News from The Nest, September 8

New on the Blog

Stitched up in cozy autumn hues, these knit pumpkins are quick to make and add handmade charm to mantels, centerpieces, or fall displays. Switch up yarn colors and fibers, and put your own spin on these festive gourds.

From the Knit and Crochet Studio

For a quick, practical knit that’s as giftable as it is useful, the Bridget Knit Washcloth Pattern is a lovely choice. Simple stitches make it approachable, while the finished cloth has a pretty, textured look that pairs perfectly with handmade soap for holiday gifting.

The Half Linen Stitch Knitted Blanket Pattern is big, cozy, and full of texture, with a dense, woven look that beautifully showcases the yarn. What makes this blanket extra special, though, is the optional faux fur edging—it adds a touch of luxury and warmth, making the piece feel both modern and inviting. Perfect for curling up under on cool evenings or as a thoughtful gift.

Give your projects a polished edge with this tutorial on How to Knit an Applied I-Cord. Whether you’re finishing a blanket, a washcloth, or even a pumpkin, this technique adds structure and refinement to any knit.

Sometimes a twisted stitch sneaks in and leaves you puzzled. The guide to Twisted Knit Stitches helps you diagnose, prevent, and fix them with confidence so your projects look just as you intended.

From the Kitchen

Cooler days call for heartier meals, and this Slow Cooker Pulled Beef delivers tender, flavorful meat with almost no effort. Pair it with the Homemade Barbecue Sauce for a meal that feels comforting and crowd-pleasing.

The depth of Fire Roasted Tomatoes adds richness to sauces, soups, and salsas. Made in your oven or on the grill, they’re a pantry staple worth stocking—especially to use in dishes like white bean soup or baked pasta.

The White Bean Soup with Ham and Vegetables is a hearty, nourishing dish perfect for cooler days. It’s brothier than most ham and bean soups, but still packed with protein-rich beans, savory ham, and plenty of vegetables. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal that’s both comforting and wholesome. This is the kind of recipe that makes enough to share, freezes well, and warms you from the inside out.

These Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in an indulgent breakfast treat—pillowy soft, delicately tangy from the sourdough, and swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar. The slow rise gives them incredible flavor and texture, making them well worth the wait. A drizzle of glaze over the top finishes them off as the ultimate breakfast treat or cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

The Apple Cider Muffins with Apple Filling capture the very essence of fall baking. Spiced batter wraps around a warm, gooey apple center, so every bite has that fresh-from-the-orchard flavor. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake yet special enough to serve at autumn gatherings, filling your kitchen with a fragrance that evokes the essence of fall in a pan.

From the Arts + Crafts Room

These Scented Sachets are a simple, but charming way to keep drawers, closets, and even your car smelling fresh. The tutorial walks you through sewing the fabric body and filling it with dried lavender, cedar chips, or other natural scents. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable with fabric scraps, and thoughtful as gifts—especially during the holiday season when little handmade extras mean the most.

If your workspace needs a refresh, the From Door to DIY Desk project shows you how to transform a salvaged door into a functional and stylish desk. It’s a satisfying upcycle that proves you don’t need new materials to create something useful and beautiful.

Bring the scent of the season indoors with Simmering Fall Potpourri. A blend of dried fruits and spices gently bubbling on the stove fills the house with the fragrance of autumn—warm, cozy, and instantly welcoming.

In the Home

Organization feels especially good as we head into fall routines, and this clever Drawer Organization Solution helps bring order to messy spaces. A tidy drawer makes everyday tasks smoother, and this project shows how a little structure can make a big difference.