Category: Homestead

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The Knitting Garden: Seedling Repotting

Plant Growth Spurts and Repotting Shenanigans

Hope this update finds you in good spirits! Hold onto your knitting needles because it’s time for a report on the wild antics of my New Year’s Day seedlings, starring the one and only seedling repotting extravaganza. It has been two months now and my little baby plants have outgrown their first pots.

Learn to repot seedlings with Liz Chandler @ PurlsAndPixels

Apple Seedlings

Take the apple seedlings, for instance. These mischievous little sprouts are tossing leaves and shoots around like they’ve discovered the secret to a plant rave. Their repotting makeover has transformed them into the life of the botanical party. I’m envisioning a future of bountiful apple harvests, providing both sustenance and ample inspiration for my knitting escapades.

Artichoke Seedlings

And then there are the artichokes, living their best lives in upgraded accommodations. With newfound space, they’re flaunting extravagant leaf unfurling ceremonies. It’s like they’re rehearsing for a vegetable beauty pageant, and I’m eagerly awaiting the day they’re crowned the queens of my knitting garden.

Pepperoncini Seedlings

In the realm of pepperoncini, things are heating up – quite literally. These VIP-treated pepper plants are flexing their green leaves and budding peppers with an extra dose of sass. I anticipate them adding some serious heat to my meals, perhaps even delivering a spicy stand-up comedy routine on the side.

Indoor Tomato Plant

And as for my indoor tomato houseplant I started last fall? It has a green tomato to boast about! Picture this tomato strutting its stuff, declaring, “Look what I can do!” Who knew repotting could turn a tomato into a superstar?

As I navigate the unpredictable world of repotted seedlings, it’s clear that New Year’s Day was just the opening act for a dramatic comedy of plant proportions. Stay tuned for more laughs and updates as we continue this horticultural stand-up routine. Here’s to a year filled with knitting, gardening, and the joy of watching our repotted seedlings steal the show!

Repotting Seedlings 101: Time to Give the Plants a New Home

Now that we’ve had our share of laughs with the sprightly seedlings, let’s delve into the not-so-serious, but very important, matter of repotting these green comrades. Because, let’s face it, even plants need a change of scenery every once in a while!

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Think of it as matchmaking for your plants. Find a pot that’s just the right size – not too big, not too small. You don’t want your seedlings feeling like they’re in a mansion or stuck in a studio apartment. Goldilocks would be proud.

Choose a pot that is just a bit bigger than your seedling when repotting. Choose a pot that is just a bit bigger than your seedling when repotting. This ensures your plants stay happy.

Step 2: Mind the Roots

When you are working on seedling repotting, make sure to be careful with the delicate roots. It’s like giving your plants a spa day. Gently loosen the roots from their cozy starter pot. Don’t be too harsh; remember, it’s a delicate operation, not a wrestling match. We’re aiming for happy, not traumatized.

Seedling repotting with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Step 3: Fresh Soil, Fresh Start

Think of this as a plant vacation – new soil, new adventures. Choose a nutrient-rich mix to give your green buddies the best start in their upgraded homes. Maybe throw on a little “Welcome to the Jungle” soundtrack for added flair.

A little pro top for those soil bags….

When opening your soil bag, don’t cut horizontally at the top. Instead cut a vertical silt down from the top. You’ll be able to tie the top of the bag closed when your done. No more spilling dirt all over the place!

Open your potting soil with a vertical silt so you'll be able to close it more easily when you are done. Open your potting soil with a vertical silt so you'll be able to close it more easily when you are done. Tie a cute little bow and no more soil spills!

Step 4: Water with a Sprinkle, Not a Flood

Plants appreciate a good drink, but let’s not turn this into a water park comedy. Be mindful not to overflow their new digs; a gentle sprinkle will do. Imagine it’s a sophisticated tea party for your seedlings, not a wild pool party.

Water newly repotted seedlings, but be gentle; you don't want to drown or hurt the delicate plants.

Step 5: Sunlight Serenade

Just like us, plants need their daily dose of Vitamin D. Place them in a spot where they can bask in the sunlight, not in a dark comedy corner. Let them soak up the rays, and watch them flourish like little botanical superstars.

Repot your seedlings if it is too early to put them outside, but they are getting too big for their starter pots.

And there you have it – the not-so-serious guide for seedling repotting. Remember, it’s all about creating a pleasant environment where your green friends (and you) can thrive. Happy repotting, and may your plants enjoy their new homes!

Stay tuned, because now that there are some open starter pots, I’ll be trying to grow Celery for the first time this year… It should be an interesting project!

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Knitting in the Sticks

Knitting in the sticks by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

How Country Living Wove Its Way into My Practical Knitting Adventures

Life in the countryside isn’t just about picturesque landscapes; it’s also about how my knitting needles have adapted to thrive in the great outdoors. Let’s unravel the influence that knitting in the sticks (yes, pun intended 😉) has had on my own crafting adventures.

Spinning a Yarn: Just Me, the Mountains, and the Trees

Let me tell you the tale of how my knitting has evolved since I moved back to my small, Colorado hometown. With less than 2000 people in town and lots of State and National Forest to wander around, I meet more deer and turkeys than I do people. And, thank goodness for the space! Nature and country-living have, without a doubt, inspired my knits.

Wild turkey in the pinon forest photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

Yarn Adventures: Nature’s Color Palette

Living in the boonies means my yarn choices are a bit like picking berries – I go for the richest hues, found right outside my door. Whether it’s the muddy browns after a rainy day, the vibrant greens dancing in the trees, or the blue hues of the Rocky Mountain sky, my yarn basket mimics the countryside’s color spectrum.

Knitting in the sticks photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

Weather-Proof Knits: Seasons Got Style

Surviving the rural Colorado climate means knitting for all seasons. When winter hits, I’m like a knitting bear in hibernation, creating thick, cozy accessories that could keep a snowman toasty. Come spring, my knitting switches to “practical mode” with functional home goods, like hand towels and washcloths.

Knitting in the Sticks by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

Rural living also means limited choices. When the nearest mall is two hours away, fashion trends tend to fall behind. (We were still wearing those low-rise hip-hugging jeans well into the 2010s 🤫). That’s why I stick with classic, minimalist knitting designs that can survive changes in trends.

Farmyard Fiber Finds: Local Yarn Heroes

Let’s talk sheepish secrets! Living near farms means I’ve got access to some real woolly wonders. I snag local sheep’s fleece and alpaca wool fibers whenever I can. Craft fairs, art shows, and small-town festivals are filled with hidden fuzzy-gems. And trust me, these local fibers know how to keep you warm!

Fluffy Alpaca photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

Practical Patterns: Hardworking Hobbies

I’ve mastered rural traditions in knitting that are as practical as a good ol’ farmer’s handshake. Classic stitches and Fair Isle designs – they aren’t just pretty; they’re like the Swiss Army knives of knitting, ready for anything mountain life throws my way.

See the Wide-Brim Hat Pattern

Tranquility: Peace Amidst the Pines and Purls

Here in my forest, a countryside symphony of chirping birds calm and entertain. As I weave together a new knitting project, songbirds whistle and hawks screech. Woodpeckers drum, while ravens provide a throaty chortle. Little Steller’s Jays mimic the other’s songs. The opus echoes down my little canyon when they awake. It’s the best sound therapy I can think of: simply soaking in the tranquility of the piñon forest.

Red Tailed Hawk Colorado Skies photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.
Songbirds in the oak brush photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.
Steller's Jay in front of a Full Moon photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

Knitting in the Sticks

Living in the sticks has added a practical twist to my knitting endeavors. From yarn hues inspired by nature’s whimsy to patterns that could handle a rural rodeo, my knitting journey is a playful dance with the practical, backwoods charm. So, here’s to needles clicking, sheep frolicking, and country living inspiring every purl and knit in my stash!

Knitting in the sticks photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.
Knitting in the Sticks: Colorado Knitting inspiration, photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

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The Calm Before the Snowstorm: Preparing in Colorado’s Fickle Weather

Learn how I snowstorm prep in Colorado. Homesteading with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Snowstorm Prep in Southwest Colorado

by Liz Chandler

Ah, the weather in Colorado – as changeable as a toddler’s mood swings. We all know that fleeting moment of warmth just before a snowstorm hits. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Here’s a quick taste of spring before I dump more snow on you!” In that brief respite, it’s time to get your game face on and snowstorm prep.

Preparing for the Incoming Snowstorm

The Calm Before the Snowstorm: Preparing in Colorado's Fickle Weather by Liz Chandler

Picture this: The sun’s out, the snow’s melting, and I’m doing a mad dash around the yard. Garden tools left out? Check. Animals comfy in their shelters? Check. Buildings ready to face the snowy wrath? Check, check, check. Because in Colorado, you’ve got to seize the moment!

Animals and Outbuildings

Sure you can refill the chicken feed tomorrow. They’ve got a little left. But do you really want to hike out there in a foot of snow? I sure don’t, so I make sure to top off the hens’ feeders and waterers when it is warm and beautiful. The girls are happy, I’m happy. It is a win-win!

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: refill the chicken feeders on the warm day before most storms.

Tools, Hoses, and Toys

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: make sure your snowplow and other equipment are in working order and accessible.

An essential tip for preparing for Colorado snowstorms is to meticulously check and ensure the functionality of your snowplow and other winter equipment. Confirm that the snowplow is in optimal working condition, with all components thoroughly inspected and any necessary repairs addressed. Additionally, it is crucial to guarantee that the equipment is easily accessible when the need arises. A well-maintained and readily available snowplow can significantly streamline the process of clearing driveways and pathways, contributing to a more efficient and stress-free response to the winter weather challenges that often grace the Colorado landscape.

Colorado snow prep tip: put the wheel barrow and other garden tools away before it snows.

Another crucial tip for preparing for Colorado snowstorms involves taking advantage of the fleeting warm days: make it a priority to pick up outdoor toys and tools. These items left scattered in the yard may soon find themselves buried under a blanket of snow, complicating cleanup and potentially causing damage.

Get your tools orgainized for winter before the first storm hits. Keep them organized by upcycling an old pallet. Find the DIY from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

If your weather has been warm enough to use the garden hoses, it’s time to unhook them from the house and outdoor faucets. Leaving water hoses connected in freezing temperatures can cause the hoses or, worse, the pipes in your house to freeze and burst from the expanding water turning ice.

By seizing the opportunity to tidy up during those brief spells of milder weather, you ensure a smoother transition into the snowy days ahead, saving both time and effort in the long run.

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: pick up toys and tools on warm days or they'll get buried in the snow.

Finish Shoveling

Colorado Snowstorm prep tip: Finish shoveling icy spots as soon as they thaw or you'll get more snow on top and they will be stuck all winter.

Alright, fellow winter warriors, here’s a snow survival nugget: treat icy spots like ninja snow – quick and sneaky! The game plan? Finish shoveling those frosty troublemakers as soon as they thaw. Why, you ask? Well, let’s just say we want to avoid a winter-long staring contest with stubborn ice patches. If you procrastinate, they might just call in more snow reinforcements and set up camp for the entire season. So, grab your shovel, channel your inner snow superhero, and let’s keep our winter pathways drama-free and slip-proof!

Embracing Indoor Activities: Knitting During Snowstorms

Knitting Journal: Winter Wonderland by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

As soon as the snowflakes commence their enchanting dance, it’s officially knitting o’clock! Believe me, it’s the ideal way to embrace the storm. The needles go clickety-clack, and in the blink of an eye, I transform into a crafting maestro in the midst of a winter wonderland.

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Saluting the Quirks of Colorado Weather

Ah, Colorado – where the weather keeps us on our toes! That last sunny hurrah before a snowstorm? It’s our reminder to prep smart and savor every twist and turn. So, here’s to our ever-surprising skies and the quirky rituals that make our snowy days a tad cozier.

Hey, how do you snowstorm prep in Colorado’s yo-yo weather? Share your tips for embracing the unexpected or let me know your secret weather-predicting weapon. WeatherBug, anyone?

Colorado snowstorm prep.

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Wildlife Tales from My Colorado Craft Haven

Look, a mule deer. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Where Knitting Meets Critters and Gardens Host Gossip Sessions

So, picture this: Southwest Colorado, where my knitting needles and gardening trowels mingle with the locals – the wildlife! From my crafting corner, I’ve got a front-row seat to nature’s sitcom, and let me tell you, it’s both hilarious and awe inspiring.

Hummingbird High-Speed Chase

Colorado has the best hummingbirds. Squirrel spying on the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Ever tried knitting while hummingbirds zip around? It’s like a NASCAR race with wings! These speedsters inspire me to pick vibrant yarn colors, because, let’s face it, life’s too short for dull colors when hummingbirds are around.

Squirrel Shenanigans and Cheeky Chipmunks

Squirrel spying on the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Gardening with squirrels and chipmunks around is a bit like playing hide-and-seek. They eye my veggies, I try to protect ’em. It’s a constant game of “Who’s got the best tricks?” Their antics remind me to knit resilient stitches, just in case they decide to get crafty with my knitting basket.

A silly chipmunk tries to drive a Tonka Truck through my garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Deer Drama Queen

As twilight sets in, the deer emerge, looking all majestic until they nibble on my carefully tended plants! They’re the garden divas, strutting in for a snack. But hey, their elegance sometimes sneaks into my knitting patterns – subtle and graceful, just like those sneaky but graceful nibblers.

Mamma mule deer and her twin fawns looking for food. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Butterfly Makeovers

A caterpillar snacks on dill in the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

From caterpillar chaos to butterfly beauty, the garden’s got its own makeover show! It’s like witnessing a craft project in fast-forward. Their transformations nudge me to experiment with new knitting patterns – after all, change is a beautiful thing, right?

A yellow butterfly in flight to a fruit tree blossom. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
A yellow butterfly lands on a fruit tree blossom. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Songbird Karaoke Nights

Wild Colorado Songbird observing the lettuce in my garden. Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

These songbirds make my gardening soundtrack! It’s a full-on karaoke session out there. Their tunes fuel my knitting rhythm. Who knew a knitting session could double as an open mic night for nature’s finest crooners? And what’s extra-exciting in my neck of the woods is to hear the Steller’s Jays imitate the local hawks. Sometimes I hear a hawk scream and look up to see this fellow. The little stinker does it to clear the garden of other birds that might be competing for food. They hear a hawk and flee, while the Jay feasts happily, knowing the birds of prey are not on the attack.

Steller's Jays can imitate hawks and other sounds. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
A hawk scratches his face, taking a break. Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Wild Turkey Troublemakers

Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Now, speaking of wild birds, I often run into the most beautiful flock of wild turkeys while knitting and gardening outside. They are adorable and so fun to watch. But they do love a good garden snack, just like anyone else. Do I share? Usually. They’re too fun to run off. Oh, and it is also amazingly fun to watch wild turkeys take flight.

Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Bumbling Bees

Lets not forget the most important of the garden creatures to visit while I’m clicking my knitting needles. Both honey and bumble bees are both vital to the garden’s survival and to my knitting bliss. Listen to the sweet soft buzzing while you weave together your newest knitting project. Your mind will thank you for the tranquility.

Bumble bees pollinate snap dragons. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Bumble bees pollinate snap dragons. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Those knitting stitches do keep your eyes focused. But don’t forget to take a break and look up every now and then. Otherwise you might miss spotting some really amazing wildlife.

Don't forget to look up, or you might miss the wildlife.Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

In Southwest Colorado, my knitting and gardening adventures unfold amidst the quirkiest cast of characters – the local wildlife! Their shenanigans and charm sneak into my crafting choices, adding a touch of nature’s comedy to my cozy craft haven.

Join Liz Chandler knitting in her Colorado mountain haven. Garden, grow, and learn to knit at purlsandpixels.com.

Knit along with me and be sure you follow me on Instagram: that’s where I share my best nature and knitting photos.

Let’s be friends! @PurlsAndPixels on Instagram.

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Starting Seedlings on New Year’s Day

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

My New Year’s Day tradition? Starting seedlings. Yes, I know it seems early, but the timing is just right if you live in a cold climate with a short growing season. Some of those stubborn, slow growing garden plants like tomatoes and peppers just don’t have time to make their yummy fruit. I can’t tell you how many sad, frozen green tomatoes I have pouted over. So, now I have a new tradition: starting seedlings on New Year’s Day. Sewing my slow-growing seeds inside on January 1st to gives them the best head-start possible.

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Winter Seedlings

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

I live and garden in Southwest Colorado, Zone 6A. (Find your Plant Hardiness Zone at the USDA website.) That means our typical planting season, like many of the colder Zones, is pretty short. Plants can safely be outside from June 1st through mid-September. Those three and a half months fly by, and, in my experience, sneaky September frosts often kill off your favorite flowers and veggies before they fully ripen. Tragic.

Instead of planting little seedlings outside when June comes along, I need to plant fairly large tomatoes, peppers, and perennials inside quite early. To give them time to develop, I start now! And it sure makes for a happy New Year’s Day to get your hands dirty and start watching something grow.

Gardening Inside

Since my home is fairly well lit, I do have the advantage of bright sun in my bedroom most of the day. This means that come January 1st, my bedroom doubles as a seed-starting room and plant nursery. I adore waking up to my little garden of plants every morning.

When planting my seeds, I don’t do anything too fancy. I use square white starter pots and regular potting soil (affiliate links). Make sure the soil is thoroughly saturated with water before planting your seed. When watering, be gentle and careful not to disturb the seed. Or, try watering from the bottom. Place a tray under the seed pot and keep that tray filled with water; the plant will soak the water up through the holes in the pot without disturbing delicate seedlings.

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

I do supplement their lighting with an LED grow light like this one found on Amazon. This helps prevent the plants from getting leggy (too tall) while they wait to go outside. If your home doesn’t have great lighting, you will probably want to use grow lights for all your indoor garden plants.

Replenish their water to keep your plants hydrated, and a bit of diluted fertilizer once a month after they’ve established themselves is all you’ll need to keep your indoor plants happy. Then, once summer arrives (and those nasty freezes go away), you can harden the plants off and plant them out in the garden.

Hardening Off

Acclimating your plants to the outdoor weather is even more important when they’ve spent so much time inside. Make sure you bring them outside on nice, calm days. Too much wind, cold, or heat will shrivel your sheltered plant babies. Give them just a few hours in the outdoor shade to start with. Then, slowly add time to their outdoor recess until they can handle a full day and night outside. I’ll even take the extra step of letting them sit in their garden spot while still in their pots. If they get wilt-y or start getting crispy leaf tips, they may need a different place in the garden or a bit more time in the shade before they are planted out.

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A New Gardening Tradition for a New Year

If you’re like me and live in a very chilly part of the world, starting seedlings on New Year’s Day could be an exciting new tradition. And it might just be the ticket to a full harvest this summer.

Starting seedlings on New Year's Day. A cold climate tradition with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Happy New Year and happy gardening!



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My Knitting Garden

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Welcoming Gardening into my Knitting Haven

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Dear fellow knitting enthusiasts, welcome to an exciting new chapter in my creative journey! Today, I’m thrilled to share a budding passion that’s been quietly flourishing alongside my knitting adventures – the vibrant world of gardening. I hope you will join me in my knitting garden, so we can grow together.

A Shared Thread: Knitting and Gardening

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

For those who’ve followed my knitting escapades, you’ll understand the joy of crafting something magical out of a simple skein of yarn. Now, imagine that same sense of creation but with soil, seeds, and a garden spade. Gardening, much like knitting, is a canvas for creativity, a testament to patience, and a journey filled with growth.

A Personal Connection

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

You might wonder, “Gardening on a knitting blog?” Well, let me share a little secret – gardening has become more than just planting flowers and growing veggies. Growing food and flowers has intertwined itself with my knitting journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The vibrant colors of my garden have found their way into yarn choices. The rhythm of knitting often echoes the peacefulness of a garden in bloom.

Where Knitting Meets Greenery

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Picture this: knitting needles click in harmony with the rustling leaves. A newly sprouted garden bed inspires the next knitting pattern. Curious wildlife wanders by. These moments, where knitting meets nature, have become cherished encounters that I can’t wait to share with all of you.

Spinning a Yarn in the Garden

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Gardening and knitting – two seemingly distinct worlds – have found common ground in my creative space. Just as knitting stitches come together to form a beautiful piece, so do the seeds planted in my garden. They both sprout into a colorful tapestry that resonates with the essence of my knitting projects.

What’s Next?

As we embark on this gardening-knitting journey together, expect to see the garden growing onto my knitting blog pages more often. From planting tips that complement yarn choices, to stories where garden motifs find their way into our knitting patterns, a whole new chapter is waiting to be unraveled. I may also tell you a little about my chickens, too.

Build a knitting garden (with chickens!) with Liz Chandler @ PurlsAndPixels.

So, my dear knitting companions, prepare to see a hint of green among my yarn stash. Gardening has strolled into my knitting haven, and I couldn’t be more excited to knit this new story with all of you.

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Holiday Pattern Roundup

Liz Chandler's Holiday Craft DIY Roundup with knitting patterns, crochet patterns, and easy DIY gifts and decorations at PurlsAndPixels.

Holiday DIY Craft Roundup: Knitting, Crochet, and Craft Patterns from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

With the holidays fast approaching, I’ve gathered all my festive knitting, crochet, and craft patterns into one place to help you add some handmade charm to your season. Whether you’re decorating your home or creating heartfelt gifts for Christmas, these projects are perfect for crafters of all levels!

Explore Christmas DIY Projects

Below you’ll find the most exciting handmade holiday crafts:

🧤 Tiny Mitten Ornaments

🍬 Peppermint Twist Garland

🍭 Cherry Candy Cane Potholder

🎁 Learn to Knit Gift Set

🏷️ Santa’s Gift Tags

🍪 Cookies as Gifts – Shipping Tips

🎅 Santa Hat and Gloves

🎄 Mini Santa Hat Ornament

Tiny Knit Mitten Ornaments

These adorable mini mittens are perfect for trimming your tree or crafting a festive garland. They’re also a wonderful holiday DIY craft for using up leftover yarn. Quick to knit and irresistibly cute!
🎄 Get the pattern here

Learn to knit holiday ornament mini mittens with this free knitting pattern sample from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Peppermint Twist Garland

Create a fun candy-cane-inspired garland to decorate your tree, staircase, or mantle. This simple chain project is a great activity for kids and adds a handmade touch to your decor.
🎄 Find the pattern here

Learn to crochet a peppermint garland with this easy tutorial from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Cherry Candy Cane Potholder

This oversized potholder doubles as a festive decor accent. Its chunky yarn construction makes it both quick to knit and sturdy enough for holiday entertaining. Pair it with a candy cane centerpiece for extra holiday cheer!
🎄 Get the pattern here

Easy cherry candy cane pot holder knitting pattern a quick holiday knitting project from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Learn to Knit Gift Set

Delight the aspiring crafter in your life with a DIY knitting gift basket! Include essentials like yarn, needles, scissors, and a link to my online beginner’s guide. It’s a thoughtful gift that lasts a lifetime.
🎄 Find out how to make it here

Give the gift of handmade by creating this do-it-yourself (DIY) Learn to Knit Gift Set. Get the list of everything you'd need to start your knitting lessons without buying any supplies.

Santa’s Gift Tags

Add a magical touch to presents from Santa with these printable, customizable gift tags. With this quick holiday DIY craft, you can edit the design to personalize for your little ones. Use them year after year for a charming family tradition.
🎄 Download the tags here

Printable "From Santa" Gift Tags for Christmas, a Free DIY project from Liz Chandler

Cookies as Gifts – Shipping Tips

Send holiday cheer to faraway loved ones with homemade cookies! Learn my tried-and-true tips for packaging and shipping cookies so they arrive fresh and intact.
🎄 Check out my tips here

Homemade cookies baked fresh from the oven are my favorite holiday gift to give. When loved ones are far away, you can ship cookies to their homes. Find Liz Chandler's tips @PurlsAndPixels

Santa Hat and Gloves

Keep your family cozy and festive with matching Santa hats and gloves! This beginner-friendly knitting pattern ensures everyone looks adorable on Christmas morning.
🎄 Get the pattern here

Santa Hats and Gloves in all sizes knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Mini Santa Hat Ornament

Tiny Santa Hats make anything more festive! Knit them for tree ornaments, garlands, wreaths, and gift boxes.
🎄 Get the pattern here

Learn to knit Tiny Santa Hat mini ornaments with this free knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

More Holiday Craft Ideas

Looking for more inspiration? Browse my holiday articles filled with cozy crafts and clever gift ideas:
🎄 Liz’s Holiday Gift Guide

🎁 DIY Gift Ideas

💞 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Handcrafted with Love

🎃 Halloween DIY Pattern Roundup

🏡 Cozy Home Inspiration

🛍️ Shop Cozy Gifts on Amazon

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Crafting!

I hope this Holiday Pattern Roundup got you in the mood to create something amazing! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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Knitting Inspiration from Nature

Hot air balloon sunrise, nature photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Transforming the Colors of the Wild into Cozy Creations 🏔️

Life out here in the Rocky Mountains is wild. Literally. Some days, I’m watching deer stroll past my window like they own the place. Other days, I’m rescuing my knitting from a particularly bold gust of wind. No matter what the day brings, one thing stays the same: wherever I go, yarn is never far behind. My knitting inspiration comes from all the nature around me.

I love taking pictures of mountains, forests, and cozy little moments. If you look closely, you’ll probably notice a trend. There’s often a ball of yarn or a half-finished project lurking in the shot. That’s not a coincidence. That’s just me, living my life, chasing daylight to get the perfect shot, and occasionally “shooting” coyotes. With a camera, of course. Knitting inspiration can come from anywhere, even wildlife. No need to alert the game warden. 📸

A coyote behind a massive tree stump in the Colorado pinon forest. Photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Why PurlsAndPixels is Packed with Pretty Nature Photos

Knitting inspiration from nature is everywhere, when you know where to look. The rich reds of autumn leaves, the deep blues of a twilight sky, and the soft neutrals of river stones all create the perfect yarn color inspiration from nature. Every time I step outside, I see textures and hues that practically beg to be turned into a new project. A misty morning might call for a delicate lace shawl, while the rugged bark of an old pine tree whispers, “You need more cozy cables in your life.” Living in the mountains, knitting is not just a hobby; it is a cozy knitting lifestyle, where the rhythm of the needles matches the quiet pace of nature. This mountain knitting aesthetic finds its way into everything I create, blending the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of handmade warmth. Whether it is the soft tones of fresh snowfall or the earthy richness of autumn, knitting inspired by nature is always waiting right outside my door, tempting me to cast on just one more project.

1. Color Inspiration is Everywhere

The vibrant stripes on a canyon wall? Perfect for a chunky scarf. The soft blues of a misty morning? That’s a cozy pair of mittens waiting to happen. Nature is basically a giant, untamed yarn store, and I take full advantage of it. If you are looking for knitting inspiration from nature, step outside and see what colors you can find.

Colorado canyon at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

2. Texture, Texture, Texture

Knitting is all about feel. Soft wools, bumpy cables, smooth stitches. When I see the rough bark of an aspen tree or the soft fluff of a baby bunny’s fur, I can’t help but think, this would make a fantastic sweater. The natural textures found in the woods offer endless knitting inspiration.

Fluffy bunny rabbit in the forest meadow. Colorado wildlife photo by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

3. It’s All About the Cozy Life

I don’t just knit. I live the whole cozy, slow-living, tea-sipping, blanket-wrapped experience. Taking these photos lets me freeze those moments. The ones where the fire is crackling, my needles are clicking, and everything feels just right. Since I can’t invite the whole internet into my cabin for cocoa, this is the next best thing.

Photos © Liz Chandler of  PurlsAndPixels. All photos here are my own, taken by me. Please enjoy, but do not reproduce them for any commercial purpose without my permission. Email purlsandpixels@gmail.com for inquiries about specific images.

Want More Knitting and Cozy Life Inspiration from Nature?

I share free knitting tutorials, rustic living ideas, and peeks at my latest projects, plus the occasional wildlife encounter. Sound like your vibe?

📷 See more of my photos full of knitting inspiration from nature on Instagram: @PurlsAndPixels.

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