News From The Nest – August 18
Good Morning, Friends!
This week is off to a glorious start! We’ve had so much rain lately, but this week is shaping up to be dry and warm. Mom has been staying with us as she had surgery last week (she is doing great!). My brother and SIL are coming in for the week, our son and his girlfriend will be here, and our good friends from the U.K. are in town. We are hosting everyone (14) for dinner on Saturday; we are going to have a taco bar with carne asada and grilled chicken, and I’ll serve my dad’s famous margaritas and this shrimp salsa.
Entertaining is a great motivator to ‘get stuff done,’ and there are a few more things on my to-do list that I plan to strike off this week.
As summer winds down, I’ve been reminded how nature never seems to rush but still gets it all done. Tomatoes give way to pumpkins, the days shorten a little at a time, and before long, we’re reaching for sweaters. It’s a good nudge for us, too—things don’t have to happen all at once. Small steps, done consistently, really do add up. So if there’s a project, a bit of organizing, or even just some time for yourself that you’ve been putting off, this might be the perfect season to ease into it!
Table of Contents
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
Add a thoughtful finishing touch to your handmade gifts with these knit care tags. The free printable tags include washing and care instructions so your recipient knows how to keep their new knit in good shape. Perfect for holiday gifting season or when you’re sending a handmade item to someone far away.
This cable-edged knit washcloth is simple but elegant, with just enough detail to make it special. A small project like this is perfect for summer knitting—portable, quick, and lovely as a hostess gift paired with soap or bath salts.
Few things are sweeter than gifting a new baby something handmade, and this plaid baby blanket is as cozy as it is beginner-friendly. Its simple stitches let the yarn shine, making it a thoughtful, timeless piece to tuck into a nursery.
Dropped stitches and mystery holes don’t mean your project is ruined. This guide to fixing holes in knitting walks you through three different scenarios with clear photos, so you can rescue your work and keep knitting with confidence.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
This no-bake blackberry tart is summer elegance without turning on the oven. Juicy berries, a buttery crust, and a silky filling make it a showstopper dessert for dinner parties or warm evenings on the porch.
If cinnamon sugar is your love language, these snickerdoodle cookie bars will make you swoon. Soft, chewy, and so easy to whip up, they’re perfect for back-to-school lunchboxes or cozy coffee breaks. Pam says, “WOW – Delicious!! Husband loves them too … reminding us of a very tasty coffee cake … My go-to cookie normally involves chocolate in some way…..now there’s some competition!”
Capture the taste of late summer with this easy plum jam. Sweet with just a touch of tart, it’s delicious on toast, spooned over yogurt, or tucked into holiday gift baskets alongside a few of the sourdough English muffins shown below👇🏼.
These sourdough English muffins give you that signature nooks-and-crannies texture, with the tang you love from sourdough. They’re wonderful with butter, jam, or even that plum jam! 👆🏼
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
Freshen up your bedroom with this pillow sham pattern with a flange edge. It’s a straightforward sewing project that creates a polished, tailored look—perfect for giving your space a seasonal refresh.
This DIY faux marble console table transforms an ordinary piece of wood into something chic and high-end. It’s a budget-friendly way to add a sophisticated focal point to your entryway or living room.
In the Garden
If broccoli’s on your fall planting list, it may be time to get those seeds started indoors. And while you’re at it, consider a few companion plantings to keep your broccoli company in the garden. This guide to broccoli companion plants helps you get the most from your garden. With the right pairings, you’ll encourage healthy growth and keep pests at bay—making your late-season harvests more rewarding.
For instant curb appeal, these fall container garden ideas give you inspiration and practical tips for lush autumn displays. Beyond mums, think trailing ivy, grasses, and even edibles to create containers that shine well into the season.
In The House + Home
Delicate vintage linens deserve gentle care, and this guide on how to clean vintage linens, lace, and embroidery walks you through the process. With patience and the proper techniques, you can safely bring old family pieces back to life, preserving them for holidays and gatherings ahead.
As always, I hope you find a little inspiration here—whether it’s something to make, bake, plant, or enjoy with a cup of coffee. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Even the smallest steps bring you closer to the home and life you want to create. Here’s to easing into the season, one little thing at a time.
‘See’ you next week!
Happy Monday Lynn !
Sounds like a busy but fun filled week for you. So glad Mom is doing well and will continue to improve.
Best wishes to all,
Judy
Thanks Judy!
Always enjoy your posts, Lynn! Finished the argyle blanket and it’s drying on the blocking mats. I’ll send you a photo when it’s all finished.
Oh, I’ll love to see it!
Thanks!