Whimsical!

August 16, 2016August 16, 2016Out of the Thistle 2 Comments

As you may have seen sneak peeks on our Etsy and Instagram–we will now be incorporating some more kid-friendly items! The new Out of the Thistle® Whimsicals include rattles and dolls! These items are still 100% handmade, crocheted from 100% wool. They are created with the intent of being passed down for many generations. Their unique design allow for young children to easily hold and play with the new dolls and rattles. These toys have heirloom-quality, yet they are durable enough for everyday play. they are also visually appealing to fit perfectly into any child bedroom décor.

These dolls and rattles were put through a vigorous washing technique to shrink them, making them firm and durable. Their soft exterior makes them safer to play with, as well!

You may view all new items in our Etsy shop while our website is under construction. Be on the lookout for more whimsical designs!

A well-rounded week.

June 23, 2016June 23, 2016Out of the Thistle 4 Comments

This week has been a full one.

We picked about 200 plums from our tree. About 70 were gifted, another 100 were used in homemade plum chutney, and a few dozen were plucked by the kids and inhaled right where they stood. And I’ll be the first to tell you that canning is no joke. Chopping and pitting all those plums was, well, the pits. However, I can’t wait to pass around this chutney and enjoy a spread of it on crostini with some brie. The plums that are still on the tree are being thoroughly enjoyed by a dozen birds daily.

Though it was extremely hot down here in the Southwest, we enjoyed some of our time outside letting loose a few thousand lady bugs. The kids were in heaven. They squealed and let the bugs climb all over them, carefully picking them up and placing them on rose petals. It was really sweet and entertaining.

And as we usually do, we spent entirely too much time taking photos of our flowers and ate too many sweets. It was a good week.

On the business side, my mom finished a few little bears and had them photographed, patiently waiting for their debut. Keep an eye out for these 100% wool, crocheted-then-shrunken, creamy-hued cuties on Ebay. Also be sure to check back soon with some new and not-usual products from us! we’ll also be making visual changes as well!

Thanks for following!

Hugs, Rhonda

Mice and snowmen and bears, oh my!

December 18, 2015Out of the Thistle 1 Comment

Just a quick little post to share a few photos of some cheerful little characters that we’ve been working on! The snowmen set is currently available here, but hurry, the auction is only for ONE DAY! The mouse is also currently available on eBay as well, here. Keep an eye out for the others, and thanks for looking!

Holly Jolly

December 12, 2015Out of the Thistle 1 Comment

Sometimes, it’s easy to get bogged down this time of year, especially if you’ve had to recently deal with anything like we have such as deaths of close family members and of pets, or having dealt with thieves stealing your Christmas decorations off of your lawn! However, in spite of all of that, I am going to choose to dwell on the good this season has to offer. I thought some of you may need a few photographical pick-me-ups as well, maybe you just need your inspiration sparked or your interest piqued. So, here are a few festive photos as of recently.

We’ve been busy making a few fiber goodies.

And, I spent a weekend with my family in one of my favorite places, Prescott, dubbed “Arizona’s Christmas Town,” and for good reason. We saw dozens of the most intricate gingerbread houses. We went to the town square for the Christmas parade where my kids waved to everyone and made new friends. We participated in the lighting of the Courthouse where they read the story of Jesus’ birth and we all sang Christmas carols and ate too many sweets. A little reindeer sat outside a local bakery and sang about the coffee, cookies, and hot chocolate inside. Every corner was decked-out. Everyone was jolly. It was perfect.

So, just dwell on the good, share it with others, and just look to all the joyous moments to be found this season, no matter how small they may seem.

Making minis.

November 3, 2015November 3, 2015Out of the Thistle 2 Comments

I’ve been busy making-over some of my original miniature ted designs, such as these “Knot Heads.” They are still small in stature and feature ample-sized heads. The overall design just needed a bit of a face lift! Annnnd… this design MAY be featured in a new pattern! 😉

Out of the Thistle® Knot Head Thread Crochet Bears

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Thanks for looking!

-Sue Aucoin

Pattern prices reduced!

September 5, 2015Out of the Thistle 5 Comments

First thing we’d like to report: all knitters and crocheters can purchase any Out of the Thistle pattern for just $4.99!! We have patterns available on our website, on Etsy, and on Ravlery! {links to the right}

Second announcement: We have a new pattern available! It is for this adorable, unusual bear–this bear was crocheted from 100% wool, then shrunken for a fuzzier/denser fur! It is called “Tea for Ted,” and the finished bear looks perfectly poised inside a tea cup.