Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Tag: Spinning

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One: — July 16, 2025

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One:

/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

Tour de Fleece: Day One – Let’s Get Spinning! — July 5, 2025

Tour de Fleece: Day One – Let’s Get Spinning!

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome to my channel! I’m Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you through the Tour de Fleece 2025. If you’re new here, I believe anyone can create—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. It’s all about learning, growing, and getting better each day, and today, I’m taking you along for my spinning adventure.

See video below.

What’s On My Wheel?

I’ve hauled my Babe wheel up the stairs. Let me tell you, one of the best things about these wheels is how light they are. For the first day of the Tour de Fleece, I’m spinning a lovely BLUEFACED LEICESTER. This fiber is from Rampart Farm and Woolen Mill, in Branchton, Ontario. I bought this fiber last fall and dyed it myself using onion skins. I added just a touch of avocado. Although, the avocado didn’t really leave much color on this batch.

I’m using a short draw technique for a worsted spin, aiming for a fine yarn. While it’s not the softest fiber, it’s incredibly easy to work with. That is exactly what I wanted for day one. I’ve decided to spin for about half an hour today. Still, I won’t make you watch the wheel spin for all that time. We all know that part’s not the most exciting, right?

The Sounds of Summer

As I’m spinning, I’m also enjoying the neighborhood sounds. There’s a hawk circling overhead. It’s calling out in his usual way. Nearby, a sparrow’s nest has taken up residence in the carport corner. The background traffic is minimal since we’re at the end of a court. I’m definitely getting all the wonderful outdoor vibes today.

Goals for Day One

My goal today is to spin for at least an hour. I’m going to focus on the wheel. I’ll also be picking up my spindle to do some work there. I’ve got a blue fiber waiting for me. I can’t seem to find it right now. So, I’ll be digging around in my stash to track it down. During the Tour, I’ll also be spinning some white of the same fiber.

Originally, my plan was to spin enough for a vest—or, if I’m feeling ambitious, a whole sweater. I’ve seen others do it, so why not? If they can do it, I can too. Right?

Challenges and Updates

I know some of you are probably thinking, “How does everything go so smoothly?” Well, I can tell you that this little wheel’s drive band is causing trouble. It’s jumping off every now and then. I can feel some minor grease or maybe soap residue on the fiber. It’s all part of the process. When I set the twist, it should be fine.

Speaking of which, I need a new drive band for the wheel. I’ll have to handle that before the end of the challenge. But, like I always say—there’s nothing like a little challenge to keep things interesting!

What’s Coming Up?

Looking ahead, I’ll be finishing up the Tour de Fleece at a campground. I’m not sure if I’ll bring my wheel. It all depends on space and what else I need to pack. I’m committed to spinning as much as I can throughout this month. I’m excited to share this experience with you.

Join Me!

I’ll be posting updates on Instagram, Facebook, my blog, and of course, on YouTube. If you’d like to follow along, please like this post. You can also subscribe to my channel. Share it with your friends. You can also join the fun using the hashtag: #NotAMasterSpinner and #TourDeFleece2025.

I’m so glad to have you with me on this Tour de Fleece journey. Let’s spin, create, and enjoy the ride together!

Take care, God bless, and I’ll see you soon!

Ready, Set, Spin: Your Tour de Fleece Prep Guide — July 1, 2025

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

/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:

Tour de Fleece: The Calm Before the Spin The preparation continues. — June 20, 2025

Tour de Fleece: The Calm Before the Spin The preparation continues.

/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

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

/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, 2025

Tour de Fleece: Join the Global Spinning Challenge

/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

🌸 Doll Can Create | June Newsletter 🌸

/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

👉 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.

Crafting as Prayer: How I Find Peace in Every Stitch — May 29, 2025

Crafting as Prayer: How I Find Peace in Every Stitch

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

There’s a rhythm to spinning wool that feels like a heartbeat. There’s a stillness in knitting rows that speaks louder than words. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that for me, crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a form of prayer.

In a noisy world full of fast answers, there’s something sacred about sitting quietly with wool in your hands. Anxious scrolling fades away. This allows your thoughts to settle. Your spirit rises as a result.

The Sacred Stillness of Spinning

When I spin on my drop spindle or wheel, I start with raw fleece. Sometimes it still holds the scent of sheep and earth. There’s something humbling about starting from such a basic place. Washing, carding, spinning—it’s a process that requires presence.

As the wool twists into yarn, I whisper simple prayers:

Lord, give me patience in the drafting.
Thank you for the hands that raised this sheep.
This yarn bring comfort to someone in need.

These aren’t formal prayers, but gentle beating of the heart—offered with each turn of the spindle.

Knitting Peace, One Stitch at a Time

Knitting is where my prayers become visible. Each stitch holds intention. When I’m knitting for someone, I imagine wrapping them in hope. When I’m knitting just for the joy of it, I let my worries fall away with the passing rows.

There are moments when the rhythm lulls me into a quiet place of worship. I don’t need words. I just need the steady clink of needles and the softness of wool. I feel the awareness that I’m held by something greater than myself.

A Simple “Spin & Pray” Practice

Here’s a gentle rhythm I’ve started to follow. Maybe it will inspire your own crafting prayer time:

  1. Prepare a quiet space. Light a candle or play calming music.
  2. Choose a simple project. Something repetitive—like spinning, garter stitch, or hand carding.
  3. Set an intention. Pray for someone by name, think about a scripture, or simply sit in gratitude.
  4. Work with your hands. Let the motion of the craft guide your meditation.
  5. Close with thanks. A whispered “Amen,” a stretch, or a note in your journal.

In Every Strand, a Story

When we make with our hands, we make space for peace. We untangle knots in our minds. We remember that slow is holy. We rediscover that prayer can be soft, quiet, and full of wool.

So today, whether you’re spinning, stitching, sewing, or simply resting—know that your hands can be your prayer. And in every fiber, there is grace.

🧶 Want to Try It for Yourself?

👉Gentle Crafting Prayer Guide It includes a simple ritual and a short prayer.
👉 Or join me on YouTube for a quiet moment of spinning and prayer. Watch here.

Meet the Maker: How I Fell in Love with Spinning and Knitting — May 15, 2025

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

/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

Let’s slow down our crafting — May 12, 2025

Let’s slow down our crafting

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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?

Many blessings,

Doll