News From the Nest, October 13

New on the Blog

Learn how to crochet stars for delicate, shimmering decorations perfect for the holidays. Each star takes approximately 30 minutes to create and measures 3.5 inches high by 3 inches wide. Made with metallic yarn, they catch the light beautifully and work wonderfully as gift toppers, ornaments, garland, or even sewn onto throw pillows. A single skein yields 20-25 stars plus a 3-foot garland chain for less than 50 cents per star in materials. The pattern uses basic stitches with textured post stitches that add dimension.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

If you’re looking for a quick holiday knitting project, this Knit Christmas Stocking pattern is perfect. Using chunky yarn and the Magic Loop technique, you can finish one in just a day. The pattern includes helpful videos for techniques like the Kitchener Stitch and heel shaping, making it accessible even if you’ve never knit a sock before. Kaylee said , “This was my first knitting project that was more complicated than a straight scarf. Your easy-to-read pattern and amazing how-to videos that walked me through every step were so helpful!”

Add a personal touch to all your handmade knit gifts this season with these free printable Christmas Knit Gift Tags. Whether you’ve knit stockings, washcloths, or blankets, these tags add the perfect finishing detail. Just print them on cardstock, cut them out with a tag punch or scissors, and thread with baker’s twine or ribbon. They’re a simple way to make your handcrafted presents feel even more special.

The Grace Baby Blanket features scattered rosebuds throughout the body and a sweet crochet ruffle edge. Made with chunky cotton yarn, this pattern knits up in about a week of evening knitting. If you can knit and purl, you can create these charming rosettes. The accompanying video guides you through both the rosebuds and the ruffled edging. It’s an ideal project for welcoming a new little one into the world.

The Chinese Wave Knit Washcloth creates a beautiful texture with its distinctive diamond pattern and adds a charming crochet picot edge. The Chinese Wave stitch gives the washcloth extra loft and thickness you don’t get with many knit stitches. These work up relatively quickly and make wonderful gifts when paired with soap or bubble bath. One reader shared, “I’ve admired the Chinese wave pattern from a safe distance for ages, but how you’ve written the pattern is inspiring me!”

From the Kitchen

This Curried Chicken Salad is the perfect way to use up leftover grilled or roasted chicken. Creamy and savory with a touch of sweetness, it’s loaded with crisp celery and crunchy peanuts added just before serving. With groceries as expensive as they are, finding creative ways to extend leftovers is essential, and this recipe transforms yesterday’s dinner into today’s delicious lunch. Serve it in wraps, on croissants, or over a bed of lettuce.

When the weather turns chilly, this Slow Cooker Pork Casserole delivers all the comfort of a traditional French cassoulet with minimal effort. White beans, pork, sausage, and aromatic herbs slow-simmer together, creating deep, satisfying flavors. The signature crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork and creamy beans. Serve it with crusty bread and a simple green salad for the perfect comforting meal. Ooooh, this recipe is really sounding good on this chilly morning! Hmmm….

This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is hearty, nutritious, and incredibly economical. With deep flavor from smoky paprika, cumin, and browned tomato paste, it’s a satisfying meal that practically makes itself. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed bowl without spending hours in the kitchen. One reader noted, “As with all soups, even better the next day!” This recipe also includes stovetop instructions if needed.

It seems that a group of folks can’t agree on anything lately, but I think we can all agree that there’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked bagel. These Sourdough Bagels deliver a burnished, chewy shell that yields to a pillow-soft interior. Starting with a lively sourdough starter gives these bagels the tang and depth of flavor that commercial yeast can’t match. The dough is intentionally stiff for that signature tight crumb, and after a quick honey bath, you can top them with everything seasoning or any topping you prefer. They freeze beautifully and stand ready for breakfasts and sandwiches all week long.

Fall is the perfect time to make this Sugar-Free Apple Butter. Cinnamon, allspice, and cloves flavor this easy recipe that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The beauty is its simplicity: cook apples with their peels until soft, puree them, add fall spices, and cook a bit more. With no added sugar, it’s a healthier option that’s still plenty sweet. Spread it on toast, use it in recipes, or dollop it on your grilled cheese sandwich with brie. Bonus points in that your home will smell decadent; no candle can match it!

These Apple Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect fall treat. Slightly tart apple butter laced with warm spices is sandwiched between brown sugar, cinnamon, and oatmeal streusel for an easy-to-make dessert that’s not too sweet. Made with that sugar-free apple butter we just talked about, these bars are simple enough that you probably have everything you need in your cupboard right now. Barb said, “Very delicious, very easy as I made it with an apple butter jarred by my uncle. When cooled, they cut very well and held together.”

Instead of buying pumpkin pie spice at the store, mix up this Pumpkin Pie Spice blend in just minutes. With cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves, this versatile spice works in everything from pies and cookies to coffee and oatmeal. You can control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, and it’s a great way to use spices you likely already have in your pantry. Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be ready whenever you need that cozy fall flavor. Be that person everyone loves by mixing up a batch and sharing it with your friends and neighbors!

As the weather cools, these Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies bring all the warm, comforting flavors of fall. These soft, chewy cookies are brimming with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, with a crunchy sugar coating over a rich, buttery base. Cornstarch gives them that perfect soft and chewy texture, and they can be in the oven in less than 20 minutes after you start mixing. IMHO, they’re made to be enjoyed with a glass of milk.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

After receiving a waxed amaryllis bulb at Christmas, I was hooked and had to learn How to Wax an Amaryllis Bulb myself. When purchased in stores, these beauties cost upwards of $30 each, but you can make them at home for around $10 per bulb. The process is surprisingly simple: soak the bulbs, trim the roots, melt wax, dip, (and dip some more), and then paint. They make fantastic gifts and create a mess-free, self-sustaining bloom that doesn’t require soil or water. You can get as creative as you like with the paint colors. Look for unwaxed bulbs at garden centers and home improvement stores starting around now for the best selection.

Pamper your skin with this homemade sugar scrub, which costs pennies compared to store-bought versions. With just coconut oil, sugar, and optional essential oils, you can whip up a luxurious exfoliating scrub in minutes. Sugar gently buffs away dry skin while coconut oil deeply hydrates, leaving you feeling soft and refreshed. It’s customizable with your favorite scents and makes a thoughtful homemade gift tucked in a jar with a little scoop and a tag.

In the Garden

If you’re looking to extend your growing season, this DIY Cold Frame Using Old Windows is a quick weekend project. Built from salvaged windows and a sheet of plywood, it creates a microclimate approximately one and a half zones warmer than your actual location. Perfect for protecting tender plants, such as Meyer lemon trees, through winter or growing greens like spinach and kale when the weather turns cold. The best part is that it’s pretty simple to build, requiring just two sets of hands and basic upcycled supplies.