2025-10-16T11:11:23-04:00

“Reading Week Selections: A Diverse Literary Journey”

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A Pastor living the Grandma Core, 100 mile life.

It’s reading week, and I’m beginning with three very different books — each chosen with intention and heart.

My cozy reading table this week — a balance of study, reflection, and rest.

The first is The Principles of Economics: Economic Directives from a Biblical Viewpoint. It’s helping me think through budgeting and stewardship in a faith-centered way. The second is Our Christian Reflections on Death and New Life by Henri Nouwen. This book draws me deeper into spiritual reflection. It also encourages renewal. And finally, I’ve chosen A Searching Heart by Janet Oke. This novel offers the comfort of a familiar Christian voice. It also gives the simple joy of story.

In this trio, I’ve found a balance: one for the mind, one for the soul, and one for rest.
Economics, theology, and fiction — all working together to nourish different parts of my life.

Learning and Reflection

My goal this week is simple: to learn.
I’ll be reading The Principles of Economics as a Bible study. Each section includes scripture, discussion questions, and reflection prompts. I’m already imagining how this can one day form the basis of a small group study or online discussion series.

The scripture on the opening page reads, “Lay up your treasures in heaven.” That alone sets the tone. Although this book was printed back in 2013 by the Eastern Mennonite Press in Pennsylvania, truth doesn’t age. The principles of faith and finance stay as relevant today as ever.

When I finish, I plan to write a short reflection. I want to capture what I’ve learned. I will also consider how it can shape my ministry.

Theological Growth and Spiritual Nourishment

Henri Nouwen’s Reflections on Death and New Life is where I’ll spend time in theological reflection. I want to see what stands out as I walk through it. I want to understand how it speaks to change, loss, and renewal in my own life. I am also curious about its impact on my ministry.

This isn’t just academic reading. It’s a conversation between faith and life — between God’s promises and my daily realities. It’s also a prompt read as we move toward Advent, a season that holds both waiting and wonder.

Rest, Relaxation, and Renewal

And then there’s A Searching Heart — my “just for me” book.
I don’t always make time for fiction. Still, Janet Oke’s gentle storytelling reminds me to slow down. It encourages me to breathe and rest in the beauty of faith-filled simplicity. Sometimes, we read not to learn, but to be restored.

Why Ministers Need Reading Weeks

In ministry, we’re encouraged to take time each year for continuing education. We have three weeks set apart for growth, learning, and renewal. This reading week is part of that rhythm for me. It’s also a chance to plan ahead. It’s a time to think about Advent themes. It allows me to refill the spiritual well that ministry can so quickly drain.

Not every week of growth has to involve travel or coursework. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet corner and a warm mug. It also includes a stack of books that stretch your heart and mind.

I call that self-ministry. It is a week where you nourish your body and soul. Do this in ways that have been neglected in the busy seasons of service.

Closing Reflection

So, this week I’ll be learning, reflecting, and resting — all at once.
I’ll let these books speak to different parts of my life. I trust that in their pages I’ll find wisdom. I’ll also find challenge and peace.

As you step into your own rhythm this week, it is time to pick up a book. Choose one that speaks to your soul. Whether it’s something practical, something prayerful, or simply a story that brings rest — make space for learning. Allow time for reflection and renewal.

I’d love to hear what you’re reading this season.
Share your favorite faith-filled or comforting book in the comments below. Let’s inspire one another to keep growing in wisdom and grace.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
— Matthew 6:20

With a cozy mug in hand and gratitude in my heart,
— Pastor Barb aka Grannie Doll 🤍
“Creating calm, crafting faith, and cherishing the simple life.”

What did I learn?

July 29, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Reflections on Daily Spinning: Lessons from Tour de Fleece

By Doll – July Wrap-Up

🧶 1. Consistency Counts More Than Speed

Spinning even a little each day adds up. Whether on the spindle or the wheel, showing up regularly built real momentum—and yarn!

🧵 2. Different Tools Serve Different Energy Levels

The spindle offered a peaceful pace for tired days, while the wheel let you make quick progress when you had more energy. Learning when to use which helped keep the joy in the process.

🪷 3. Grace Makes the Journey Sustainable

Read below for more:

Some days you were tired, and that was okay. You learned to listen to your body and spin gently, reminding yourself that rest and rhythm go hand in hand.

Tour de Fleece has just come to a close, and I’m pausing to reflect on what daily spinning taught me—about yarn, yes, but also about persistence, pacing, and grace.

I joined this year’s Tour with a clear intention: to spin enough yarn for a vest or sweater. A lofty but exciting goal. And while I didn’t set strict daily targets or try to hit big spinning milestones, I did commit to showing up—every single day—with spindle or wheel in hand.

The Process

Most of my spinning was done on my trusty spindles. They’re portable, calming, and surprisingly productive when used daily. But for larger quantities—and on days when I had more time and energy—I turned to my wheel. The result was a nice rhythm between the two, and a growing understanding of how each tool fits into my creative life.

On both spindle and wheel, I used a short forward draw, spinning worsted-style with the aim of achieving a DK to sock-weight yarn. It’s the weight I enjoy knitting with the most—and it’s also versatile enough for the layering pieces I want to make.

The Only Real Challenge: Energy

There weren’t many obstacles, really—no tangled messes, no broken bobbins, no spindle disasters. What I did notice was how my own energy levels played a role. Some days, especially those hot, midsummer afternoons or late evenings after long walks, I just didn’t have much to give. And that’s okay.

I learned to respect that tiredness, to spin just a few minutes if that’s all I had, and to remind myself that every meter counts.

A Memorable Moment

One of the most exciting moments came when I skeined off a large bobbin from the wheel and measured out 125 meters of yarn. That’s a big number for me—larger than usual. It felt like a real celebration. Not just for the yardage, but for the consistency, the colour, the sense of completion. A visual and tactile reminder that spinning adds up.

What I Learned

Small sessions add up – Whether five minutes or fifty, the act of returning to the spindle daily built momentum. Tools work together – The spindle and wheel don’t compete in my world. They complement each other. Each brings a different rhythm to the work. Energy is part of the equation – Spinning isn’t just physical; it requires presence. Giving myself grace on tired days made the whole journey more sustainable. Every skein tells a story – That 125-meter skein? It’s a symbol of patience, persistence, and purpose. And it’s going into something I’ll wear with pride.

What’s Next?

Now that Tour de Fleece is over, I’m planning to swatch with some of the yarn and start sketching ideas for that vest or sweater. I may even keep the daily spinning going, even if it’s just a little each morning—because it grounds me.

To those who spun alongside me this month: congratulations. Whether you spun 10 meters or 1,000, whether you spun daily or sporadically, you moved fibre through your fingers and created beauty. That’s something worth celebrating.

What did you learn from Tour de Fleece? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @DollCan – I’d love to see what’s on your bobbin.

✨ It’s Not Too Late:

July 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

✨ It’s Not Too Late: How to Join Tour de Fleece Anytime

Have you been watching Tour de Fleece unfold online and thinking,
“I wish I’d joined… but I missed the start”?

Here’s the good news: Tour de Fleece isn’t a race. It’s a rhythm. And yes—you can start anytime.

Why Join Late?

Tour de Fleece is about celebrating spinning, building community, and connecting with the joy of fibre. Whether you’re seven days in or seven days out, your spinning still matters. The “rules” are more like suggestions, and the most important one is: just spin.

5 Reasons It’s Not Too Late

There Are No Spinning Police.
No one is tracking your start date or yardage.
Your Journey, Your Pace.
Maybe this week is when you can spin—life happens.
More Inspiration Now.
With Week 1 done, you’ve got loads of spinning posts to draw ideas from.
Mini Goals Are Magic.
A single spindle full, a bobbin cleared, or one new technique—that’s plenty.
You Belong.
Late or early, you’re part of the community the moment you show up.

Quick Start Checklist ✅

Download this printable: Tour de Fleece Late Start Checklist
Or just use this list to focus your energy:

☐ Set one small goal for the rest of the Tour
☐ Spin 10–15 minutes a day
☐ Choose a fibre that brings you joy
☐ Let go of perfection—progress is the win
☐ Share your spin with the community (if you want to!)

Join the Spin Now

Even if today’s your first spin of the Tour, that counts. It matters. And it’s worth celebrating. So whether you’re picking up your spindle after a break or just discovering the event—you’re in. Welcome!

Let me know what you’re spinning this week in the comments. You can also tag me on Instagram at @dollcan. I want to cheer you on!

Check out the video here:

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One:

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Barbara aka Doll

The wheel is humming, the spindle is whirling, and Tour de Fleece 2025 is officially underway! There’s something energizing about spinning alongside a global community—each of us finding our rhythm, one draft at a time.

Whether you’re just joining in or you’ve been prepping for weeks, Week One is about beginning. And this year, I’m starting with gratitude, curiosity, and a basket full of beautiful wool.

This week’s video is a summary of week one and a catch up as well. Scroll to the bottom to view the video.

✨ What I’m Spinning

This week I’m working with both my spinning wheel and my drop spindles. They offer different joys. My wheel brings long, peaceful stretches. My spindles are perfect for spontaneous spinning outside or during quiet breaks in the day.

I’ve chosen some naturally dyed wool. It includes onion skins and just a hint of avocado. I also have some fleece in natural shades. It’s not about spinning for speed; it’s about connection: to the fiber, the rhythm, and the story each skein holds.

🎥 On the Channel:

Tour de Fleece Week 1: My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why
This week’s YouTube video walks through:

My fiber and tool choices
How I prep for both spindle and wheel spinning
Why Tour de Fleece is about more than just yarn—it’s about peace, purpose, and play

📣 I’d love to know—are you spinning this year? Drop a comment or tag me @dollcancreate on Instagram!

🧵 Spinning Reflections: The Ritual of Beginning

Starting something new always brings mixed feelings—excitement, nerves, maybe a little overwhelm. But here’s what spinning taught me this week: start small, and let the joy grow.

Even 15 minutes a day is enough to settle into flow. The sound of the wheel brought me back to center. The pull of the spindle and the twist of the wool did as well. This isn’t about pressure. It’s about presence.

🌟 Join Me?

If you’re spinning along, I’d love to follow your progress! Tag me on social media or send a note. Whether you’re making art yarn or refining your drafting technique, your journey is valid and beautiful.

Let’s spin a little joy into the world—one twist at a time.

Follow along all month at dollcancreate.com and on YouTube @dollcancreate

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

July 5, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome to my channel! I’m Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you through the Tour de Fleece 2025. If you’re new here, I believe anyone can create—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. It’s all about learning, growing, and getting better each day, and today, I’m taking you along for my spinning adventure.

See video below.

What’s On My Wheel?

I’ve hauled my Babe wheel up the stairs. Let me tell you, one of the best things about these wheels is how light they are. For the first day of the Tour de Fleece, I’m spinning a lovely BLUEFACED LEICESTER. This fiber is from Rampart Farm and Woolen Mill, in Branchton, Ontario. I bought this fiber last fall and dyed it myself using onion skins. I added just a touch of avocado. Although, the avocado didn’t really leave much color on this batch.

I’m using a short draw technique for a worsted spin, aiming for a fine yarn. While it’s not the softest fiber, it’s incredibly easy to work with. That is exactly what I wanted for day one. I’ve decided to spin for about half an hour today. Still, I won’t make you watch the wheel spin for all that time. We all know that part’s not the most exciting, right?

The Sounds of Summer

As I’m spinning, I’m also enjoying the neighborhood sounds. There’s a hawk circling overhead. It’s calling out in his usual way. Nearby, a sparrow’s nest has taken up residence in the carport corner. The background traffic is minimal since we’re at the end of a court. I’m definitely getting all the wonderful outdoor vibes today.

Goals for Day One

My goal today is to spin for at least an hour. I’m going to focus on the wheel. I’ll also be picking up my spindle to do some work there. I’ve got a blue fiber waiting for me. I can’t seem to find it right now. So, I’ll be digging around in my stash to track it down. During the Tour, I’ll also be spinning some white of the same fiber.

Originally, my plan was to spin enough for a vest—or, if I’m feeling ambitious, a whole sweater. I’ve seen others do it, so why not? If they can do it, I can too. Right?

Challenges and Updates

I know some of you are probably thinking, “How does everything go so smoothly?” Well, I can tell you that this little wheel’s drive band is causing trouble. It’s jumping off every now and then. I can feel some minor grease or maybe soap residue on the fiber. It’s all part of the process. When I set the twist, it should be fine.

Speaking of which, I need a new drive band for the wheel. I’ll have to handle that before the end of the challenge. But, like I always say—there’s nothing like a little challenge to keep things interesting!

What’s Coming Up?

Looking ahead, I’ll be finishing up the Tour de Fleece at a campground. I’m not sure if I’ll bring my wheel. It all depends on space and what else I need to pack. I’m committed to spinning as much as I can throughout this month. I’m excited to share this experience with you.

Join Me!

I’ll be posting updates on Instagram, Facebook, my blog, and of course, on YouTube. If you’d like to follow along, please like this post. You can also subscribe to my channel. Share it with your friends. You can also join the fun using the hashtag: #NotAMasterSpinner and #TourDeFleece2025.

I’m so glad to have you with me on this Tour de Fleece journey. Let’s spin, create, and enjoy the ride together!

Take care, God bless, and I’ll see you soon!

Ready, Set, Spin: Your Tour de Fleece Prep Guide

July 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Tour de Fleece Checklist

The Tour de Fleece is a fun and exciting challenge for spinners all over the world. Whether you’re a beginner, it’s a fantastic way to push your spinning skills. If you’re seasoned, it’s a great opportunity to engage with the community. If you’re gearing up for the Tour de Fleece, having a clear plan can help you stay focused and organized. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you’re ready to spin!

1. Set Your Goals

Before you dive into the Tour de Fleece, take a moment to set your spinning goals. Ask yourself:

What fibers do I want to spin during this challenge?
How much spinning do I want to achieve?
Do I want to try a new technique or spin for a specific project?

Setting clear, achievable goals will keep you motivated and help you stay on track throughout the event.

2. Prepare Your Fiber

Now that your goals are set, it’s time to get your fibers ready. Go through your fiber stash and pick out the ones you’d like to work with. This could include:

Washing and prepping raw fibers
Carding or combing fibers to make them easier to spin
Sorting fibers by color or texture for a specific project

Prepare your fibers ahead of time. This will save you precious time during the challenge. It will let you focus on the actual spinning.

3. Prepare Your Tools

Your spinning wheel or spindle is your main tool, so make sure it’s in top shape.

Clean and oil your spinning wheel or spindle
Check your bobbins for wear and tear
Make sure you have any extra tools, like knitting needles or crochet hooks, ready for finishing your spun yarn

Taking a moment to check your tools now can prevent any delays during the challenge.

4. Plan Your Spinning

A little planning goes a long way! Create a daily spinning schedule to help you stay organized and committed. Rest days (July 15 & 21) are part of the challenge. Be sure to schedule those into your plan.

What fiber will you spin each day?
How much time can you dedicate to spinning?
Do you need to factor in time for other fiber-related tasks (like plying or setting your yarn)?

A clear spinning schedule helps you pace yourself and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

5. Engage & Celebrate

The Tour de Fleece is all about community and fun. Don’t forget to share your progress with others:

Join a Tour de Fleece group or challenge
Post updates on social media using the hashtag #TourDeFleece
Celebrate your accomplishments at the end of the event, no matter how much you spin

Engaging with others and celebrating your journey is an important part of the experience. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and having fun!

By adhering to this checklist, you’ll be set for a successful Tour de Fleece. Whether you’re aiming to spin a specific yarn or you just want to enjoy the process, planning ahead is key. This ensures you make the most of this exciting challenge. Happy spinning, and may your bobbins be full!

You can download a printable checklist here:

Tour de Fleece: The Calm Before the Spin The preparation continues.

June 20, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

🧶

Tour de Fleece is right around the corner—and I’m getting ready for the spin of the season! Whether you’re a longtime spinner or new to the joy of the draft, I invite you to prep alongside me. Let’s talk bobbins, fiber prep, common challenges, and how we can all enjoy a slower, more intentional spin this year.

🌀 Clear the Bobbins, Clear the Mind

Step one: clear off those bobbins!
I’m starting with a multicolored purple merino blend that’s just begging to be chain-plied into a soft three-ply yarn. It’s a simple task, but it gets the energy flowing and makes room for what’s next.

✨ Bonus: I’ll be recording the process, so follow along for inspiration!

🤯 The Too-Many-Choices Problem

Let’s be honest—fiber stashes have a way of multiplying. The biggest challenge for me is deciding what to spin. Should I:

Spin for a sweater?
Tackle a luxury fiber?
Work through stash from local sources?

This year, I’m simplifying. I’ve picked:

One main fiber for the wheel
A few smaller samples for the spindle

Less decision fatigue = more time at the wheel.

💭 Over-planning Is Real

Ever plan to spin two pounds in three weeks? Me too. And when it doesn’t happen, the guilt creeps in.

So here’s my Tour mantra:
🌿 Be realistic. Be gentle. Show up with joy.

I’m setting a time-based goal instead:

15 minutes on busy days
30 minutes for flexibility
1 hour when I’m home and can relax into it

No pressure, just presence.

🧵 Tricky Fibers to Watch Out For

Every spinner has met their match. Mine?

Vacuum-sealed combed top – too compressed and slippery
Short staple fibers – easy to over-spin and hard to manage

If it frustrates me, it’s not going in the Tour basket. I’m choosing fiber that inspires, not irritates.

🎯 Making It Fun with a Tour de Fleece Bingo

Sometimes a little structure sparks creativity. I love using a Tour de Fleece Bingo card—either one of the many shared online or one I’ve made myself. It adds variety, keeps things playful, and gives me small wins to celebrate along the way. Check out Patreon for spinning folk who are on board.

✔️ Challenge met. Square marked. Spinner happy.

🌾 Local and Purposeful: My Spinning Focus

Aligned with my 100 Mile Life challenge, I’m focusing on:

Fiber from local farms and makers
No new purchases until I’ve spun what I have
Spinning with intention—thinking ahead to sweaters, vests, or cozy winter knits

This isn’t just about making yarn. It’s about making choices that align with my values.

💬 Final Thoughts

Tour de Fleece is more than a spinning challenge. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and commitment—whether you spin for 5 minutes or 5 miles of yarn.

Let’s keep it light, joyful, and grounded.
And if you need a reminder: You’re already doing great.

🧵 Tell me in the comments: What’s the one fiber you can’t wait to spin this year?

Wool You Join Me? A Beginner’s Tour de Fleece Journey

June 13, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Can I Join Tour de Fleece If I’m Not a Master Spinner?
Absolutely—Here’s Why You Should!

Every summer, cyclists pedal their hearts out in the Tour de France. Meanwhile, spinners around the world sit down with their wheels, spindles, and fluff. They join in a different endurance event: the Tour de Fleece. But if you’re new to spinning—or you feel like your yarn still has a few “extra design elements”—you are wondering:

Can I spin in Tour de Fleece if I’m not a master spinner?

Let me answer that loud and clear:
YES. YES. A thousand times, YES!

Here’s why Tour de Fleece is especially for you:

1. It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Tour de Fleece isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration. The goal is simply to spin a little (or a lot) every day the cyclists ride. Whether you’re spinning lumpy art yarn or super-fine lace weight, it all counts. You’re not being judged. You’re showing up, learning, and getting better with every turn of the spindle or treadle.

2. There’s a Welcoming Community for Every Skill Level

There are dozens of teams, hashtags, and social groups where beginners are not only welcome—they’re cheered on. Many experienced spinners enjoy helping newcomers. Your progress can inspire someone to pick up their spindle for the first time.

3. Your “Before and After” Will Amaze You

Tour de Fleece is usually three weeks long. That’s enough time to see a real shift in your spinning. Your hands learn. Your muscle memory builds. Your yarn changes. Even if your first skein is a little wild, your last one will show just how far you’ve come.

4. You Can Set Your Own Challenge

You don’t have to spin every day or meet a high yardage goal. Your personal challenge is:

“Spin for 10 minutes a day”
“Ply for the first time”
“Finish the fiber I started last winter”
“Try supported spindling”
You make the rules. You choose your pace.

5. It’s a Great Excuse to Play with Fiber

If you needed permission to indulge in some lovely roving, here it is. Tour de Fleece is the perfect excuse to try new fibers, colors, or prep styles. You do not need a “perfect plan” for the finished yarn.

My First Tour de Fleece?

I had no idea what I was doing—but I loved every minute. I spun on a spindle in my backyard, in the car (as a passenger!), and even while watching the cyclists on TV. I learned how to draft better, how to troubleshoot twist, and how to relax and enjoy the process.

If you’re thinking, “But my yarn isn’t good enough yet,” let me share something with you. Here’s a secret: Tour de Fleece is how it gets good.

So go ahead—dust off your spindle or wheel. Join a team. Set a goal. And spin your heart out.

You’re not just allowed to join Tour de Fleece—you’re meant to.
Let’s spin together and see where the fiber takes us!

For my Spinning Prayer Guide click here

Tour de Fleece: Join the Global Spinning Challenge

June 6, 2025June 5, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Every summer, cyclists race through the mountains and valleys of France. Meanwhile, another spinning takes place around the world. It is the joyful spin of wool turning into yarn!

This is the heart of Tour de Fleece, an international spin-along for fibre lovers. But where did it start?

Tour de Fleece was started in 2006 by spinner and blogger Katrina McHugh. She had a brilliant idea while watching the famous Tour de France cycling race.
While the cyclists spin their wheels on the road, why don’t we spin our wheels at home? Or spin our spindles?

“Spinning wheel lady vintage illustration“/ CC0 1.0

She posted her idea on her blog. She invited other spinners to join her for a three-week spinning challenge. This challenge runs alongside the Tour de France. It was an instant success.

Over the years, the event has grown into a beloved tradition among spinners worldwide. Thousands now take part each year — some through teams on Ravelry, others through Instagram and personal blogs.

The spirit of Tour de Fleece is simple:
✨ Set your own spinning goals. ✨ Challenge yourself in some way (new fibre, new technique, spin every day, finish a project). ✨ Share your progress with the community. ✨ Celebrate your love of handspun yarn!

What am I planning?

There are no hard rules — it’s about participation, learning, and joy.

Whether you spin on a wheel, drop spindle, or electric spinner, Tour de Fleece is a time to connect. It brings together spinners around the world. It allows us to cheer each other on and marvel at what we can create with simple fibre and skill.

As the cyclists conquer their miles, we spinners conquer our fibre stash — one draft at a time! 🚴‍♀️🧶

Are you joining Tour de Fleece this year? I’d love to spin along with you!
👉 Share your spinning plans or goals in the comments — let’s cheer each other on!

See Video below or click here

If you’d like to follow my spinning journey, be sure to do the next:
✅ Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
✅ Follow me on Instagram
✅ Sign up for my email list for extra fibre goodness!

✨ Let’s make beautiful yarn together this Tour de Fleece! 🚴‍♀️🧶

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core