I like the softness of this colour.
Merino/nylon blend perfect for your springtime socks.
Let me know if you’d like to purchase this yarn
Blessings
Tag: knitting socks
Check out the link. This would make a lovely scarf as well. https://yarnlove4ewe.etsy.com
If you’d like 1 or both of theses skeins just let me know. Thanks.
My new etsy shop has been hacked. 😦 stay tuned for an update. If you’d like 1 or both of theses skeins just let me know. Thanks.
I had so much fun creating these 2 skeins. Have a look in my Etsy shop. Let me know what you think.
Hey friends,
Have you ever wondered what happens to your YouTube video when it’s uploading and processing for hours, and nothing seems to happen? I sure have! This morning, I did a live rocking chair knit and chat for 20 minutes, and now—poof!—it’s in the ether. Somewhere out there. I have no idea where.
So, since I don’t know when (or if) that video will show up, I thought I’d do a quick recap of what I talked about while sitting in my rocking chair, sipping my coffee.
First, I was working on my Northeasterly Blanket, but now it’s been put away. I finished up with it and decided to tidy up my space a little. This blanket is made from tiny pieces of spindle-spun wool—some hand-dyed, some not. I keep them in jars, and I now have two full jars ready to use. I’ll try to get a picture later.
Next up, my sock. This week, I made progress—I finished the leg, the heel, and now I’m working on the gusset. Then it’ll be on to the foot. I was hoping to finish it this weekend, but that might be a bit ambitious. These socks are for me, using the Vanilla Latte pattern and Tracy’s sock pattern. I’ll link those in the comments.
I also worked a little on my hat, which is a brioche knit with a double brim. It’s incredibly soft and poofy—such a nice pattern (also one of Tracy’s). I haven’t touched my sweater this week, so nothing to show there, but I did talk about fiber! I rolled up some Bluefaced Leicester, a Merino cross that I dyed with onion skins and avocado pits and peels. I’ve got about 200 grams total between what’s on the wheel and what’s waiting beside me. Not sure what I’ll make with it yet—ideas are welcome!
Now, on to Valentine’s Day. We went out for brunch at our favorite local apple store—no, not iPads, but actual apples! They also sell other local products and baked goods. We picked up some maple syrup (from St. Clements—so definitely within the 100-mile challenge!), and they were giving away free donuts. I bought a few extra of their little apple cider donuts because they are just too good to pass up.
While we were there, I also grabbed a bag of pre-packaged stew veggies—carrots, parsnips, onions, turnips, celery, and a quarter of a cabbage—all local, mostly within 100 miles. I also stocked up on potatoes and carrots, and I think we did pretty well with keeping our groceries as local as possible. The dairy and ice cream were local too, but chocolate? That one’s tough for me. Definitely harder to source locally! But we do our best and give ourselves grace where needed.
Speaking of keeping things local, I also picked up two plants. One is a mix of African violets for Valentine’s, and the other is an Iron Cross Oxalis. It looks like a shamrock but with a burgundy cross in the middle. I had one last year and, well, I killed it. I think I overwatered it, so here’s hoping this one survives! I got them from a greenhouse about 20 minutes from here—a great local spot full of flowers for Valentine’s Day. Instead of roses, I opted for something I can “keep alive” for a little longer. Fingers crossed!
So, what are my hands going to be working on this weekend? Hopefully, I’ll get some time at the wheel and make progress on my sock. The blanket is put away until next week, but I might pick up the hat again. We had our little date outing, which was fun, and for dinner, I’ll be using some leftover 100-mile chicken.
How are you doing? Do you have any questions about my sock? I’ve shown it a lot lately, but I love this pattern—it’s simple but so satisfying. The Vanilla Latte pattern is free on Ravelry. It’s a great go-to for an easy, cozy sock knit.
Oh! My phone rang, and I had a lovely chat with a neighbor. She was just calling me back to say she’s doing well, which is always nice to hear.
Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! It’s a long weekend here in Ontario, and we’re expecting a big snowfall—possibly 15 to 25 cm—so we’ll see what happens with plans. I’ll be live on Facebook Sunday morning for worship, possibly on Zoom if the snow makes in-person services tricky. But hey, it’s winter in Ontario—that’s just how February goes!
One foot in front of the other, right? Keep creating, keep making. Whether it’s fiber arts, cooking, journaling—whatever brings you joy. Just remember: if Doll can create, so can you.
Let me know what you’re working on—I’d love to hear about your projects!
Until next time, Doll
- 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
- Socks:
- Working on the toe of a sock, almost done.
- Using a standard wedge toe method.
- Yarn: Kroy Sox FX (75% wool, 25% nylon).
- Unsure if there’s enough yarn for heels and toes.
- Following “Vanilla Latte” pattern from Ravelry.
- Heel pattern from Tracy at thepassionknitspinner.
- Planning to cast on the next sock immediately after finishing this one. (which I did)
- Fingerless Mitts for Husband:
- Still working on the cuff.
- Used hand-spun yarn for the project.
- Hat:
- Designed by Tracy (thepassioknitspinner).
- Brioche knitting in the round.
- Using a heavier yarn, opting for a single strand instead of two-ply.
- Folded brim for extra warmth.
- Sweater (Whatever Sweater):
- Using Briggs & Little single-ply yarn.
- 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:
- Merino Superwash from Laurie at the Black Lamb.
- Colorway: Mocha Cappuccino.
- 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! 👋
Join me in my cozy corner as we chat and knit or craft together in this mid-January edition of 2025!
In this relaxing session, I’ll be sharing my latest knitting projects, including a pair of cozy socks made from Patons sock yarn. As a passionate member of the knitting community, I love sharing my creations and hearing about yours.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, I hope you’ll find inspiration in our chat. From spinning wool to creating unique pieces, I’m excited to share my yarn addiction with you. So grab your knitting needles, or crafting project, sit back, and let’s get cozy!
Have a blessed day!
Join me on my new Patreon platform. https://patreon.com/DollCreelman
Thank you for liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends.
What are you working on this week?
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
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time to embrace creativity and reflection. In my latest YouTube video, “How I Build a Full Day of Creativity,” I share my personal insights and tips for crafting a fulfilling day filled with inspiration and productivity.
#### A Cozy Setting for Inspiration
In this video, I invite you to join me from my favourite spot—a cozy rocking chair. This setting not only provides comfort but also sparks creativity. I believe that the environment we choose can significantly impact our creative flow. Whether it’s a quiet corner of your home or a bustling café, find a space that inspires you.
#### Key Ideas for a Creative Day
Throughout the video, I discuss various strategies to help you design a day that fosters creativity. Here are a few highlights:
1. Morning Rituals: Start your day with a routine that energizes you. This could include meditation, journaling, or a brisk walk to clear your mind.
2. Set Intentions: Before diving into your tasks, take a moment to set clear intentions for what you want to achieve. This helps focus your energy and creativity.
3. Breaks are Essential: Don’t forget to schedule breaks! Stepping away from your work can provide fresh perspectives and prevent burnout.
4. Embrace Flexibility: While it’s great to have a plan, allow yourself the freedom to explore new ideas as they come. Sometimes the best creativity happens when we least expect it.
5. Reflect and Adjust: At the end of the day, take time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This practice will help you refine your approach for future creative days.
#### Watch Until the End!
—
As we embrace the beauty of fall, let’s make the most of our days by nurturing our creativity. I hope my insights inspire you to create your own fulfilling day. What are your favourite ways to spark creativity? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
#### Join the Community
As a creator, I believe in the power of community. If you’re looking for more inspiration and support, consider joining our growing family at Doll Can Create. We’re a small but passionate group dedicated to exploring creativity together. Your participation can make a big difference!
#### Upcoming Content
Stay tuned for more videos where I’ll dive deeper into specific aspects of creativity, such as overcoming creative blocks, finding inspiration in everyday life, and even practical tips for organizing your creative space. I’m excited to share this journey with you!
#### Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for your support on my YouTube channel. Remember, creativity is not just about the end product; it’s about the process and the joy it brings. Let’s embrace this fall season as an opportunity to cultivate our creative spirits and make every day count.
If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe, and share it with friends who might also benefit from these tips. Together, we can inspire each other to build wonderful, creative days!
Thank you for being part of this creative journey!
Doll
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, I find myself nestled in my cozy rocking chair, well most days I am, reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together throughout September. In my latest YouTube video, “Cozy Rocking Chair Chat: Wrap Up of September’s Challenge,” I invite you to join me in a heartfelt discussion about crafting and spirituality—two passions that have intertwined beautifully in my life.
In this video, I don’t share tips or tricks; instead, I offer a space for contemplation. Crafting is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a spiritual practice that allows me to connect with my inner self and the world around me. As we create, we are not just making physical items; we are also transforming our lives. Each stitch, each brushstroke, and each crafted piece tells a story of growth and change.
Throughout September, we embarked on a challenge that encouraged us to explore our creativity and spirituality. I shared my experiences, and I hope you did too! The process of crafting can be a meditative practice, allowing us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. As we weave our creations, we also weave ourselves into the fabric of our daily lives, moulding our experiences and perspectives.
In the video, I reflect on how our crafted items can serve as reminders of our journeys. They hold the energy of our intentions and the love we pour into them. As we create, we are constantly evolving, and I believe that our crafts can mirror that transformation.
I am hopeful that it will resonate with those who seek a deeper connection to their creative practices. I encourage you to watch and share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s build a community where we can support each other in our crafting and spiritual endeavours.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I look forward to hearing your reflections and continuing our cozy chats in the future. Remember, as we craft, we are not just creating objects; we are crafting our lives.
Warmly,
Barbara Doll Creelman
