New from the Nest, April 15

These DIY Garden Markers are not only easy to make but are useful and make great gifts for your favorite gardener.

• The body of this simple polka dot baby blanket is comprised of basic knit and purl stitches. It is a reversible pattern and is perfect for new knitters. The crocheted bauble edge, while totally adorable, can be left off if you are uncomfortable with crochet. Nab this free knitting pattern, warm up your needles, and you’ll have this adorable blanket in no time.

• You’ll need to know how to join yarn whenever you knit a blanket. I use the Russian join to join the yarn. Once you learn this simple technique, you won’t worry about joining again.

• Once you’ve finished knitting your blanket, scarf, throw, washcloth, sweater, or other knit project, you need and want to block it. Sure, you could get away with not blocking, but after all the work you’ve put into it, don’t you want it to look its best? Especially if you are giving your knit project as a gift. Blocking your knitting makes a big difference in how your project looks, making it more finished and professional-looking.

• This recipe for flavorful and creamy hummus can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. A smoky and spicy walnut topping makes this hummus appetizer even more delicious!

• Earthy gorgonzola and tangy goat cheese combine with mild, onion-y chives for this delicious Gorgonzola Cheese spread.

• This recipe for Short Rib Tacos begins with a brown sugar & spice rub, followed by a sear to get ‘that crust’ and then a slow braise in a chili broth for fall-apart tender meat.

• This Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe does not use added pectin but relies on apples to thicken the jam. Instructions for water-bath canning or freezing this rhubarb and strawberry jam are included.

• Moist and Buttery with Swirls of Strawberries and Strawberry Jam, this easy-to-make Strawberry Coffee Cake will become a brunch staple. But why stop with breakfast or brunch? Skip the coffee and serve this Jam Cake for dessert or as an after-school snack! You can use any of your favorite jams instead of strawberries for this yummy jam cake.

• If you can sew a straight line and read a measuring stick, you can make these flange-edged pillow shams.

• This post explains how to make compost, its benefits, and what you can put in your compost bin.

• You can make an easily disguised key holder with an old pill bottle and a rock, shell, lawn ornament, etc.… I spray-painted my lid black and glued a rock onto the lid. Put your key in your pill bottle, dig a little hole, and place your pill bottle in the hole. VOILA!

• Podcasts and books on Audible make chore time almost enjoyable! I actually find that I look for chores to do so that I can keep listening to Mr. Pickwick’s latest exploits. Here are forty of my favorite podcasts.
• Tips for keeping your produce fresher longer.

Do you have a Pinterest account? If so, make sure you follow our Pinterest page that shares all of our recipes, gardening tips, crafts, knit projects, etc… Some of our most popular pins are:

• This Gray Malin two-sided puzzle is perfect for your beach vacation or beach-loving friend. And, not for nothing, it is currently on sale!

• Who knew? I’ve always loved this scallop-edged bedding, but now it is much more affordable at Walmart!

• I don’t like to wear socks at night, but these heel socks with gel-cushioned heels are perfect when I apply my heel balm or Kerasal. I guess they don’t feel like socks because they don’t cover my toes.