News From The Nest, April 7

New on the Blog

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying project, this crochet scrunchie pattern is a fun and versatile option. The scrunchies are perfect for gift giving, craft fairs, or adding a pop of color to your hair accessories. Each scrunchie takes only about an hour to make and uses basic crochet stitches, making them great for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. And not for nothing, they are a great stash buster! The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity—just by switching up your color placement, you can get three different looks from one base design.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

• This charming knit baby blanket pattern uses the cloverleaf eyelet stitch and is finished with a cloverleaf crochet edge. The sweet blanket makes a perfect gift for the new baby in your world. The instructional video shows how to knit the cloverleaf eyelet stitch and crochet the cloverleaf edge. 

• If you are anything like me, most of your knit projects are crafted with someone else in mind. Be it a baby blanket knit to welcome a new baby, a lovely and cozy throw for a child moving away, or knit washcloths for friends and family, most of my projects end up in someone else’s home. It is fair to say that knitting gifts for others is one of my love languages! 💗💗💗 Enhance your knitted gifts with personalized care tags. This post share our free printable tags and instructions on attaching them, adding a thoughtful touch to your handmade items.

From the Kitchen

Blueberry and Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of blueberries, topped with a crunchy topping. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions and tips for a perfect bake.

• Shrimp and Grits, with humble beginnings, have been elevated to fine dining. In 1985, Craig Claiborne wrote a column in The New York Times after tasting the dish prepared by Bill Neal in his Chapel Hill, NC, Crook’s Corner restaurant. A local chef shared this recipe with me, and it is truly the best I’ve tasted.

• These rosemary toasted walnuts are the snack you didn’t know you needed. A little savory, a little earthy, and totally addicting, they’re perfect for holiday nibbling or just a classy addition to your everyday snacking routine.

• Creamy, bold, and full of personality—this gorgonzola cheese spread is a must-try appetizer. With just a few ingredients, it whips up quickly and makes a big impression, whether serving it at a dinner party or casual get-together.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

• Say goodbye to dry hands with this rich, homemade hand balm. It’s nourishing, all-natural, and simple to make. Bonus: it doubles as a lovely handmade gift, especially when poured into little tins or jars.

From the Garden

• Whether you’ve got a patio, porch, or a sunny spot by the door, this post is packed with creative ideas for container gardening. This is the third set of Container Garden Recipes. From color combo containers to wonderous window boxes, it’ll have you itching to get your hands in the dirt.

• Want juicy tomatoes just steps from your kitchen? This guide covers everything you need to grow vibrant patio tomatoes—choosing the right varieties, feeding and watering tips, and keeping pests at bay.

• Filling big planters doesn’t have to drain your wallet. This post shares clever, budget-friendly hacks (think: upside-down pots and recycled materials) to get height and volume without all the extra soil.

In the House + Home

• This brilliant DIY makeover turns an overlooked cabinet into a fabulous little bar. It’s a fun, satisfying project that’ll leave you with a stylish spot for cocktail hour or coffee station vibes.

• This guide is packed with over 40 super practical tips to reduce food waste—everything from smart shopping habits to clever storage ideas. It’s all about saving money, wasting less, and making the most of what you already have.