I like the softness of this colour.
Merino/nylon blend perfect for your springtime socks.
Let me know if you’d like to purchase this yarn
Blessings
Tag: wool
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!
- gif found on Pintrest ↩︎
The video explains all about it
Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation—a time to slow down and focus on what truly matters. This year, I’m incorporating that spirit into my knitting with a Lenten Log Cabin Blanket. Over 40 days, I’ll knit one section each day, allowing the project to grow as a visual and tangible reminder of this sacred season.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to blend faith and fiber arts, I invite you to join me in this project!
What is a Log Cabin Blanket?
A log cabin blanket is a modular knitting technique that starts with a small center square, then builds outward by adding strips one by one. There’s no seaming—just picking up stitches and knitting in a continuous, meditative process.
It’s a perfect metaphor for Lent—layering our faith, growing in discipline, and building on a strong foundation. As each strip is added, we are reminded that faith is not built in a day but in steady, intentional steps.
The Lenten Knitting Plan: 40 Sections in 40 Days
This project is structured around daily knitting goals, making it both manageable and meaningful. Each day, I’ll add a new section to the blanket, sometimes incorporating special stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent.
Choosing Colors for Lent
Your color choices can add another layer of meaning:
- Purple – The traditional color of Lent, representing repentance and reflection.
- Earth Tones – Symbolizing simplicity and fasting.
- A Gradient from Dark to Light – Moving from reflection to renewal as Easter approaches.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Knit the Center Square
We begin with a simple garter stitch square—the foundation of the blanket. This represents the foundation of faith and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Adding Log Strips
Once the center square is finished, I’ll pick up stitches along one edge and knit a new strip. Each day, a new strip is added in a clockwise direction, causing the blanket to grow outward in a natural rhythm.
This daily practice of knitting a section becomes a spiritual discipline, just like prayer or fasting. It offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and be mindful.
Symbolism & Stitch Patterns for Lent
To make this project even more meaningful, I’m incorporating different stitch patterns that reflect the themes of Lent:
- Garter stitch – Simplicity and steadfastness.
- Moss stitch – Growth in faith.
- Broken rib – The struggles and perseverance of the journey.
- Cross motifs – A visible reminder of faith.
- Lace and eyelets – Light breaking through, symbolizing renewal.
Each stitch carries significance, turning this blanket into a tapestry of devotion and reflection.
A Daily Practice for Lent
By the time Easter arrives, this blanket will be a physical representation of the season—each section carrying the prayers, thoughts, and reflections from the journey. Whether you knit in quiet prayer, meditate on scripture, or simply use this time to slow down, this project can be a deeply spiritual practice.
Join Me in This Lenten Knitting Journey!
Are you knitting a Lenten project this year? I’d love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments what colors you’re using, what reflections you’re bringing into your stitches, or if you have any special traditions that combine faith and fiber arts.
And if you want to see the progress of my Lenten Log Cabin Blanket, be sure to follow along on my [YouTube channel] (or insert social media links)!
Happy knitting, and may your Lenten journey be filled with peace and reflection.
Here’s your printable guide for the Lenten Log Cabin Blanket! (my gift to you)
Introduction and Welcome
Hello, friends! Have you ever paused to consider what a typical Tuesday afternoon might look like for me? Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation as we dive into life’s simple pleasures. I’m Doll, from Doll Can Create, inviting you to explore a day in my life.
Exploring the 100 Mile Life
Today, I’m excited to share insights about my 100 Mile Life journey. This adventure began with some self-imposed guidelines intended to encourage local living. While I strive to source within 100 miles—equivalent to 160 kilometers—not everything fits this boundary. Essentials like oranges, bananas, coffee, tea, and sometimes grapes remain exceptions due to practical reasons.
My 100 Mile radius encompasses significant parts of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, which limits fresh produce, especially during winter. However, my reasons extend beyond mere locality; they’re about minimizing environmental impact by reducing global shipping dependencies.
Some may question the avoidance of big box stores, but in Southern Ontario, larger companies like Walmart and Amazon offer employment opportunities to many. While I do make use of these resources, I’m mindful about curbing my dependency for budgetary reasons.
For instance, recent purchases included grocery staples like cake mixes, graham crackers, and grapes—but there’s a conscious effort to make some of these from scratch. The yarn, however, remains non-negotiable for the foreseeable future; my current stash is more than sufficient.
Spinning and Fiber Projects
Currently, I’m working on various fiber projects. I have a spindle with German wool—a delightful gift part of an exchange event. A different roving, is 100 grams of beautifully hand-dyed wool excites my imagination, possibly inspiring a new pair of socks!
While I ponder different creative outcomes, my spinning continues. Often, I combine fibers for projects, such as socks, ensuring strength and durability in final products. Although not all yarns are local, they represent special gifts or accumulated resources ready to transform.
Supporting Local and Final Thoughts
The 100 Mile Life isn’t just a hobby; it’s an opportunity to forge meaningful local connections—working with shepherds, farmers, and craftspeople. Through this journey, I hope to compile a booklet for those intrigued by locavorism, offering practical steps to engage with their communities.
Central to my mission is supporting Canadian wool industries. Despite seeing vast shipments of Canadian wool abroad, I remain committed to utilizing local mills wherever feasible. Crafting personal items from Canadian wool furthers this goal, reducing unnecessary transport miles.
As I scale back on external purchases, festivals and sales become opportune spaces to engage with local artisans. Moving forward involves careful consideration of wants versus needs, especially when acquiring non-local items.
Recent reflections include shifting book purchases to a local bookstore instead of Amazon. This minor adjustment embodies the ethos of my initiative—supporting local economies and reducing carbon footprints.
Today, as I conclude my yarn spinning, the journey continues. Sharing moments like this with you reinforces the transformative power of mindful living. Until next time, remember: if I can create, so can you. Have a wonderful week, and let’s continue this exciting adventure. Bye for now, and take care! Doll
Hey friends, welcome to my journey! I’m embarking on a 100-mile life adventure, and I’d love for you to come along. My mission? To live as locally as possible, sourcing everything within a 100-mile radius of my home. My first focus is on fibre, specifically wool, crafting, and all the amazing things that come with it.
Let’s dive in!
A Quick Fibre Tour
So, here’s what I’m working with. I’ve taken stock of my fibre stash, and let me tell you, it’s impressive and a little over-whelming; even embarrassing.
- Bins full of fibre.
- Bags that haven’t even been opened yet.
- Work-in-progress projects and more fibre tucked away.
Honestly, do you think I have enough? I think so! This hidden treasure trove is a great start for my journey. Now, the plan: use what I have, source local fibres, and dive deep into the crafting process.
The Three Rules
- Use What I Have: I’m committed to using my existing fibre stash. I have my spindles, my spinning wheel, and even some natural dyes I’ve been eager to experiment with.
- Source Local Fibres: Supporting local shepherds and fibre farms is a top priority. I already know of a few farms within my 100-mile radius where I can visit, meet the shepherds, and select the fibres I need.
- Explore Local Tools: While I don’t necessarily need new tools, I’m curious about local artisans who might create spindles or other crafting tools. It’s all part of staying true to the 100-mile life.
No More Impulse Buys
This journey isn’t just about where I source my materials; it’s also about curbing unnecessary spending. No more buying yarn just because it’s pretty. Instead, I’ll focus on:
- Attending local fiber festivals (like the one coming up in March).
- Visiting thrift stores for second-hand supplies when needed.
- Making do with what I already own.
Wool’s Journey
Have you ever thought about from where your wool comes ? Shipping fibre across the globe is expensive and environmentally costly. For example, wool shipped from New Zealand to Vancouver and then across Canada incurs tremendous costs, both financially and environmentally. By choosing local, I can minimise this impact while supporting Canadian wool growers and fibre mills.
Beyond Fiber
This journey extends beyond fiber into other areas of my life, including food, clothing, and more. For clothing, I’ll use the fabric I already have or source it second-hand. I’ve heard that church groups often have surplus fabric they’re happy to share, which is a great way to keep things sustainable. As for undergarments… well, that might be a bridge too far for my crafting skills!
A Question for You
What steps can you take to support your local economy? Have you considered from where your crafting materials come? Living a 100-mile life is about more than just sustainability—it’s about building connections and strengthening local communities.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive into the topic of food. For now, think about your craft supplies. Are there ways you can source more locally or reduce waste? Let’s create a more sustainable world together.
This is Doll from Doll Can Create, reminding you that you can too. Many blessings, and bye for now!
Living Local: My 100 Mile Life Challenge
(this is not a direct transcript)
Have you ever stopped to think about how far the things you use every day have traveled? From the food on your plate to the clothes in your closet, many of these items have journeyed thousands of miles before reaching you. What if we could change that? What if we could bring it all closer to home?
That’s the inspiration behind my latest adventure: the “100 Mile Life in 100 Days” challenge. Over the next three months, I’ll be focusing on sourcing everything—from food to household goods to wool—within 100 miles of where I live. It’s a journey that’s about much more than just shopping locally. It’s about connecting with my community, reducing my environmental footprint, and uncovering the incredible resources in my own backyard.
Why 100 Miles?
This challenge takes inspiration from the “100 Mile Diet,” a movement that encourages eating locally and sustainably. But I’m expanding the concept beyond just food. By incorporating wool and other locally made goods, I’m embracing the richness of what’s nearby while supporting sustainable practices. Wool is a big focus for me—it’s a chance to connect with local producers and celebrate the artistry of textiles created right here at home.
The Rules of the Challenge
There will be a few rules I’ll set out for myself. If you follow along your rules might be different.
- Stay Within the 100-Mile Radius: Everything I purchase must come from within this boundary.
- Allow Necessary Exceptions: Some items, like medicine, may not be available locally, but I’ll aim to minimize these exceptions.
- Focus on Learning: This isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering new ways to live more sustainably and sharing what I learn along the way.
What to Expect
Over the next 100 days, I’ll be documenting this journey—the successes, the challenges, and everything in between. From finding local flour for baking to meeting incredible farmers, artisans, and wool producers, there will be no shortage of stories to share. Along the way, I’ll also offer tips and tricks for anyone who wants to try living more locally. Whether it’s sourcing one meal a week from local producers or supporting a nearby wool artisan, even small steps can make a big difference.
Why It Matters
Choosing to live within 100 miles is about more than convenience. It’s a way to:
- Support Local Economies: Every purchase invests in the community and keeps resources circulating locally.
- Reduce Environmental Impact: Local goods often require less transportation, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Rediscover Seasonal Living: Eating and living locally means aligning with the rhythm of the seasons, which can be both grounding and fulfilling.
Join Me on This Journey
I’d love for you to follow along or even join in your own way! Whether it’s by exploring local farmers’ markets, trying out regional recipes, or seeking out local wool for your next knitting project, there are countless ways to embrace the 100 Mile Life. Want local wool to spin or use in your crafting? I have a few options for you. Send me a message or check out my Patreon for more information.
Are you ready to explore the richness of what’s right around you? Let’s embark on this adventure together and see how local we can go. Here’s to discovering the beauty of living closer to home!
Enjoy!
Celebrating Distaff Day: My Journey with Last Year’s Fluff
Hi friends! Welcome to my Distaff Day adventure. I wanted to bring you along for the ride as I dive into the process of carding last year’s leftover bits and pieces of fluff. So, grab your tea, get cozy, and let me share the journey with you!
A Humble Start in the Furnace Room
As unglamorous as it may sound, my journey began in the furnace room—a utility space that doubles as my fibre crafting haven. Yes, the furnace was humming away, adding a cozy soundtrack to my work. My carder is tucked away in this little corner, and I had it loaded and ready to go.
Exploring the Blends
On the carder, I had a delightful mix of fibres—each one bringing its own story and texture to the blend. There was some sari silk, bright and colourful merino, and a BFL-merino blend in classic white. Slowly, I worked through the carding process, watching the fibres come together to form a beautiful bat.
Here’s a peek at the final result: a light, fluffy creation weighing in at 23 grams. It’s a small but meaningful bounty crafted from last year’s leftover fluff.
What’s Next?
Now that I have this lovely batt, I’m pondering the possibilities. It’s vibrant and textured, but I’m not quite sure what it wants to become. If you have any ideas for how I could use this little treasure, I’d love to hear them!
Beside me, there’s still a bag of BFL waiting to be carded—another project for another day.
Reflecting on Distaff Day
Distaff Day is always a special time for me. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and create something meaningful as we transition into the season of Epiphany. The days are growing longer, and the light is slowly returning—a perfect reminder of renewal and inspiration.
Until Next Time…
Thank you for joining me on this little adventure. If you enjoyed this post, I’d love it if you’d share it with a friend or leave a comment with your thoughts and ideas. Remember, creativity is for everyone.
This is Doll from Doll Can Create, reminding you that if I can create, so can you. Wishing you light, joy, and endless inspiration.
Until next time, happy crafting!
What are you working on this week?
Hello, fellow fiber enthusiasts! 🎉
Today marks the beginning of Wovember, a month dedicated to celebrating the beauty and versatility of wool in all its forms. I’m thrilled to invite you to join me on this woolly journey as we explore the wonders of Canadian wool throughout November!
#### What is Wovember?
Wovember is a month-long celebration that encourages knitters, crocheters, and fiber lovers to appreciate the natural fibers that keep us warm and cozy. It’s a time to share our projects, connect with fellow crafters, and honor the sheep that provide us with this incredible material.
#### My Focus: Canadian Wool
This year, I’m excited to focus specifically on Canadian wool. Canada is home to a rich variety of sheep breeds, each offering unique qualities and characteristics. From the soft and luxurious Merino to the rustic and durable Romney, there’s so much to discover!
In my latest YouTube video, I dive into my knitting plans for the month and share some of my favourite Canadian wool sources. I’ll also discuss the benefits of using local wool and how it supports our communities and the environment.
#### Join the Conversation!
I want to hear from you! What are your knitting plans for Wovember? Are you working on any special projects or trying out new yarns? Share your thoughts in the comments section of my video, and let’s inspire each other to create beautiful woolen pieces this month.
#### Let’s Celebrate Together!
As we embark on this woolly adventure, I encourage you to share your own Wovember projects on social media using the hashtag #Wovember2024. Let’s fill our feeds with the beauty of wool and the creativity of our community!
Thank you for being a part of my journey at Doll Can Create. I can’t wait to see what you all create this November!
Happy knitting!
Doll
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I’m so happy with how these turned out. The yarn is 2ply spindle spun Cheviot. Not sure what I’ll do with what’s left. Ideas?
I’m currently knitting socks and test knitting a scarf. There’s always something on the needles,
Have you started your Christmas knitting? I have a plan, sort of but not yet begun.
I’ll catch up with you soon.
Doll
