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What is Yarn Chicken?

What is yarn chicken? Hint: it has everything to do with yarn and nothing to do with chickens. Find out with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

The Bravery Test of the Crafting World 🧶

I just played a risky little game. I really wanted a new, quick hat. After rummaging through my yarn stash, I found just the skein I wanted. Instead of being a responsible knitter (weighing my yarn and checking my instructions) I decided to wing it and play yarn chicken. It looked like enough…

I started knitting my hat and it was looking great. I made it nearly to the top, the whole time feeling certain that this would be just enough yarn. But, sadly, I guessed wrong. I ran out just before the top of the hat. 😢

Ever guess you have enough yarn instead of making sure? Then you've played yarn chicken. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

There wasn’t time to go to town for more yarn, and I didn’t want to scrap the hat. So I started digging through my project stash.

I found a rogue boot cuff with no match. But it was the same yarn. So I unraveled it and tied it into the hat project with a magic knot.

That little, lonely boot cuff, made of matching yarn gave me just enough to finish my hat. That is the heart of yarn chicken: it’s the most reckless game a knitter can play. Sometimes, it is a quiet little win and a happy dance. 💃 Other times, you’ll lose the round and have to pivot.

I had to sacrifice a little boot cuff to finish my hat because I played a game of yarn chicken. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

What is Yarn Chicken?

Hint: it has everything to do with yarn and nothing to do with chickens.

What is yarn chicken? Hint: it has everything to do with yarn and nothing to do with chickens. Find out with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

If you have ever heard of the old game of chicken, where teenagers would drive their cars straight at each other to see who would swerve first, then you already get the idea. Yarn chicken is the slower, quieter, far more practical version of that reckless dare. No engines. No headlights. It’s not life and death. It’s just you, your project, and a rapidly shrinking skein of yarn.

Yarn chicken is when you size up your skein with nothing but your gut and a hopeful squint. You skip the scale, bypass the calculator, and knit like you’ve got enough. Because maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. But you’re not stopping to find out. It is part grit, part gamble, and all heart.

Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. That is the game.

Why Play Yarn Chicken?

Because you just want to see if you can pull it off. You’re in a groove, you’re not interested in stopping to do math, and that half-used skein looks promising enough. Yarn chicken gives you a chance to lean into instinct instead of spreadsheets.

It is not laziness or forgetfulness. It’s choosing motion over caution, momentum over planning. And yes, once in a while, it’s just more fun this way.

You learn a lot when you play yarn chicken: about yarn, about rhythm, and about how far a single stitch can stretch when it really matters.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't when you play a game of yarn chicken. If you lose, make sure you have a backup plan. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

When You Lose

Losing at yarn chicken does not always mean starting over. It might mean improvising. You might unravel something else, work in a stripe, or change the ending of the pattern slightly to use what you have got.

It is not failure. It is flexibility.

I was sure I had enough yarn. I did not. So, I had to frog (unravel) to finish my hat. 🐸 #knitting

If You Want to Avoid It

You can avoid yarn chicken if you:

  • Weigh your yarn before you begin a section.
  • Compare the yardage used in earlier parts of the pattern.
  • Use patterns with detailed estimates (I include them in all my patterns).
  • Swatch and plan precisely.

All of that works. I even recommend it most of the time.

But every now and then, if it feels right, I still play.

To Play or Not to Play

Yarn chicken is not about being careless. It is about reading the yarn, trusting your gut, and being willing to shift gears when the skein runs short. It is about choosing progress over perfection and being bold enough to see how far one strand will take you.

I have lost my fair share. I have torn out rows, patched in stripes, and unraveled forgotten cuffs. But I have also finished with half an inch to spare and felt like a champion.

That’s why I still play.

If you dare to play, you can win yarn chicken. Learn more with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Looking for patterns you can finish without a gamble?

🥳 Ribbed Chunky Hat Free Knitting Pattern: Knit the Hat in this Post (substitute Wool Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn “Carousel” affiliate link)

🥾 Easy Chunky Knit Boot Cuffs Free Knitting Pattern: Make a set of adorable mini leg warmers.

🧶 Explore all the Knitting Patterns written by Liz Chandler: Find something you will love to make.

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

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Avocado Cowboy

What I learned from the Avocado Cowboy. With grocery prices soaring and fear rising, it's time to remember kindness. A moment from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

How Two Pieces of Fruit Broke a Strong Man and Opened My Eyes 🥑

I scanned my items as quickly as I could, feeling the pressure of the self-check out line eyeing my machine.

We all wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. The grocery store is no longer a fun place to greet neighbors. It’s become a shared trauma zone, especially in small town America. We all think others are judging our purchases, but now they really are:

“She’s buying a lot of wine.”
“Why did that man need 6 cartons of eggs?”
“I wonder if they just live far from town or if they are hoarding because they know something I don’t.”

The things we think waiting in line have changed. “Am I in danger?” never once crossed my mind on a childhood grocery trip.

Now, I’m watching my six like a trained combat soldier while trying to hold in gasps of shock. It’s “Where would I hide?” combined with “I can’t afford that anymore?” And I know that I’m not alone in this feeling.

As I try to rush through my self-checkout I tell my son – loudly enough for the people in line to hear – “I wish the lady in the machine would be quiet.”

“$12.99. Savings 50¢,” the robot voice loudly mocks, screaming prices at the entire grocery store.

“It’s very distracting. It’s so hard to go quickly,” I say even more loudly.

The scowlers look away, but don’t stop scowling.

Behind us on the next self-checkout is an older, almost stereotypical rancher. Cowboy hat. Flannel shirt tucked neatly into his Levi jeans, clearly worn for decades, but clean and untattered.

After a hard morning's work moving cattle a cowboy needs a small break.

As I struggle with the robot voice in the self-checkout machine, I hear him exclaim, “$8 for 2 avocados? EIGHT DOLLARS?!”

The young check out attendant scurried over to help the gentleman. “Maybe it’s a mistake?” the cowboy said more quietly, trying to divert attention from his unfiltered outburst. “I just got two small avocados from your produce section. It says $8? That can’t be right.”

I resumed scanning my items. We are monthly shoppers with a full cart, so I also resumed my social anxiety about holding up others.

But then the Avocado Cowboy, made me jump. He was clearly the type to prefer “Yes,” “No,” or “Ma’am” to be his entire public vocabulary, as is the cowboy way. But he lost it. He just couldn’t take it.

“Really? They’re actually $8? TWO avocados?” He was stunned to silence for just a moment.

And in past years, under similar circumstances, a man of his background would leave it at that. Maybe feign ignorance at current grocery prices and ask the wife later.

But no. This Cowboy knew his avocados. It seemed like a gift he’d get his wife regularly. Like flowers, but practical.

The register wasn't wrong, but it is a shock when you'd think two avocados should cost about $3 and it rings up as $8.
Screenshot

He loudly told the attendant “I feel sorry for your generation, just getting started. I don’t know how they expect you to do it. Grocery prices are out of control.”

He turned red in the face, thanked the attendant, and hung his head as he left with his receipt and two sad avocados.

I’ll never forget the Avocado Cowboy. I wanted to hug him, or thank him, or comfort him in some way.

But I’m scared, too.

It has begun to feel like no good deed goes unpunished. So, I, like many these days, did not do the good deed. I did not thank the Avocado Cowboy.

But I’m saying it now. I see you. I am you. We are all confused. Disappointed. Sad. And resentful.

But I hope we all know…
Nobody knows the end of this story.
Let’s keep trying to make it good.

A boot on a fencepost can mean a number of things, none of which are easy or pleasant. But it is a sign we can get thru hard things together.

Feeling the Pressure, too?

Try what I do when I am feeling stressed:

Keep Your Homestead Running Smoothly (Even When Life Feels Chaotic)

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Piñon Gnats in Southwest Colorado

Learn about biting Piñon Gnats in Southwest Colorado. Find out out what they are and how to deal with them with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Why I Wear a Mesh Hat and Smell Like Cookies in June 🍪

Deep in the piñon forests of Southwest Colorado, there is a short season when the sun shines, the garden blooms, and the air bites back. Each year, without fail, between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, the piñon gnats arrive.

They are not just annoying. They are tiny vampires with wings. You will not hear them. You will barely see them. You will just feel the sting. Then the bruise.

And if you hold still for more than a few seconds, they start to swarm. It feels like a dark, buzzing cloud has gathered just for you, relentlessly divebombing your head.

Even local veterinarians and service providers avoid our neighborhood during gnat season. They know what is waiting.

In June, my neighborhood looks like a beekeeping convention. Everyone wears mesh veils, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves. Not because we are tending hives, but because the bugs are tending to us.

Last summer, I made it worse. I painted the barn red. I am not a tidy painter. So when I go outside in full mesh bug gear, I do not look like a gardener. I look like someone with something to hide. It gives CSI: Homestead Edition.

Painting in a mesh hat can be a little awkward. But it is better than being eaten up by a swarm of biting bugs! Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Gnat Behavior: When Are Piñon Gnats Active?

Textbooks say most biting midges are active at dawn and dusk, but not here. Piñon gnats prefer the full sun and dry heat of the day.

If I am quick, I can water the garden before 9 a.m. After that, it is over. They are awake, aggressive, and waiting.

And if you hold still for more than two seconds? Forget it. They swarm. You can feel them gathering in a black cloud around your face, ready to bite. That is when you stop watering and start running.

Quick Facts: What Are Piñon Gnats? You may have heard them called "no-see-ums," "biting midges," "punkies," or even "five-o'clock gnats," depending on where you live.

Quick Facts: What Are Piñon Gnats?

You may have heard them called “no-see-ums,” “biting midges,” “punkies,” or even “five-o’clock gnats,” depending on where you live. The name “no-see-um” is no joke. These biting midges are so small you often do not see them at all. By the time you realize they are there, they have already bitten you and vanished like tiny flying phantoms. And the vicious little beasts don’t even spare the dogs; if you’ve got blood, they’re all over you.

No-See-Ums love to nibble at dog's ears. Best to keep them inside as much as you can during the season. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels
This dog’s ears are covered in no-see-ums. Back inside we go!

What makes their bite so sneaky is how they do it. Piñon gnats do not pierce the skin like mosquitoes. Instead, they use tiny scissor-like mouthparts to slice into your skin. Then they lap up the blood. It is a brutal method for something so small, and you feel it almost instantly.

  • Piñon gnats are tiny biting midges (1 to 3 millimeters long).
  • Female gnats bite to draw blood for egg production.
  • The bite feels like a quick sting, not a poke.
  • The mark left is flat and bruised, not swollen or itchy.
  • They thrive in piñon-juniper woodlands.
  • They are most active in the heat of the day.

The Favorite Target: Why They Bite Eyelids

Some people get bites around their ankles. Not me. These bugs go straight for my eyelids. The thinnest, most sensitive skin on my body, and apparently their favorite. One even let me catch her in the act. I got a picture. Just a tiny black dot with bad intentions.

Piñon Gnats love to bite eyelids. These tiny little flies leave bruised spots behind. Read how to stop them with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Piñon gnat bites do not swell. They do not itch. They leave small, dark bruises that sting briefly and hang around for days. It looks like I lost a fight with my eyeliner.

A Piñon Gnat bit my eyelid. See the purple bruising? Much different than a mosquito bite. Learn more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Piñon Gnat Survival Strategies: What Helps (Sort Of)

Let me be honest: nothing works perfectly against these bugs. I have tried everything I can think of, and most of it barely makes a difference.

I have tried it all.

  • Mosquito repellents (candles, sprays, and salves): Nothing works. Not against piñon gnats.
  • Vanilla extract: Smells like cookies and seems to repel the smaller ones. I dab it under my eyes, but be careful. Real vanilla contains alcohol and will burn if it gets too close to your eyes. I keep McCormick Vanilla Extract on hand for both baking and gnats. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
  • Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat: These tiny biters have no problem getting under sunglasses and they enjoy biting up your hairline, too.
  • Mesh bug hat: The only thing that truly works. It is not stylish, but it gets the job done. Here is the mesh bug hat I use, and it comes in different colors! (Amazon Affiliate Link)

July 5: My Real Independence Day

I love the outdoors, my garden, and my chickens. But during piñon gnat season, I become an anxious houseplant.

I stay inside. I blink through mesh. I smell like a cookie. And I wait.

Because every year, like clockwork, they disappear the day after the fireworks fade. July 5 is my real Independence Day. That is when I can walk outside barefaced and finally feel free. 🎆

Until then, I will be under the silly hat or hiding inside.

Piñon Gnats are mean little bugs that love to bite your face. Wearing a mesh hat is the only way I've found to stop them. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Now, It’s Time to Relax 📺🧶💞

If you are stuck inside like me, it might be the perfect moment to pick up a new cozy skill. These are some of my favorite indoor knitting and craft projects. No mesh hat required.

🧶 Learn to Knit: Free Beginner Lessons: This step-by-step knitting course was made for true beginners. Each lesson includes photos and explanations so you can learn to knit with confidence.

🧣 Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern: Practice your first stitches while making something useful. This garter stitch scarf pattern is relaxing and includes printable instructions in three sizes.

🛏️ Rice Stitch Blanket Pattern: Knit a textured afghan using simple knit and purl stitches. This blanket pattern includes two stitch variations, both with cozy results.

🌲 Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration: Warm up your home life with recipes, simple living ideas, and peaceful routines that bring calm to your day.

🎨 Cabin Crafts: Explore cozy crafts to keep you busy and entertained.

📍 Social Media: Find lots of inspiration collected in one place. Let’s connect!

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Knit Wasp Nest Decoy

A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz Chandler 🐝

So, I have a problem with wasps. Well, not really a problem; they are great helpers in the garden eating all the aphids. But, when they try to turn my sacred porch space into their new nursery, I get annoyed (or worse, stung). To keep these little stinkers out of my space I’ve designed a knit wasp nest decoy that should be weather-proof.

Last year, I tried the classic “paper bag trick” to keep wasps from nesting near the house. You know the one: crumple a brown paper sack to look like a wasp nest, hang it up, and hope for the best. It worked really well… until it rained. Then it just looked like sad trash blowing in the wind.

A wasp nest decoy made of brown paper works, but doesn't last. Try my knitting pattern to make a more weather-proof knit wasp nest decoy.

This year, I’m declaring war. I’ve been stung too many times, and I’m done playing nice. So I grabbed some UV-resistant paracord and knit myself a proper wasp nest decoy. I stuffed it with a gray trash bag for structure. Now, it’s tough enough for summer storms, realistic enough to fool territorial insects, and, let’s be honest, a lot more fun to make.

Wait… Do Fake Nests Actually Work?

Yes… for the right bugs.

Most hornets, paper wasps, and yellowjackets are extremely territorial. If they see another nest in the area, they usually back off and go find a less “claimed” spot, often hundreds of feet away.

To the wasps? This is an intruder’s home base.
To me? It’s a cozy little hot air balloon decoration with a purpose.

These wasps are great for the garden but terrible for porch living. Keep them from building a nest in unwanted places with a hand knit wasp nest decoy designed by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

And unlike the paper version, this one:

  • Holds its shape through wind and rain
  • Won’t disintegrate in a week
  • Actually looks like the real thing (but without the buzz and bite)

If you get nests popping up on your home, put up a decoy. It may be just enough to make the wasp change their mind about their spot. Or, you might have to knock these little nests down (if you can’t do it safely yourself, contact a professional). Placing the decoy can make the wasps think whatever lives in the fake hive ruined their nest.

A paper wasp nest begins as a small grey honeycomb like structure.

What It Won’t Do

This won’t repel:

  • Ants
  • Mosquitoes
  • Bees (they’re unbothered by wasps)
  • Termites or ground dwellers

But if your porch or eaves are regular nesting sites for hornets or wasps, this might be just the nudge they need to build elsewhere.

Knit wasp nest decoy hanging on the porch. Get the free pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Where to Hang It

  • Under eaves
  • Porch rafters
  • Barns, sheds, or garages
  • Any spot that’s been a favorite for wasps in the past

Choose a place that’s visible to flying insects but slightly sheltered. Early in the season is best. It is easier to deter wasps before nests are started.

How to Knit this Wasp Nest Decoy Pattern

This quick knit is worked in the round and shaped to mimic the tapered, layered form of a real wasp nest. It’s practical, weirdly charming, and deeply satisfying, especially if you’ve ever flailed around with a broom trying to knock a real one down.

Use a UV resistant nylon paracord for this project to keep it sun and water resistant. I chose a gray color, but light brown also works for this decoy. Then, stuff with a plastic bag to keep it’s shape.

Materials to Knit a Wasp Nest Decoy

Knitting Needles

Double Point Needles (DPNs)

Or Long Circular Needles

Yarn

One 100 Foot Hank of Paracord* (shown Paracord Planet Paracord color Diamonds), in your choice of color.

* Length estimated with Paracord Planet Paracord; other materials may vary. Does not include gauge swatch.

Tools

Gauge 

8 stitches x 10 rows = 4 x 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on No. 10 (6.0 mm) needles.

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks
M1L = make one left [Pick up the strand between the stitch just worked and the next stitch from front to back with the left needle and knit into the back of it.]
k2tog = knit two together

Paracord and US No. 10 knitting needles will get you started on making your own wasp decoy. Get the free pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Instructions: Wasp Nest Decoy

(measures 6 inches [15.24 cm] tall by 5 inches [12.7 cm] wide)

This project is knit from the top down. Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round. For Double Point Needles, follow DPN instructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow Magic Loop instructions written in bold. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

[Using DPNs or long circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2 on each DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (3 on each side). (6 stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 6. (6 stitches)

Row 3: *k, M1L* x 6. (12 stitches)

Row 4: k 12. (12 stitches)

Row 5: *k, M1L* x 12. (24 stitches)

Row 6: k 24. (24 stitches)

Row 7: *k, M1L* x 24. (48 stitches)

Rows 8 – 11: k 48. (48 stitches)

Row 12: *k 2, k2tog* x 12. (36 stitches)

Row 13: k 36. (36 stitches)

Row 14: *k, k2tog* x 12. (24 stitches)

Rows 15 – 17: k 24. (24 stitches)

Row 18: *k, k2tog* x 12. (12 stitches)

Row 19: k2tog x 6. (6 stitches)

Turn wrong-side (purl-side) out.

Cut yarn and draw through remaining 6 stitches.

Bring the yarn tail from the bottom of the project through to the inside up towards the top. Tie both yarn tails together to create a loop that can be used to hang the decoy.

Stuff the decoy with a plastic bag or your desired weatherproof filling.

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Free Wasp Nest Decoy Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Learn to knit a weatherproof wasp decoy with Liz Chandler's free pattern at PurlsAndPixels.

⚠️ Quick Disclaimer:

This project is a preventive trick, not a full-on wasp removal plan. It may deter hornets, paper wasps, or yellowjackets, especially if used early in the season before nests are built. But if you’ve already got an active infestation, please don’t try to knit your way out of it.
Call a pest control professional to handle the sting-y stuff safely.

Enjoy your relaxing porch time by keeping yellowjackets from building their own nests. Use a decoy knit yourself with a pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

☕ Quick & Easy Coffee Cup Cozy: Fun to Knit and Use

🧣Chunky Knit Scarf Pattern: Simple, Quick, and Beautiful

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: Cozy Comfort for Every Home

🛁 Double-Thick Cotton Washcloth Pattern: Knits Up in No Time

🥾 Quick & Easy Boot Cuffs Knitting Pattern: Cute & Cozy

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Colorado’s False Spring

Learn why Colorado's false spring means you need to wait to plant your garden. Don't let the weather fool you. Read Liz Chandler's gardening tips at PurlsAndPixels.

Hold your Tomatoes, Folks; It’s Not Time to Plant Outside Yet! 🌱❄️

If you’re anything like me, the first warm breeze of Spring makes you itch to get your hands in the dirt. The snow melts, the sun peeks out, and for a moment, it feels like Mother Nature is giving you a green light. Spoiler alert: she’s not. She’s messing with you. Welcome to Colorado’s infamous false spring.

Colorado's false spring can trick you into planting and irrigating a bit too soon... then you get ice coated plants, fences, and trees. Read Liz Chandler's gardening tips at PurlsAndPixels.

What Is a False Spring?

A false spring is that tricky period when warm temperatures arrive early, coaxing plants (and gardeners) out of hibernation; only for a late freeze or snowstorm to swoop in and cause damage. In Colorado, it’s not just a possibility; it’s basically tradition.

We can have 70+°F days in April and still get hit with a blizzard in May. I’ve seen lilacs blooming one day and encased in ice the next. I’ve also seen far too many eager gardeners lose entire crops of tomatoes, squash, and peppers because they planted during this sunny bait and switch.

Yesterday, May 13 was a beautiful 73 degree afternoon. Then the weather app dropped a freeze alert for the next few days. False spring is real.

So When Can I Plant Outside?

The golden rule of all gardening? Wait to plant outside until after your average last frost date. That applies everywhere, but in Colorado, it’s non-negotiable. Especially in the high mountain desert, dry winds, wild temperature swings, and random snowstorms are the norm. That could mean waiting to plant outside until much later than you might expect. In Colorado, for example:

  • Lower elevations (Denver, Pueblo): around May 15
  • Mountain towns (above 7,000 feet or so): usually June 1 or later

I know. It’s painful to wait. But trust me: planting too early isn’t just risky; it’s wasteful. Your starts might survive a frost with row covers, but they won’t thrive. Cold-stunted plants = lower yields and more heartbreak.

⬆️ Not sure of your frost date? Check your local zone here.

Even the trees can be fooled by Colorado's false spring. Even if the fruit trees are blossoming, we can still get a late snow and freeze the buds. Read Liz Chandler's gardening tips at PurlsAndPixels.

What Can You Do Instead?

You don’t have to sit on your hands. Here’s what I do during false spring:

About Those Hoses & Sprinklers

Around here, plenty of home gardeners and ranchers are already watering during the day: sometimes we have to with our dry climate. While ranchers’ irrigation setups can usually handle a bit of freezing, your garden hose and outdoor spigot probably can’t. If you’re watering this time of year, make sure to unhook your hoses and sprinklers at night. A quick dip below freezing is all it takes to crack a faucet or split a hose. It’s one of those little habits that can save you a big headache when real spring finally sticks around.

Irrigation sprinklers often freeze up in the early months of spring. Don't plant outside durring false spring - your garden plants can't tolerate the cold. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Tools I Actually Use (and Love)

Living pretty far from the hardware store, I get a lot of my gardening gear on Amazon. Find a full list of my favorite gardening finds on Amazon (affiliate link):

Shop Liz Chandler's garden tool recommendations like a kitchen top planter, seed kit, or digging tools with these affiliate links.

PSA: Don’t Let the Internet Rush You Planting Too Soon

Every spring, the internet lights up with planting pics, lush gardens, and early harvests from warmer places. Don’t let it fool you into jumping the gun. Just because someone else is posting bean sprouts doesn’t mean it’s planting time here. Use this season to plan, prep, and get inspired. When the nature is ready, you’ll be more than ready to start humming along.

Your full summer garden is just around the corner, flowers, hummingbirds, and all. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Don’t be Fooled by Some Beautiful Spring Weather

If you’re gardening in Colorado, the best thing you can grow in early spring is patience (and maybe some spinach). False spring is beautiful but brutal. So take a breath, sip your coffee, and wait it out.

Then, when the real spring arrives? You’ll be ready; and your plants will thank you.

Snow falling on tulips is a frequent sight in Colorado. False spring tricks plants into blooming, then drops a surprise cold snap, nearly every year. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

🪴 Growing an Indoor Herb Garden

🌱 Planning to Garden This Year? Start Here! 

🌿 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch

🥕 Harvesting Carrots: When and How to Pick Your Crop

🌱 Starting Seedlings: A New Year’s Guide

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What to Feed Baby Chicks in a Pinch

Run out of chick starter? Learn what I feed my chicks in a pinch and get my emergency baby chick feed recipe 💞 Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Homemade Emergency Chick Feed from Kitchen Staples🥚

If you have been following along, you already know I just hatched a healthy bunch of chicks. Fifteen out of twenty-four eggs made it, and they are thriving. They are about two weeks old now, and we are well past the yolk sac phase. But this morning, I hit a snag: I ran out of chick starter feed.

Living in a rural area, I cannot exactly dash out for feed at six a.m., so I had to improvise. Here is what I fed my baby chicks using pantry staples. Spoiler alert: they loved it.

Sometimes you run out of chicken feed. Here is what I do….

Emergency Chick Feed Recipe for Baby Chicks 🐥

Ingredients:

  • 1 dozen hard-boiled eggs (including shells)
  • Generous shake of ground cinnamon
  • A few pinches of red pepper flakes
  • A generous pour of dry oats

Instructions:

  1. Boil the eggs until solid, then peel and keep the shells. These are a great source of calcium.
  2. Mash the entire egg, including the shell, with a potato masher until it no longer resembles an egg. The goal is zero recognition. No confusing breakfast for relatives.
  3. Stir in cinnamon and red pepper flakes.
  4. Add dry oatmeal to soak up moisture and provide texture.

This batch made enough for two full feedings for my brooder of hungry chicks.

Keep refrigerated between feedings and use within 24 hours to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Use sparingly and not as a replacement for real chick feed (affiliate link).

Emergency chick feed recipe from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels. Feed sparingly and not as a regular replacement for real chick feed.

Bonus: Adult Chickens Love It Too 🐔

I also give a version of this mash as an occasional treat to my adult chickens. I throw in leftover greens, cooked vegetables, and other healthy kitchen scraps to bulk it up. They go wild for it, and it is a great way to reduce waste while giving them something nutritious and fun to scratch through.

Red Pepper Flakes and Cinnamon? But, Can Chicks Eat Spices? 🌶️

Yes, chickens can eat spicy things, for a very surprising reason. Chickens do not have receptors for capsaicin, the spicy compound found in chili peppers. That means red pepper flakes will not bother them at all. In fact, hot peppers and cinnamon can help deter pests and may even support digestive health. Cinnamon is thought to offer mild immune support and reduce mold growth, making it a handy pantry addition.

Ground cinnamon is a healthy addition to chicken snacks and work in emergency backup chick starter feed. Recipe from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Crushed red pepper flakes are a healthy addition to chicken snacks and work in emergency backup chick starter feed. Recipe from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Their Water 🍎

When using a homemade chick feed, it is helpful to add a splash of raw apple cider vinegar (about one tablespoon per quart of water) to their waterer. This may support gut health, boost immunity, and help keep the water clean. However, avoid using it daily. Three to four times a week is plenty.

Why This Works in a Pinch

⚠️ This is not a long-term feeding solution, but it checks the boxes when you are in a bind:

  • Protein: Eggs provide high-quality protein that is essential for early chick development.
  • Calcium: Crushed shells offer calcium to support bone strength. Be sure they are finely mashed to avoid egg-eating habits later on.
  • Spices: Cinnamon and red pepper flakes are natural additives that may help control bacteria and parasites.
  • Oats: Gentle on digestion and good for fiber.
Out of chick starter? Learn what I feed my chicks in a pinch if I can't get to town right away. Get the recipe from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

How Long Is This Safe for Baby Chicks?

This homemade mix can sustain your chicks for up to one or two days. That should be enough time to pick up a proper chick starter feed. Return them to their regular balanced ration as soon as possible.

Rural Living Tip 🏔️

If you can, keep an extra bag of chick starter on hand. But if you run out, do not panic. A dozen eggs and a few pantry basics can help you bridge the gap. Just do not make it your go-to method.

Quick Note from the Coop 🐣

This mix worked well for my chicks, but every flock is different. If something does not sit right with your little fluffballs, please trust your gut and do what feels safest. This is just a stopgap meal shared from one chicken mama to another. This is not veterinary advice.

Out of chick starter? Learn what I feed my chicks in a pinch if I can't get to town right away. Get the recipe from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Did You Enjoy Learning What I Feed Baby Chicks in a Pinch?

Browse more tips, homestead resources, and beginner-friendly gear recommendations right here on the blog.

🐔 The Joy and Practicality of Raising Backyard Chickens

🐥 Where I Keep Baby Chicks

🐤 When to Move Chicks Outside

🪹 What I Did When My Hens Stopped Laying in the Coop

🐻 Keeping Bears Out of the Chicken Coop

📺 Follow PurlsAndPixels on YouTube for More of my Cozy Videos

🧺 Shop my Favorite Chicken Keeping Essentials on Amazon (affliate link)

Don’t Miss a Peep

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What Is Continental Knitting?

What is Continental Knitting? Learn how to knit with the yarn in your left hand using free lessons by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Continental Knitting Explained 🧵

If you’ve ever seen someone knit so quickly it looks like magic (or maybe old-school homestead sorcery), they might be using Continental knitting. This technique, often called “picking,” involves holding the yarn in your left hand and grabbing it with the needle rather than wrapping it around manually. It’s efficient, elegant, and a favorite among speed knitters and cozy crafters alike.

What Makes Continental Knitting Different?

Unlike English-style knitting (where the yarn is held in the right hand and “thrown” around the needle), Continental knitting keeps the yarn tensioned in the left hand. The right needle grabs or “picks” the yarn to form each stitch: less flailing, more flow.

Continental knitting tends to be faster for many folks once they get the hang of it. Because there’s less hand movement between stitches, your projects can fly off the needles. It’s perfect for finishing up a sweater before the snow hits or gifting beanies to everyone at the bonfire.

Continental Knitting vs. English Knitting

Benefits of Continental Knitting for Beginners

  • Speed: With practice, it can dramatically increase your knitting speed.
  • Efficiency: Fewer movements mean less hand strain, which can help reduce repetitive stress injuries.
  • Great for left-handed knitters: Since the yarn is in your left hand, some lefties find this method more intuitive.
  • Smooth colorwork: Stranded knitting (like Fair Isle) is easier because you can hold one color in each hand and feel like a yarn-wielding wizard next to the woodstove.

Personal Note from Liz 🖋️

I actually never learned to knit any other way. Because I started with crochet, knitting Continental felt more natural from the start. Holding the yarn in my left hand just made sense. There was no awkward learning curve or dramatic battle with tension. I didn’t even know it had a fancy name; it was just what my hands wanted to do.

Now, I teach Continental knitting in my lessons at PurlsAndPixels.com/learn-to-knit because it helps beginners build even tension and knit more fluidly from the start. That page walks you through step-by-step video tutorials for each foundational skill: from casting on, to knitting and purling Continental style, to finishing your first project with rustic flair.

Continental Knitting Tips for Beginners

Want to try this right away? Grab your yarn and follow along with my free video tutorials at my Learn to Knit Index. You’ll be grabbing stitches like a pro in no time.

How to hold your yarn when knitting, a lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Common Mistakes When Learning Continental

Should You Switch to Continental Knitting?

If you already knit comfortably using English style, there’s no need to switch unless you’re curious or want to knit fast enough to make your coffee jealous. But if you’re just starting out, Continental knitting can be a smoother road to even stitches and faster progress.

Get Started with Continental Knitting Lessons

🧵 Want a head start? Sign up here to get my free Knitting Starter Kit. It includes printable cheat sheets, beginner tips, a free pattern, and everything you need to start stitching with confidence.

🧶 Ready to follow along? Visit the Learn to Knit Index to get free knitting lessons, watch full video demonstrations, get a printable guide, and explore beginner-friendly knitting patterns to get you going.

📚 Prefer books? Grab a copy of Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns, an all-in-one, eye-catching textbook with step-by-step instructions, patterns, and guidance to take you from your first stitch to your first finished project.

Frequently Asked Questions about Continental Knitting

Q: Is Continental knitting better than English?
A: It depends on your style. Continental is faster and more ergonomic for some knitters. English style might feel more natural if you’re used to it.

Q: Is Continental knitting good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Especially if you’ve crocheted before, holding yarn in your left hand will feel familiar.

Q: Can Continental knitting improve my speed?
A: Yes. Many knitters report faster knitting with less hand fatigue once they get used to the movements.

Q: What’s the best yarn for learning Continental knitting?
A: A medium-weight yarn (like worsted) in a light color makes it easier to see your stitches. Pair it with wood or bamboo needles to keep things steady.

Tried this method? Tag me @purlsandpixels so I can cheer you on! Or leave a comment on the blog—I love hearing about your projects.

📍 Putting the First Stitches on Knitting Needles: Learn to Cast On

🧶 How to Knit: The Knit Stitch (Continental Style)

🧵 How to Purl: Continental Purl Stitch for Beginners

✂️ How to Bind Off in Knitting (Step-by-Step Guide)

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

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DIY Chicken Coop Dust Mask Alternative: Use a Kid’s Worn-Out Shirt for Sustainable Homestead Cleaning

Learn how an old, worn-out kid's shirt can make a excellent dust mask substitute in a pinch. Tip from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels on homestead chicken coop cleaning.

Because sometimes the best gear is already in your laundry pile. 👕

Cleaning the chicken coop is not glamorous, but it is part of the homestead routine. It goes right alongside gathering eggs and keeping an eye on that one suspicious rooster. If you have ever stepped into the coop on a dry day, you know how quickly dust can rise and coat everything, including your lungs. I always wear a dust mask, but this time I was in a pinch and needed an alternative.

This week, I needed a dust mask and did not have one. In search of an alternative, I scoured the house to find something to substitute. What I found was a pile of old kid clothes destined for the rag bag.

Enter: the humble, worn-out toddler tee. This old kid’s shirt made a great dust mask substitute. (And please don’t mind my oh-so-glamorous hairstyle – I am about to clean a chicken coop after all. 💅)

🧼 How to Make a Dust Mask from a Kid’s Shirt

This kid’s shirt dust mask is definitely not Pinterest-perfect. This is real life and ready-to-go. No sewing necessary.

Here is what I did:

  1. Grabbed one of my son’s outgrown cotton T-shirts (bonus points for stains).
  2. Pulled it over my head like a scarf, then up over my nose and mouth.
  3. Tucked the collar over my ears for a snug fit. (No ear loops? No problem.)

And just like that, I had an instant dust barrier. I added a pair of sunglasses to keep the dust out of my eyes, which made the whole setup feel almost intentional. Sure, it is not OSHA-approved, but it kept the coop dander out of my face and let me breathe much easier.

Disclaimer: This setup is no N95, and I doubt it keeps out germs. But for the dusty chore I was doing, it was certainly better than nothing.

👕 Why This Works

  • Cotton is breathable yet still filters most of the floating feathers, fluff, and straw particles.
  • T-shirts are stretchy, so they provide a comfortable fit without pinching.
  • It is reusable. Hose it off, toss it in the laundry, and use it again.
Homestead tip: a worn out toddler shirt works as a dust mask in a pinch. 👕🐣 #homesteadlife

🐣 Bonus Tip

This method also works well when stirring compost, mowing dry fields, or handling dusty hay.

If you are looking for ways to clean your chicken coop without store-bought masks or expensive gear, this easy DIY hack can help you breathe easier and save money.

🌾 Real Homesteading Is About Resourcefulness

You do not need expensive equipment to do the job well. Often, all you need is something clean-ish, soft, and stretchy.

Homestead cleaning hack using kid's shirt and sunglasses a tip from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

And those stained, worn-out shirts that are too rough for Goodwill donations? They are perfect for this task.

Read More

Enjoy homesteading and gardening tips like this dust mask alternative? Explore more small farm content:

🌱 10 Tips for Starting Your Homestead: Simple Steps to Turn Your Dream into Reality

🧰 5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Homestead Running Smoothly (Even When Life Feels Chaotic)

🌸 Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

🥕 Harvesting Carrots

🏡 Cozy Lifestyle Basics: Mountain Living Edition

🧺 Shop Liz’s Favorite Homestead Supplies on Amazon (affiliate link)

Homestead Living Essentials

Home & Garden DIY
Rustic Living Tips
Learn to Knit

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