Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Tag: yarn

Embracing the 100 Mile Life: A Journey to Living Locally — February 4, 2025

Embracing the 100 Mile Life: A Journey to Living Locally

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat – A Rainy Friday Afternoon — February 1, 2025

Rocking Chair Knit & Chat – A Rainy Friday Afternoon

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment
  • Host: Doll from Doll Can Create – and you can too!
  • Live Knit & Chat:
    • A cozy session during a rainy Friday afternoon.
    • Reflecting on self-care, or as a pastor, “self-ministry.”
    • Importance of ministering to oneself with kindness and uplifting activities.

A List of what I shared:

Current Knitting Projects

  1. Socks:
    1. Working on the toe of a sock, almost done.
    2. Using a standard wedge toe method.
    3. Yarn: Kroy Sox FX (75% wool, 25% nylon).
    4. Unsure if there’s enough yarn for heels and toes.
    5. Following “Vanilla Latte” pattern from Ravelry.
    6. Heel pattern from Tracy at thepassionknitspinner.
    7. Planning to cast on the next sock immediately after finishing this one. (which I did)
  2. Fingerless Mitts for Husband:
    1. Still working on the cuff.
    2. Used hand-spun yarn for the project.
  3. Hat:
    1. Designed by Tracy (thepassioknitspinner).
    2. Brioche knitting in the round.
    3. Using a heavier yarn, opting for a single strand instead of two-ply.
    4. Folded brim for extra warmth.
  4. Sweater (Whatever Sweater):
    1. Using Briggs & Little single-ply yarn.
    2. Knitting the bottom section, still a work in progress.

Other Crafting & Spinning

  • Neglected Spinning:
    • No spindling, wheel spinning, or fiber prep this week.
    • Plans to get spinning back into the routine.
  • Dyeing Experiment:
    • Used onion skins and avocado pits/peels.
    • Will share in a future video.
  • Spinning for Mittens:
  • Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn (Royal Oak):
    • Dyed with acorns collected by daughter and granddaughter.
    • Moving towards using locally sourced fiber for future sock yarns.
    • Wool sourced from a local farm (Rampart Farms)  (Merino & BFL cross).

Other Creative Interests

  • Crochet:
    • Enjoys crocheting but does it less often.
    • Working on a wall hanging using Arne & Carlos pattern. (Astrid)
    • Has a mile-a-minute blanket in progress.
    • Used to enjoy crocheting doilies and small projects.
  • Sewing:
    • Plans to start sewing again.
    • Purchased a Simplicity skirt pattern.
    • Prefers avoiding zippers in sewing projects.
    • Looking to use fabric from donated church supplies.
    • Would love to work with linen in the future.

100-Mile Life Challenge

  • Buying locally:
    • Focused on grocery shopping within a 100-mile radius.
    • Allowing exceptions for bananas, oranges, and some imported fruit.
    • Exploring thrifting for clothing.
    • Prioritizing local wool for fiber arts.

Home & Life Updates

  • Plants:
    • Revived a nearly dead money tree before Christmas.
    • Thriving with new leaves after proper care.
  • Matcha Tea:
    • Recently started making matcha using a traditional set.
    • Enjoys the earthy taste and daily ritual.

Community & Interaction

    • What are you working on?
    • Any new projects or patterns you want to try?
    • Do you crochet?
    • Where are you watching from?

Final Thoughts

  • Wrap-up & Invitations:
    • Subscribe & follow Dollcancreate.com for more.
    • Newly launched Patreon for additional content.
    • Wishing everyone a great weekend. Stay safe & God bless!

Bye for now! 👋

Living the 100-Mile Life: First Up, Fibre — January 25, 2025

Living the 100-Mile Life: First Up, Fibre

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 — January 23, 2025

Living Local: My 100 Mile Life Challenge

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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.

  1. Stay Within the 100-Mile Radius: Everything I purchase must come from within this boundary.
  2. Allow Necessary Exceptions: Some items, like medicine, may not be available locally, but I’ll aim to minimize these exceptions.
  3. 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!

Rocking Chair knit and chat — January 16, 2025

Rocking Chair knit and chat

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Join me in my cozy corner as we chat and knit or craft together in this mid-January edition of 2025!

In this relaxing session, I’ll be sharing my latest knitting projects, including a pair of cozy socks made from Patons sock yarn. As a passionate member of the knitting community, I love sharing my creations and hearing about yours.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, I hope you’ll find inspiration in our chat. From spinning wool to creating unique pieces, I’m excited to share my yarn addiction with you. So grab your knitting needles, or crafting project, sit back, and let’s get cozy!

Have a blessed day!

Join me on my new Patreon platform. https://patreon.com/DollCreelman

Thank you for liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends.

Carding wool on Distaff Day — January 11, 2025

Carding wool on Distaff Day

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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!

Rocking Chair Knit and Chat – A Cozy Conversation — December 11, 2024

Rocking Chair Knit and Chat – A Cozy Conversation

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hello, friends!

Today, I’m excited to share my latest YouTube video titled “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat.” In this cozy episode, I invite you to join me for a little knitting while we dive into some heartfelt conversations about life, the holiday season, and everything in between.

As I settled into my rocking chair, I found myself pondering many thoughts and feelings that come with this time of year. The Advent season can be both magical and overwhelming, and I wanted to create a space where we could chat about it all. From preparing for family gatherings to the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I shared my reflections and experiences, hoping to connect with you on a deeper level.

In the video, I also showcase a new bullet journal that I recently received. I’m thrilled with its design and features, which include an index and a future log to help keep my thoughts organized. Good customer service is something I truly value, and I shared a positive experience I had with the company that sent me a replacement journal. It’s the little things that make a difference! Bullet Journal for the win.

To add a touch of warmth to the video, I doodled a cute thumbnail of a cup of hot chocolate, which perfectly captures the cozy vibe I aimed for.

I appreciate every single one of you who takes the time to watch and engage with my content.

Thank you for being a part of my creative journey! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat” on my channel, Doll Can Create. Let’s continue to share our thoughts and experiences together.

Warm wishes,
Doll

Tips for knitting mittens — November 30, 2024

Tips for knitting mittens

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Title: 5 Essential Tips for Knitting Mittens and Socks

Welcome to the latest edition of our “Rocking Chair Knit and Chat” series! In our most recent YouTube video, published on November 30, 2024, we dove into the cozy world of knitting mittens and socks. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, these five tips will help you create beautiful and functional pieces. Let’s get started!

### 1. Choose the Right Yarn and needles
The foundation of any great knitting project is the yarn. For mittens and socks, opt for yarns that offer warmth and durability. Wool or wool blends are excellent choices, as they provide insulation while allowing your hands and feet to breathe. Consider the weight of the yarn as well; lighter weights are perfect for socks, while heavier weights can be great for mittens.

### 2. Don’t Skip the Gauge Swatch
Before you dive into your project, take the time to knit a gauge swatch. This small piece of knitting will help you determine how many stitches you knit per inch. Getting the right gauge is crucial for ensuring that your finished mittens or socks fit perfectly. If your swatch doesn’t match the recommended gauge, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Sometimes a swatch is not needed if you have been knitting mittens for a very long time.

### 3. Select the Right Needles
The type of needles you use can make a significant difference in your knitting experience. For socks, many knitters prefer double-pointed needles or circular needles, which allow for a seamless finish. For mittens, you can use straight needles or circular needles, depending on your comfort level. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you!

### 4. Reinforce Stress Areas
Socks, in particular, can experience a lot of wear and tear, especially in the heel and toe areas. To ensure your socks last, consider reinforcing these stress points. You can use a stronger yarn or a different stitch pattern to add durability. This small step can make a big difference in the longevity of your handmade items.

For mittens a duplicate stitch around the back of the thumb will give added strength.

### 5. Master the Kitchener Stitch
The Kitchener stitch is a must-know technique for closing the toe of your socks invisibly. It may seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to execute it flawlessly. Watch our video for a step-by-step demonstration, and don’t hesitate to practice a few times before you reach that point in your project.

For mittens I often will close the top with the kitchener stitch. In today’s example I passed the yarn through the final 8 stitches in a tight circle and finished it off.

Bonus tip: When you have completed the first mitten or sock, immediately cast on the second. This will give some movement towards finishing the second one.

I hope you have found these tips helpful. Please add your tips or experiences to our conversation.

Happy and Blessed Advent to all!

Doll

Rocking chair knit and chat November 21, 2024 — November 23, 2024

Rocking chair knit and chat November 21, 2024

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

YouTube Live: summary (video is at the end of this post)

Hi friends! I wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about my day, my projects, and what’s on my mind. It’s been one of those days where nothing seems to fall into place, but I’m here, in my comfy rocking chair, knitting and chatting with you.

Yesterday was pretty typical. I went to Bible study, had lunch with Nick, and then took him to his writer’s group at the library. While he was there, I debated whether to go for a swim at the Y, and after much back-and-forth, I finally did! I didn’t swim much, but I enjoyed the water, the hot tub, and even the steam room. The rest of the day was spent on little things like unloading the dishwasher, making supper, and just keeping up with life.

Lately, I’ve felt a bit off creatively. I haven’t been picking up my spindle or knitting as much, and it’s been hard to focus with some things causing stress in the background. It’s frustrating when something out of your control feels like it’s affecting your energy and creativity.

That said, I’m still making progress on my knitting projects! I’ve been working on my sock—slowly but surely—and I’m determined to finish it by December 1. It’s fun seeing it take shape, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. I’ve also got a sweater in progress, and while I’ve hit a mental roadblock with it, I’m confident I’ll get back into it soon.

On another note, I’ve been thinking about the future. I’ve got five years until retirement, and I’m working on building a small business for some extra income. I’m brainstorming a newsletter that will include things like a free mitten pattern I’ve been working on, some of my favourite patterns, and possibly even recommendations from other creators, like my friend Tracy from @thepassioKnitspinner

I’ve also been reflecting on the upcoming Advent season. It’s one of my favorite times of year—a fresh start and a chance to dive into the Gospel of Luke with my church community. I love the beauty of poinsettias, Advent calendars, and all the small ways we celebrate this meaningful season.

To wrap up, I hope this little chat has been a blessing to you. Whatever you’re working on—whether it’s socks, mittens, or something else—keep creating, keep smiling, and find joy in the process. Thanks for spending this time with me, and I hope you have a wonderful day filled with small joys and inspiration.

Blessings,
Doll

It’s Wovember! — November 1, 2024

It’s Wovember!

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

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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