NOTE: This pattern is included in the eBook (found on Ravelry): “Spinner’s Stash: 7 patterns & ideas to use your stash, so you can spin up some more!”

“What the hay is a ‘hay box’?” you may be asking yourself.

The simple answer: “A hay box is an insulated covering for your favorite pot that will allow you to slow cook your favorite soups, grains, and stews to perfection!” Our pioneer forefathers and European ancestors used this technique for 3 reasons: nobody had to hover over the pot (they could be out in the fields, instead!); fuel (firewood) was minimized; and the food tasted TONS better!

I learned about this technique from a physicist, and have been using it for years. It falls right in line with my philosophy of not wasting natural resources. And…well….I do love how fluffy grain turns out, and how robust flavors remain when food is slow cooked. Plus, the hay box keeps food warm for hours. Start it in the morning, take off, and come home to yum.

Now that you’re ready to make better food for less money, grab your favorite pot and follow the instructions to knit and felt a super-insulated hay box. You’ll be using up tons of leftover yarn in your stash, some of it 100% wool (feltable), and some of it superwash sock weight yarn.

Enjoy the bonus recipe “Summertime Harvest”! And check out my eBook “Spinner’s Stash” (for spinners & anyone else who has a little too much stash on their hands!) for 6 other original patterns.