Alabama’s unique biodiversity supports a multitude of interesting plant and animal life as well as a thriving agricultural industry, beautiful scenery, and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Using subtle texture and nature-inspired colors, this design takes you from white sand beaches on the gulf coast to the shore of a rippling river,...

Arizona embodies everything that is classic southwest. The Saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert, red rocks of Sedona, mining towns and ghost towns, the famous buttes of Monument Valley and of course, the Grand Canyon, are just a sampling of what makes Arizona unique.

Trees…as far as the eye can see!

From mountains and deserts to beaches and rolling hills, the variety of options for campers in California are an outdoor lover’s dream come true. You can pitch a tent next to giant boulders, under massive pine trees, near fields of wildflowers, directly on a sandy beach, or even nestled among stately California Oaks. The relatively mild weather...

As one of the states of New England, Connecticut features amazing fall foliage, quaint villages, rolling hills, and historic buildings, as well as a strong Native American influence, especially in the names of locations. Due to its long coastline and strong ties to the sea, Connecticut was also a leader in wooden ship building for almost 300 ye...

The image of log cabins has become synonymous with American pioneer life. So much so that they seem like an American invention. But, log cabins were first introduced by Scandinavian settlers in Delaware in the 1600s.

When people think about Florida, they often think of theme parks, the space industry, cultural diversity, or…something that has to do with water. Considering most of the state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this makes sense. Palm tree lined beaches, an abundance of marinas, freshwater springs, lakes, and rivers mean t...

No other fruit captures the essence of summer quite like a fresh, juicy peach. And, arguably some of the freshest and juiciest peaches of all come from Georgia, the official “Peach State”. A summer vacation in Georgia might start with historical sights, museums, scenic drives, nature trails, tasty southern dishes, or a trip to the beach, but it...

Color and Hawaii go hand in hand. From the abundance of flowers, grasses, and trees that flourish on the land to the lava of the volcanoes or the beautiful blue skies and ocean that surround the state…color is everywhere! Whether worn in traditional dances at luaus and other celebrations or simply by enthusiastic tourists with a love of the cul...

It’s not hard to guess how the Sawtooth Mountain Range of Idaho got its name. This jagged and magnificent range (part of the Rocky Mountains) contains an astounding 57 peaks over 10,000 ft elevation! And…just happens to resemble an old hand saw.

Nicknamed the “Land of Lincoln”, Illinois is also known for vast farmlands, delicious pizza and hot dogs, and a rich and diverse art scene embracing all mediums, including stained glass. From the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome at the Chicago Cultural center and the dome of the capitol building in Springfield to numerous churches, ch...

Famous for the Indianapolis 500 and Indiana Dunes National Park, this midwest state also boasts 24 state parks with beauty that changes with the seasons, a population with a deep passion for basketball and racing, and a rich farming industry. Whatever your interest, you’ll probably also find a museum about it in this diverse state. But there’s ...

At the heart of this Midwest state lies a history rich in agriculture. With nearly 90% of the land used for farming, Iowa is the top producer of corn in the country, but also grows soybeans, red apples, and other crops. Rich soil and nearly level land combined with the right amount of rainfall and sunlight create the perfect conditions for the ...

You’ve probably heard of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Louisville Slugger bats. You may have also heard of Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass music, bourbon, actual bluegrass (the grass), Mammoth Cave, coal fields, or spectacular mountain vistas. But one of the most iconic images of this southeastern state is…horses. Gently rolling h...

What words come to mind when you think of Louisiana? Cajun, gumbo, Creole, bayous, jambalaya, African, crawfish, Spanish, beignets, French, jazz, Mardis Gras…and so many more! A long and colorful list of words representing the cuisine, cultures, and celebrations that make Louisiana unique. Even the architecture of homes and businesses reveals a...

Rugged coastlines, fishing industry, lobsters, lighthouses, stormy weather, and charming coastal towns. If these are the images that come to mind when you think about Maine, you wouldn’t be wrong. With 3500 miles of coastline dotted with bays and coves and flanked by thousands of coastal islands, Maine’s connection to the sea is intensely stron...

From Williamstown to Boston and everywhere in between, brick structures are a common sight throughout Massachusetts. From town halls and universities to everyday homes and businesses, bricks have been a top building material of choice dating back to the colonial times. You’ll even find them lining the streets in parts of Salem or Boston. Brick ...

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most visited and beautiful locations in Michigan. Miles and miles of sandstone cliffs towering 50-200 feet above the shore of Lake Superior.appear “painted” with a multitude of colors. As groundwater seeps through the cracks and crevices of the cliffs, it deposits streaks and layers of different c...

Commonly referred to as “The Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Minnesota embraces every type of water activity imaginable from boating and kayaking to paddleboarding and year-round fishing or…simply gazing out at the water from a cozy cabin. Vacationing by houseboat is also a great way to explore the lakes, especially in Voyageurs National Park where you ...

The Mississippi river and the people who live near it have been intrinsically linked since humans first roamed the land. For Mississippians today, the river is a vital resource for transportation, industry, and tourism…and holds a rich history. It’s hard to even think about Mississippi without picturing a vintage paddlewheel boat on the river. ...

If you love caves, you’ll love Missouri! With approximately 7,000 documented caves of all sizes and shapes, Missouri is often called “The Cave State”. Nature’s perfect combination of rainfall, underground aquafers, soluble rock, and millions of years has created caves with beautiful formations, waterfalls, rivers, and seemingly endless passagew...

Montana really does have big skies! What started out as an ad campaign using the title of a book, the” Big Sky State” stuck as the unofficial nickname of Montana, perfectly describing the nearly unobstructed views of vast grasslands and prairies in the eastern half of the state. In stark contrast, the Rocky Mountain Range cuts through the weste...

Less than 50 miles outside the glow of the lights of Las Vegas lies 40,000 acres of bright red and orange sandstone formations so vivid, they seem to create a natural glow of their own: Valley of Fire State Park. From nearly white to dark red, the layers of color and intricate formations created by time, wind, and water are seemingly endless an...

Much of New Hampshire, nicknamed “The Granite State”, is covered in beautiful and heavily forested mountains and hills with an abundance of wildlife. Granite peaks, rock formations, gorges, and cliffs dotted throughout the state (along with rivers and lakes) have created spectacular places to explore and simply enjoy the scenery. In the famous ...

Despite being the most densely populated and one of the most urbanized of all 50 states, much of New Jersey is covered in forests. This comes as a surprise to most outsiders. With miles and miles of beaches and boardwalks, the shore regions of New Jersey reign supreme in popularity and tourism. Restaurants, water parks, thrill rides, shopping, ...

A ride in a hot air balloon is a “bucket list” item for so many people, and New Mexico is a great place to check that one off the list. Perhaps it’s the idea of floating through the sky enjoying panoramic views without the need for a noisy airplane that draws us to ballooning. Or the feeling of weightlessness or floating on a cloud. Whatever th...

The fact that carnivorous plants even exist is pretty fascinating. But the fact that more than half of the known species of carnivorous plants are native to North Carolina and can be found growing in the wild is absolutely incredible! The “just right” combination of sand, water, sunlight, and low nutrient soil found in many parts of the state c...

North Dakota has very few trees. As part of the Great Plains region, the climate and topography of the state favor grasslands and prairies over forests. Throughout the years, especially in the 1930s, farmers and homeowners have planted rows of trees as protection against the harsh winters and damaging winds. Many of these windbreaks are still s...

Buckeye trees and Buckeye nuts have become synonymous with Ohio and the people who live there. So much so, it seems nearly impossible to mention Ohio without mentioning Buckeyes. The tree gets its name from the nut it produces which resembles the color and shape of a deer’s eye. The Ohio Buckeye is the official state tree, the state nickname (t...

The waterfalls, forested mountains, lakes, streams, and areas of iron rich red soil often come as a surprise to folks visiting Oklahoma for the first time. Understandably so! What comes to mind first is usually the vast golden plains and prairies with gently rolling hills that dominate most of the landscape. Add in a few herds of bison or cattl...

From forests, farmlands, and vineyards to raging rivers and spectacular canyons, there’s much to be said about the beauty of Oregon. But perhaps the most standout feature of this gorgeous Pacific Northwest state is…the waterfalls. With nearly 240 known waterfalls, you’ll find falls you can hike to, bike to, view from the top or the bottom (or e...

Did you know that Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state? The nostalgic charm of these bridges evokes a sense of a bygone era. It’s estimated that more than 10,000 covered bridges were built across the US by the late 1870s with roughly 600 still standing today. Around 200 of these are in Pennsylvania. Covering a wooden bridg...

Nicknamed “The Ocean State”, Rhode Island is only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, but it still boasts nearly 400 miles of coastline. How is this possible? Narragansett Bay, dotted with many small islands, runs through much of the state, significantly increasing the coastline. This means that almost every Rhode Islander lives within a 30-minute...

One of the best (and tastiest) parts of visiting other states is sampling the regional cuisine. From famous Mrytle Beach and the historic city of Charleston to lush rolling hills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolinians take a great deal of pride in their local dishes… served with a side of Southern hospitality, of course. Ingredients su...

Driving through South Dakota can feel like driving through several different states, not only because of its sheer size, but because of the vast geographical differences between the various regions. You could be sailing on a lake one day and then hiking through colorful badlands or exploring caves on another day. You might even end up on the st...

From country and bluegrass to rock and roll and the blues, musical roots run deep in Tennessee. The state capitol (and Country Music Capitol of the World), Nashville, is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as The Grand Ole Opry, the longest running radio show in the U.S. where country music legends share the stage with aspiring newco...

There’s nothing quite so magical as standing on a hillside gazing out at an orange and yellow landscape while fall leaves swirl in the breeze around you. Welcome to autumn in Vermont! Each season has something special to offer, but it’s the oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn that cover the hillsides, surround waterfalls, line lakes and rivers...

A visit to Virginia means different things to different people. It could mean a visual and interactive journey through history, an exhilarating hike along the Appalachian Trail, a scenic drive through the mountains, a cave exploration, a solemn stroll through a national cemetary, or even a bike ride while looking for wild ponies. So many choice...

“Almost heaven, West Virginia”. John Denver’s lyrics perfectly capture the beautiful landscape of the “Mountain State”, the only state located completely within the Appalachian Mountain Range. As such, spectacular forests, waterfalls, meadows, rivers, streams and an abundance of wildlife can be found across the state and around every corner. Co...

Wisconsin has a long history in the lumber

Beneath this wide-open state filled with spectacular mountain ranges, jaw-dropping scenery, cowboys, and cattle ranches lies some of the most prolific fossil deposits in the country. Paleontology is so much a part of Wyoming’s history that it has an official state dinosaur (triceratops) and state fossil (a fish). Fossilized frogs, turtles, fish...

In cultures around the world, cardinals are seen as symbols of good luck, hope, love, new beginnings, and so much more. Perhaps it’s their bright red color against the dreariness of winter that brings such joy. It’s easy to see why!

Nebraska is design #8 in my All American collection of beanies

Utah is design #9 in my All American collection of beanies.

Alaska is design #7 in my All American collection of beanies.

Maryland is design #5 in my All American collection of beanies

Texas is design #6 in my All American collection of beanies.

This design is the 4th in my All American series of beanies.

This is design #3 in my new “All American” collection of beanies. Follow along as I add a new state about every 4-6 weeks.

This design #2 in my new “All American” collection of beanies. Follow along as I add a new state about every 4-6 weeks.

This is the first design in my new “All American” collection of beanies. Follow along as I add a new state about every 4-6 weeks.

It’s Gingerbread Season! Time to fill the house with the warm and nostalgic aroma of brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and ginger wafting from the oven. Who can resist? Now you can create the warmth of Gingerbread Season with this fun to knit hat featuring snowflakes, a band of peppermint, and six gingerbread ready to decorate with embroidery or...

This beanie is part of Nancy Bates’ Seasonal Collection available on the Nancy Bates Designs website as a pattern and as a kit.

This beanie is part of Nancy Bates’ Seasonal Collection available on the Nancy Bates Designs website as a pattern and as a kit.

Although technically in winter, Valentine’s Day always brings that first feeling of the warmth to come. All those hearts and flowers can’t help but brighten even the gloomiest of days! In subdued vintage-inspired colors, this fun-to-knit design features hearts, a fun checkerboard pattern, and simple flower motifs. Hot pink, purple, and bright w...

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Road Trip Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California, and is also available as a standalone pattern or as a kit from the Nancy Bates Designs website.

This beanie pattern is part of Nancy Bates’ California Collection. It appears in the book Knitting California.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

*Pattern #33 in the original U.S. National Park inspired