Donal Keane 
Learning how to make royal icing for sugar cookies is one of those small kitchen wins that pays off for years. The recipe comes together in about ten minutes, sets hard in 6 to 8 hours, and gives you clean, stackable decorated cookies that look like they came from a bakery. If you can sift, … Read more
Easy knitting projects for gifts do not have to look homemade in a bad way. I have rounded up twelve patterns that finish in an evening or two, use straightforward stitches, and end up looking like something a friend would actually want to wear, use, or display. Pick one based on who you are knitting … Read more
A hand-knit hat on circular needles is one of the most satisfying first projects, and most beginners can finish a simple worsted-weight beanie in a relaxed weekend. You work in continuous rounds, so there’s no seaming at the back of the head, and the stretchy fabric hugs without feeling tight. If you can cast on … Read more
If you’ve ever pulled a cabled sweater off a shelf and wondered how knitters get those neat twisted ropes to sit so perfectly on top of the fabric, here’s the secret: cable knitting for beginners is a lot less scary than it looks. You only need to know two stitches and one extra tool, and … Read more