There’s something sacred about the rhythm of spinning. The gentle pull of fiber through your fingers. The quiet whir of the spindle or wheel. The way time slows just enough for your heart to catch up with your breath.
This week, I wanted to share a simple practice that’s become part of my spiritual rhythm: spinning as prayer.
✨ Why Spin & Pray?
We often think of prayer as words. Spoken. Whispered. Written down. But there’s another kind — the quiet prayer of presence. The kind that happens when your hands are busy and your spirit is open.
Spinning wool offers that invitation. It lets us settle into stillness while our bodies stay gently in motion. It becomes a space to:
Offer our worries and hopes
Sit with grief, joy, or longing
Hold names of loved ones in our hearts
Simply rest in God’s presence
📖 A Scripture for the Spinner’s Heart
“In quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15
This verse has anchored me more times than I can count. In the stillness of crafting — especially spinning — I have found a quiet. This quiet not only calms the mind but also nourishes the soul.
🙏 How to Try It
Want to spin and pray with me? Here’s how you can try it:
Set a gentle mood Light a candle. Play soft music. Sit somewhere peaceful.
Gather your fiber and spindle or wheel Nothing fancy is needed — just what feels right in your hands.
Start with a deep breath Let go of your to-do list. Let your shoulders drop. You’re here now.
Spin and listen You don’t need words. Just the rhythm. Just the wool. Just the moment.
If a prayer rises up, say it If not, let the spinning be the prayer.
🧘 A Space for Everyone
You don’t need to be “religious” to find meaning in this practice. Spin & Pray is for anyone seeking a little more peace, presence, and purpose in their craft.
You can sit with me during one of these moments. I’ve shared a new video on YouTube. In it, we spin and pray together. You’re warmly invited.
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,
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!
Have you ever wondered what I do when I’m not sitting in the rocking chair? Stay tuned! Sometimes I’m in the furnace room, carding wool. Other times, I’m at the spinning wheel, spinning wool. I spend time at the kitchen table doing my journals, and sometimes, I just settle in with a good book.
Hi friends! This is Doll from DollCanCreate, and I’m so glad you popped in today while we have our rocking chair knit and chat. I normally do this at the end of the week, but life got busy, and I fell a couple of days behind. But I know you understand that all too well! So here I am, rocking away with my beautiful purple prayer shawl—a special gift from 2013 that still brings me comfort, especially now, during Lent.
Grab your favorite beverage! Mine is almost gone, and yes, it’s coffee—of course, of course! I’m sipping it from my beautiful cup featuring Maxine Noel’s Indigenous woman design. Let’s chat about my 100 Mile Life adventure, what’s working, what’s not, and where we’re at now. It’s so easy to forget and pick up something from the store that doesn’t quite fit the 100-mile radius goal. That’s part of what we’ll talk about, along with my works in progress, some spinning, and spindling.
Lenten Knitting and Works in Progress
We are in Lent—day five, I think! I’ve been working on my blanket, praying and meditating as I knit. It’s a simple ten-row pattern, and I placed a red heart in the middle, much like a log cabin design. I’m using bits and pieces from my jar, and as it empties, I have more yarn ready to go. There’s even a bit of gold in there waiting for its turn.
I believe I linked the pattern on my blog and in my last YouTube video. Speaking of which, I’ll try to add the last video about the blanket for reference. Many of these yarns I spun myself—some merino, some local wool. That’s where I’m focusing my efforts, sourcing local fibers.
I’m also working on my first sock for March! The pattern is Heel Toe Do Si Do by the Crazy Sock Lady. It’s such an easy, enjoyable knit. I opted for a long leg with a one-by-one twisted rib. I just finished the heel and am working on the gusset now. The colorway is dyed using food coloring, giving it beautiful shading. My goal is to finish these by the end of March.
Spinning Adventures
I’m spinning a lovely brown fiber gifted to me by my Elfster partner in Germany. There’s quite a bit left to 1go, and I haven’t decided what I’ll make with it yet—maybe a hat? Maybe something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m using a 3D-printed spindle with a Celtic design, one of my favorites. I bought it years ago from a shop in Kitchener, which has since moved. I miss that store! But I love my spindles and always seem to be on the lookout for new ones.
In the dye bath right now, I have sock yarn taking on a beautiful purple hue using Wilton’s Violet. This dye splits into shades of blue, pink, and purple—my absolute favorite! Once it’s ready, it will be available in my shop. Other colorways include Sunrise, Peacock, Copper, and Dusty Rose. No black or yellow at the moment, but that could change!
I’m also carding local wool and may naturally dye it once I have 100–200 grams ready. I have an acorn dye bath left, or I might try pine needles or even the lone walnut the squirrel abandoned in my driveway. Who knows what I’ll come up with?
The 100 Mile Life Update
So, what’s working? I found a produce delivery company sourcing Canadian-grown vegetables, likely from the New Market area. The box was good, though I’d love to know exactly where each item comes from. I did sneak in four bananas from Costa Rica—I still want bananas in my life!
The big news? We joined Summit Dairy! It’s out past Dundas, and as of Thursday, we’ll get milk and cream delivered weekly. Their dairy is high quality, coming directly from their herd, and delivered in glass bottles with a deposit system. I’ll set the cooler out Wednesday night for the early morning delivery. I go through about a liter of cream a week, plus milk and their delicious chocolate milk as a treat.
Meat sourcing is a work in progress. I bought Canadian meat from Walmart but need to find out where exactly it’s sourced. I plan to visit Denninger’s for local meat and their incredible liverwurst. Other options include meat processors within the 100-mile radius.
Flour was another challenge. I bought no-name flour but couldn’t confirm the exact source. Moving forward, I’ll return to Arva Flour Mills. Their flour is fantastic, and I may order in bulk to make delivery worthwhile.
Garden Dreams and Final Thoughts
As I plan my tiny garden, I’m considering shade-friendly plants. Last year’s cucumbers did well, and I might try potatoes again with better trimming. Tomatoes are unlikely due to lack of sun, but radishes and peas can go in early, which is exciting! Friends have a garden and grew zucchini and beets for me last year—maybe I can work with them again this season.
So, that’s my check-in! The 100 Mile Life is on track, more or less. The key is remembering that I don’t need to order flour and coffee from big-box stores when I have local options. Every small choice makes a difference.
If you have any questions about the 100 Mile Life, knitting, spinning, or my dyed yarns, let me know! I’d love to hear from you. Whatever you do, I hope it brings you joy and allows you to bless others.
This is Doll from DollCanCreate. You can too! Until next time, friends—bye for now!
Reflecting on My Journey – February Highlights & What’s Next!
As February comes to a close and March begins, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress I’ve made in our commitment to a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. This past month, I’ve explored ways to source local wool, deepen my spinning and knitting practices, and integrate intentional prayer into my daily crafts.
Highlights from This Month: ✔ Continued progress on the 100 Mile Life in 100 Days challenge – discovering amazing local products! ✔ Exploring the beauty of handcrafted wooden items and their place in sustainable living. ✔ Strengthening our connection between spinning, knitting, and personal reflection. ✔ Embracing frugal living by finding creative ways to reduce waste and make the most of what we have.
Looking ahead, March will bring new opportunities to refine my practices, connect with local artisans, and expand my creativity. Stay tuned for upcoming challenges, local finds, and inspiration for living intentionally.
What’s Next? 📌 More insights on sourcing sustainable fibers locally 📌 Exciting new spinning and dying projects 📌 Special reflections on mindfulness in crafting 📌 Practical tips on frugal living and making the most of every resource
I’d love to hear about your journey too! What were your biggest takeaways this month? Hit reply and share your thoughts.
Here’s to another great month ahead! March will come; lion or lamb? I’m ready for whatever. Are you?
Hey there! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m sitting here in front of my really bright window—so bright, in fact, that I’m turning myself around a little so you’re not completely blinded by the light. How are you? It’s the start of a new week, maybe even the start of something new in your life.
As for me? Nothing too new happening over here. I’m still working away at the things I’ve been working on, still planning what I’ve been planning. But I do have a few new things to add to my brain dump this week.
First up, I need to rejig the budget as we’re coming up to the end of the month. And then, on the content side of things, I have three videos planned:
1️⃣ An update on my 100 Mile Life challenge. 2️⃣ A rocking chair Knit & Chat wrap-up for the end of the month. 3️⃣ A video all about knitting socks—choosing my next yarn and picking a pattern. (Maybe you can help me out with that one!) I think that might be a great way to get everything set before March 1st rolls around on Saturday.
Weather-wise, it’s looking like a warmer day here, around 4 or 5°C, but the winds are already picking up. So, batten down the hatches, hold on to your hat—do whatever you need to do!
And as you go about your day, whether you’re keeping your hands busy with a project or just taking a moment to breathe, know that I’m right there with you. Take those deep breaths we all need now and then before diving into the work ahead.
I’m rooting for you! If you have any questions or just want to chat, drop them in the comments below.
