Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Tag: Spinning

Sustainable crafting — September 17, 2024

Sustainable crafting

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome back to my blog, friends! I’m Barbara Doll Creelman, and today I’m excited to share insights from my latest YouTube video titled “Can we create using sustainable practices? 30 Days of Crafting and Spirituality.” In this video, I delve into the beautiful connection between crafting and spirituality, with a special focus on sustainable practices in the fiber arts.

Exploring Crafting and Community

As part of our ongoing 30-day crafting challenge, I’ve been reflecting on how creating in community enriches our crafting experiences. There’s something truly special about coming together with others who share our passions. It not only fills our spirits but also fosters a sense of belonging and support.

The Importance of Sustainability in Fiber Arts

In the video, I discuss the significance of sustainability in our crafting practices, particularly in spinning, knitting, crocheting, and weaving. As crafters, we have the power to make choices that positively impact our environment. By being mindful of the materials we use, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sourcing Local Materials

One of the key points I emphasize is the importance of sourcing local materials. For instance, if I’m purchasing wool or alpaca fibre, I prefer to buy from local farms rather than having it shipped from far away. This not only reduces my carbon footprint but also supports local farmers and artisans who care for the animals and the land.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

During the video, I share my personal journey in finding local fibre sources. It can be frustrating at times, especially when the nearest farm is a few hours away. However, I believe that the effort is worth it. By connecting with local shepherds and attending fibre festivals, we can celebrate the craftsmanship and sustainability that comes from our own communities.

Join the Conversation

I invite you to watch the full video to explore these ideas further. I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment or share your own experiences with sustainable crafting practices.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of crafting and spirituality. Together, we can create a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time!

Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge — September 4, 2024

Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Welcome back to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share insights from my latest YouTube video titled “Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge.” If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, let’s dive right in!

In this video, I reflect on the journey so far in our 30-day challenge, where creativity meets spirituality. On Day 1, I was busy leading worship, and Day 2 took me on a travel adventure. Now, on Day 3, I find myself in a beautiful campground, surrounded by nature, and ready to embrace the creative spirit.

Creating can truly be a spiritual practice. As I sit here spinning and knitting, I’m reminded of the power of mindfulness in our creative endeavors. It’s not just about the finished product; it’s about the process and the reflections that come along with it. I encourage you to think about how you can incorporate prayers or special blessings into your crafting. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or quilting, consider what you want to focus on—strength, protection, or perhaps meditating on personal growth.

For today’s prompt, I challenge you to try something new! If you’ve never knitted before, why not watch a YouTube tutorial and give it a go? Or, if you’re already familiar with knitting or crocheting, maybe explore a new stitch or technique. You could also pick up a pencil and start doodling or drawing something that resonates with your current surroundings.

One resource that has inspired me is the book “Praying in Color.” It encourages us to let our creativity flow while reflecting on our thoughts and feelings. I plan to incorporate some doodling into my bullet journal today, drawing something that connects to the beauty around me.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey! I appreciate each of you who has watched my video, and I’m grateful for the support as I continue to grow my channel. If you enjoyed the video, please consider liking it and sharing your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Until next time, keep creating and reflecting!

30 Day Challenge Introduction — August 30, 2024

30 Day Challenge Introduction

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Happy to have you drop in! Today, I’m thrilled to share the highlights from my latest YouTube video, “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat AND 30 Day Challenge Intro.” In this short yet engaging video, I dive into the exciting journey ahead as we embark on a 30-day challenge that intertwines spirituality with our beloved crafts.

What to Expect in the 30-Day Challenge

Starting September 1st, I will be connecting with you weekly to explore how our crafting practices—whether it’s knitting, spinning, embroidery, or quilting—can serve as a pathway to spiritual connection. Crafting is not just about creating beautiful items; it can also be a meditative experience that allows us to reflect and find peace.

Crafting as a Meditative Practice

In the video, I share my personal experiences of how spinning on my wheel often puts me in a meditative state. It’s a wonderful way to engage in conversation while also finding moments of tranquility. I believe that each stitch and spin can bring us closer to our inner selves, and I can’t wait to explore this with all of you!

Current Projects and Inspirations

I also take a moment to discuss my current projects. I’m working on a sock pattern and have recently been inspired by a new design released by my dear friend Tracy. I’m excited to try it out, although I’ve had to set my sock aside for now. I’m also experimenting with some beautiful Merino yarn that I spun myself, and I love the unique colour variations I can create.

Join Me on This Journey!

I invite you to join me on this 30-day journey of creativity and spirituality. Let’s share our experiences, learn from one another, and find joy in our crafts. If you’re interested in seeing my friend’s new shawl design, check out the link here: [New Shawl Design](https://youtu.be/fYXvgkXsIu4?si=TDOhznTSNDCUQW_P).

Here’s a quick tracker you can use for the challenge: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGPYwuFx-I/WSMFml5k1JL0Eccu61ROeQ/view?utm_content=DAGPYwuFx-I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Thank you for being a part of my crafting community! I look forward to connecting with you all as we embark on this exciting challenge together. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my channel.

Rocking chair knit and chat August 21, 2024 — August 22, 2024

Rocking chair knit and chat August 21, 2024

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment


Join me for a cozy chat while I enjoy a new favourite beverage, a Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte.

I share my current knitting progress, even though I’m six days behind schedule on my August sock project.

Also I got caught up on the vegetable harvest season, mentioning me recent activities in the kitchen, including preparing quick pickles from gifted cucumbers..

What are you working on this week? In the kitchen? The summer is winding down – school is about to start here in Ontario and regular activities will begin in early September.

Join me in September as I embark on a new spinning challenge.

Join me for my weekly blog — August 7, 2024

Join me for my weekly blog

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for another delightful episode of “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” In this video, I reflect on a fulfilling summer and the bittersweet end of my holidays. It’s been a wonderful month filled with fiber fun, and I can’t wait to share my latest knitting adventures with you!

In this episode, I proudly showcase my finished Christmas sock, crafted from the beautiful “Candy Cane” yarn by West Yorkshire Spinners. I purchased this lovely yarn from True North Yarns, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. The sock features a simple skip pattern that I often turn to, although the vibrant yarn makes the pattern a bit less visible. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled with how it turned out!

As I continue my knitting journey, I’ve set a goal to complete 12 rows a day on my socks. By maintaining this pace, I aim to finish all 12 pairs by the end of December. It’s an ambitious goal, but I’m excited about the challenge!

In addition to my sock knitting, I also have plans to work on other projects, including a cozy sweater, some beautiful shawls, and a warm blanket. There’s so much to create, and I can’t wait to dive into these works in progress.

Thank you for joining me in this episode of “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” I hope you find inspiration in your own knitting projects and enjoy the journey as much as I do!

Join me — July 23, 2024
Last day of Tour de fleece 2024 — July 21, 2024
More spinning — July 10, 2024
Day 11 Tour de Fleece — July 9, 2024
Day 5 Tour de fleece — July 3, 2024