2024-09-17T18:30:51-04:00

Sustainable crafting

September 17, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome back to my blog, friends! I’m Barbara Doll Creelman, and today I’m excited to share insights from my latest YouTube video titled “Can we create using sustainable practices? 30 Days of Crafting and Spirituality.” In this video, I delve into the beautiful connection between crafting and spirituality, with a special focus on sustainable practices in the fiber arts.

Exploring Crafting and Community

As part of our ongoing 30-day crafting challenge, I’ve been reflecting on how creating in community enriches our crafting experiences. There’s something truly special about coming together with others who share our passions. It not only fills our spirits but also fosters a sense of belonging and support.

The Importance of Sustainability in Fiber Arts

In the video, I discuss the significance of sustainability in our crafting practices, particularly in spinning, knitting, crocheting, and weaving. As crafters, we have the power to make choices that positively impact our environment. By being mindful of the materials we use, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sourcing Local Materials

One of the key points I emphasize is the importance of sourcing local materials. For instance, if I’m purchasing wool or alpaca fibre, I prefer to buy from local farms rather than having it shipped from far away. This not only reduces my carbon footprint but also supports local farmers and artisans who care for the animals and the land.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

During the video, I share my personal journey in finding local fibre sources. It can be frustrating at times, especially when the nearest farm is a few hours away. However, I believe that the effort is worth it. By connecting with local shepherds and attending fibre festivals, we can celebrate the craftsmanship and sustainability that comes from our own communities.

Join the Conversation

I invite you to watch the full video to explore these ideas further. I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment or share your own experiences with sustainable crafting practices.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of crafting and spirituality. Together, we can create a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time!

Decisions

September 15, 2024September 15, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hello, crafting friends!

Today, I’m excited to share my latest YouTube video titled “Crafting Decision: Socks or Mittens with Wool.” In this short but sweet 5-minute and 42-second video, I dive into a delightful crafting dilemma: which project should I focus on next?

As part of my ongoing series, 30 Days of Crafting, I’m exploring the theme of finding peace in the crafting process. This week, I’m working on a fun Halloween challenge that has me stepping out of my comfort zone with a vibrant orange yarn—definitely not a color I usually gravitate towards!

In the video, I showcase a lovely sock pattern by the Crazy Sock Lady, known as the “Rybeck” pattern. It’s a broken rib design with a slip stitch that I’ve really enjoyed knitting. However, as I work on these socks, I can’t help but wonder if I should pivot to making mittens or even finger-less mitts instead. After all, the cozy season is just around the corner!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this crafting conundrum. Should I stick with the socks, or is it time to embrace the mittens? Your input means a lot to me, and I appreciate all the support you’ve shown by liking, subscribing, and sharing my videos with your friends.

Thank you for joining me on this crafting journey! I can’t wait to see what you all think about my project choices.

Happy crafting!

Thanks for watching.

Peace in the Process

September 10, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

In my latest video, “Finding Peace in the Process,” I invite viewers to explore the beautiful intersection of crafting and spirituality. As part of my ongoing crafting and prayer spirituality challenge, I share insights on how these two elements can enrich our lives and foster a sense of community.

Key Highlights:

1. Crafting as a Spiritual Practice: I emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context of crafting activities like spinning and knitting. By reflecting on the traditions behind these practices, we can deepen our appreciation for the art of making.

2. Embracing the Journey: Throughout the video, I candidly discuss my personal challenges with knitting, particularly when it comes to making thumbs for mittens. My message is clear: it’s essential to find joy in every step of the crafting process, even the parts we may not enjoy as much.

3. Current Projects: Viewers get a glimpse into my current project, where I am spinning yarn on my favourite Turkish spindle. I share thoughts on how to use the yarn, whether for mittens or socks, showcasing the creative decision-making that comes with crafting.

4. Community Connection: The community is an important part of my crafting journey. Places like a local knitting group, where members gather to share desserts, conversation, and their love for knitting. This sense of belonging adds another layer of fulfilment to the crafting experience.

5. Encouragement to Reflect: The video encourages all of us to reflect on our crafting practices and consider how they can incorporate mindfulness and spirituality into our creative processes.

If you’re looking for inspiration in your crafting journey, be sure to check out “Finding Peace in the Process” on Barbara Doll Creelman’s channel. Join her as she navigates the beautiful world of creativity and spirituality, one stitch at a time.

Thanks for watching and reading.
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Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge

September 4, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome back to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share insights from my latest YouTube video titled “Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge.” If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, let’s dive right in!

In this video, I reflect on the journey so far in our 30-day challenge, where creativity meets spirituality. On Day 1, I was busy leading worship, and Day 2 took me on a travel adventure. Now, on Day 3, I find myself in a beautiful campground, surrounded by nature, and ready to embrace the creative spirit.

Creating can truly be a spiritual practice. As I sit here spinning and knitting, I’m reminded of the power of mindfulness in our creative endeavors. It’s not just about the finished product; it’s about the process and the reflections that come along with it. I encourage you to think about how you can incorporate prayers or special blessings into your crafting. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or quilting, consider what you want to focus on—strength, protection, or perhaps meditating on personal growth.

For today’s prompt, I challenge you to try something new! If you’ve never knitted before, why not watch a YouTube tutorial and give it a go? Or, if you’re already familiar with knitting or crocheting, maybe explore a new stitch or technique. You could also pick up a pencil and start doodling or drawing something that resonates with your current surroundings.

One resource that has inspired me is the book “Praying in Color.” It encourages us to let our creativity flow while reflecting on our thoughts and feelings. I plan to incorporate some doodling into my bullet journal today, drawing something that connects to the beauty around me.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey! I appreciate each of you who has watched my video, and I’m grateful for the support as I continue to grow my channel. If you enjoyed the video, please consider liking it and sharing your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Until next time, keep creating and reflecting!

30 Day Challenge Introduction

August 30, 2024August 30, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Happy to have you drop in! Today, I’m thrilled to share the highlights from my latest YouTube video, “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat AND 30 Day Challenge Intro.” In this short yet engaging video, I dive into the exciting journey ahead as we embark on a 30-day challenge that intertwines spirituality with our beloved crafts.

What to Expect in the 30-Day Challenge

Starting September 1st, I will be connecting with you weekly to explore how our crafting practices—whether it’s knitting, spinning, embroidery, or quilting—can serve as a pathway to spiritual connection. Crafting is not just about creating beautiful items; it can also be a meditative experience that allows us to reflect and find peace.

Crafting as a Meditative Practice

In the video, I share my personal experiences of how spinning on my wheel often puts me in a meditative state. It’s a wonderful way to engage in conversation while also finding moments of tranquility. I believe that each stitch and spin can bring us closer to our inner selves, and I can’t wait to explore this with all of you!

Current Projects and Inspirations

I also take a moment to discuss my current projects. I’m working on a sock pattern and have recently been inspired by a new design released by my dear friend Tracy. I’m excited to try it out, although I’ve had to set my sock aside for now. I’m also experimenting with some beautiful Merino yarn that I spun myself, and I love the unique colour variations I can create.

Join Me on This Journey!

I invite you to join me on this 30-day journey of creativity and spirituality. Let’s share our experiences, learn from one another, and find joy in our crafts. If you’re interested in seeing my friend’s new shawl design, check out the link here: [New Shawl Design](https://youtu.be/fYXvgkXsIu4?si=TDOhznTSNDCUQW_P).

Here’s a quick tracker you can use for the challenge: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGPYwuFx-I/WSMFml5k1JL0Eccu61ROeQ/view?utm_content=DAGPYwuFx-I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Thank you for being a part of my crafting community! I look forward to connecting with you all as we embark on this exciting challenge together. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my channel.

Nerdy Knitting Math: Can I Do This?

August 24, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

In my latest YouTube video titled “Nerdy knitting math: can I do this?”, I dive into the fascinating world of knitting with a twist of math! As a passionate knitter, I often find myself setting goals and deadlines for my projects, and this time, I challenged myself to complete a sock by September 1st. But can I really do it? Join me as I break down the nerdy math behind my knitting journey!

In the video, I share my progress on knitting my first sock for August and set an ambitious goal to finish the second sock in time. With only a few days left, I needed to figure out exactly how many rows I had to complete each day to meet my deadline.

I calculated that the total number of rows needed for the sock is 184, which I divided into specific sections: 20 rows for the cuff, 60 for the leg, 32 for the heel, 20 for the gusset, and 52 for the length of the foot. It’s amazing how breaking down a project into manageable parts can make it feel less daunting!

To keep track of my progress, I timed myself while knitting the cuff and discovered that it took me about four minutes per row. This means that to complete 23 rows, I would need approximately 92 minutes of knitting time. With my deadline approaching, I realized that I needed to dedicate about an hour and a half each day to finish the second sock on time.

This video not only highlights the importance of planning and math in achieving knitting goals but also showcases the blend of creativity and analytical thinking that comes with the craft. If you’re curious to see if I can meet my deadline, be sure to watch the video!

Thank you for joining me on this knitting adventure! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own knitting goals in the comments below. Happy knitting! 🧦📏

*#knittingmath #knittingsocks #knitdeadline*

Rocking chair knit and chat August 21, 2024

August 22, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Join me for a cozy chat while I enjoy a new favourite beverage, a Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte.

I share my current knitting progress, even though I’m six days behind schedule on my August sock project.

Also I got caught up on the vegetable harvest season, mentioning me recent activities in the kitchen, including preparing quick pickles from gifted cucumbers..

What are you working on this week? In the kitchen? The summer is winding down – school is about to start here in Ontario and regular activities will begin in early September.

Join me in September as I embark on a new spinning challenge.

Love to create?

August 8, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Join me for my weekly blog

August 7, 2024August 23, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for another delightful episode of “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” In this video, I reflect on a fulfilling summer and the bittersweet end of my holidays. It’s been a wonderful month filled with fiber fun, and I can’t wait to share my latest knitting adventures with you!

In this episode, I proudly showcase my finished Christmas sock, crafted from the beautiful “Candy Cane” yarn by West Yorkshire Spinners. I purchased this lovely yarn from True North Yarns, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. The sock features a simple skip pattern that I often turn to, although the vibrant yarn makes the pattern a bit less visible. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled with how it turned out!

As I continue my knitting journey, I’ve set a goal to complete 12 rows a day on my socks. By maintaining this pace, I aim to finish all 12 pairs by the end of December. It’s an ambitious goal, but I’m excited about the challenge!

In addition to my sock knitting, I also have plans to work on other projects, including a cozy sweater, some beautiful shawls, and a warm blanket. There’s so much to create, and I can’t wait to dive into these works in progress.

Thank you for joining me in this episode of “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” I hope you find inspiration in your own knitting projects and enjoy the journey as much as I do!

Join me

July 23, 2024/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core