Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

5 Must-Have Items to Start Spinning with a Spindle — March 17, 2025

5 Must-Have Items to Start Spinning with a Spindle

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!

Light Cherry Sock Yarn — March 16, 2025
Dandelion Colourway: Sock yarn for offer — March 14, 2025
Rocking Chair Knit & Chat | 100-Mile Life & Lent Knitting — March 10, 2025

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat | 100-Mile Life & Lent Knitting

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!

  1. gif found on Pintrest ↩︎

Knitting a Log Cabin Blanket for Lent: A 40-Day Journey — March 4, 2025

Knitting a Log Cabin Blanket for Lent: A 40-Day Journey

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)

Rocking chair crafting goals 2025 — March 1, 2025

Rocking chair crafting goals 2025

Hello, dear friends! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to have you join me today. As we usher in March, the landscape around us is in flux—snow, rain, sleet, and the promise of spring. It’s a season of renewal, and what better time to embark on a year-long journey of mindful, local crafting?

Embracing the 100-Mile Crafting Challenge

Inspired by the 100-Mile Diet, which encourages sourcing food within a 100-mile radius to promote sustainability and support local economies, I’ve decided to apply this concept to my crafting endeavors. The goal is to source fibers and materials from local farms and artisans, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a deeper connection with our community.

en.wikipedia.org

The Importance of Setting Crafting Goals

Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift from one project to another, leaving many unfinished. By setting specific objectives, we can channel our creativity more effectively and experience the satisfaction of completing meaningful projects. For instance, committing to knitting a pair of socks each month or spinning a certain amount of fiber weekly can provide structure and motivation.

zenyarngarden.com

My Current Projects and Fiber Adventures

Recently, I’ve been spinning some delightful brown fiber gifted from Germany—a blend that’s been a joy to work with. Additionally, I’ve spun yarn from local sheep, resulting in a sturdy two-ply yarn. While I haven’t decided on the final projects for these yarns, I’m contemplating various options like scarves, socks, or perhaps even a cozy sweater.

Tips for Your Crafting Journey

  1. Start Small: If you’re new to spinning or knitting, begin with manageable projects like hats or scarves. Completing these can boost your confidence and inspire you to tackle more ambitious endeavors.
  2. Keep Records: Maintaining a crafting journal can be invaluable. Documenting your projects, materials used, and techniques learned not only tracks your progress but also serves as a reference for future projects.
  3. Set Seasonal Goals: Align your projects with the seasons. Winter might be ideal for cozy accessories, while spring could inspire lightweight garments. Summer offers opportunities for natural dyeing, and fall is perfect for larger undertakings like sweaters.

Health Benefits of Knitting and Spinning

Beyond the tangible products we create, crafting offers numerous health benefits. Engaging in activities like knitting can reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and promote relaxation. It’s a therapeutic practice that nurtures both mind and body.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to embark on this year of mindful local crafting. What’s the first project you’ll start this March? Where will you source your materials? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below. Together, let’s make this year one of creativity, sustainability, and community connection.

Until next time, happy crafting, and may your projects bring you joy and fulfillment.

Blessings,

Doll

Wrapping Up the Month: Local Living, Crafting & More! — February 28, 2025

Wrapping Up the Month: Local Living, Crafting & More!

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?

Blessings
Doll

*graphic found on Pintrest

100 Mile Life Check-in — February 27, 2025

100 Mile Life Check-in

Living the 100-Mile Life: One Month

Hi, friends! I’m here today with an update on my 100-Mile Life experiment. We’ve officially hit the one-month mark, and I wanted to share what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what’s ahead.

The Challenges & Surprises (or Lack Thereof)

There were certainly challenges, but no real surprises. Some of my favorite foods have been hard to replace. For instance, I’m still enjoying coffee we had in the house, but I plan to switch to a locally roasted option soon. Chocolate was another stumbling block. I thought I was being smart by picking up Ferrero Rocher, knowing there’s a factory just outside of Brantford. However, buying their imported product doesn’t quite fit the 100-mile criteria. I’m now looking into Cadbury chocolate made in Toronto, which is close enough at around 160 km.

Bananas and clementines are still making their way into my shopping cart. I want them, I need them, and I haven’t found a local alternative. The same goes for the G Zero beverage I enjoy—I haven’t done enough research to find a good local substitute yet. Suggestions are welcome!

What’s Working Well

Dairy has been an easy win—milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream are all produced within 100 miles. Bread has been a mix of homemade and store-bought. If I’m not baking, I’ve been able to find bread made in Hamilton. Flour is another area I’m researching; while large mills in Ontario supply much of the flour I find, I’m also exploring smaller, truly local sources.

Eggs, oatmeal, and other staples are readily available, making it relatively easy to stick to local food.

Clothing: Staying Local & Sustainable

I’m avoiding new clothing purchases except for essentials. I did buy one new clergy shirt since I didn’t have the skills to make one myself. Beyond that, I finished knitting a pair of warm socks—yay! But I had to part with an old pair that had been mended one too many times.

A fiber market in Hamilton is on my radar for March. I’ll be on the lookout for locally made spindles and handcrafted knitting needles. My spinning is going well—I’m currently chain-plying a BFL Merino blend from a local shepherd. What will I make with it? No idea yet, but spinning itself is a joy, so I’m rolling with it.

Unexpected Lessons

One of the biggest benefits of starting this challenge is how much more awareness there is about buying Canadian. Grocery retailers are labeling local products more clearly, and it’s making my research easier.

Shopping habits have also shifted. I’ve realized how easy it is to fall back into old patterns—just grabbing what’s convenient rather than making informed decisions. I want to be mindful of what enters my home, where it’s from, and why I’m buying it.

Moving Forward

One unexpected bonus? I’ve spent significantly less on gas this month. Less driving for groceries has cut down fuel use, and I plan to keep monitoring that. Walking more and combining errands into fewer trips will be priorities.

I also want to focus more on fiber projects—spinning, knitting, and sourcing local wool. That’s a big part of who I am, and it aligns perfectly with the 100-Mile Life.

What About You?

Have you ever thought about what a local life would look like for you? What would be the hardest thing to give up? For me, it’s coffee and chocolate, hands down. But I’m not giving them up!

Would your local life mean weekly shopping trips or just one big haul per month? Do you have easy access to delivery options that still support local businesses?

Leave a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I’ve got a month and a half left of this 100-day journey, and I’ll be sharing more updates, especially on my fiber projects. I’ll be sending out a newsletter update soon, so sign up if you’d like to receive those right away.

Thanks for being here with me on this journey. You are a blessing! Until next time, this is Doll from Doll Can Create. You can too.

God bless!

Monday Musings: Projects, Plans & a Little Windy Weather — February 24, 2025

Monday Musings: Projects, Plans & a Little Windy Weather

Happy Monday, Friends!

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.

Talk soon, and God bless.

Bye for now!

Lost in the Upload: A Knitting Chat Recap — February 14, 2025

Lost in the Upload: A Knitting Chat Recap

Hey friends,

Have you ever wondered what happens to your YouTube video when it’s uploading and processing for hours, and nothing seems to happen? I sure have! This morning, I did a live rocking chair knit and chat for 20 minutes, and now—poof!—it’s in the ether. Somewhere out there. I have no idea where.

So, since I don’t know when (or if) that video will show up, I thought I’d do a quick recap of what I talked about while sitting in my rocking chair, sipping my coffee.

First, I was working on my Northeasterly Blanket, but now it’s been put away. I finished up with it and decided to tidy up my space a little. This blanket is made from tiny pieces of spindle-spun wool—some hand-dyed, some not. I keep them in jars, and I now have two full jars ready to use. I’ll try to get a picture later.

Next up, my sock. This week, I made progress—I finished the leg, the heel, and now I’m working on the gusset. Then it’ll be on to the foot. I was hoping to finish it this weekend, but that might be a bit ambitious. These socks are for me, using the Vanilla Latte pattern and Tracy’s sock pattern. I’ll link those in the comments.

I also worked a little on my hat, which is a brioche knit with a double brim. It’s incredibly soft and poofy—such a nice pattern (also one of Tracy’s). I haven’t touched my sweater this week, so nothing to show there, but I did talk about fiber! I rolled up some Bluefaced Leicester, a Merino cross that I dyed with onion skins and avocado pits and peels. I’ve got about 200 grams total between what’s on the wheel and what’s waiting beside me. Not sure what I’ll make with it yet—ideas are welcome!

Now, on to Valentine’s Day. We went out for brunch at our favorite local apple store—no, not iPads, but actual apples! They also sell other local products and baked goods. We picked up some maple syrup (from St. Clements—so definitely within the 100-mile challenge!), and they were giving away free donuts. I bought a few extra of their little apple cider donuts because they are just too good to pass up.

While we were there, I also grabbed a bag of pre-packaged stew veggies—carrots, parsnips, onions, turnips, celery, and a quarter of a cabbage—all local, mostly within 100 miles. I also stocked up on potatoes and carrots, and I think we did pretty well with keeping our groceries as local as possible. The dairy and ice cream were local too, but chocolate? That one’s tough for me. Definitely harder to source locally! But we do our best and give ourselves grace where needed.

Speaking of keeping things local, I also picked up two plants. One is a mix of African violets for Valentine’s, and the other is an Iron Cross Oxalis. It looks like a shamrock but with a burgundy cross in the middle. I had one last year and, well, I killed it. I think I overwatered it, so here’s hoping this one survives! I got them from a greenhouse about 20 minutes from here—a great local spot full of flowers for Valentine’s Day. Instead of roses, I opted for something I can “keep alive” for a little longer. Fingers crossed!

So, what are my hands going to be working on this weekend? Hopefully, I’ll get some time at the wheel and make progress on my sock. The blanket is put away until next week, but I might pick up the hat again. We had our little date outing, which was fun, and for dinner, I’ll be using some leftover 100-mile chicken.

How are you doing? Do you have any questions about my sock? I’ve shown it a lot lately, but I love this pattern—it’s simple but so satisfying. The Vanilla Latte pattern is free on Ravelry. It’s a great go-to for an easy, cozy sock knit.

Oh! My phone rang, and I had a lovely chat with a neighbor. She was just calling me back to say she’s doing well, which is always nice to hear.

Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! It’s a long weekend here in Ontario, and we’re expecting a big snowfall—possibly 15 to 25 cm—so we’ll see what happens with plans. I’ll be live on Facebook Sunday morning for worship, possibly on Zoom if the snow makes in-person services tricky. But hey, it’s winter in Ontario—that’s just how February goes!

One foot in front of the other, right? Keep creating, keep making. Whether it’s fiber arts, cooking, journaling—whatever brings you joy. Just remember: if Doll can create, so can you.

Let me know what you’re working on—I’d love to hear about your projects!

Until next time, Doll