Using crafting to slow down is a beautiful, intentional practice. It invites you to be present, mindful, and rooted in the moment. Here’s how to do it:
Let’s slow down our crafting. Which of these steps will you try?
1. Set the Intention
Before you start, take a breath and tell yourself, “This is time to slow down.”
Light a candle, say a short prayer, or play calming music—create a ritual that marks this as sacred, restful time.
2. Choose Slow Crafts
Pick crafts that can’t be rushed: hand stitching, spindle spinning, hand knitting, embroidery, or weaving.
These crafts naturally need a rhythm and patience, helping shift your body and mind to a slower pace.
3. Craft Without Pressure
Let go of productivity goals. Don’t worry about deadlines or finished objects.
Focus on the feel of the yarn, the movement of your hands, or the rhythm of the stitches.
4. Be Fully Present
Notice the textures, colours, sounds, and even the little imperfections.
If your mind wanders, gently return to your hands—what they’re touching, creating, and shaping.
5. Connect Spiritually
Use crafting as a form of prayer, meditation, or gratitude. Say a prayer with each stitch or dedicate your work to someone.
Consider on scriptures or quiet thoughts as you work.
6. Limit Distractions
Craft in a quiet space or with minimal digital interruptions.
Leave your phone out of reach, or set it to “Do Not Disturb.”
7. Craft Outdoors or Near Nature
Take your knitting to the porch, or embroider by a window. Let the natural world support your slowing down.
Journal Prompt: Slowing Down Through Crafting
Take a deep breath. Let your hands rest on your project. Consider on the next:
1. What drew me to pick up this craft today?
2. How does the rhythm of this work affect my body, mind, or spirit right now?
End with this question. What is one small way I can carry the spirit of this slow moment into the rest of my day?
There’s a sacred quiet that settles in when I sit down to spin or knit. The world slows. The chatter softens. And in that stillness, something deeper begins to stir: grace.
Grace shows up in the ordinary It’s in the way the yarn stretches just far enough to finish the row. Or when the spindle spins true, even after a long day. It’s the sigh of relief when the colors blend just right. It’s also when your hands remember a rhythm your mind had forgotten. Nothing flashy. Just the quiet kindness of things working together.
Crafting is a way of praying. You use your hands for this prayer. Colossians 3:23 (NIV): “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
I often say that knitting is my way of keeping a quiet conversation going with God. Each stitch holds a moment, a breath, a hope. Spinning wool feels the same. The fibers remind me that slow is good. Twists and turns are part of the story. There is calm in that letting go.
When life feels messy, crafting provides it with form and structure. There’s something healing about watching chaos turn into order. A tangled skein turns into a neat ball. Scraps become a blanket. Roving transforms into yarn. Crafting reminds me that transformation takes time and that even messiness has its purpose.
You don’t have to make something perfect. Just make Grace doesn’t demand perfection. It welcomes presence. Whether you’re pulling stitches back or trying a new pattern, grace sits beside you and says, “It’s okay. Keep going.” And calm follows when we stop measuring success by speed or flawlessness.
So light a candle. Make a cup of tea or your favourite beverage. Pick up your needles, your spindle, your cloth. Let your craft become your quiet sanctuary—a place where grace can find you.
This Lent, I didn’t give something up. I picked something up—my needles and yarn. (scroll down for video)
Every evening, I sat down with ten simple stitches and knit my way toward Easter. This year, I chose to create a Lenten blanket. It was a quiet project with no pressure. I worked on just small, modular squares of color and calm. What I didn’t expect was how this simple act would become my prayer.
Knitting as Devotion
The blanket wasn’t intricate. Each square was small—ten stitches across and ten back again. But that simplicity was the beauty of it. It allowed space. Space to listen, space to breathe, space to pray.
Each time I picked up my needles, it felt like I was entering into something sacred. My body slowed. My heart quieted. The rhythm of stitch after stitch became the rhythm of prayer—not always with words, but always with intention.
Prayer in Colour and Silence
Some evenings, I prayed for loved ones as I knit. Other times, I simply breathed deeply and let the yarn run through my fingers. The colours I chose came from bits of my handspun—nothing planned, only that each was different from the last. I wasn’t choosing a palette—I was choosing presence. Whatever felt right in the moment became part of the story.
There was no chart and no big goal. There was only the promise to knit one colour each day through the forty days of Lent. That small act became my grounding.
Grace in Every Stitch
It’s funny how something so ordinary can become sacred when you give it space.
There were moments of grace along the way. A square finished just before bed provided comfort. A color unexpectedly brought peace. One night, knitting was the only thing that kept the anxious thoughts at bay. I didn’t need to do anything heroic this Lent. I just needed to show up. Yarn in hand. Heart open.
From Good Friday to Resurrection Joy
As Holy Week approached, the blanket grew heavier in my lap. Each rectangle held the quiet prayers and honest questions I’d whispered throughout the season. And on Easter Sunday, when the final stitch was made, it felt like more than a finished project. It felt like resurrection.
Not because the blanket was perfect—it wasn’t. But because I was different. I had made space for stillness, for prayer, for grace.
An Invitation
If you’re longing for a gentler spiritual practice, I invite you to pick up something small and handmade. A needle, a spindle, a scrap of yarn. Let your hands lead the way. Don’t overthink it. Just start.
You find, like I did, that God meets you in the rhythm of your craft—one stitch at a time.
Today, I’m bringing you along on a little journey that’s been a long time coming. You see, beside my favorite chair — where I do most of my knitting, spindle spinning, reading, and general life-living — there’s a humble little basket. And that basket has been… let’s just say, “collecting life” for quite some time. (scroll down for the full video)
*how I’d love my space to look
So I sat down (iced coffee in hand) and decided it was time to dig in. Literally. If you’ve ever had a crafting corner or a cozy nook that gradually grows into a black hole of projects, odds and ends, and mystery items — you’ll understand. Today’s mission: declutter the basket.
Treasures, Tools & Thrift Box Tales
The first thing I pulled out was a lovely little bag I picked up at a church sale. Inside? All my short needles — the perfect sizes for socks and mittens. I’ve decided that anything belonging in that bag is going right back in, including a couple of needle sets. (Side note: nitpick shorties — not my thing!)
Then out came a purple pouch filled with crochet hooks, loom hooks, and some needles that honestly baffle me. There’s even a handy little guidebook, which I’ve left open to the first page… just in case.
A skein of yarn dyed with acorns was next. It already has a home, so off it goes. One lonely wooden needle that snags yarn? Off to the thrift box. (Goodbye and thank you.)
I even found a book I’m reading — How to Be a Craftivist — still in the basket. It’s going back in, along with some fiber that’s destined for spinning. Little tufts of leftover fiber went into my bits-and-pieces jar. Those tiny leftovers are great for my modular knitting projects, and they always make me smile.
Nick made me a beautiful homemade niddy noddy, and that’s a keeper. Into the basket it goes. I found pieces of another one too, so those are staying as well. Oh! And a sweet little note from a fiber gift — that’s being tucked in with its corresponding wool.
Yarn, Cords, and Questions
Bits and bobs of sock yarn turned up — those went into their designated bags (yes, I have a few). A random blue chunky yarn? Not my vibe anymore. Thrift store pile. A cracked old Zing needle? Tossed. And I found an ornament I thought might be a spindle in disguise… we’ll see.
Circular needles, cords for electronic gadgets of mysterious origin, a sock gauge ruler, and a pile of “maybe someday” things… all sorted, tested, and either re-homed or released.
I even rediscovered a one-row scarfknit in hand-dyed Lincoln wool. That’s officially a project again — spring seems like the perfect time to pick it back up.
The Deep End
As I neared the bottom of the basket, the real forgotten bits started appearing — tiny scraps of yarn, a lone slipper (I don’t enjoy making them — thank goodness for friends who do!), a defunct mini music player accessory, and a fabric basket that was literally falling apart. Into the garbage it all went.
And then I found it — an old pillowcase. I’ve had it for years. It never quite felt right for sleeping, but it’s perfect for fiber storage. So I tucked it inside my newly cleared basket, turned it into a soft liner, and started filling it back up: needles, niddy noddies, books, current projects, and a few well-loved tools.
The Reward
By the end, my basket was organized, intentional, and calm. I can see what I have, access what I need, and enjoy this cozy corner again. It’s amazing how something as simple as decluttering a basket can clear your mind and make space for inspiration to flow.
It’s funny — this basket has been beside me since we moved here in 2021, and yet I hadn’t reached the bottom until now. Sometimes it takes a moment (or three years!) to make space, but once you do… oh, what a difference it makes.
Life Lately
As I sipped the last of my (unsweetened!) iced coffee, I started mixing up a homemade electrolyte drink — pineapple juice, coconut water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of cream of tartar. Hydration, here I come.
I’m also realizing my clothes are all hanging off me now, so a wardrobe declutter may be next on the list. When nothing fits quite right, it’s hard to feel grounded — even in your own home.
And yes, for those who are kindly concerned — I am looking into dental work, probably this summer when I can properly heal. It’s a big thing for me, and your prayers and support mean the world.
Looking Ahead
Lent may officially end on Palm Sunday, but I’ll be continuing my Lenten knitting project through Good Friday. I’ll be writing a blog post on that project (and the reflections that came with it) soon after Easter.
In the meantime, I’ll be:
Carding wool
Spindle spinning
Plying yarn
Knitting socks, mittens, and a Lenten blanket
I like having a few projects on the go — the variation keeps me grounded and engaged.
Thank you for keeping me company during this decluttering journey. If you’re staring at your own version of “the basket,” maybe this is your sign to dig in, sort it out, and breathe a little easier.
With love, yarn, and the promise of a tidy corner,
This is not a transcript but some additional thoughts:
In this video I share a bit of a tutorial as I knit the 10 row blanket – adding in a new colour/section.
What does this project mean to me? While I knit, I meditate. I meditate on the day, the weekly scripture. I pray for my family, friends, and community.
With so much chaos in our world today a few moments of relaxation, stillness, and prayer is just what the Doctor would order – if I had a GP that is.
Watch the recording of Facebook live:
I think I chose a especially a modular one, because it’s only 10 stitches and it’s something I can work on every day.
While working on this blanket, I’m not finding specific emotions connected with it, possibly joy. It’s very calming to work on it. I don’t have stress or anxiety about needing to get it done or moving forward with it. It’s just coming together.
The colors I use are coming from bits and pieces that I have had spindle spun over the last few months that are in jars. And when I choose a color, the only thing I’m looking at is that it’s not the same as what is the row before. So it needs to be contrasting or complementary, but not the same. But I’m not creating a specific color pattern as I go.
Working on a modular design means I don’t have to worry about getting through, like, 200 stitches in a day or in an hour or whatever. Ten ten stitches and then 10 stitches back, so 20 stitches. It it isn’t very much. And I try to work on whatever little ball of yarn I have. I try to finish that color when I sit. But it’s not time it doesn’t hold me up whether or not I have enough time to do it. It’s the time I have intentionally decided to pick it up.
In the last week of working on this blanket, I realized that there is a message to be found here about diversity, about differences, and how things can all mesh together, that we’re all interwoven. So I believe there’s a sermon in there.
So do my colors reflect my personal journey? I don’t believe so. I’m drawn to purple, blues, pinks, but the bulk of the blanket are more neutral earth tones. So I’m not sure color plays into the emotion for me.
So the colors I choose might reflect my day. Or if I’m tired of working on neutral tones, maybe I want a splash of color in there to brighten things up. Or maybe the day’s dark because it’s raining and cloudy and foggy. And so I need something in purples or pinks, gold or yellow to lift my spirit.
I think the modular design connects with my personal journey in that small changes are helpful, that although it’s been a long road in life to get to where I am, there have been bits and pieces of my life that have come together in beautiful ways and helped me to move forward in much the same way as this blanket does, in much the same way as my faith does.
May you continue to find blessings as you walk through Lent to the celebration of Resurrection Day!
30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project: Why I’m Doing This
Like many fiber artists, I’ve spent years building up a collection of yarn, needles, books, and patterns. Every new project seems to come with new tools and materials, and before you know it, you have an overflowing stash. But here’s the thing—I’ve been working on decluttering my home, and there’s one area I’ve completely ignored: my fiber arts supplies.
That changes today!
I’m kicking off a 30-Day Fiber Arts Declutter Project, where I’ll go through everything—yarn, needles, books, patterns, and tools—to decide what stays and what needs a new home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own stash, I’d love for you to join me!
Why Declutter Fiber Arts Supplies?
As knitters, spinners, or fiber artists, we know how easy it is to collect things. We see beautiful yarn, and we buy it—even if we don’t have an immediate project in mind. We hold onto tools just in case we need them someday. We have patterns and books that we swear we’ll use… but haven’t touched in years.
I’ve realized that my clutter isn’t just taking up space—it’s making it harder for me to enjoy my craft. I forget what I already own, I feel guilty about unused supplies, and sometimes, the sheer amount of stuff makes it harder to start a new project.
This project is about more than just tidying up. It’s about making space for creativity, inspiration, and the joy of fiber arts.
What I’ll Be Decluttering
Over the next 30 days, I’ll be sorting through:
✅ Yarn: I love my stash, but there are skeins I’ll never use. It’s time to be honest about what fits my current style and projects.
✅ Knitting Needles & Tools: I’ve somehow ended up with multiple sets of the same needles. I’ll be keeping my favorites and passing along the extras.
✅ Books & Patterns: Some have been great resources, but others no longer serve me. I want my collection to reflect what I actually use and love.
The Emotional Side of Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t always easy. Letting go of fiber arts supplies can feel personal. Some yarns hold memories of projects never started, gifts never given, or plans that never came to life. There’s also the guilt—thinking about the money spent or the “waste” of giving something away.
But I remind myself: letting go doesn’t mean failure. It means freeing up space for the things that truly bring joy. When I donate yarn, someone else gets the chance to create with it. When I pass on books, another knitter finds inspiration.
So, I’m approaching this project with kindness toward myself and the understanding that my stash should serve me—not the other way around.
My Plan for Documenting This Journey
To keep myself accountable, I’ll be documenting my 30-day challenge through:
📸 Instagram: Sharing progress photos and before/after shots of my stash 🎥 YouTube: Weekly vlogs showing my decluttering process and lessons learned ✍️ Blog Posts: Writing about the emotional and practical sides of fiber arts decluttering
If you’d like to follow along, I’d love for you to join me! You can declutter with me, share your own experiences, or just enjoy the journey.
The Biggest Decluttering Challenge: Getting It Out of the House
One of the hardest parts of decluttering isn’t sorting through things—it’s actually getting rid of them! I don’t want to be one of those people who bags everything up… only to let it sit in the car for weeks.
So, I’ll be making a Declutter & Donate Checklist to keep myself on track. That way, the items I no longer need can quickly find a new home where they’ll be loved and used.
Join Me!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your fiber arts stash, I invite you to declutter along with me! Whether you’re tackling your yarn, your tools, or even just organizing your space, let’s do this together.
What’s the hardest part of decluttering for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Hi friends! Welcome to this tutorial where I share my personal method of plying yarn from a spindle. While there are many techniques out there, this is the one that works best for me, and I hope it helps you too. (this is not a word for word transcript)
Getting Started
Before we begin, here’s what you’ll need:
Your favorite spindle (or one of them, if you’re like me and have several!)
A small amount of spun singles
Your hands—no fancy tools required!
This method works best with a fiber that has some grip to it. Today, I’m using a beautiful fiber from Germany that’s naturally grabby, making for a warm and fuzzy finished yarn.
Step-by-Step Plying Process
1. Preparing the Singles
Remove the spun singles from your spindle.
Wrap the singles around your hand by first looping it around a finger and then wrapping it around your open hand.
Once fully wound, slide the loops down onto your wrist, creating a bracelet of yarn.
2. Setting Up for Plying
Find the two ends: the one from the inside of the bracelet and the outermost strand.
Make a slipknot with these two ends and attach them to your spindle.
Start spinning in the opposite direction from how you originally spun the singles.
3. Plying the Yarn
Hold the two strands together and let the twist distribute evenly as you spin.
If needed, gently guide the twist so that the yarn plies consistently.
Wind the newly plied yarn onto your spindle and repeat until all singles have been plied.
Finishing the Yarn
1. Making a Skein
Once all the yarn is plied, remove it from the spindle.
If you don’t have a niddy noddy, use the old-fashioned elbow method: wrap the yarn around your forearm to measure out a small skein.
2. Setting the Twist
If your yarn has extra twist, give it a quick flick or a gentle shake to distribute it evenly.
Soak the yarn in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to set the twist.
Squeeze out excess water and hang it to dry.
Tips & Encouragement
If you’re new to spinning, don’t stress about perfection! It’s all about practice and enjoying the process.
Your yarn’s characteristics (twist, thickness, and texture) will determine its best use. Sometimes, the fiber itself will tell you what it wants to be.
Spinning can be addictive, and it’s easy to fall down the fiber arts rabbit hole! Enjoy the journey and explore different tools and techniques at your own pace.
Join the Spinning Community!
Are you taking part in a spinning challenge? I’m currently spindling for 100 days, leading up to the Tour de Fleece! Whether you’re just beginning or have been spinning for years, I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below: Are you new to spindle plying? What projects are you working on? Need any extra help? Let me know!
If you found this tutorial helpful, consider subscribing to my channel or blog for more fiber arts content. Let’s grow together—my goal is to reach 200 subscribers, and I’d love for you to be part of that journey!
Happy spinning, and may your yarn bring joy to your hands and heart!
Until next time,
Doll from Doll Can Create
(Like, share, and subscribe to help support the channeland blog!)
Finding Calm: How Spinning & Knitting Help My Anxiety
When life feels overwhelming, I reach for my fiber. The rhythm, the movement, the texture—these are the things that bring me back to myself. Spinning and knitting have become more than just hobbies for me; they are lifelines, gentle anchors that steady me when my thoughts start to spiral.
I can always tell when my anxiety is creeping in. It starts with staying up too late, doom-scrolling through news headlines, or lying in bed as my mind races through worries—especially about my family. My heart beats faster, and suddenly, the world feels a little too big, a little too out of control. I need something steady to hold onto.
That’s when I sit down at my spinning wheel. I place my foot on the treadle, letting the motion slow my thoughts. My hands draft the fibre, watching as it twists into yarn, transforming from something loose and chaotic into something whole. Also picking up my spindle and a small amount of floof works well. It’s a small act of control in a world that often feels uncontrollable. The wheel hums, the fibre moves through my fingers, and with each turn, I feel a little more grounded.
Knitting offers me the same comfort. The repetitive motion of each stitch feels like breathing—it moves in, it moves out. I don’t have to think too hard; I just follow the rhythm, letting my hands lead the way. Each row is a prayer, each stitch a step toward calm. There’s something about soft wool, warm colors, and familiar patterns that soothes me when words fail.
Over time, I’ve learned that my anxiety doesn’t just disappear, but I can meet it with tools—tools that bring me back to the present, that remind me I’m okay. A spindle, a pair of needles, a skein of wool. Simple things, but powerful in their quiet way.
Anxiety still comes, but now I know I’m not powerless against it. I have my fiber. I have my stitches. I have my breath and I have my faith.
What helps you find calm when life feels overwhelming? Maybe it’s fibre, or maybe it’s something else. But I think we all need a thread to hold onto.
Welcome! If you’re new to spinning, this post is for you. I’ll be sharing five essential items that will help you get started. Spinning is an ancient craft, one that predates the spinning wheel itself. Before the wheel, people used a simple yet effective tool: the spindle. Let’s dive into what you need to begin your own spinning journey.
1. A Spindle
When I first started spinning, I was looking for an affordable way to make 100% wool socks. The yarn available in my area was mostly plain white or brown, so someone suggested that I try spinning my own. That’s when I discovered the drop spindle.
I bought my first spindle on eBay, and it came with some fiber to practice on. Over time, I’ve gathered several different spindles, each with unique characteristics:
DIY Spindles: My husband made one using a dowel, a round piece of wood, and a cup hook.
Plastic Spindles: I have a small 3D-printed spindle that’s lightweight and easy to use.
Top and Bottom Whorl Spindles: Both work well; it’s all about personal preference.
Turkish Spindles: These allow you to create a center-pull ball as you spin.
Heavier Spindles: Ideal for plying and getting a leader started.
The key is finding a spindle that spins smoothly and suits your style.
2. Fiber and Fiber Preparation Tools
Once you have a spindle, you’ll need fiber! You can buy pre-washed and prepared fiber or process raw fleece yourself. If you’re preparing fiber at home, you’ll need tools to help:
Dog Brushes: Before I bought hand cards, I used two dog brushes to prepare fiber.
Hand Cards and Drum Carders: These tools help align fibers for easier spinning.
Combs: Useful for finer fiber preparation.
Spinning starts with good fiber prep, so having the right tools can make a big difference.
3. A Niddy Noddy
A niddy noddy is a tool that helps measure and skein your yarn. I have a handmade wooden niddy noddy that my husband crafted in 2004. I also have a 3D-printed version that is more compact and versatile.
By wrapping yarn around the niddy noddy, I can measure my yardage and prepare the yarn for setting. Whether you choose wood or plastic, this tool is incredibly helpful for any spinner.
4. Wraps Per Inch (WPI) Tool
A WPI tool helps determine the thickness of your yarn by counting how many times it wraps around a set measurement. If you don’t have a WPI gauge, a standard ruler works just as well!
Knowing your WPI helps ensure that your handspun yarn is the right weight for your project, whether you’re making socks, shawls, or sweaters.
5. A Lazy Kate or Alternative Plying Solution
If you plan to ply your yarn, a lazy kate can be very useful. While some wheels have built-in lazy kates, I’ve also used DIY solutions:
Handmade Lazy Kate: My husband made one using a log and dowels.
Plying Bracelet: When working with a single ply, I sometimes wrap it around my wrist and ply from there.
A lazy kate or an alternative plying method helps keep tension even and makes plying much easier.
Bonus: The Joy of Slow Spinning
Spinning is more than just making yarn—it’s a meditative and mindful process. Whether I’m in my rocking chair spinning, or walking outside with a spindle in hand, I find that this craft allows me to slow down and be present. Sometimes, I even use my spinning time for prayer and reflection.
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating yarn from fiber, knowing that each step of the process is part of a long-standing tradition. So if you’re just starting out, take your time, enjoy the process, and embrace the rhythm of spinning.
If you’d like to see a spindle demonstration, let me know! And don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your spinning journey. May you find blessings in each day. Happy spinning!
