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?
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.
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.
Hello, dear friends! 🌿✨ We’re on the mend over here, and I hope you’re staying well and healthy, too.
Today, I’m sharing my latest fibre adventures—fingerless mitts for Nick (with an unexpected spinning surprise!), a sock update, and some spindle experiments.
🧶 Projects Mentioned: Fingerless mitts with wheel-spun vs. spindle-spun yarn Vanilla Latte socks & thoughts on yarn choices Spinning with different spindles (Turkish, mini Ashford & more) My journey as a self-taught spinner since 2003
☕ Grab your favourite beverage, pick up your knitting, spinning, or crafting, and let’s spend some cozy time together.
Let me know in the comments—do you hand wash your socks or machine wash them? Do you block them? And what’s on your needles right now?
Until next time, may your day be filled with light and creativity.
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!
Have you ever wondered what happens to your YouTube video when it’s uploading and processing for hours, and nothing seems to happen? I sure have! This morning, I did a live rocking chair knit and chat for 20 minutes, and now—poof!—it’s in the ether. Somewhere out there. I have no idea where.
So, since I don’t know when (or if) that video will show up, I thought I’d do a quick recap of what I talked about while sitting in my rocking chair, sipping my coffee.
First, I was working on my Northeasterly Blanket, but now it’s been put away. I finished up with it and decided to tidy up my space a little. This blanket is made from tiny pieces of spindle-spun wool—some hand-dyed, some not. I keep them in jars, and I now have two full jars ready to use. I’ll try to get a picture later.
Next up, my sock. This week, I made progress—I finished the leg, the heel, and now I’m working on the gusset. Then it’ll be on to the foot. I was hoping to finish it this weekend, but that might be a bit ambitious. These socks are for me, using the Vanilla Latte pattern and Tracy’s sock pattern. I’ll link those in the comments.
I also worked a little on my hat, which is a brioche knit with a double brim. It’s incredibly soft and poofy—such a nice pattern (also one of Tracy’s). I haven’t touched my sweater this week, so nothing to show there, but I did talk about fiber! I rolled up some Bluefaced Leicester, a Merino cross that I dyed with onion skins and avocado pits and peels. I’ve got about 200 grams total between what’s on the wheel and what’s waiting beside me. Not sure what I’ll make with it yet—ideas are welcome!
Now, on to Valentine’s Day. We went out for brunch at our favorite local apple store—no, not iPads, but actual apples! They also sell other local products and baked goods. We picked up some maple syrup (from St. Clements—so definitely within the 100-mile challenge!), and they were giving away free donuts. I bought a few extra of their little apple cider donuts because they are just too good to pass up.
While we were there, I also grabbed a bag of pre-packaged stew veggies—carrots, parsnips, onions, turnips, celery, and a quarter of a cabbage—all local, mostly within 100 miles. I also stocked up on potatoes and carrots, and I think we did pretty well with keeping our groceries as local as possible. The dairy and ice cream were local too, but chocolate? That one’s tough for me. Definitely harder to source locally! But we do our best and give ourselves grace where needed.
Speaking of keeping things local, I also picked up two plants. One is a mix of African violets for Valentine’s, and the other is an Iron Cross Oxalis. It looks like a shamrock but with a burgundy cross in the middle. I had one last year and, well, I killed it. I think I overwatered it, so here’s hoping this one survives! I got them from a greenhouse about 20 minutes from here—a great local spot full of flowers for Valentine’s Day. Instead of roses, I opted for something I can “keep alive” for a little longer. Fingers crossed!
So, what are my hands going to be working on this weekend? Hopefully, I’ll get some time at the wheel and make progress on my sock. The blanket is put away until next week, but I might pick up the hat again. We had our little date outing, which was fun, and for dinner, I’ll be using some leftover 100-mile chicken.
How are you doing? Do you have any questions about my sock? I’ve shown it a lot lately, but I love this pattern—it’s simple but so satisfying. The Vanilla Latte pattern is free on Ravelry. It’s a great go-to for an easy, cozy sock knit.
Oh! My phone rang, and I had a lovely chat with a neighbor. She was just calling me back to say she’s doing well, which is always nice to hear.
Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! It’s a long weekend here in Ontario, and we’re expecting a big snowfall—possibly 15 to 25 cm—so we’ll see what happens with plans. I’ll be live on Facebook Sunday morning for worship, possibly on Zoom if the snow makes in-person services tricky. But hey, it’s winter in Ontario—that’s just how February goes!
One foot in front of the other, right? Keep creating, keep making. Whether it’s fiber arts, cooking, journaling—whatever brings you joy. Just remember: if Doll can create, so can you.
Let me know what you’re working on—I’d love to hear about your projects!
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.
Friends, welcome to my weekly newsletter! Each week, I’ll break down my activities, wins, and the hurdles I’ve crossed (or am still working on).
In my world, the week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday, so let’s dive into what happened this week!
Daily Activities
My routines remain steady, but I’ve successfully kept up with a clean kitchen before bedtime. To track this, I started putting $1 in a jar every evening. What will I do with this savings? Not sure yet—any ideas?
I’m adding a new habit to this routine using habit stacking: starting tonight, I’ll also clear off the table (which often doubles as my desk).
Errands & Chores: I went to the clinic for bloodwork ahead of next week’s doctor’s appointment. I also mailed a parcel of hand-dyed yarn, a spindle, and fiber to a friend.
Work & Projects
Knitting: Made great progress on my second sock—one step closer to a finished pair
Spinning: Still working on the brown fiber from Germany. Not sure what it will become yet—any suggestions?
100 Mile Life: Didn’t shop much this week, but I’ve taken another 100-mile step: limiting my intake of news to local sources. There’s too much happening in the world for me to process right now.
Sourcing fiber-related tools—hoping to share more on this soon!
Hello, friends! Have you ever paused to consider what a typical Tuesday afternoon might look like for me? Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation as we dive into life’s simple pleasures. I’m Doll, from Doll Can Create, inviting you to explore a day in my life.
Exploring the 100 Mile Life
Today, I’m excited to share insights about my 100 Mile Life journey. This adventure began with some self-imposed guidelines intended to encourage local living. While I strive to source within 100 miles—equivalent to 160 kilometers—not everything fits this boundary. Essentials like oranges, bananas, coffee, tea, and sometimes grapes remain exceptions due to practical reasons.
My 100 Mile radius encompasses significant parts of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, which limits fresh produce, especially during winter. However, my reasons extend beyond mere locality; they’re about minimizing environmental impact by reducing global shipping dependencies.
Some may question the avoidance of big box stores, but in Southern Ontario, larger companies like Walmart and Amazon offer employment opportunities to many. While I do make use of these resources, I’m mindful about curbing my dependency for budgetary reasons.
For instance, recent purchases included grocery staples like cake mixes, graham crackers, and grapes—but there’s a conscious effort to make some of these from scratch. The yarn, however, remains non-negotiable for the foreseeable future; my current stash is more than sufficient.
Spinning and Fiber Projects
Currently, I’m working on various fiber projects. I have a spindle with German wool—a delightful gift part of an exchange event. A different roving, is 100 grams of beautifully hand-dyed wool excites my imagination, possibly inspiring a new pair of socks!
While I ponder different creative outcomes, my spinning continues. Often, I combine fibers for projects, such as socks, ensuring strength and durability in final products. Although not all yarns are local, they represent special gifts or accumulated resources ready to transform.
Supporting Local and Final Thoughts
The 100 Mile Life isn’t just a hobby; it’s an opportunity to forge meaningful local connections—working with shepherds, farmers, and craftspeople. Through this journey, I hope to compile a booklet for those intrigued by locavorism, offering practical steps to engage with their communities.
Central to my mission is supporting Canadian wool industries. Despite seeing vast shipments of Canadian wool abroad, I remain committed to utilizing local mills wherever feasible. Crafting personal items from Canadian wool furthers this goal, reducing unnecessary transport miles.
As I scale back on external purchases, festivals and sales become opportune spaces to engage with local artisans. Moving forward involves careful consideration of wants versus needs, especially when acquiring non-local items.
Recent reflections include shifting book purchases to a local bookstore instead of Amazon. This minor adjustment embodies the ethos of my initiative—supporting local economies and reducing carbon footprints.
Today, as I conclude my yarn spinning, the journey continues. Sharing moments like this with you reinforces the transformative power of mindful living. Until next time, remember: if I can create, so can you. Have a wonderful week, and let’s continue this exciting adventure. Bye for now, and take care! Doll
