Check out the link. This would make a lovely scarf as well. https://yarnlove4ewe.etsy.com
If you’d like 1 or both of theses skeins just let me know. Thanks.
Category: Uncategorized
My new etsy shop has been hacked. 😦 stay tuned for an update. If you’d like 1 or both of theses skeins just let me know. Thanks.
I had so much fun creating these 2 skeins. Have a look in my Etsy shop. Let me know what you think.
We continue through Lent to ponder and pray. We’re crafting each day on a project that brings us closer to God. Read the passage 3 times, sit for a while to see what comes up for you. Craft and pray.
Week 2: Signs and Miracles
Day 8: John 5:1-9
Reflection: Jesus heals the man at the pool. What healing do you need from Him?
Prayer: Lord, speak healing over my body, mind, and spirit. Amen.
Day 9: John 6:1-14
Reflection: Jesus feeds the five thousand. Do you trust Him to provide for your needs?
Prayer: Provider God, I trust You to meet all my needs. Amen.
Day 10: John 6:35-40
Reflection: Jesus is the Bread of Life. Are you nourishing yourself with His Word?
Prayer: Lord, sustain me with Your truth each day. Amen.
Day 11: John 7:37-39
Reflection: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as living water. Are you open to His presence?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, flow through me and refresh my soul. Amen.
Day 12: John 8:12
Reflection: Jesus is the Light of the World. Are you walking in His light?
Prayer: Lord, lead me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Amen.
Day 13: John 9:1-7
Reflection: Jesus heals a blind man, revealing God’s power. Where do you need spiritual sight?
Prayer: Open my eyes, Lord, to see Your truth. Amen.
Day 14: John 10:11-18
Reflection: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Are you listening to His voice?
Prayer: Shepherd me, Lord, and keep me close to You. Amen.
Blessings
Have you ever wondered what I do when I’m not sitting in the rocking chair? Stay tuned! Sometimes I’m in the furnace room, carding wool. Other times, I’m at the spinning wheel, spinning wool. I spend time at the kitchen table doing my journals, and sometimes, I just settle in with a good book.
Hi friends! This is Doll from DollCanCreate, and I’m so glad you popped in today while we have our rocking chair knit and chat. I normally do this at the end of the week, but life got busy, and I fell a couple of days behind. But I know you understand that all too well! So here I am, rocking away with my beautiful purple prayer shawl—a special gift from 2013 that still brings me comfort, especially now, during Lent.
Grab your favorite beverage! Mine is almost gone, and yes, it’s coffee—of course, of course! I’m sipping it from my beautiful cup featuring Maxine Noel’s Indigenous woman design. Let’s chat about my 100 Mile Life adventure, what’s working, what’s not, and where we’re at now. It’s so easy to forget and pick up something from the store that doesn’t quite fit the 100-mile radius goal. That’s part of what we’ll talk about, along with my works in progress, some spinning, and spindling.
Lenten Knitting and Works in Progress
We are in Lent—day five, I think! I’ve been working on my blanket, praying and meditating as I knit. It’s a simple ten-row pattern, and I placed a red heart in the middle, much like a log cabin design. I’m using bits and pieces from my jar, and as it empties, I have more yarn ready to go. There’s even a bit of gold in there waiting for its turn.
I believe I linked the pattern on my blog and in my last YouTube video. Speaking of which, I’ll try to add the last video about the blanket for reference. Many of these yarns I spun myself—some merino, some local wool. That’s where I’m focusing my efforts, sourcing local fibers.
I’m also working on my first sock for March! The pattern is Heel Toe Do Si Do by the Crazy Sock Lady. It’s such an easy, enjoyable knit. I opted for a long leg with a one-by-one twisted rib. I just finished the heel and am working on the gusset now. The colorway is dyed using food coloring, giving it beautiful shading. My goal is to finish these by the end of March.
Spinning Adventures
I’m spinning a lovely brown fiber gifted to me by my Elfster partner in Germany. There’s quite a bit left to 1go, and I haven’t decided what I’ll make with it yet—maybe a hat? Maybe something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m using a 3D-printed spindle with a Celtic design, one of my favorites. I bought it years ago from a shop in Kitchener, which has since moved. I miss that store! But I love my spindles and always seem to be on the lookout for new ones.
In the dye bath right now, I have sock yarn taking on a beautiful purple hue using Wilton’s Violet. This dye splits into shades of blue, pink, and purple—my absolute favorite! Once it’s ready, it will be available in my shop. Other colorways include Sunrise, Peacock, Copper, and Dusty Rose. No black or yellow at the moment, but that could change!
I’m also carding local wool and may naturally dye it once I have 100–200 grams ready. I have an acorn dye bath left, or I might try pine needles or even the lone walnut the squirrel abandoned in my driveway. Who knows what I’ll come up with?
The 100 Mile Life Update
So, what’s working? I found a produce delivery company sourcing Canadian-grown vegetables, likely from the New Market area. The box was good, though I’d love to know exactly where each item comes from. I did sneak in four bananas from Costa Rica—I still want bananas in my life!
The big news? We joined Summit Dairy! It’s out past Dundas, and as of Thursday, we’ll get milk and cream delivered weekly. Their dairy is high quality, coming directly from their herd, and delivered in glass bottles with a deposit system. I’ll set the cooler out Wednesday night for the early morning delivery. I go through about a liter of cream a week, plus milk and their delicious chocolate milk as a treat.
Meat sourcing is a work in progress. I bought Canadian meat from Walmart but need to find out where exactly it’s sourced. I plan to visit Denninger’s for local meat and their incredible liverwurst. Other options include meat processors within the 100-mile radius.
Flour was another challenge. I bought no-name flour but couldn’t confirm the exact source. Moving forward, I’ll return to Arva Flour Mills. Their flour is fantastic, and I may order in bulk to make delivery worthwhile.
Garden Dreams and Final Thoughts
As I plan my tiny garden, I’m considering shade-friendly plants. Last year’s cucumbers did well, and I might try potatoes again with better trimming. Tomatoes are unlikely due to lack of sun, but radishes and peas can go in early, which is exciting! Friends have a garden and grew zucchini and beets for me last year—maybe I can work with them again this season.
So, that’s my check-in! The 100 Mile Life is on track, more or less. The key is remembering that I don’t need to order flour and coffee from big-box stores when I have local options. Every small choice makes a difference.
If you have any questions about the 100 Mile Life, knitting, spinning, or my dyed yarns, let me know! I’d love to hear from you. Whatever you do, I hope it brings you joy and allows you to bless others.
This is Doll from DollCanCreate. You can too! Until next time, friends—bye for now!
- gif found on Pintrest ↩︎
My Lenten Blanket as a Spiritual Practice
- I started my Lenten project, a log cabin-style blanket, but quickly realized I didn’t like the pattern I had chosen. So, I changed it to something that felt more natural.
- This blanket is made from my handspun, all Canadian wool—Shetland from Nova Scotia and a Bluefaced Leicester/Merino blend from Ontario.
- Just like the season of Lent, this project is about creating a daily rhythm of prayer, meditation, and reflection as I knit.
Embracing Imperfection and Growth
- As I knit, I notice how some stitches are uneven and messy, just like life. But both the perfect and the imperfect pieces come together to create something whole.
- I considered ripping it out and starting over, but I decided to embrace the imperfections, knowing that growth happens in the process.
- This reminds me of the Lenten journey—accepting where I am while also striving for transformation.
Feeding My Soul and Finding Gratitude
- At Bible study this morning, we talked about the “bread of life” and how we nourish our souls—not just with food, but through prayer, community, and the things we take in daily.
- I ask myself: How am I feeding my soul today? What am I doing to strengthen my relationship with the Divine?
- Gratitude is a powerful practice. When I take a moment to notice the blessings around me, everything shifts.
As I continue knitting this blanket, stitch by stitch, I’m reminded that Lent is not about perfection—it’s about the journey. Each day, I’ll show up, knit a little, pray a little, and reflect on the ways I can grow. Some days will be smooth, and others will feel messy, but all of it is part of something bigger.
So, I invite you to join me in this rhythm. Take a moment to reflect, to pray, to create, and most of all, to notice the blessings around you. We are all works in progress, but together, we are being shaped into something whole. God bless. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
You can find the 10 row blanket here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ten-stitch-blanket
The video explains all about it
Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation—a time to slow down and focus on what truly matters. This year, I’m incorporating that spirit into my knitting with a Lenten Log Cabin Blanket. Over 40 days, I’ll knit one section each day, allowing the project to grow as a visual and tangible reminder of this sacred season.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to blend faith and fiber arts, I invite you to join me in this project!
What is a Log Cabin Blanket?
A log cabin blanket is a modular knitting technique that starts with a small center square, then builds outward by adding strips one by one. There’s no seaming—just picking up stitches and knitting in a continuous, meditative process.
It’s a perfect metaphor for Lent—layering our faith, growing in discipline, and building on a strong foundation. As each strip is added, we are reminded that faith is not built in a day but in steady, intentional steps.
The Lenten Knitting Plan: 40 Sections in 40 Days
This project is structured around daily knitting goals, making it both manageable and meaningful. Each day, I’ll add a new section to the blanket, sometimes incorporating special stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent.
Choosing Colors for Lent
Your color choices can add another layer of meaning:
- Purple – The traditional color of Lent, representing repentance and reflection.
- Earth Tones – Symbolizing simplicity and fasting.
- A Gradient from Dark to Light – Moving from reflection to renewal as Easter approaches.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Knit the Center Square
We begin with a simple garter stitch square—the foundation of the blanket. This represents the foundation of faith and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Adding Log Strips
Once the center square is finished, I’ll pick up stitches along one edge and knit a new strip. Each day, a new strip is added in a clockwise direction, causing the blanket to grow outward in a natural rhythm.
This daily practice of knitting a section becomes a spiritual discipline, just like prayer or fasting. It offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and be mindful.
Symbolism & Stitch Patterns for Lent
To make this project even more meaningful, I’m incorporating different stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent:
- Garter stitch – Simplicity and steadfastness.
- Moss stitch – Growth in faith.
- Broken rib – The struggles and perseverance of the journey.
- Cross motifs – A visible reminder of faith.
- Lace and eyelets – Light breaking through, symbolizing renewal.
Each stitch carries significance, turning this blanket into a tapestry of devotion and reflection.
A Daily Practice for Lent
By the time Easter arrives, this blanket will be a physical representation of the season—each section carrying the prayers, thoughts, and reflections from the journey. Whether you knit in quiet prayer, meditate on scripture, or simply use this time to slow down, this project can be a deeply spiritual practice.
Join Me in This Lenten Knitting Journey!
Are you knitting a Lenten project this year? I’d love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments what colors you’re using, what reflections you’re bringing into your stitches, or if you have any special traditions that combine faith and fiber arts.
And if you want to see the progress of my Lenten Log Cabin Blanket, be sure to follow along on my [YouTube channel] (or insert social media links)!
Happy knitting, and may your Lenten journey be filled with peace and reflection.
Here’s your printable guide for the Lenten Log Cabin Blanket! (my gift to you)
Imagine walking with a friend—perhaps on a quiet path, sharing thoughts, when suddenly, they are transfigured before your very eyes. Their face shines like the sun, their garments glow with a brilliance beyond this world. How would you react? Would you be afraid? Amazed? Overwhelmed?
This is the scene that unfolds in the Transfiguration of Jesus—a moment when his divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John. In an instant, Jesus is radiant, and beside him stand Moses and Elijah, two towering figures of faith. The disciples, startled and unsure, react as we might: Peter impulsively suggests building tents to capture the moment, to give it form and structure. Yet, the voice of God intervenes: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
There are times in life when we, too, witness something extraordinary—moments that catch us off guard and fill us with wonder. The glow of a sunset over still waters, the breathtaking grandeur of an ancient cathedral, the profound peace in the laughter of a loved one. These moments remind us that the divine is not distant, but near.
But transfiguration isn’t only about grand, celestial encounters. It happens in the everyday. It happens when a new mother looks into the eyes of her child, when a person lost in despair finds hope, when someone chooses love over fear. Transformation is not just about the visible; it is about how we are changed from within.
Even the simplest things—our hands, our work, our presence—hold traces of the divine. Our hands, once seen as ordinary, become instruments of kindness, of healing, of prayer. Our daily lives, when seen through the lens of faith, become part of something greater.
So, the question remains: do we recognize the light of Christ in ourselves and in those around us? Do we, like Peter, rush to capture it, or do we allow it to change us? Do we listen when God says, “Pay attention. Listen to me.”
The challenge before us is not just to witness transfiguration, but to live it. To shine the love of God in a world that desperately needs light. To see the miracle of the ordinary, to listen deeply, and to respond with faith.
May we walk forward in that light, transformed by the One who calls us by name.
Pastor Barb
Reflecting on My Journey – February Highlights & What’s Next!
As February comes to a close and March begins, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress I’ve made in our commitment to a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. This past month, I’ve explored ways to source local wool, deepen my spinning and knitting practices, and integrate intentional prayer into my daily crafts.
Highlights from This Month:
✔ Continued progress on the 100 Mile Life in 100 Days challenge – discovering amazing local products!
✔ Exploring the beauty of handcrafted wooden items and their place in sustainable living.
✔ Strengthening our connection between spinning, knitting, and personal reflection.
✔ Embracing frugal living by finding creative ways to reduce waste and make the most of what we have.
Looking ahead, March will bring new opportunities to refine my practices, connect with local artisans, and expand my creativity. Stay tuned for upcoming challenges, local finds, and inspiration for living intentionally.
What’s Next?
📌 More insights on sourcing sustainable fibers locally
📌 Exciting new spinning and dying projects
📌 Special reflections on mindfulness in crafting
📌 Practical tips on frugal living and making the most of every resource
I’d love to hear about your journey too! What were your biggest takeaways this month? Hit reply and share your thoughts.
Here’s to another great month ahead! March will come; lion or lamb? I’m ready for whatever. Are you?
Blessings
Doll
*graphic found on Pintrest
Living the 100-Mile Life: One Month
Hi, friends! I’m here today with an update on my 100-Mile Life experiment. We’ve officially hit the one-month mark, and I wanted to share what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what’s ahead.
The Challenges & Surprises (or Lack Thereof)
There were certainly challenges, but no real surprises. Some of my favorite foods have been hard to replace. For instance, I’m still enjoying coffee we had in the house, but I plan to switch to a locally roasted option soon. Chocolate was another stumbling block. I thought I was being smart by picking up Ferrero Rocher, knowing there’s a factory just outside of Brantford. However, buying their imported product doesn’t quite fit the 100-mile criteria. I’m now looking into Cadbury chocolate made in Toronto, which is close enough at around 160 km.
Bananas and clementines are still making their way into my shopping cart. I want them, I need them, and I haven’t found a local alternative. The same goes for the G Zero beverage I enjoy—I haven’t done enough research to find a good local substitute yet. Suggestions are welcome!
What’s Working Well
Dairy has been an easy win—milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream are all produced within 100 miles. Bread has been a mix of homemade and store-bought. If I’m not baking, I’ve been able to find bread made in Hamilton. Flour is another area I’m researching; while large mills in Ontario supply much of the flour I find, I’m also exploring smaller, truly local sources.
Eggs, oatmeal, and other staples are readily available, making it relatively easy to stick to local food.
Clothing: Staying Local & Sustainable
I’m avoiding new clothing purchases except for essentials. I did buy one new clergy shirt since I didn’t have the skills to make one myself. Beyond that, I finished knitting a pair of warm socks—yay! But I had to part with an old pair that had been mended one too many times.
A fiber market in Hamilton is on my radar for March. I’ll be on the lookout for locally made spindles and handcrafted knitting needles. My spinning is going well—I’m currently chain-plying a BFL Merino blend from a local shepherd. What will I make with it? No idea yet, but spinning itself is a joy, so I’m rolling with it.
Unexpected Lessons
One of the biggest benefits of starting this challenge is how much more awareness there is about buying Canadian. Grocery retailers are labeling local products more clearly, and it’s making my research easier.
Shopping habits have also shifted. I’ve realized how easy it is to fall back into old patterns—just grabbing what’s convenient rather than making informed decisions. I want to be mindful of what enters my home, where it’s from, and why I’m buying it.
Moving Forward
One unexpected bonus? I’ve spent significantly less on gas this month. Less driving for groceries has cut down fuel use, and I plan to keep monitoring that. Walking more and combining errands into fewer trips will be priorities.
I also want to focus more on fiber projects—spinning, knitting, and sourcing local wool. That’s a big part of who I am, and it aligns perfectly with the 100-Mile Life.
What About You?
Have you ever thought about what a local life would look like for you? What would be the hardest thing to give up? For me, it’s coffee and chocolate, hands down. But I’m not giving them up!
Would your local life mean weekly shopping trips or just one big haul per month? Do you have easy access to delivery options that still support local businesses?
Leave a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’ve got a month and a half left of this 100-day journey, and I’ll be sharing more updates, especially on my fiber projects. I’ll be sending out a newsletter update soon, so sign up if you’d like to receive those right away.
Thanks for being here with me on this journey. You are a blessing! Until next time, this is Doll from Doll Can Create. You can too.
God bless!
Happy Monday, Friends!
Hey there! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m sitting here in front of my really bright window—so bright, in fact, that I’m turning myself around a little so you’re not completely blinded by the light. How are you? It’s the start of a new week, maybe even the start of something new in your life.
As for me? Nothing too new happening over here. I’m still working away at the things I’ve been working on, still planning what I’ve been planning. But I do have a few new things to add to my brain dump this week.
First up, I need to rejig the budget as we’re coming up to the end of the month. And then, on the content side of things, I have three videos planned:
1️⃣ An update on my 100 Mile Life challenge.
2️⃣ A rocking chair Knit & Chat wrap-up for the end of the month.
3️⃣ A video all about knitting socks—choosing my next yarn and picking a pattern. (Maybe you can help me out with that one!) I think that might be a great way to get everything set before March 1st rolls around on Saturday.
Weather-wise, it’s looking like a warmer day here, around 4 or 5°C, but the winds are already picking up. So, batten down the hatches, hold on to your hat—do whatever you need to do!
And as you go about your day, whether you’re keeping your hands busy with a project or just taking a moment to breathe, know that I’m right there with you. Take those deep breaths we all need now and then before diving into the work ahead.
I’m rooting for you! If you have any questions or just want to chat, drop them in the comments below.
Talk soon, and God bless.
Bye for now!
