News From The Nest, September 22

A Few Fun Finds!

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• For purer water with fewer microplastics, consider this attractive and functional glass water filter pitcher. And what a practical gift idea!
• Squares and rectangles are more space-efficient than round shapes. I’m slowly transitioning my dried beans and other dry pantry items to these containers.
• One of those, ‘Why didn’t I think of this?!’ products.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

If you love knitting or crocheting gifts for others, these Knit Care Tags are a sweet finishing touch that ensures your handmade treasures are cared for properly. Each printable sheet includes three tags where you can jot down washing and drying instructions (pulled right from the yarn wrapper). Print them on card stock, punch a hole, and tie them to your blanket, washcloth, or sweater for a thoughtful, polished presentation—perfect for holiday gifting or baby showers.

Playful texture meets timeless coziness in this Polka Dot + Baubles Baby Blanket, which alternates stockinette with reverse stockinette for visual interest. Whether you’re knitting for a new baby or just looking for a soft, squishy throw, this pattern is a joy from start to finish. The tutorial breaks it down row by row. Add the crochet bauble edge, or not; it’s up to you! The images below show my finished blanket (on the left) with the baubles and Diana’s without the baubles on the right. Diana used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Heather.

The Russian Join is a clever way to connect two pieces of yarn without knots or bulky ends to weave in later. Using just a darning needle, you tuck each yarn tail back into itself, creating one smooth strand that blends beautifully into your knitting or crochet. While it works best with wool or acrylic (thanks to their natural “grip”), this technique saves yarn and time—perfect for larger projects, such as blankets or sweaters.

This Crochet Washcloth Pattern uses the simple but lovely Lemon Peel Stitch, finished with a scalloped edge that makes it special enough for gifting. It’s perfect for beginners, with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial covering the four stitches you’ll need: chain, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. Made with durable cotton yarn, these washcloths are budget-friendly and hold up beautifully—ideal for tucking into holiday gift baskets or pairing with homemade soaps.

From the Kitchen

Fall flavors shine in these Apple Spice Donut Holes, baked—not fried—for a bite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or tea. Warm spices, a grated apple, and a nutmeg-sugar coating make them cozy and irresistible. They’re a breeze to mix up and bake, and the whole house will smell like fall while they’re in the oven.

Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive—this list of Frugal Meals That Are Also Healthy and Delicious includes soups, stir-fries, and pantry staples that save money without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. These meals are proof that a few simple ingredients, smart planning, and seasonal produce can stretch your dollar and still nourish your family well.

Cold season or not, this Chicken Vegetable Soup is a must-make, thanks to its hearty broth, tender chicken, and colorful veggies. It’s soothing, nourishing, and easy to batch-cook for busy weeks. Freeze portions for later.

When you’re craving chili with a healthy twist, try this Butternut Squash Chili with Black Beans. The sweet squash pairs beautifully with spicy chiles, making it a satisfying vegetarian option as the weather turns cooler. It’s hearty enough for meat-eaters but entirely plant-based—and even better the next day.

Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough is flexible, flavorful, and fridge-friendly—Roanna gave it five stars after making one pizza fresh and grilling others with roasted garlic and herbs—great way to stretch your starter, entertain, or use leftovers.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

This Faux Copper Finish Tub project takes a humble $10 metal tub and turns it into a rich, copper-look statement piece. Using a simple primer and metallic paint process, you can recreate the look of antique copper without the price tag—an almost instant-gratification DIY that’s perfect for fall decorating or holiday gatherings. The project ties back to earlier oyster shell crafts, showing how one road trip treasure hunt inspired multiple creative makeovers.

This Candlewick Bedspread Upcycle project gives new life to a worn cotton bedspread by turning it into charming hand towels trimmed with the original fringe. With a bit of cutting and sewing, you can create multiple towels that are both practical and pretty. They’re sturdy enough for everyday use, yet lovely enough to gift, especially when paired with soaps or tucked into a basket for the holidays.

These DIY Gift Ideas are creative, practical, and stylish—perfect for making now so you’re ahead of the holiday rush. With 32 projects ranging from bath and body treats to kitchen helpers, home décor, and even seed paper, each one feels thoughtful without looking “too homemade.”

In the Home

This Ideas to Decorate a Kitchen Hutch guide shows how to transform a hutch into a curated display that feels both stylish and personal. Using everyday dishes, fine china, or a mix of decorative treasures like books, plants, or travel souvenirs, you can make your hutch the heart of the kitchen or dining room.