Experiment.
Rule #1: Use What You Have
In my last post, I talked about sourcing local wool for my knitting and crafting projects. While I work towards fully local wool, I’ve also committed to using what I already have. My Sophie scarf, for example, was made from yarn already in my stash. It may not be local, but it’s a step toward sustainability.
Now, I’m turning my attention to food—where it’s grown, processed, and packaged. My goal is to source as much as possible from within a 100-mile radius of my home.
Rule #2: Local Meat
Finding locally sourced meat is tricky. Many grocery store options are imported, like New Zealand lamb. However, I know of at least one local processor, and I’m exploring food delivery services that prioritize local meat.
Prepared products require extra scrutiny—labels often reveal where meat was packaged, which may or may not meet my 100-mile rule. It’s all about reading labels and asking questions.
Rule #3: Local Cookies and Baking
When it comes to snacks, I’m rethinking my choices. For instance, Oreos are made in Montreal, which is outside my 100-mile zone. Instead, I’m revisiting local options like Dare cookies or baking my own treats.
To support this, I’ve revived my sourdough starter. The warmer temperature in my apartment has helped it thrive, and I’m excited to bake bread again. I’m also researching local grain mills for flour from nearby farms.
Rule #4: Produce and Dairy
Winter makes sourcing fresh, local produce challenging, but I’ve found creative solutions:
Local dairy: Summit Dairy, just outside Ancaster, produces excellent products from its own herd. While slightly more expensive, their milk, cream, and chocolate milk are worth it.
Produce options: I’ve started using services like Produce Express, which allows me to choose local fruits and vegetables.
Sprouting at home: To enjoy fresh greens year-round, I’ve begun sprouting mung beans, radishes, and pea shoots. It’s a quick and satisfying way to supplement my diet with homegrown nutrients.
A Few Exceptions
Of course, I have a few items that I’m allowing myself to buy outside the 100-mile rule, like matcha tea, green tea, and coffee. But even here, I plan to transition to local roasters once my current stash is used up.
Sharing the Journey
This journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to share more about my research and discoveries in future posts. From finding local suppliers to adapting recipes, it’s an adventure in mindful living.
What about you? Does the idea of sourcing food locally appeal to you, or does it feel daunting? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, this is Doll from Doll Can Create, reminding you that you can too. Let’s create a more intentional, sustainable life together.
Hey friends, welcome to my journey! I’m embarking on a 100-mile life adventure, and I’d love for you to come along. My mission? To live as locally as possible, sourcing everything within a 100-mile radius of my home. My first focus is on fibre, specifically wool, crafting, and all the amazing things that come with it.
Let’s dive in!
A Quick Fibre Tour
So, here’s what I’m working with. I’ve taken stock of my fibre stash, and let me tell you, it’s impressive and a little over-whelming; even embarrassing.
Bins full of fibre.
Bags that haven’t even been opened yet.
Work-in-progress projects and more fibre tucked away.
Honestly, do you think I have enough? I think so! This hidden treasure trove is a great start for my journey. Now, the plan: use what I have, source local fibres, and dive deep into the crafting process.
The Three Rules
Use What I Have: I’m committed to using my existing fibre stash. I have my spindles, my spinning wheel, and even some natural dyes I’ve been eager to experiment with.
Source Local Fibres: Supporting local shepherds and fibre farms is a top priority. I already know of a few farms within my 100-mile radius where I can visit, meet the shepherds, and select the fibres I need.
Explore Local Tools: While I don’t necessarily need new tools, I’m curious about local artisans who might create spindles or other crafting tools. It’s all part of staying true to the 100-mile life.
No More Impulse Buys
This journey isn’t just about where I source my materials; it’s also about curbing unnecessary spending. No more buying yarn just because it’s pretty. Instead, I’ll focus on:
Attending local fiber festivals (like the one coming up in March).
Visiting thrift stores for second-hand supplies when needed.
Making do with what I already own.
Wool’s Journey
Have you ever thought about from where your wool comes ? Shipping fibre across the globe is expensive and environmentally costly. For example, wool shipped from New Zealand to Vancouver and then across Canada incurs tremendous costs, both financially and environmentally. By choosing local, I can minimise this impact while supporting Canadian wool growers and fibre mills.
Beyond Fiber
This journey extends beyond fiber into other areas of my life, including food, clothing, and more. For clothing, I’ll use the fabric I already have or source it second-hand. I’ve heard that church groups often have surplus fabric they’re happy to share, which is a great way to keep things sustainable. As for undergarments… well, that might be a bridge too far for my crafting skills!
A Question for You
What steps can you take to support your local economy? Have you considered from where your crafting materials come? Living a 100-mile life is about more than just sustainability—it’s about building connections and strengthening local communities.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive into the topic of food. For now, think about your craft supplies. Are there ways you can source more locally or reduce waste? Let’s create a more sustainable world together.
This is Doll from Doll Can Create, reminding you that you can too. Many blessings, and bye for now!
Have you ever stopped to think about how far the things you use every day have traveled? From the food on your plate to the clothes in your closet, many of these items have journeyed thousands of miles before reaching you. What if we could change that? What if we could bring it all closer to home?
That’s the inspiration behind my latest adventure: the “100 Mile Life in 100 Days” challenge. Over the next three months, I’ll be focusing on sourcing everything—from food to household goods to wool—within 100 miles of where I live. It’s a journey that’s about much more than just shopping locally. It’s about connecting with my community, reducing my environmental footprint, and uncovering the incredible resources in my own backyard.
Why 100 Miles?
This challenge takes inspiration from the “100 Mile Diet,” a movement that encourages eating locally and sustainably. But I’m expanding the concept beyond just food. By incorporating wool and other locally made goods, I’m embracing the richness of what’s nearby while supporting sustainable practices. Wool is a big focus for me—it’s a chance to connect with local producers and celebrate the artistry of textiles created right here at home.
The Rules of the Challenge
There will be a few rules I’ll set out for myself. If you follow along your rules might be different.
Stay Within the 100-Mile Radius: Everything I purchase must come from within this boundary.
Allow Necessary Exceptions: Some items, like medicine, may not be available locally, but I’ll aim to minimize these exceptions.
Focus on Learning: This isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering new ways to live more sustainably and sharing what I learn along the way.
What to Expect
Over the next 100 days, I’ll be documenting this journey—the successes, the challenges, and everything in between. From finding local flour for baking to meeting incredible farmers, artisans, and wool producers, there will be no shortage of stories to share. Along the way, I’ll also offer tips and tricks for anyone who wants to try living more locally. Whether it’s sourcing one meal a week from local producers or supporting a nearby wool artisan, even small steps can make a big difference.
Why It Matters
Choosing to live within 100 miles is about more than convenience. It’s a way to:
Support Local Economies: Every purchase invests in the community and keeps resources circulating locally.
Reduce Environmental Impact: Local goods often require less transportation, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Rediscover Seasonal Living: Eating and living locally means aligning with the rhythm of the seasons, which can be both grounding and fulfilling.
Join Me on This Journey
I’d love for you to follow along or even join in your own way! Whether it’s by exploring local farmers’ markets, trying out regional recipes, or seeking out local wool for your next knitting project, there are countless ways to embrace the 100 Mile Life. Want local wool to spin or use in your crafting? I have a few options for you. Send me a message or check out my Patreon for more information.
Are you ready to explore the richness of what’s right around you? Let’s embark on this adventure together and see how local we can go. Here’s to discovering the beauty of living closer to home!
Hi friends! Doll here from Doll Can Create, and today I’m hanging out in the kitchen—one of my favorite creative spaces. 🌱✨
Let me show you what I’ve got going on! These little greens you see here? They’re pea shoots I ordered from my favorite produce supplier. I snipped a handful to make a quick salad for myself, and of course, I shared some with the bunny. (He loves them as much as I do!)
But wait—there’s more! I’m gearing up for some serious sprouting action. Let me give you a little tour of my setup.
The Big Sprouter
Over here, I’ve got my trusty big sprouter. Right now, it’s soaking green peas. These are the kind you sprout, not the dried ones for cooking. Tomorrow, I’ll rinse them and transfer them to the top layer of the sprouter. This thing has been with me forever, and it still works like a charm.
The Sprouting Towers
On the other side of the room, I have my sprouting towers. These are so fun to use!
Tower One: It’s a mix of sprouts—daikon radish and mung beans. I even found a couple of rogue sunflower seeds in there (a surprise gift from the sprouting mix, perhaps?).
How It Works: You water the top, and it flows down to the bottom, nourishing all the layers. By the weekend, I’ll have a delicious variety of sprouts ready to enjoy.
Why Sprout?
Fresh sprouts are so versatile. You can toss them in salads, soups, or stir-fries—or just snack on them straight out of the sprouter. They’re crunchy, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to save on grocery bills. Doing your own sprouting means fresher, tastier greens at a fraction of the cost.
Do you sprout? If you do, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear what you’re growing and how you enjoy them.
Until next time, friends—this is Doll from Doll Can Create. Remember, if I can do it, you can too!
Join me in my cozy corner as we chat and knit or craft together in this mid-January edition of 2025!
In this relaxing session, I’ll be sharing my latest knitting projects, including a pair of cozy socks made from Patons sock yarn. As a passionate member of the knitting community, I love sharing my creations and hearing about yours.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, I hope you’ll find inspiration in our chat. From spinning wool to creating unique pieces, I’m excited to share my yarn addiction with you. So grab your knitting needles, or crafting project, sit back, and let’s get cozy!
Celebrating Distaff Day: My Journey with Last Year’s Fluff
Hi friends! Welcome to my Distaff Day adventure. I wanted to bring you along for the ride as I dive into the process of carding last year’s leftover bits and pieces of fluff. So, grab your tea, get cozy, and let me share the journey with you!
A Humble Start in the Furnace Room
As unglamorous as it may sound, my journey began in the furnace room—a utility space that doubles as my fibre crafting haven. Yes, the furnace was humming away, adding a cozy soundtrack to my work. My carder is tucked away in this little corner, and I had it loaded and ready to go.
Exploring the Blends
On the carder, I had a delightful mix of fibres—each one bringing its own story and texture to the blend. There was some sari silk, bright and colourful merino, and a BFL-merino blend in classic white. Slowly, I worked through the carding process, watching the fibres come together to form a beautiful bat.
Here’s a peek at the final result: a light, fluffy creation weighing in at 23 grams. It’s a small but meaningful bounty crafted from last year’s leftover fluff.
What’s Next?
Now that I have this lovely batt, I’m pondering the possibilities. It’s vibrant and textured, but I’m not quite sure what it wants to become. If you have any ideas for how I could use this little treasure, I’d love to hear them!
Beside me, there’s still a bag of BFL waiting to be carded—another project for another day.
Reflecting on Distaff Day
Distaff Day is always a special time for me. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and create something meaningful as we transition into the season of Epiphany. The days are growing longer, and the light is slowly returning—a perfect reminder of renewal and inspiration.
Until Next Time…
Thank you for joining me on this little adventure. If you enjoyed this post, I’d love it if you’d share it with a friend or leave a comment with your thoughts and ideas. Remember, creativity is for everyone.
This is Doll from Doll Can Create, reminding you that if I can create, so can you. Wishing you light, joy, and endless inspiration.
Today, I’m excited to share my latest YouTube video titled “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” In this cozy episode, I invite you to join me for a little knitting while we dive into some heartfelt conversations about life, the holiday season, and everything in between.
As I settled into my rocking chair, I found myself pondering many thoughts and feelings that come with this time of year. The Advent season can be both magical and overwhelming, and I wanted to create a space where we could chat about it all. From preparing for family gatherings to the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I shared my reflections and experiences, hoping to connect with you on a deeper level.
In the video, I also showcase a new bullet journal that I recently received. I’m thrilled with its design and features, which include an index and a future log to help keep my thoughts organized. Good customer service is something I truly value, and I shared a positive experience I had with the company that sent me a replacement journal. It’s the little things that make a difference! Bullet Journal for the win.
To add a touch of warmth to the video, I doodled a cute thumbnail of a cup of hot chocolate, which perfectly captures the cozy vibe I aimed for.
I appreciate every single one of you who takes the time to watch and engage with my content.
Thank you for being a part of my creative journey! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat” on my channel, Doll Can Create. Let’s continue to share our thoughts and experiences together.
Title: 5 Essential Tips for Knitting Mittens and Socks
Welcome to the latest edition of our “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat” series! In our most recent YouTube video, published on November 30, 2024, we dove into the cozy world of knitting mittens and socks. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, these five tips will help you create beautiful and functional pieces. Let’s get started!
### 1. Choose the Right Yarn and needles The foundation of any great knitting project is the yarn. For mittens and socks, opt for yarns that offer warmth and durability. Wool or wool blends are excellent choices, as they provide insulation while allowing your hands and feet to breathe. Consider the weight of the yarn as well; lighter weights are perfect for socks, while heavier weights can be great for mittens.
### 2. Don’t Skip the Gauge Swatch Before you dive into your project, take the time to knit a gauge swatch. This small piece of knitting will help you determine how many stitches you knit per inch. Getting the right gauge is crucial for ensuring that your finished mittens or socks fit perfectly. If your swatch doesn’t match the recommended gauge, adjust your needle size accordingly.
Sometimes a swatch is not needed if you have been knitting mittens for a very long time.
### 3. Select the Right Needles The type of needles you use can make a significant difference in your knitting experience. For socks, many knitters prefer double-pointed needles or circular needles, which allow for a seamless finish. For mittens, you can use straight needles or circular needles, depending on your comfort level. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you!
### 4. Reinforce Stress Areas Socks, in particular, can experience a lot of wear and tear, especially in the heel and toe areas. To ensure your socks last, consider reinforcing these stress points. You can use a stronger yarn or a different stitch pattern to add durability. This small step can make a big difference in the longevity of your handmade items.
For mittens a duplicate stitch around the back of the thumb will give added strength.
### 5. Master the Kitchener Stitch The Kitchener stitch is a must-know technique for closing the toe of your socks invisibly. It may seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to execute it flawlessly. Watch our video for a step-by-step demonstration, and don’t hesitate to practice a few times before you reach that point in your project.
For mittens I often will close the top with the kitchener stitch. In today’s example I passed the yarn through the final 8 stitches in a tight circle and finished it off.
Bonus tip: When you have completed the first mitten or sock, immediately cast on the second. This will give some movement towards finishing the second one.
I hope you have found these tips helpful. Please add your tips or experiences to our conversation.
