Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Category: Fibre Work

Rocking Chair Chat: Spinning, Stitching, and Living Local — August 6, 2025

Rocking Chair Chat: Spinning, Stitching, and Living Local

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/2 Comments


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.

Meet the Maker: How I Fell in Love with Spinning and Knitting — May 15, 2025

Meet the Maker: How I Fell in Love with Spinning and Knitting

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Introducing Myself: A Journey in Wool
By [Doll Creelman]

Welcome to my corner of the internet. I wanted to introduce myself. Let me share a little bit about the passions that shape my life and work. If you’re here, you probably love fiber arts. You enjoy handmade things. Or, you’re just curious about the person behind the yarn. Either way—I’m glad you’re here.

The Roots of My Passion

My love for fiber arts didn’t start in a craft store or a YouTube tutorial—it started in a sheep pen.

As a child and even into my teenage years, I remember watching the sheep on my great-uncle Silas’s farm. There was something deeply moving about the way the sheep responded to his voice. He would call, and they would come. It was a simple yet sacred ritual that stirred something pastoral in me. That’s when I knew I wanted to dive deeper. I was intrigued not just with the sheep. I was also captivated by the wool they gave and the stories it would tell.

Back then, I knew how to knit a little and crochet some, but I longed for more. I wanted to learn to spin.

A Fiber Journey Begins

At first, wool felt out of reach. Buying 100% wool yarn was expensive, and spinning wheels were even more so. I had never heard of a drop spindle until one day I stumbled across it online. That discovery changed everything. I realized I start spinning on a budget. eBay, YouTube tutorials, and fiber forums became my teachers.

We found a local farm having a shearing day. I jumped at the chance to help. I paid for a sheep’s injections that year in exchange for the fleece. I took it home—dirty, greasy, and full of potential. Washing, drying, carding—it was all a massive learning curve, but slowly I started to understand the rhythm of the wool.

I spun enough for a pair of socks. I was so proud. Then I found a used plastic spinning wheel from Wisconsin—affordable and practical. It arrived in a box, and before long, I was spinning with both hands and heart.

From Wool to Wardrobe

The learning curve was real—drive bands breaking, fiber filled with neps, uneven bits and short pieces. But those frustrations became milestones. Each little hiccup taught me something new.

Now, I have a stash (as most crafters do). More fiber than projects. More yarn than ideas. And yet, choosing what to spin, how to dye, and what to knit still brings me joy. Some projects are for me. Some are gifts. Some are experiments in texture and color. That’s part of the magic.

The most exciting project? Probably that first pair of socks from my handspun yarn. But honestly, each finished project—whether from hand-dyed yarn or commercial wool—feels like a little victory.

Why It Matters

I’m passionate about fiber arts because I feel like I’m part of the process. From fleece to yarn to garment, I get to shape something with my hands that’s both beautiful and practical. It reminds me of ministry, too—how something raw can be transformed with care and intention.

Fiber art teaches me patience, persistence, and presence. And it connects me to something older than myself—an ancient rhythm of craft, care, and community.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. Whether you’re here to learn or be inspired, I’m happy we met. I’m also delighted to share in the joy of handmade living with you.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. Whether you’re here to learn or be inspired, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths. You also be here to simply share in the joy of handmade living.

I’d love to hear your story too.
Do you spin, knit, crochet, or sew? Have you ever worked with raw wool or dreamed of trying? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I truly enjoy connecting with fellow makers.

If you’d like to follow along on my fiber journey, you can get tutorials and project updates. It also includes reflections on faith and creativity. Subscribe to the blog or follow me on Instagram @Dollcan.

Let’s keep creating, learning, and finding joy in the process—together.

Doll

Finding Grace in the Ordinary — April 22, 2025

Finding Grace in the Ordinary

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

What does it mean to find grace in the ordinary?

So often, we think of grace as something grand—a divine moment wrapped in light, a miracle, or a profound transformation. But what if grace is also hidden in the simple things? In the barely noticeable pauses. In the timing of a pot just before it boils dry. In the breath you didn’t know you needed until you took it.

Grace is when you expect disaster and instead find relief. You rush to the stove and catch the pot just in time. That tiny rescue, that breath of “thank goodness,” is grace. It’s not dramatic. But it’s real.

We don’t often recognize ordinary life as a place where grace lives. We overlook the everyday rhythms of making tea, folding laundry, walking to the mailbox. But maybe grace shows up right there—in the normal, the unnoticed.

Like when it rains on a day you’ve secretly been longing to slow down. That shower from the sky feels like permission to breathe. To rest. To stay home and not feel guilty about it. Is that not a grace?

Or when a loved one responds with gentleness instead of anger, with kindness instead of criticism—those are grace-filled moments too. Little glimpses of love where we braced for something less.

Grace can surprise us in worship too. When you say something simple and someone’s response is so heartfelt, so affirming, it stays with you. You didn’t expect it. You didn’t ask for it. But you feel lifted. That’s grace.

So grace isn’t always dramatic or dazzling. Maybe grace often looks like ordinary life simply unfolding. It can catch your heart off guard. It makes you whisper, “Thank you.”

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the point.

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

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

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

  • 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

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

March Reflections: Fiber, Faith & Finding Calm

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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

5 Must-Have Items to Start Spinning with a Spindle — March 17, 2025

5 Must-Have Items to Start Spinning with a Spindle

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome! If you’re new to spinning, this post is for you. I’ll be sharing five essential items that will help you get started. Spinning is an ancient craft, one that predates the spinning wheel itself. Before the wheel, people used a simple yet effective tool: the spindle. Let’s dive into what you need to begin your own spinning journey.

1. A Spindle

When I first started spinning, I was looking for an affordable way to make 100% wool socks. The yarn available in my area was mostly plain white or brown, so someone suggested that I try spinning my own. That’s when I discovered the drop spindle.

I bought my first spindle on eBay, and it came with some fiber to practice on. Over time, I’ve gathered several different spindles, each with unique characteristics:

  • DIY Spindles: My husband made one using a dowel, a round piece of wood, and a cup hook.
  • Plastic Spindles: I have a small 3D-printed spindle that’s lightweight and easy to use.
  • Top and Bottom Whorl Spindles: Both work well; it’s all about personal preference.
  • Turkish Spindles: These allow you to create a center-pull ball as you spin.
  • Heavier Spindles: Ideal for plying and getting a leader started.

The key is finding a spindle that spins smoothly and suits your style.

2. Fiber and Fiber Preparation Tools

Once you have a spindle, you’ll need fiber! You can buy pre-washed and prepared fiber or process raw fleece yourself. If you’re preparing fiber at home, you’ll need tools to help:

  • Dog Brushes: Before I bought hand cards, I used two dog brushes to prepare fiber.
  • Hand Cards and Drum Carders: These tools help align fibers for easier spinning.
  • Combs: Useful for finer fiber preparation.

Spinning starts with good fiber prep, so having the right tools can make a big difference.

3. A Niddy Noddy

A niddy noddy is a tool that helps measure and skein your yarn. I have a handmade wooden niddy noddy that my husband crafted in 2004. I also have a 3D-printed version that is more compact and versatile.

By wrapping yarn around the niddy noddy, I can measure my yardage and prepare the yarn for setting. Whether you choose wood or plastic, this tool is incredibly helpful for any spinner.

4. Wraps Per Inch (WPI) Tool

A WPI tool helps determine the thickness of your yarn by counting how many times it wraps around a set measurement. If you don’t have a WPI gauge, a standard ruler works just as well!

Knowing your WPI helps ensure that your handspun yarn is the right weight for your project, whether you’re making socks, shawls, or sweaters.

5. A Lazy Kate or Alternative Plying Solution

If you plan to ply your yarn, a lazy kate can be very useful. While some wheels have built-in lazy kates, I’ve also used DIY solutions:

  • Handmade Lazy Kate: My husband made one using a log and dowels.
  • Plying Bracelet: When working with a single ply, I sometimes wrap it around my wrist and ply from there.

A lazy kate or an alternative plying method helps keep tension even and makes plying much easier.

Bonus: The Joy of Slow Spinning

Spinning is more than just making yarn—it’s a meditative and mindful process. Whether I’m in my rocking chair spinning, or walking outside with a spindle in hand, I find that this craft allows me to slow down and be present. Sometimes, I even use my spinning time for prayer and reflection.

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating yarn from fiber, knowing that each step of the process is part of a long-standing tradition. So if you’re just starting out, take your time, enjoy the process, and embrace the rhythm of spinning.

If you’d like to see a spindle demonstration, let me know! And don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your spinning journey. May you find blessings in each day. Happy spinning!

Self-Care, Mindful Rest & Creativity: A Day in My Life — February 18, 2025

Self-Care, Mindful Rest & Creativity: A Day in My Life

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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!

Bye for now!

Welcome to My Creative Fibre Adventure — February 11, 2025

Welcome to My Creative Fibre Adventure

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hello, friends! I’m so glad you’ve dropped in today. Let me take you on a fascinating journey through the wonderful world of natural dyeing. Today, we’re going to explore how I started with a dye bath, added the fiber, heated it, rinsed it, dried it, and then finally carded it. Are you ready? Let’s have some fun together.

Getting Started: The Dye Bath

This journey begins with an odd little picture — a reflection of my wooden spoon in one of my old pots. What am I creating, you ask? Well, it looks a bit like soup with all the red and white onion skins. Turning on the light reveals more of what this concoction is all about.

You see, what’s in the pot is a dye bath simmering gently all day, perhaps even a little overnight. It’s going to take some time to soften, but I promise it won’t smell bad — just like onions really. As the water level drops, I’ll add a bit more. Isn’t the anticipation just thrilling?

The Dyeing Process

Once the dye bath had done its magic, I strained it and added vinegar to set the dye along with the fiber, producing a nice dark color. Though I suspected it might not pick up all the color, I was eager to see the results.

After the dye bath, I put the fibre into a spin cycle. What I ended up with was fibre needing to be carded. The colours—oh, they’re quite delightful, even if they’re not entirely what I expected from onion skins, avocado pits, and peels. This is my bathroom and is a great place to dry these fibres; pretty golden, rusty-coloured tones, isn’t it?

Carding: Transforming Fibre

I’m going to show you some of the bats that I previously dyed, ready to be opened and put through the carders. My loving husband played a big role in creating these by opening the fibres up in preparation.

In my quaint little furnace room, I lovingly card the fibers, sometimes enjoying unique surprising pops of color as I work. Occasionally, pieces don’t card out well, but I’m patient and deal with those during spinning, sometimes by hand.

Unexpected Discoveries and Fond Memories

The journey of carding and transforming fiber into beautiful yarn is not just about the end product but the process itself. I recall the history of my old carder bought in Alaska way back in 2005. With a bit of moisture damage, it still serves me well, a testament to its durability and the memories it holds.

My journey with 100 Mile Fiber, sourced from a lovely shepherd named Lydia in Branchton, Rampart Farm and Wool not far from here in Ontario, also stands out. Her small fibre mill and kind demeanour left an impression, reminding me that every step of this process, from obtaining raw fibres to spinning them, is filled with stories and artistry.

Final Touches: Finishing the Bat

As the project nears completion, I take great pride in the fine, muted colors that emerge. It’s fascinating how these natural dye elements create such stunning results. Even though it’s a bit of work—a bit of a workout, honestly—I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Afterward, in my comfy chair, I reflect on two nearly identical bats created with similar materials but slightly different dye baths. Isn’t it amazing how they turn out to be almost the same color after all?

Inspiration for You

I hope this adventure inspires you to try something new with fibre and natural dyes. Whether it’s the method or materials, there’s an endless world of creativity waiting. This journey is about learning, experimenting, and most importantly, enjoying the process.

Until next time, happy dyeing and spinning, remember, if Doll Can Create, you can too.

God bless.