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.