2025-08-01T12:11:56-04:00

🧶July Newsletter

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Dear Creative Friends,

As July draws to a close, I’m looking back with a full heart and yarn-covered hands. Whether you’ve been spinning alongside me for Tour de Fleece 2025 or merely enjoying the long days of summer with a cool drink. You might also be enjoying a quiet stitch. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. Enjoy this beautiful season.

🌀 Tour de Fleece Reflections: What I Learned

This year’s Tour de Fleece was about consistency and grace. I committed to spinning every day. Some days were spent at full whirl on my wheel. Other days were spent quietly on my spindle in the shade. There were moments of fatigue and others of elation (especially when I measured that surprise 125-meter skein!).

Key takeaways:

Small steps add up. Even a few minutes each day built up to sweater-worthy yardage. (or a vest)
Rest days matter. I embraced the official Tour rest days — and a few bonus ones too!
Joy in the process. Watching fibre transform in my hands still feels like a small miracle.

🧳 Summer Vacation: Rest and Play

July wasn’t just about production — it was also about pause. I walked, beached, puzzled, swam, and sat in my favourite chair with yarn in my lap. I visited museums, picked blueberries, and yes — ate ice cream with loved ones. This is the life I want to keep spinning toward: slow, full of joy, and rooted in beauty.

📸 On the Blog & YouTube

Check out this month’s uploads:

🗓️ What’s Coming in August

A new 30-Day Fibre Reset Challenge — clean, card, spin, and organize.
Blanket-building month: working with handspun and memory squares.
New video: “What’s In My Fibre Basket?”
Studio reorganizing VLOG (with my new thrifted wool shelf!). (still searching for this)

🎉 Community Corner

This month, I was inspired by all of you — the photos, messages, and stories shared. Keep tagging me at #DollCan so I can cheer you on!

Let’s Stay Connected:
🌐 DollCanCreate.com
📺 YouTube: Doll Can Create
📸 Instagram: @dollcan
📬 Got a story or finished object to share? Hit reply and let’s feature it!

Until next time,
Stay curious. Stay gentle. Keep spinning.

💗
– Doll
http://www.DollCanCreate.com
Handmade. Slow Made. Joy Made.

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One:

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Barbara aka Doll

The wheel is humming, the spindle is whirling, and Tour de Fleece 2025 is officially underway! There’s something energizing about spinning alongside a global community—each of us finding our rhythm, one draft at a time.

Whether you’re just joining in or you’ve been prepping for weeks, Week One is about beginning. And this year, I’m starting with gratitude, curiosity, and a basket full of beautiful wool.

This week’s video is a summary of week one and a catch up as well. Scroll to the bottom to view the video.

✨ What I’m Spinning

This week I’m working with both my spinning wheel and my drop spindles. They offer different joys. My wheel brings long, peaceful stretches. My spindles are perfect for spontaneous spinning outside or during quiet breaks in the day.

I’ve chosen some naturally dyed wool. It includes onion skins and just a hint of avocado. I also have some fleece in natural shades. It’s not about spinning for speed; it’s about connection: to the fiber, the rhythm, and the story each skein holds.

🎥 On the Channel:

Tour de Fleece Week 1: My Wheel, My Spindle, My Why
This week’s YouTube video walks through:

My fiber and tool choices
How I prep for both spindle and wheel spinning
Why Tour de Fleece is about more than just yarn—it’s about peace, purpose, and play

📣 I’d love to know—are you spinning this year? Drop a comment or tag me @dollcancreate on Instagram!

🧵 Spinning Reflections: The Ritual of Beginning

Starting something new always brings mixed feelings—excitement, nerves, maybe a little overwhelm. But here’s what spinning taught me this week: start small, and let the joy grow.

Even 15 minutes a day is enough to settle into flow. The sound of the wheel brought me back to center. The pull of the spindle and the twist of the wool did as well. This isn’t about pressure. It’s about presence.

🌟 Join Me?

If you’re spinning along, I’d love to follow your progress! Tag me on social media or send a note. Whether you’re making art yarn or refining your drafting technique, your journey is valid and beautiful.

Let’s spin a little joy into the world—one twist at a time.

Follow along all month at dollcancreate.com and on YouTube @dollcancreate

Ready, Set, Spin: Your Tour de Fleece Prep Guide

July 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Tour de Fleece Checklist

The Tour de Fleece is a fun and exciting challenge for spinners all over the world. Whether you’re a beginner, it’s a fantastic way to push your spinning skills. If you’re seasoned, it’s a great opportunity to engage with the community. If you’re gearing up for the Tour de Fleece, having a clear plan can help you stay focused and organized. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you’re ready to spin!

1. Set Your Goals

Before you dive into the Tour de Fleece, take a moment to set your spinning goals. Ask yourself:

What fibers do I want to spin during this challenge?
How much spinning do I want to achieve?
Do I want to try a new technique or spin for a specific project?

Setting clear, achievable goals will keep you motivated and help you stay on track throughout the event.

2. Prepare Your Fiber

Now that your goals are set, it’s time to get your fibers ready. Go through your fiber stash and pick out the ones you’d like to work with. This could include:

Washing and prepping raw fibers
Carding or combing fibers to make them easier to spin
Sorting fibers by color or texture for a specific project

Prepare your fibers ahead of time. This will save you precious time during the challenge. It will let you focus on the actual spinning.

3. Prepare Your Tools

Your spinning wheel or spindle is your main tool, so make sure it’s in top shape.

Clean and oil your spinning wheel or spindle
Check your bobbins for wear and tear
Make sure you have any extra tools, like knitting needles or crochet hooks, ready for finishing your spun yarn

Taking a moment to check your tools now can prevent any delays during the challenge.

4. Plan Your Spinning

A little planning goes a long way! Create a daily spinning schedule to help you stay organized and committed. Rest days (July 15 & 21) are part of the challenge. Be sure to schedule those into your plan.

What fiber will you spin each day?
How much time can you dedicate to spinning?
Do you need to factor in time for other fiber-related tasks (like plying or setting your yarn)?

A clear spinning schedule helps you pace yourself and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

5. Engage & Celebrate

The Tour de Fleece is all about community and fun. Don’t forget to share your progress with others:

Join a Tour de Fleece group or challenge
Post updates on social media using the hashtag #TourDeFleece
Celebrate your accomplishments at the end of the event, no matter how much you spin

Engaging with others and celebrating your journey is an important part of the experience. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and having fun!

By adhering to this checklist, you’ll be set for a successful Tour de Fleece. Whether you’re aiming to spin a specific yarn or you just want to enjoy the process, planning ahead is key. This ensures you make the most of this exciting challenge. Happy spinning, and may your bobbins be full!

You can download a printable checklist here:

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?

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?

Wool You Join Me? A Beginner’s Tour de Fleece Journey

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

Can I Join Tour de Fleece If I’m Not a Master Spinner?
Absolutely—Here’s Why You Should!

Every summer, cyclists pedal their hearts out in the Tour de France. Meanwhile, spinners around the world sit down with their wheels, spindles, and fluff. They join in a different endurance event: the Tour de Fleece. But if you’re new to spinning—or you feel like your yarn still has a few “extra design elements”—you are wondering:

Can I spin in Tour de Fleece if I’m not a master spinner?

Let me answer that loud and clear:
YES. YES. A thousand times, YES!

Here’s why Tour de Fleece is especially for you:

1. It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Tour de Fleece isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration. The goal is simply to spin a little (or a lot) every day the cyclists ride. Whether you’re spinning lumpy art yarn or super-fine lace weight, it all counts. You’re not being judged. You’re showing up, learning, and getting better with every turn of the spindle or treadle.

2. There’s a Welcoming Community for Every Skill Level

There are dozens of teams, hashtags, and social groups where beginners are not only welcome—they’re cheered on. Many experienced spinners enjoy helping newcomers. Your progress can inspire someone to pick up their spindle for the first time.

3. Your “Before and After” Will Amaze You

Tour de Fleece is usually three weeks long. That’s enough time to see a real shift in your spinning. Your hands learn. Your muscle memory builds. Your yarn changes. Even if your first skein is a little wild, your last one will show just how far you’ve come.

4. You Can Set Your Own Challenge

You don’t have to spin every day or meet a high yardage goal. Your personal challenge is:

“Spin for 10 minutes a day”
“Ply for the first time”
“Finish the fiber I started last winter”
“Try supported spindling”
You make the rules. You choose your pace.

5. It’s a Great Excuse to Play with Fiber

If you needed permission to indulge in some lovely roving, here it is. Tour de Fleece is the perfect excuse to try new fibers, colors, or prep styles. You do not need a “perfect plan” for the finished yarn.

My First Tour de Fleece?

I had no idea what I was doing—but I loved every minute. I spun on a spindle in my backyard, in the car (as a passenger!), and even while watching the cyclists on TV. I learned how to draft better, how to troubleshoot twist, and how to relax and enjoy the process.

If you’re thinking, “But my yarn isn’t good enough yet,” let me share something with you. Here’s a secret: Tour de Fleece is how it gets good.

So go ahead—dust off your spindle or wheel. Join a team. Set a goal. And spin your heart out.

You’re not just allowed to join Tour de Fleece—you’re meant to.
Let’s spin together and see where the fiber takes us!

For my Spinning Prayer Guide click here

Tour de Fleece: Join the Global Spinning Challenge

June 6, 2025June 5, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Every summer, cyclists race through the mountains and valleys of France. Meanwhile, another spinning takes place around the world. It is the joyful spin of wool turning into yarn!

This is the heart of Tour de Fleece, an international spin-along for fibre lovers. But where did it start?

Tour de Fleece was started in 2006 by spinner and blogger Katrina McHugh. She had a brilliant idea while watching the famous Tour de France cycling race.
While the cyclists spin their wheels on the road, why don’t we spin our wheels at home? Or spin our spindles?

“Spinning wheel lady vintage illustration“/ CC0 1.0

She posted her idea on her blog. She invited other spinners to join her for a three-week spinning challenge. This challenge runs alongside the Tour de France. It was an instant success.

Over the years, the event has grown into a beloved tradition among spinners worldwide. Thousands now take part each year — some through teams on Ravelry, others through Instagram and personal blogs.

The spirit of Tour de Fleece is simple:
✨ Set your own spinning goals. ✨ Challenge yourself in some way (new fibre, new technique, spin every day, finish a project). ✨ Share your progress with the community. ✨ Celebrate your love of handspun yarn!

What am I planning?

There are no hard rules — it’s about participation, learning, and joy.

Whether you spin on a wheel, drop spindle, or electric spinner, Tour de Fleece is a time to connect. It brings together spinners around the world. It allows us to cheer each other on and marvel at what we can create with simple fibre and skill.

As the cyclists conquer their miles, we spinners conquer our fibre stash — one draft at a time! 🚴‍♀️🧶

Are you joining Tour de Fleece this year? I’d love to spin along with you!
👉 Share your spinning plans or goals in the comments — let’s cheer each other on!

See Video below or click here

If you’d like to follow my spinning journey, be sure to do the next:
✅ Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
✅ Follow me on Instagram
✅ Sign up for my email list for extra fibre goodness!

✨ Let’s make beautiful yarn together this Tour de Fleece! 🚴‍♀️🧶

🌸 Doll Can Create | June Newsletter 🌸

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

May wrap-up

Spinning Joy, One Thread at a Time

Hello Creative Friends,

The month of always feels like a fresh start. Gardens are blooming and days are lighter. There is renewed energy for our fibre work. May seemed to go by very quickly; very cool, lots of rain, but it bloomed in full colour.

Here’s a little peek into what happened in my studio this past month:

🧶 Fibre on My Wheel & Spindle

May was a season of mindful spinning. I’ve been working on:

Spinning naturally fawn and brown fibres for future knitting projects
Continuing my 100 Days of Spindle Spinning challenge — it’s amazing what just 10–15 minutes a day can create!

I encourage you — even a few minutes of spinning can bring such calm and joy.

🧵 On My Needles

Knitting was my quiet companion in the month of May:

A slow fashion shawl, using my handspun yarn
A simple pair of socks for everyday wear (finished May 31st, 2025, merino/nylon blend, hand dyed.
Exploring Knitting on a Budget — creative ways to knit more while spending less

I also shared a heartfelt blog post: “Crafting Calm & Grace.” It explores how fibre work can be a form of prayer and peace.

🌍 100 Mile Life: Local Fibre Focus

One of my passions in the merry month of May was deepening my 100 Mile Life journey:

Building a local fibre stash — supporting nearby farms
Cooking with local spring produce
I’ll be launching a new 100 Mile Life Tutorial Series — with a printable workbook soon in the shop!

Each step reminds me that local living and crafting can truly enrich our lives.

🎥 On YouTube This Month

Spin & Pray with Me — a gentle video to spin or knit along with

👉 If you haven’t subscribed yet, come join us here: YouTube: Doll Can Create

💌 Closing Thought

As May came to a close, summer beckoned. I’m reminded to slow down. I take time to savour the beauty around me. I cherish each creative moment.

What’s your plan for June? Tour de Fleece? More spinning, knitting, or crafting? Let’s enjoy these summer days together.

I hope your month was full of joy and fibre goodness and that June will be more of the same.

Until next time,

— Doll ✨

DollCanCreate.com

Instagram: @dollcancreate

📌 PS: Don’t miss the new free Spinning & Prayer Guide on the blog — a simple, printable companion for your creative time.

🧶 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:

*I might make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Meet the Maker: How I Fell in Love with Spinning and Knitting

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Introducing Myself: A Journey in Wool
By [Doll Creelman]

Welcome to my corner of the internet. I wanted to introduce myself. Let me share a little bit about the passions that shape my life and work. If you’re here, you probably love fiber arts. You enjoy handmade things. Or, you’re just curious about the person behind the yarn. Either way—I’m glad you’re here.

The Roots of My Passion

My love for fiber arts didn’t start in a craft store or a YouTube tutorial—it started in a sheep pen.

As a child and even into my teenage years, I remember watching the sheep on my great-uncle Silas’s farm. There was something deeply moving about the way the sheep responded to his voice. He would call, and they would come. It was a simple yet sacred ritual that stirred something pastoral in me. That’s when I knew I wanted to dive deeper. I was intrigued not just with the sheep. I was also captivated by the wool they gave and the stories it would tell.

Back then, I knew how to knit a little and crochet some, but I longed for more. I wanted to learn to spin.

A Fiber Journey Begins

At first, wool felt out of reach. Buying 100% wool yarn was expensive, and spinning wheels were even more so. I had never heard of a drop spindle until one day I stumbled across it online. That discovery changed everything. I realized I start spinning on a budget. eBay, YouTube tutorials, and fiber forums became my teachers.

We found a local farm having a shearing day. I jumped at the chance to help. I paid for a sheep’s injections that year in exchange for the fleece. I took it home—dirty, greasy, and full of potential. Washing, drying, carding—it was all a massive learning curve, but slowly I started to understand the rhythm of the wool.

I spun enough for a pair of socks. I was so proud. Then I found a used plastic spinning wheel from Wisconsin—affordable and practical. It arrived in a box, and before long, I was spinning with both hands and heart.

From Wool to Wardrobe

The learning curve was real—drive bands breaking, fiber filled with neps, uneven bits and short pieces. But those frustrations became milestones. Each little hiccup taught me something new.

Now, I have a stash (as most crafters do). More fiber than projects. More yarn than ideas. And yet, choosing what to spin, how to dye, and what to knit still brings me joy. Some projects are for me. Some are gifts. Some are experiments in texture and color. That’s part of the magic.

The most exciting project? Probably that first pair of socks from my handspun yarn. But honestly, each finished project—whether from hand-dyed yarn or commercial wool—feels like a little victory.

Why It Matters

I’m passionate about fiber arts because I feel like I’m part of the process. From fleece to yarn to garment, I get to shape something with my hands that’s both beautiful and practical. It reminds me of ministry, too—how something raw can be transformed with care and intention.

Fiber art teaches me patience, persistence, and presence. And it connects me to something older than myself—an ancient rhythm of craft, care, and community.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. Whether you’re here to learn or be inspired, I’m happy we met. I’m also delighted to share in the joy of handmade living with you.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. Whether you’re here to learn or be inspired, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths. You also be here to simply share in the joy of handmade living.

I’d love to hear your story too.
Do you spin, knit, crochet, or sew? Have you ever worked with raw wool or dreamed of trying? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I truly enjoy connecting with fellow makers.

If you’d like to follow along on my fiber journey, you can get tutorials and project updates. It also includes reflections on faith and creativity. Subscribe to the blog or follow me on Instagram @Dollcan.

Let’s keep creating, learning, and finding joy in the process—together.

Doll

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core