2025-12-20T15:36:13-05:00

One of Those Days: Spindlemas, Slow Living, and Finding Warmth Where You Are

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

Have you ever had one of those days?

Well… I’m having one right now.

Welcome, friends. I’m Granny Doll from DollCanCreate, living the 100 Mile Life and leaning deeply into slow, creative living. Today is Vlogmas Day 20 — and yes, this is the second time I’ve written (and recorded) this. Technology happens. We take a breath. And we begin again.

After a busy day of being out and doing the work that I do, I knew I needed to decompress. I needed to put my feet up and rest my body. Letting my spirit catch up was also necessary. So today looks like this:

A fireplace warming the room.
Christmas lights flicking on quietly by timer.
A candle that smells like cookies (yes, really).
A soft, calm pause in the middle of December’s rush.

And because it’s Vlogmas — or as I like to call it, Spindlemas — there’s also knitting.

On the Needles: Familiar Comfort

I’m still working on this lovely Shropshire fibre on my favourite spindle. I’ve officially cast on the second fingerless mitten. These are one of my go-to patterns — cozy, familiar, and comforting.

They feature:

A beautiful cabled pattern along the hand
A simple knit section above
A 3×1 rib at the cuff

As soon as I finished the first mitten, I cast on the second — just like socks. Momentum matters when you’re knitting and when you’re tired.

I’ll link the pattern below if you’re interested — it’s one I return to again and again.

Looking Ahead: The 12 Days of Christmas Cast-On

Today I’ll also be casting on something new as part of my 12 Days of Christmas Cast-On. Most likely, I will choose socks. I have so many new sock patterns waiting patiently.

I’m working with a gorgeous peacock blue hand-dyed sock yarn, and there are also:

Two pairs of slippers waiting to be made
Socks currently on the needles (I’ll show those next time)

There’s a lot on the plate — but the kind of “a lot” that feels joyful, not heavy.

Real Life in the Middle of Advent

Beyond the knitting, life is humming along:

Christmas cards are ready for worship tomorrow
Baking and gift-wrapping are still to come
Rest is firmly on the to-do list (and yes, it counts)

I also have a couple of extra worship services coming up — but I’m prepared. The planning is done. I’m ready to show up fully, without scrambling.

Advent, after all, is about preparation — of our homes, our hearts, and our lives. But it’s also the season of darkness, especially here in winter.

Solstice Reflections & Small Celebrations

Tomorrow, December 21st — the winter solstice — is also Nick’s and my wedding anniversary. Twenty years married.

We celebrated early with a late lunch/early supper because tomorrow will be full — but the moment mattered. And during the solstice, I think that’s especially important: finding something to celebrate in the midst of it all.

Whether it’s:

Family gatherings
Candlelight
Remembering loved ones who are no longer with us

All of it matters. All of it is holy.

A Gentle Reminder for Today

It may be cold.
It may be dark.
It may be windy, rainy, snowy — all at once.

Your house may not be perfect.
But your heart is.

And whatever is held in your heart today is enough.

So for now, and for today, I wish you warmth, rest, and gentleness with yourself. Vlogmas is almost over — but we’re not quite done yet. The 12 Days of Christmas Cast-On are just around the corner, and there’s still more to share.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for walking this slow, creative, faith-filled path with me.

Take care, friends.
God bless.

— Granny Doll 🧶✨

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. ✨

Handmade Peace: Slowing Down the Last Weeks of November

November 19, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

By Grannie Doll

Late November has always felt like a hinge in the year. It is that quiet, often-overlooked moment between autumn’s last colours and the gentle hush before Advent. The world is slowing down, even if the stores and schedules insist on doing the opposite. And here, in this pause, I find myself reaching for handmade peace.

Not perfection.
Not productivity.
Just… peace.
Peace crafted slowly. Peace grown stitch by stitch. Peace rediscovered in the things made by loving hands.

The Softening of November

There’s a softness to these late-November days. The last leaves let go. The skies turn a shade of warm grey. My kettle works overtime, and the house seems to lean inward just a little.

This is the season where my Grannie-Core heart feels most at home. There are blankets on chairs and woolen socks on my feet. A candle burns while I tidy up the kitchen after supper. The pace of the world shifts, and I shift with it.

In these two weeks before Advent, I’m not rushing. I’m returning.

Knitting Peace Into the Everyday

Most mornings start the same way. I have a cup of tea. A knitted blanket is wrapped over my knees. I work on a few quiet rows of whatever project is calling my name. Lately it’s been mittens. Warm, sturdy, practical mittens knit from my own DK handspun — a rich brown I spun earlier in the year.

There’s something healing about watching your own wool become something useful.
Something about the rhythm of it — knit, purl, breathe again.

Knitting reminds me that peace doesn’t arrive in grand gestures. It grows in tiny movements. One stitch at a time. One row after the next. A little like faith, a little like prayer.

And this time of year? My knitting slows down my heartbeat in the best possible way.

Spinning as a Path Back to Stillness

While knitting fills my mornings, spinning restores my afternoons. I don’t rush at my wheel or my spindle this time of year. I let the twist build gently. I feel the wool between my fingers. I remember that this is old work — ancient work — sacred work.

Late November spinning always feels like a conversation with my grandmother. She didn’t rush her hands. She didn’t force a rhythm. She understood that handmade things carry more than fibre — they carry memory.

And in that, I find peace.

Sometimes I spin local fawn wool; sometimes I blend colours softly. Sometimes I just sit with the motion, letting the spindle turn until the world slows down beside me.

The 100-Mile Life: Peace on a Plate

Handmade peace for me also happens in the kitchen.

This is the season of root vegetables, local honey, hearty soups, and earthy flavours. Simple, humble, beautiful food from farms not far from my doorstep. A pot of carrots and sweet potatoes simmers on the stove. It feels just as comforting as a wool blanket over my feet.

Living a 100-Mile Life in late November feels grounding. It feels as though I’m part of the land that’s preparing to rest. The meals aren’t complicated. They’re just enough. Enough warmth. Enough nourishment. Enough peace.

There’s a deep comfort in cooking with what’s close to home.

Peace as a Practice

As the nights grow longer and the mornings darker, I find myself leaning into slow routines:

A candle lit before breakfast
A few rows of knitting while the kettle boils
A quiet moment at the window, watching the sky
A simple prayer whispered between tasks
A soft landing into the evening with wool in my hands

Peace isn’t a feeling we stumble into.
It’s a practice.
A rhythm.
A handmade thing.

These last two weeks of November invite us to breathe. They encourage us to make room. We should prepare our hearts for the season of light.

A Gentle Blessing for Your November

If your days feel rushed, may you find one slow moment today.
If you feel pulled in too many directions, may your hands return to something soft and grounding.
And if your heart is carrying heaviness, may a small handmade moment bring you back to peace.

Peace that is steady.
Peace that is quiet.
Peace that is born from the work of your hands.

“May your yarn never tangle,
your stitches stay kind,
and your spirit spin gently toward peace.” Grannie Doll

Socktober Wrap-Up: Two Pairs, Many Lessons

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

Finishing a pair of hand-knit socks is deeply satisfying. This is especially true when the leaves are falling and the air turns crisp. Socktober was my month of cozy commitment. It was a time where stitches met stories. Every round on the needles felt like an act of calm in motion.

This year, I completed two full pairs of socks. Each had its own rhythm and its own story. These stories were spun through wool and quiet evenings. The first pair became my everyday comfort socks, simple ribbing and soft hues that reminded me of early autumn mornings. The second pair carried more adventure. It featured an afterthought heel construction. There was also a hand dyed yarn that had been waiting patiently in my basket since last spring.

Each pair taught me something — not just about technique, but about time. There’s a rhythm to knitting socks, a steady pulse that mirrors the turning of the season. Socktober wasn’t about speed; it was about settling into slowness, about honouring the process as much as the product.

🍂 On the Needles for November

Now that Socktober has wrapped up, November’s projects are already whispering from my basket. A new pair of woolly socks is underway (because let’s be honest, we never stop at two). There’s also comfort knitting happening. There is a mitten project and a hat. Maybe even a small gift or two as Advent approaches.

This month feels quieter, more reflective — the knitting that pairs well with candlelight and evening tea.

🧶 Reflecting on the Season

Socktober reminded me that small goals can lead to big satisfaction. Two pairs may not sound like much. Still, in a world that moves too fast, finishing something handmade is its own quiet rebellion.

🌧️ From Socktober to November’s Knits

The days are getting shorter as November settles in. I’m finding my knitting shifting too. It moves from the lively energy of Socktober to something softer, slower, and more contemplative. There’s a comfort in the familiar click of needles on a grey afternoon. There is comfort in the quiet promise of projects that will carry me through the colder days ahead. In my latest video, I share what’s now on my needles. It provides a peek into November’s creative rhythm. Each stitch feels like a small act of warmth against the coming winter.

✨ A Season of Making and Meaning

Knitting through October reminded me that creativity doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Two pairs of socks, a basket of yarn, and the rhythm of the needles were enough. They filled my days with purpose and peace. Every stitch felt like a small act of gratitude. I felt thankful for the wool. I was grateful for the warmth. I appreciated the hands that made it possible.

As November unfolds, I’m leaning into that same spirit. I enjoy slower mornings and mindful making. I am involved in projects that bring both comfort and joy. The darker days are not without light — they simply invite us to create our own.

So whether you finished a single sock or several pairs, take a moment to celebrate what your hands have made. Each stitch tells a story, and together, they weave the quiet beauty of a handmade life.

💬 Join the Conversation

What did Socktober look like for you this year? Did you try new patterns, finish old projects, or discover a favorite yarn? Share your Socktober stories in the comments below — I’d love to hear what’s been on your needles.

Patterns Used

Patterns used: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/torevco-mitts https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-4-0-1

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/daisy-socks-5 and the hat I’m finishing up https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/onu-hat

(I have no affiliation from these creators – just love the work)

With warmth and wool,
💗 Doll

What is Socktober? A Gentle Knitter’s Guide

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

There’s a chill in the air on the Hamilton Mountain these days. The leaves are turning. The teacup is warm in my hands. My knitting basket sits beside me like an old friend. October has a way of drawing us inward — toward hearth, toward family, toward the things that keep us warm.

And so, every October, knitters the world over gather together in a gentle, joyful tradition called Socktober.

The Heart of Socktober

Socktober is just what it sounds like: a month dedicated to socks. But it’s more than knitting a cozy pair for yourself. It’s about sharing warmth. It raises awareness of those who need it most. You can find joy in the small, steady rhythm of stitches.

A sock, after all, is humble but essential. It keeps us warm, carries us mile after mile, and reminds us that little things matter. Knitters in every corner of the world pick up their needles each October to create socks. These socks will be worn, gifted, or donated. It’s community, one stitch at a time.

A Gentle Knitter’s Guide

If you’re wondering how to join in, here’s a cozy path you can take:

Pick Your Yarn – Maybe it’s that skein of wool you spun on your spindle this summer. Or perhaps it’s a hand-dyed treasure from a local farm within your 100-mile circle. Choosing local wool supports farmers and mills nearby. It also connects you more deeply to the land that keeps you warm.
Choose a Pattern – From the simplest ribbed sock to the fanciest lace, Socktober welcomes every style. Around here, I lean toward practical, hearty socks. These are the kind you can wear for chores, walks, or when curled up with a book.
Set a Gentle Goal – This isn’t a race. Maybe you’ll finish a pair, maybe only a single sock. That’s perfectly fine. The joy is in the making.
Share the Journey – Share your work on Instagram under #Socktober. You can also share it in a knitting circle. Even sharing with a dear friend who admires your work is great. Sharing keeps the community cozy.

Community and Care

One of the loveliest things about Socktober is the giving. Many knitters donate socks to shelters or gift them to someone who use extra warmth. For me, this ties so sweetly into my 100 Mile Life. I choose to eat local food and support small farms. I can knit socks that serve and support the people nearest to me.

It’s a beautiful reminder that our creativity has purpose: warming both body and heart.

A Spiritual Thread

I can’t help but see socks as a metaphor for our walk of faith. Each tiny stitch seems small on its own, but together they create something whole, useful, and beautiful.

The prophet Zechariah reminds us: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10). Just as socks are knit stitch by stitch, our lives of faith are lived step by step — each act of kindness, each prayer, each handmade gift carrying us along.

A Cozy Invitation

Dear reader, whether you are a seasoned sock knitter or not, I invite you to join me in Socktober. You’ve never cast on a cuff in your life. Knit a sock. Knit a pair. Gift one away. Or simply curl up with a teacup and watch the yarn flow through your fingers.

Here at DollCanCreate, I’ll be sharing my Socktober moments, my cozy local yarns, and the joy of knitting slowly. You’ll share yours too — I’d love to hear your Socktober story.

A Blessing to Close

May your October be filled with warm stitches. Enjoy gentle evenings. Experience the joy of walking in love, one sock at a time. And may every pair of socks remind us that even the simplest things can carry us through the journey.

With gratitude and wool,
Grannie Doll 💕🧶

Why Wool Matters 🐑🌿

September 22, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Today, as I sit with my knitting in hand,

I reflect on a fiber that has been part of my life for so long. That fiber is wool. It may seem like a simple thing. It is a skein of yarn spun from a sheep’s fleece. Nevertheless, for me and for many of us living closer to the land, wool carries a story that’s worth telling.

Wool Is Local

When I choose wool from nearby farms, I’m not just buying yarn. I’m supporting shepherds, small mills, and rural communities who care for their flocks with dedication. Each skein connects me to the fields, pastures, and farmers within my 100-mile circle.

Wool Is Sustainable

Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and natural. Unlike synthetic fibers that linger in landfills, wool eventually returns to the soil, nourishing it. It’s a beautiful example of creation’s design—what’s given to us can also be returned with care.

Wool Is Practical

It’s warm in winter, breathable in summer, and it resists odours in ways synthetic fibers can’t match. A well-made wool garment can last for decades, passed down through families like a quilt of memory and comfort.

Wool Is Comfort

For me, spinning, knitting, or simply handling wool has always been calming. It quiets my racing thoughts and steadies my heart. In every stitch, there’s a prayer. There’s a rhythm of stillness. It connects me to God’s peace and the slow work of my hands.

A Gentle Reminder

Wool is important for many reasons. It is more than a material. It signifies a way of living simply. It involves caring for the earth and honoring those who bring it to us. When we wrap ourselves in wool, we wrap ourselves in connection.

💬 Let’s Talk

Do you have a favorite wool story? Maybe a cozy blanket, a beloved sweater, or even a project on your needles right now? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

👉 If you’d like to follow along on this journey of slow, local living, make sure you’re subscribed. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated. Subscribing will keep you updated on new content. I share each day of the 30-Day 100 Mile Life Challenge there. Together, we’re discovering that living closer to home brings us closer to what really matters.

🌸 With gratitude, living life 1 stitch at a time,
Grannie Doll

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat:

September 11, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Cozy Fall, Stitches & Blessings

(scroll down to view the video)

This evening, I’m settling into my rocking chair with a favourite beverage. I have my knitting in hand. The gentle rhythm of fall surrounds me. There’s something about this season—the crisp air, the golden leaves—that makes slowing down feel natural. It’s the perfect time to breathe deeply, pick up our needles, and share a little cozy conversation together.

Knitting in Progress

Tonight my needles are clicking away on my 100 Mile Sweater. This piece feels especially dear to me because of its roots in local wool. It also embodies the principles of slow fashion. Every stitch is a reminder of connection to the land. It connects to the shepherd. It embraces the rhythm of working with what’s close to home. I’m right at that comforting stage. The project is beginning to take shape. It feels like an old friend keeping me company.

Cozy Fall Ideas for the Evening

I always like to pair knitting with little seasonal rituals. Maybe tonight you’ll light a candle. You wrap a blanket around your shoulders. Or you’ll listen to the soft hum of autumn winds outside. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking to make the evening extra cozy:

Knit for 20 minutes by candlelight.
Bake a simple apple crisp or enjoy something warm from the oven.
Jot down a few blessings in your journal before bed.
Work on “just one row” or “one spindle spin”—a reminder that even the smallest steps are meaningful.

Blessings for Today

Part of my rhythm each evening is pausing to notice what I’m grateful for. Today I’m giving thanks for the sunshine that shone brightly today. I also appreciate the satisfaction of finishing a skein of yarn. A friendly call from family brightened my day, and a hearty fall supper was delightful. These are small, ordinary gifts, but together they stitch a quiet joy.

What are your blessings today? I’d love for you to share them in the comments—it’s amazing how gratitude multiplies when we name it together.

A Closing Thought

The world rushes. Here, in the gentle sway of a rocking chair, I’m reminded that we can create a different rhythm. One stitch, one row, one blessing at a time, we carve out a space of stillness and warmth.

So here’s to cozy evenings, fall colors, and the simple joy of knitting in community.

👉 Your turn: What’s on your needles tonight, and what’s one small blessing from your day?

Patterns I mentioned:

Vanilla Bean Sock

Olive Branch Tee

The Knitty Professor One row scarf

Rocking Chair Chat: Spinning, Stitching, and Living Local

August 6, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/2 Comments

By DollCanCreate

There’s something about August that invites a slower pace. Maybe it’s the heat, or the way the golden light lingers just a little longer in the evenings. Or maybe it’s the feeling that summer is quietly slipping through our fingers. Whatever the reason, I find myself drawn to the rocking chair more often these days. I sit with a spindle and knitting needles in hand. My heart is full of reflection.

Wrapping Up Tour de Fleece

As Tour de Fleece came to a close, I finished my final skeins. I felt both a sense of satisfaction and a tinge of sadness. There’s such rhythm in spinning daily — a meditative motion that anchors the day. I loved watching my handspun pile grow, knowing that each yard was crafted with intention.

My last skeins came off the spindle with a deep sense of pride. Some are destined for a vest, others for future projects I haven’t dreamed up yet. But more than the yarn itself, I’m grateful for what the tour gave me: routine, resilience, and connection.

Sock Knitting & Small Joys

Now that the spinning has eased, my knitting projects are taking center stage. The socks on my needles are growing steadily — a simple pattern, yet rich with purpose. Socks are such a humble knitting. They go where I go, stitch by stitch becoming something warm and useful.

Alongside the socks, I’m knitting a cozy hat and a lacy scarf. These feel like comfort knitting — pieces that ask little of me beyond time and attention. And that’s what I need most right now.

What’s Next?

That’s the big question, isn’t it? As I rock and stitch, I’m letting ideas bubble up. Maybe a sweater from my Tour de Fleece yarn. Maybe a mini spin-along. Maybe just more rocking and dreaming. August feels like a bridge between the seasons — the perfect time to listen for what’s next.

Living the 100 Mile Life

Lately, I’ve also been leaning into my 100 Mile Life journey — choosing local wherever I can. It’s food from a nearby farm. It’s wool from a local flock. It’s supporting a maker just down the road. I’m reminded how rich and full life can be when we look close to home.

It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not perfect. But it feels right. It feels rooted.

So tell me — what’s on your needles or spindle right now? What small joys are anchoring your days?
Pull up a chair and let’s chat. 💬🧶

Dollcancreate

Handmade. Slow Made. Joy Made.

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?

🧶 Knitting on a Budget Toolkit: Make Beautiful Things Without Breaking the Bank

May 22, 2025May 27, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

The rising cost of yarn and supplies can take the fun out of your favorite craft. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to knitting or a seasoned fiber artist. But don’t worry — creativity thrives under constraint. Did you know that you can knit beautiful items without breaking the bank? These Knitting on a Budget Toolkit ideas are here to help you make the most of what you have. It will stretch your dollars. You’ll still knit projects you’ll love.

🧰 1. Yarn Price Tracker

One of the best ways to stay within your fiber budget is to track yarn prices. Keep a simple log of:

Yarn brand and fiber content
Cost per skein or per 100g
Where you purchased it (or if it was a gift)
Project used for

By comparing prices over time, you’ll spot the best deals — and avoid impulse buys that aren’t a good value.

🧺 2. Stash-Busting Project Checklist

You probably have yarn in your stash you’ve forgotten about! Use it up with these go-to stash-busters:

✅ Dishcloths and scrubbies
✅ Striped scarves or hats
✅ Granny square blankets
✅ Color-block shawls
✅ Mismatched socks

Make it a challenge: Try not to buy any yarn for a month. See what you can finish with just your stash. Join me in June for a knit or crochet from our stash challenge.

🌐 3. Free & Fabulous Pattern Sources

You don’t have to pay for patterns to make stunning pieces. Here are my favorite free pattern resources:

Ravelry.com
Local library or community center pattern books

♻️ 4. Upcycle and Unravel

Look at thrift stores or your own closet for 100% wool or cotton sweaters that you can unravel. Here’s how:

Choose sweaters with knit seams, not serged.
Wash gently in cold water and dry flat.
Carefully unravel, wind into skeins, and soak to relax the yarn.

This method can yield luxury yarn for pennies.

🛠️ 5. Tools That Do Double Duty

You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets to knit well. Some budget-friendly substitutions:

Use a paperclip as a stitch marker
Recycle cardboard into yarn bobbins
Use a measuring tape app if you’ve lost your real one
Keep a notebook for all your pattern notes — cheaper than printing pages Here’s one I’m using:

If you invest in anything, go for interchangeable needles — one set can do it all.

💬 Let’s Chat!

How do you save money on knitting? Share your favorite tip or stash-busting success story in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

🧶 Ready to Start Knitting Smarter?

Don’t let a tight budget hold back your creativity!

You can start easily with a travelers notebook like this one. Just set it up the way you like and go.

This is a great journal to track your knitting:

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100 Mile Life/Grandma Core