2025-12-10T20:58:25-05:00

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. ✨

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 💕🧶

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.

Tips for knitting mittens

November 30, 2024/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

Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Tag: sock knitting