News from the Nest, October 16

Good Morning, Best People!

Well, I overslept this morning, which is something I rarely do despite my best efforts! But, the oversleeping is all you need to know to tell you that I am coming off of a busy weekend, and week!

Three of the five immediate members of my family have their birthday within nine days of each other in October! My niece pointed out that, shockingly, these all occur about nine months after Valentine’s Day! 🫢

So, we celebrated the week of birthdays this past week and then I decided to go full Ma Ingalls over the weekend and put up 25 pint jars of soup and chili. Mostly, these will be lunches for Terry over the next several months, but they will also do as dinner in a pinch. Not only are they much more economical and healthier than frozen lunch entrees, but we have the world’s smallest freezer, so having pantry-stable food is a score.

We mowed and edged the lawn, most likely for the last time this year! Worked in the garden a bit, watched some college football, and took Mom out for her birthday dinner! All in all, a very full and very great weekend.

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New on the Blog

I’m guilty of saying this too often, I know. But indulge me.

These Tiny Knit Sweaters may just be one of my favorite knit projects! Not only do they use yarn bits and bobs in your stash, but they are just too darn cute and very versatile! They are great Christmas tree or wreath ornaments. You could string a few up as a garland. Or you could use them as present toppers or table place settings. Oh, and did I mention you could easily knit one or two in a day!?

I cross-stitched the first initials of my family members, but you could also do a cursive letter, embroider a snowflake or a snowman…or really anything! Think how cute they’d be with stripes! I would love to have made some stripes, but since I only seem to knit with shades of white, that was a non-starter!

I’m almost done with the video showing this project from start to finish, Ma Ingalls got in the way. But check back in a day or two and I’ll have the link in the post. Or, send me an email telling me you want to know when the video is published and I’ll let you know.

Also From The Knit Studio

I can tell folks are starting to work on their Christmas projects from the activity to those posts.

• This Chunky Christmas Stocking pattern was my first Christmas knit project and remains very popular, for good reason. It’s just a classic knit stocking that knits up quickly. I have videos showing the process from start to finish.

• This Broken Rib Christmas Stocking is a variation on a theme. Just a little more texture in the body and a faux fur cuff!

• And who doesn’t love a Knit Gnome!? The hat and ‘body’ of this funny fellow are knit, but the faux fur beard is furry fabric.

• Are your circular needles a hot mess? Mine were, but then I got crazy and organized all of my circular needles! Now I know what I have with a quick glance.

From the Kitchen

I’m going to give you whiplash, going from Christmas back to Fall…but nevertheless, here we are! It’s that time of year.

• Use little leaf cutters to cut the dough for these festive fall crackers. Sprinkle some paprika to get the lovely red leaves.

• These crackers would be great on the side of this low-fat, Healthy, and Hearty Turkey Chili!

• Never run out of Chili Seasoning again, here’s an easy and easily customized recipe for this often-used seasoning mix.

• Apples are one of those ‘fall’ foods that we enjoy cooking with this time of the year! This sugar-free apple butter is easy to make and enjoy in so many ways!

• And then, make some Apple Butter Oatmeal Bars! These are so yummy!!!

From the Arts and Crafts Studio

• I think Fall is the only season that really has its own aroma, filled with warming spices. This Simmering Fall Potpourri brings those scents to your home and makes lovely gifts.

• Keep your eye out for an old Candlewick bedspread the next time you are thrifting, they make darling handtowels.

In the Home

• We gathered these tips when we helped my parents downsize to an apartment, which is 1/3 of the size of their previous home. If a downsize is in your future, take a gander at these tips.

• Use these tips to help you organize your table linens.

• Now’s a great time to do a quick gander and check the state of your walls. Need a little touch-up? I’ve spotted quite a few areas that need a touch-up. This indoor paint kit is so handy. Once I’ve determined that the Mr. Clean Eraser isn’t enough, having a small tube of the indoor paint color and a sponge brush takes care of any marks.

Some Fun Finds, as well as a Few Favorites

Some of these links may be Amazon affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from the sale of these products to help defray the costs of operating this site, but the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policy here.

Once you’ve used a ball whisk, you‘ll never go back to a balloon whisk. There, I’ve said it! I’ve given these as gifts to all my cooking friends and at my Favorite Things party.

I initially bought these oven liners for our small Breville Smart Oven as everything my son cooked made a mess on the bottom of the oven. Then, I realized that they are also great in my regular oven! They are a game-changer.

Holy Bright Lights, Bat Man! Our attic has one light fixture, which wasn’t enough to light it. I saw this on TV and took a chance and it was worth every penny!

I have just enough space between my washer and dryer for this slim pull-out caddy, which holds all my laundry essentials.

Well friends,

My to-do list is long and my days are short!

Wishing you a fantastic week, until we meet again next week.

Hugs,

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!