2025-12-10T20:58:25-05:00

Vlogmas + Spindlemas Day 10: Slowing Down Into the Blessing

December 10, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Advent always asks something of us, doesn’t it?
It’s a season of preparation, of tending our spirits, of giving and sharing. A season where the heart gets stretched just a little wider — even when our calendars feel like they’re bursting.

Here in my little corner, it’s also Vlogmas and Spindlemas, which means I’ve been spinning every single day. Last time I chatted with you, I was working on that delicious red Shetland. I still can’t get the camera to capture it nicely. And yes, I can’t believe I said “y’all.” But here we are. I now have two sweet little cops of that red, and it’s sitting happily beside me.

But yesterday, I didn’t dig into my usual basket. To be honest, I know it won’t carry me all the way through December. Instead, I reached for something special. A bit of colour. A bit of chaos. A bit of joy.

I save tiny tufts of everything I spin throughout the year in a little jar. On Distaff Day in January, I card them all together into what I call my mystery batt.. That was the mystery I was spinning yesterday. It is a mix of fibres that probably shouldn’t work together. Somehow, they do. Perfect mitten yarn, I think. And I spun it on my tiny drop spindle, the one that feels like a friend.

Sock Knitting, Christmas Colours… and When Things Don’t Go as Planned

And then there are the socks.
I’m knitting the Crazy Sock Lady’s Heel Toe Do-Si-Do pattern, marking each 12-row repeat. I’m on the final repeat now — foot nearly done, toe up next.

This yarn was supposed to be Christmas red, but it came out more pink-with-a-dash-of-green than holiday festive. You know how it goes… sometimes the dye pot has other plans.

So what do we do when things don’t turn out the way we pictured?

Do we fuss?
Do we stomp our feet?
Or do we pick up the needles and make something lovely anyway?

These socks not be Christmas socks — but the ones on my feet definitely are. My West Yorkshire Spinners Grinch Socks, knit last year, still make me grin. Warm, cozy, a little mischievous — everything December should be.

Grandsons, Slippers, and the Joy of Making

I also found out today that both my grandsons want slippers.
One is a Kobe Bryant superfan — all basketball, all the time.
The other is a Buffalo Bills devotee — blue and red.

So guess who’s knitting slippers?
Granny is.
I can make a pair in a day or two once I get these socks off the needles. And honestly? I love that they asked. There’s something special about knitters being capable of wrapping love around the feet of the ones they adore.

Advent, Expectations, and Embracing the Slow

We’re ten days into Advent now — nearly halfway — and I wonder if you’re feeling the tug too.
The rush to “get there.”
The impatience for the holiday to arrive already.
Or maybe the wish for everything to slow down just a little.

But wishing won’t change the calendar.
Christmas will come, and Christmas will go.
The solstice will arrive — the longest night — and winter will settle itself in.

So what if…
just for a moment…
we leaned into the slowness?

What if we allowed ourselves to prepare gently, instead of scrambling for perfection?

What if the blessing is actually hidden inside the quiet?

These are big questions, I know. But maybe you’re feeling them too — the pressure of family, gifts, budgets, expectations. The worry that you won’t get it all done.

Let me offer you this little truth:

It is not necessary to run yourself ragged.
It is not necessary to give beyond your limits.
What is necessary is love — for your neighbour, for your family, and for yourself.

Smile at someone today.
Give yourself grace.
Let the cookies stay unbaked if that’s what your body needs.
Let the gifts be simple.
Let the joy be quiet.

Tonight I thought about filming a behind-the-scenes video for DollCanCreate and my 100 Mile Journey. Instead, I’m here with you — in the quiet. I’m grateful for warmth, for family, and for friends. I appreciate the little electric fireplace humming beside me. I’m thankful for the simple gift of being able to turn on the oven and make supper.

A Question for You, My Friend

On this 10th day of Vlogmas:

What are you doing for yourself?
What can you let go of?
And what might you gently pick up to bring joy into your life?

Hold those questions close as you settle into the evening.

And remember:

You are special.
You are blessed.
You are loved.

This is Grannie Doll, living the 100 Mile Life one day at a time.
Happy Advent.
God bless.
Until next time. ✨

I ponder

June 25, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

In the Stillness, the Thread Unwinds

The world hums warm beyond my window,

but here, in this cool cocoon,

time softens its edges.

The spindle turns like a whispered prayer,

each twist a story,

each draft a sigh of peace.

Wool slips through my fingers—

ancient, gentle, knowing.

It remembers the sheep,

the pasture, the wind.

Knitting waits patiently beside me,

loops and rows like heartbeats,

quietly stitching joy into being.

In this hush, I am enough.

No striving, no noise—

just the sacred rhythm of hand and fiber,

and the deep exhale of summer grace.

Join me?

Crafting as Prayer: How I Find Peace in Every Stitch

May 29, 2025June 13, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

There’s a rhythm to spinning wool that feels like a heartbeat. There’s a stillness in knitting rows that speaks louder than words. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that for me, crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a form of prayer.

In a noisy world full of fast answers, there’s something sacred about sitting quietly with wool in your hands. Anxious scrolling fades away. This allows your thoughts to settle. Your spirit rises as a result.

The Sacred Stillness of Spinning

When I spin on my drop spindle or wheel, I start with raw fleece. Sometimes it still holds the scent of sheep and earth. There’s something humbling about starting from such a basic place. Washing, carding, spinning—it’s a process that requires presence.

As the wool twists into yarn, I whisper simple prayers:

Lord, give me patience in the drafting.
Thank you for the hands that raised this sheep.
This yarn bring comfort to someone in need.

These aren’t formal prayers, but gentle beating of the heart—offered with each turn of the spindle.

Knitting Peace, One Stitch at a Time

Knitting is where my prayers become visible. Each stitch holds intention. When I’m knitting for someone, I imagine wrapping them in hope. When I’m knitting just for the joy of it, I let my worries fall away with the passing rows.

There are moments when the rhythm lulls me into a quiet place of worship. I don’t need words. I just need the steady clink of needles and the softness of wool. I feel the awareness that I’m held by something greater than myself.

A Simple “Spin & Pray” Practice

Here’s a gentle rhythm I’ve started to follow. Maybe it will inspire your own crafting prayer time:

Prepare a quiet space. Light a candle or play calming music.
Choose a simple project. Something repetitive—like spinning, garter stitch, or hand carding.
Set an intention. Pray for someone by name, think about a scripture, or simply sit in gratitude.
Work with your hands. Let the motion of the craft guide your meditation.
Close with thanks. A whispered “Amen,” a stretch, or a note in your journal.

In Every Strand, a Story

When we make with our hands, we make space for peace. We untangle knots in our minds. We remember that slow is holy. We rediscover that prayer can be soft, quiet, and full of wool.

So today, whether you’re spinning, stitching, sewing, or simply resting—know that your hands can be your prayer. And in every fiber, there is grace.

🧶 Want to Try It for Yourself?

👉Gentle Crafting Prayer Guide It includes a simple ritual and a short prayer.
👉 Or join me on YouTube for a quiet moment of spinning and prayer. Watch here.

The Sacred Stitch: Praying My Way Through Lent with Yarn

April 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/1 Comment

This Lent, I didn’t give something up. I picked something up—my needles and yarn. (scroll down for video)

Every evening, I sat down with ten simple stitches and knit my way toward Easter. This year, I chose to create a Lenten blanket. It was a quiet project with no pressure. I worked on just small, modular squares of color and calm. What I didn’t expect was how this simple act would become my prayer.

Knitting as Devotion

The blanket wasn’t intricate. Each square was small—ten stitches across and ten back again. But that simplicity was the beauty of it. It allowed space. Space to listen, space to breathe, space to pray.

Each time I picked up my needles, it felt like I was entering into something sacred. My body slowed. My heart quieted. The rhythm of stitch after stitch became the rhythm of prayer—not always with words, but always with intention.

Prayer in Colour and Silence

Some evenings, I prayed for loved ones as I knit. Other times, I simply breathed deeply and let the yarn run through my fingers. The colours I chose came from bits of my handspun—nothing planned, only that each was different from the last. I wasn’t choosing a palette—I was choosing presence. Whatever felt right in the moment became part of the story.

There was no chart and no big goal. There was only the promise to knit one colour each day through the forty days of Lent. That small act became my grounding.

Grace in Every Stitch

It’s funny how something so ordinary can become sacred when you give it space.

There were moments of grace along the way. A square finished just before bed provided comfort. A color unexpectedly brought peace. One night, knitting was the only thing that kept the anxious thoughts at bay. I didn’t need to do anything heroic this Lent. I just needed to show up. Yarn in hand. Heart open.

From Good Friday to Resurrection Joy

As Holy Week approached, the blanket grew heavier in my lap. Each rectangle held the quiet prayers and honest questions I’d whispered throughout the season. And on Easter Sunday, when the final stitch was made, it felt like more than a finished project. It felt like resurrection.

Not because the blanket was perfect—it wasn’t. But because I was different. I had made space for stillness, for prayer, for grace.

An Invitation

If you’re longing for a gentler spiritual practice, I invite you to pick up something small and handmade. A needle, a spindle, a scrap of yarn. Let your hands lead the way. Don’t overthink it. Just start.

You find, like I did, that God meets you in the rhythm of your craft—one stitch at a time.

Many blessings,

Doll

My 30 Day Fibre Declutter Challenge

April 3, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project: Why I’m Doing This

Like many fiber artists, I’ve spent years building up a collection of yarn, needles, books, and patterns. Every new project seems to come with new tools and materials, and before you know it, you have an overflowing stash. But here’s the thing—I’ve been working on decluttering my home, and there’s one area I’ve completely ignored: my fiber arts supplies.

That changes today!

I’m kicking off a 30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project, where I’ll go through everything—yarn, needles, books, patterns, and tools—to decide what stays and what needs a new home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own stash, I’d love for you to join me!

Why Declutter Fiber Arts Supplies?

As knitters, spinners, or fiber artists, we know how easy it is to collect things. We see beautiful yarn, and we buy it—even if we don’t have an immediate project in mind. We hold onto tools just in case we need them someday. We have patterns and books that we swear we’ll use… but haven’t touched in years.

I’ve realized that my clutter isn’t just taking up space—it’s making it harder for me to enjoy my craft. I forget what I already own, I feel guilty about unused supplies, and sometimes, the sheer amount of stuff makes it harder to start a new project.

This project is about more than just tidying up. It’s about making space for creativity, inspiration, and the joy of fiber arts.

What I’ll Be Decluttering

Over the next 30 days, I’ll be sorting through:

✅ Yarn: I love my stash, but there are skeins I’ll never use. It’s time to be honest about what fits my current style and projects.

✅ Knitting Needles & Tools: I’ve somehow ended up with multiple sets of the same needles. I’ll be keeping my favorites and passing along the extras.

✅ Books & Patterns: Some have been great resources, but others no longer serve me. I want my collection to reflect what I actually use and love.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

Decluttering isn’t always easy. Letting go of fiber arts supplies can feel personal. Some yarns hold memories of projects never started, gifts never given, or plans that never came to life. There’s also the guilt—thinking about the money spent or the “waste” of giving something away.

But I remind myself: letting go doesn’t mean failure. It means freeing up space for the things that truly bring joy. When I donate yarn, someone else gets the chance to create with it. When I pass on books, another knitter finds inspiration.

So, I’m approaching this project with kindness toward myself and the understanding that my stash should serve me—not the other way around.

My Plan for Documenting This Journey

To keep myself accountable, I’ll be documenting my 30-day challenge through:

📸 Instagram: Sharing progress photos and before/after shots of my stash
🎥 YouTube: Weekly vlogs showing my decluttering process and lessons learned
✍️ Blog Posts: Writing about the emotional and practical sides of fiber arts decluttering

If you’d like to follow along, I’d love for you to join me! You can declutter with me, share your own experiences, or just enjoy the journey.

The Biggest Decluttering Challenge: Getting It Out of the House

One of the hardest parts of decluttering isn’t sorting through things—it’s actually getting rid of them! I don’t want to be one of those people who bags everything up… only to let it sit in the car for weeks.

So, I’ll be making a Declutter & Donate Checklist to keep myself on track. That way, the items I no longer need can quickly find a new home where they’ll be loved and used.

Join Me!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your fiber arts stash, I invite you to declutter along with me! Whether you’re tackling your yarn, your tools, or even just organizing your space, let’s do this together.

What’s the hardest part of decluttering for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

✨ Happy crafting (and decluttering!),
Doll

Lenten Readings: Week One

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

I’ve created a devotional for Lent that can be used along with our KAL. May you find a blessing here. (Picture found on Pintrest)

Week 1: The Word Became Flesh

Day 1: John 1:1-5
Reflection: Jesus is the Word, the light that shines in the darkness. How is His light shining in your life?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your light and share it with others. Amen.

Day 2: John 1:14
Reflection: Jesus took on flesh and dwelled among us. How does this truth impact your relationship with Him?
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to live among us. Teach me to abide in You. Amen.

Day 3: John 1:29-34
Reflection: John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. Do you acknowledge Him daily as your Light and guide.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see You clearly and follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.

Day 4: John 2:1-11
Reflection: Jesus’ first miracle at Cana shows His power to transform. How do you need His transformation today?
Prayer: Lord, change my heart and make me new in You. Amen.

Day 5: John 3:1-8
Reflection: Being born again is a spiritual renewal. Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, renew me daily and draw me closer to You. Amen.

Day 6: John 3:16-21
Reflection: God’s love is revealed in Jesus. Do you live in the freedom of His love?
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your everlasting love. Help me to walk in it. Amen.

Day 7: John 4:7-26
Reflection: Jesus offers living water. Are you thirsty for more of Him?
Prayer: Fill me, Jesus, with Your living water so I may never thirst again. Amen.

Knitting a Log Cabin Blanket for Lent: A 40-Day Journey

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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)

Wrapping Up the Month: Local Living, Crafting & More!

February 28, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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

100 Mile Life Check-in

February 27, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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!

Monday Musings: Projects, Plans & a Little Windy Weather

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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!

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core