Category: Homestead

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

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

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.

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.

Butterfly Makeovers

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?

Songbird Karaoke Nights

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.

Wild Turkey Troublemakers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How noticing the world around you makes knitting feel steadier and more intuitive.

Living in the Rocky Mountains means nature is not a backdrop; it is part of daily life. Wildlife wanders through the yard, weather dictates the rhythm of the day, and the colors outside the window change constantly. Yarn is usually nearby.

At PurlsAndPixels, nature is not something I reference for aesthetics. It is how I think through choices; color, texture, and structure. Knitting inspiration from nature shows up in the projects I design because it offers limits instead of pressure, and clarity instead of excess.

This page is about learning how to notice in a way that makes making things feel calmer and more manageable.

Why Nature Shows Up Everywhere on PurlsAndPixels

You will see a lot of outdoor photos here. They are not meant to decorate the page.

Nature offers a consistent reference point. When beginners understand why certain colors feel balanced, or why texture affects warmth and durability, knitting becomes less abstract and easier to trust.

The mountains are simply where I learned to see this clearly.

1. Color Comes from Real Places

Yarn color inspiration does not begin in a store. It begins outside.

Canyon walls suggest stripes. Snowy mornings lean soft and neutral. Forest shadows pull deeper and steadier. When you train your eye this way, choosing yarn becomes simpler and more confident.

This way of seeing shapes patterns like the Gratitude Blanket, where gentle color changes and repetition do the work without requiring complex decisions.

Color does not need to perform. It only needs to belong together.

2. Texture Is a Skill, Not Decoration

Knitting is tactile. Texture matters.

Bark, stone, fur, and weathered surfaces all exist for a reason. In knitting, texture adds structure, warmth, and durability. It supports the work instead of competing with it.

This is why simple stitches appear often here. Garter stitch, ribbing, and steady repeats are used with intention; they create fabric that behaves well and feels good to use.

3. Cozy Is Functional Here

Cozy is not an aesthetic goal. It is a practical one.

The projects I design are meant to be finished, worn, washed, and relied on. Nature is direct about what works. Weather does not reward trends. It rewards preparation.

That same mindset carries through every pattern and tutorial on this site.

Try This

The next time you step outside, pause briefly.

Notice three colors that naturally sit together, and one texture that stands out. Write them down.

When you choose yarn for your next project, match the feeling first, not the brand or fiber. This approach removes unnecessary decisions and makes knitting feel steadier from the start.

How This Fits Together

This way of working extends beyond knitting. The same approach; noticing what works, choosing simple materials, and building things that last, shows up throughout the site.

Whether the project involves yarn, food, or small home skills, the goal remains the same: create a home that feels capable, steady, and kind to the energy you actually have.

You do not need perfect ideas.
You only need a place to begin.

If you are not sure where to start, the Start Here page will guide you to beginner knitting lessons and simple projects designed to build confidence without pressure.