2025-09-22T16:34:18-04:00

Why Wool Matters 🐑🌿

September 22, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Today, as I sit with my knitting in hand,

I reflect on a fiber that has been part of my life for so long. That fiber is wool. It may seem like a simple thing. It is a skein of yarn spun from a sheep’s fleece. Nevertheless, for me and for many of us living closer to the land, wool carries a story that’s worth telling.

Wool Is Local

When I choose wool from nearby farms, I’m not just buying yarn. I’m supporting shepherds, small mills, and rural communities who care for their flocks with dedication. Each skein connects me to the fields, pastures, and farmers within my 100-mile circle.

Wool Is Sustainable

Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and natural. Unlike synthetic fibers that linger in landfills, wool eventually returns to the soil, nourishing it. It’s a beautiful example of creation’s design—what’s given to us can also be returned with care.

Wool Is Practical

It’s warm in winter, breathable in summer, and it resists odours in ways synthetic fibers can’t match. A well-made wool garment can last for decades, passed down through families like a quilt of memory and comfort.

Wool Is Comfort

For me, spinning, knitting, or simply handling wool has always been calming. It quiets my racing thoughts and steadies my heart. In every stitch, there’s a prayer. There’s a rhythm of stillness. It connects me to God’s peace and the slow work of my hands.

A Gentle Reminder

Wool is important for many reasons. It is more than a material. It signifies a way of living simply. It involves caring for the earth and honoring those who bring it to us. When we wrap ourselves in wool, we wrap ourselves in connection.

💬 Let’s Talk

Do you have a favorite wool story? Maybe a cozy blanket, a beloved sweater, or even a project on your needles right now? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

👉 If you’d like to follow along on this journey of slow, local living, make sure you’re subscribed. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated. Subscribing will keep you updated on new content. I share each day of the 30-Day 100 Mile Life Challenge there. Together, we’re discovering that living closer to home brings us closer to what really matters.

🌸 With gratitude, living life 1 stitch at a time,
Grannie Doll

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat:

September 11, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Cozy Fall, Stitches & Blessings

(scroll down to view the video)

This evening, I’m settling into my rocking chair with a favourite beverage. I have my knitting in hand. The gentle rhythm of fall surrounds me. There’s something about this season—the crisp air, the golden leaves—that makes slowing down feel natural. It’s the perfect time to breathe deeply, pick up our needles, and share a little cozy conversation together.

Knitting in Progress

Tonight my needles are clicking away on my 100 Mile Sweater. This piece feels especially dear to me because of its roots in local wool. It also embodies the principles of slow fashion. Every stitch is a reminder of connection to the land. It connects to the shepherd. It embraces the rhythm of working with what’s close to home. I’m right at that comforting stage. The project is beginning to take shape. It feels like an old friend keeping me company.

Cozy Fall Ideas for the Evening

I always like to pair knitting with little seasonal rituals. Maybe tonight you’ll light a candle. You wrap a blanket around your shoulders. Or you’ll listen to the soft hum of autumn winds outside. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking to make the evening extra cozy:

Knit for 20 minutes by candlelight.
Bake a simple apple crisp or enjoy something warm from the oven.
Jot down a few blessings in your journal before bed.
Work on “just one row” or “one spindle spin”—a reminder that even the smallest steps are meaningful.

Blessings for Today

Part of my rhythm each evening is pausing to notice what I’m grateful for. Today I’m giving thanks for the sunshine that shone brightly today. I also appreciate the satisfaction of finishing a skein of yarn. A friendly call from family brightened my day, and a hearty fall supper was delightful. These are small, ordinary gifts, but together they stitch a quiet joy.

What are your blessings today? I’d love for you to share them in the comments—it’s amazing how gratitude multiplies when we name it together.

A Closing Thought

The world rushes. Here, in the gentle sway of a rocking chair, I’m reminded that we can create a different rhythm. One stitch, one row, one blessing at a time, we carve out a space of stillness and warmth.

So here’s to cozy evenings, fall colors, and the simple joy of knitting in community.

👉 Your turn: What’s on your needles tonight, and what’s one small blessing from your day?

Patterns I mentioned:

Vanilla Bean Sock

Olive Branch Tee

The Knitty Professor One row scarf

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.

🧶July Newsletter

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Dear Creative Friends,

As July draws to a close, I’m looking back with a full heart and yarn-covered hands. Whether you’ve been spinning alongside me for Tour de Fleece 2025 or merely enjoying the long days of summer with a cool drink. You might also be enjoying a quiet stitch. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. I hope you’ve found your own rhythm. Enjoy this beautiful season.

🌀 Tour de Fleece Reflections: What I Learned

This year’s Tour de Fleece was about consistency and grace. I committed to spinning every day. Some days were spent at full whirl on my wheel. Other days were spent quietly on my spindle in the shade. There were moments of fatigue and others of elation (especially when I measured that surprise 125-meter skein!).

Key takeaways:

Small steps add up. Even a few minutes each day built up to sweater-worthy yardage. (or a vest)
Rest days matter. I embraced the official Tour rest days — and a few bonus ones too!
Joy in the process. Watching fibre transform in my hands still feels like a small miracle.

🧳 Summer Vacation: Rest and Play

July wasn’t just about production — it was also about pause. I walked, beached, puzzled, swam, and sat in my favourite chair with yarn in my lap. I visited museums, picked blueberries, and yes — ate ice cream with loved ones. This is the life I want to keep spinning toward: slow, full of joy, and rooted in beauty.

📸 On the Blog & YouTube

Check out this month’s uploads:

🗓️ What’s Coming in August

A new 30-Day Fibre Reset Challenge — clean, card, spin, and organize.
Blanket-building month: working with handspun and memory squares.
New video: “What’s In My Fibre Basket?”
Studio reorganizing VLOG (with my new thrifted wool shelf!). (still searching for this)

🎉 Community Corner

This month, I was inspired by all of you — the photos, messages, and stories shared. Keep tagging me at #DollCan so I can cheer you on!

Let’s Stay Connected:
🌐 DollCanCreate.com
📺 YouTube: Doll Can Create
📸 Instagram: @dollcan
📬 Got a story or finished object to share? Hit reply and let’s feature it!

Until next time,
Stay curious. Stay gentle. Keep spinning.

💗
– Doll
http://www.DollCanCreate.com
Handmade. Slow Made. Joy Made.

🧶 Tour de Fleece Week One:

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025/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/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/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:

I ponder

June 25, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

In the Stillness, the Thread Unwinds

The world hums warm beyond my window,

but here, in this cool cocoon,

time softens its edges.

The spindle turns like a whispered prayer,

each twist a story,

each draft a sigh of peace.

Wool slips through my fingers—

ancient, gentle, knowing.

It remembers the sheep,

the pasture, the wind.

Knitting waits patiently beside me,

loops and rows like heartbeats,

quietly stitching joy into being.

In this hush, I am enough.

No striving, no noise—

just the sacred rhythm of hand and fiber,

and the deep exhale of summer grace.

Join me?

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

June 20, 2025/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/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

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core