Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Tag: knit

100 Mile Life Check-in — February 27, 2025

100 Mile Life Check-in

/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, 2025

Monday Musings: Projects, Plans & a Little Windy Weather

/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!

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat – A Rainy Friday Afternoon — February 1, 2025

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat – A Rainy Friday Afternoon

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment
  • Host: Doll from Doll Can Create – and you can too!
  • Live Knit & Chat:
    • A cozy session during a rainy Friday afternoon.
    • Reflecting on self-care, or as a pastor, “self-ministry.”
    • Importance of ministering to oneself with kindness and uplifting activities.

A List of what I shared:

Current Knitting Projects

  1. Socks:
    1. Working on the toe of a sock, almost done.
    2. Using a standard wedge toe method.
    3. Yarn: Kroy Sox FX (75% wool, 25% nylon).
    4. Unsure if there’s enough yarn for heels and toes.
    5. Following “Vanilla Latte” pattern from Ravelry.
    6. Heel pattern from Tracy at thepassionknitspinner.
    7. Planning to cast on the next sock immediately after finishing this one. (which I did)
  2. Fingerless Mitts for Husband:
    1. Still working on the cuff.
    2. Used hand-spun yarn for the project.
  3. Hat:
    1. Designed by Tracy (thepassioknitspinner).
    2. Brioche knitting in the round.
    3. Using a heavier yarn, opting for a single strand instead of two-ply.
    4. Folded brim for extra warmth.
  4. Sweater (Whatever Sweater):
    1. Using Briggs & Little single-ply yarn.
    2. Knitting the bottom section, still a work in progress.

Other Crafting & Spinning

  • Neglected Spinning:
    • No spindling, wheel spinning, or fiber prep this week.
    • Plans to get spinning back into the routine.
  • Dyeing Experiment:
    • Used onion skins and avocado pits/peels.
    • Will share in a future video.
  • Spinning for Mittens:
  • Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn (Royal Oak):
    • Dyed with acorns collected by daughter and granddaughter.
    • Moving towards using locally sourced fiber for future sock yarns.
    • Wool sourced from a local farm (Rampart Farms)  (Merino & BFL cross).

Other Creative Interests

  • Crochet:
    • Enjoys crocheting but does it less often.
    • Working on a wall hanging using Arne & Carlos pattern. (Astrid)
    • Has a mile-a-minute blanket in progress.
    • Used to enjoy crocheting doilies and small projects.
  • Sewing:
    • Plans to start sewing again.
    • Purchased a Simplicity skirt pattern.
    • Prefers avoiding zippers in sewing projects.
    • Looking to use fabric from donated church supplies.
    • Would love to work with linen in the future.

100-Mile Life Challenge

  • Buying locally:
    • Focused on grocery shopping within a 100-mile radius.
    • Allowing exceptions for bananas, oranges, and some imported fruit.
    • Exploring thrifting for clothing.
    • Prioritizing local wool for fiber arts.

Home & Life Updates

  • Plants:
    • Revived a nearly dead money tree before Christmas.
    • Thriving with new leaves after proper care.
  • Matcha Tea:
    • Recently started making matcha using a traditional set.
    • Enjoys the earthy taste and daily ritual.

Community & Interaction

    • What are you working on?
    • Any new projects or patterns you want to try?
    • Do you crochet?
    • Where are you watching from?

Final Thoughts

  • Wrap-up & Invitations:
    • Subscribe & follow Dollcancreate.com for more.
    • Newly launched Patreon for additional content.
    • Wishing everyone a great weekend. Stay safe & God bless!

Bye for now! 👋

Tips for knitting mittens — November 30, 2024

Tips for knitting mittens

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Title: 5 Essential Tips for Knitting Mittens and Socks

Welcome to the latest edition of our “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat” series! In our most recent YouTube video, published on November 30, 2024, we dove into the cozy world of knitting mittens and socks. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, these five tips will help you create beautiful and functional pieces. Let’s get started!

### 1. Choose the Right Yarn and needles
The foundation of any great knitting project is the yarn. For mittens and socks, opt for yarns that offer warmth and durability. Wool or wool blends are excellent choices, as they provide insulation while allowing your hands and feet to breathe. Consider the weight of the yarn as well; lighter weights are perfect for socks, while heavier weights can be great for mittens.

### 2. Don’t Skip the Gauge Swatch
Before you dive into your project, take the time to knit a gauge swatch. This small piece of knitting will help you determine how many stitches you knit per inch. Getting the right gauge is crucial for ensuring that your finished mittens or socks fit perfectly. If your swatch doesn’t match the recommended gauge, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Sometimes a swatch is not needed if you have been knitting mittens for a very long time.

### 3. Select the Right Needles
The type of needles you use can make a significant difference in your knitting experience. For socks, many knitters prefer double-pointed needles or circular needles, which allow for a seamless finish. For mittens, you can use straight needles or circular needles, depending on your comfort level. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you!

### 4. Reinforce Stress Areas
Socks, in particular, can experience a lot of wear and tear, especially in the heel and toe areas. To ensure your socks last, consider reinforcing these stress points. You can use a stronger yarn or a different stitch pattern to add durability. This small step can make a big difference in the longevity of your handmade items.

For mittens a duplicate stitch around the back of the thumb will give added strength.

### 5. Master the Kitchener Stitch
The Kitchener stitch is a must-know technique for closing the toe of your socks invisibly. It may seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to execute it flawlessly. Watch our video for a step-by-step demonstration, and don’t hesitate to practice a few times before you reach that point in your project.

For mittens I often will close the top with the kitchener stitch. In today’s example I passed the yarn through the final 8 stitches in a tight circle and finished it off.

Bonus tip: When you have completed the first mitten or sock, immediately cast on the second. This will give some movement towards finishing the second one.

I hope you have found these tips helpful. Please add your tips or experiences to our conversation.

Happy and Blessed Advent to all!

Doll

Knitting Tuesday tip of the day — November 26, 2024
Rocking chair knit and chat November 21, 2024 — November 23, 2024

Rocking chair knit and chat November 21, 2024

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

YouTube Live: summary (video is at the end of this post)

Hi friends! I wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about my day, my projects, and what’s on my mind. It’s been one of those days where nothing seems to fall into place, but I’m here, in my comfy rocking chair, knitting and chatting with you.

Yesterday was pretty typical. I went to Bible study, had lunch with Nick, and then took him to his writer’s group at the library. While he was there, I debated whether to go for a swim at the Y, and after much back-and-forth, I finally did! I didn’t swim much, but I enjoyed the water, the hot tub, and even the steam room. The rest of the day was spent on little things like unloading the dishwasher, making supper, and just keeping up with life.

Lately, I’ve felt a bit off creatively. I haven’t been picking up my spindle or knitting as much, and it’s been hard to focus with some things causing stress in the background. It’s frustrating when something out of your control feels like it’s affecting your energy and creativity.

That said, I’m still making progress on my knitting projects! I’ve been working on my sock—slowly but surely—and I’m determined to finish it by December 1. It’s fun seeing it take shape, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. I’ve also got a sweater in progress, and while I’ve hit a mental roadblock with it, I’m confident I’ll get back into it soon.

On another note, I’ve been thinking about the future. I’ve got five years until retirement, and I’m working on building a small business for some extra income. I’m brainstorming a newsletter that will include things like a free mitten pattern I’ve been working on, some of my favourite patterns, and possibly even recommendations from other creators, like my friend Tracy from @thepassioKnitspinner

I’ve also been reflecting on the upcoming Advent season. It’s one of my favorite times of year—a fresh start and a chance to dive into the Gospel of Luke with my church community. I love the beauty of poinsettias, Advent calendars, and all the small ways we celebrate this meaningful season.

To wrap up, I hope this little chat has been a blessing to you. Whatever you’re working on—whether it’s socks, mittens, or something else—keep creating, keep smiling, and find joy in the process. Thanks for spending this time with me, and I hope you have a wonderful day filled with small joys and inspiration.

Blessings,
Doll

What’s your choice for winter? — October 23, 2024

What’s your choice for winter?

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

As the chill of winter approaches, it’s time to think about keeping our hands warm. In my latest YouTube video titled “Mittens or Gloves: What’s Your Choice for Winter?”, I dive into the world of winter handwear and discuss the importance of planning for mitten knitting, even when the weather is still warm outside.

In this video, I share some of my past mitten projects, showcasing my favorite creations, including cozy fingerless mittens made from hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn. These unique pieces not only keep your hands warm but also add a personal touch to your winter wardrobe.

I emphasize that as knitters, we often need to think ahead. Starting your mitten projects early allows you to experiment with different patterns and techniques without the pressure of a looming deadline. Plus, it gives you the chance to create beautiful gifts for friends and family!

Throughout the video, I also touch on various knitting techniques that can enhance your mitten-making experience. Whether you prefer the snug fit of gloves or the warmth of mittens, there’s something for everyone in the world of knitting.

If you’re interested in learning more about my mitten-making journey and want to see some of my favourite projects, be sure to check out the video on my channel, Doll Can Create. I’m excited to share my passion for knitting with all of you!

Thank you for your support—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your friends! Let’s keep our hands warm this winter, one stitch at a time.

Doll

Monday Knitting on Tuesday — October 15, 2024

Monday Knitting on Tuesday

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

In the latest episode of “Monday Knitting on Tuesday,” I share some insights on how to make the most of your crafting time. Although the video was released a day late, the valuable tips and updates on her projects are worth the wait!


### 3 Ways to Be Successful with Your Crafting

I enumerate three key strategies to ensure you stay productive and inspired in your crafting endeavours:

1. Make Time for Your Making: Crafting requires dedication, and I remind us that setting aside time is crucial. By planning your crafting sessions and making them a priority, you can ensure that your creative projects don’t get sidelined by daily distractions.

2. Create a Space That Works for You: Having a designated crafting area can significantly enhance your productivity. I encourage viewers to organise their materials so that everything is within reach. This not only saves time but also creates a more enjoyable crafting experience.

3. Just Do It: The most important step is to dive in and start creating! I’m enthusiastic and hope that it is infectious as I share my current projects, including a mitten, October socks, and a spinning project. I’m reminded that the act of creating is what brings joy and fulfilment.

### Join the Crafting Community

Doll Can Create is a growing channel that is planning on regular content. If you’re passionate about knitting and crafting, consider subscribing to my channel for more tips, project updates, and inspiration.

Thank you for watching, subscribing, sharing, and reading.

Doll

Ready for fall — October 5, 2024

Ready for fall

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

I’m so happy with how these turned out. The yarn is 2ply spindle spun Cheviot. Not sure what I’ll do with what’s left. Ideas?

I’m currently knitting socks and test knitting a scarf. There’s always something on the needles,

Have you started your Christmas knitting? I have a plan, sort of but not yet begun.

I’ll catch up with you soon.

Doll

Rocking Chair Knit, Spin, and Chat — September 24, 2024

Rocking Chair Knit, Spin, and Chat

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome, dear friends, to a delightful corner of creativity and connection! Today, I’m excited to share my latest YouTube video titled “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” In this cozy session, I invite you to join me as we knit, chat, and spin together, creating a warm atmosphere that feels just like sitting in your favourite chair with a good friend.

### A Sneak Peek into Crafting and Spirituality

In this video, I tease an upcoming longer video that will delve into the beautiful intersection of crafting and spirituality. I believe that our creative pursuits can be deeply personal and reflective, and I can’t wait to share some of my own stories with you. I’ll also share the stories of our childhood that relate to spinners. So, stay tuned for that!

### What to Expect in the Video

During our 12-minute journey, I’ll be sharing:
– A glimpse of my current projects and a half-finished object that I’m excited about.
– A casual chat about my recent knitting and spinning experiences, including a little confession about my knitting progress (or lack thereof) on a dreary day.
– An invitation for you to grab your favourite beverage—mine is a slightly cold coffee in a fun Red Lobster cup—and join in on the conversation.

### Join the Community

I’m grateful for each one of you who joins me in this creative space. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to hearing about your own knitting and crafting adventures!

### Let’s Connect!

I encourage you to watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments. What are you currently working on? How do you find spirituality in your crafting? Let’s have a conversation/chat and inspire each other!

Thank you for being a part of this cozy session. Until next time, happy crafting!