Oh, October

October 31, 2016October 31, 2016Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

As the foliage fireworks display makes way for the Winter dormancy, as so do we prepare for the repose of these seasons. This is the time of year to celebrate change and celebrate coziness. We’ve celebrated Autumn births and birthdays, we’ve celebrated new friendships and the rekindling of relationships. The brightly dappled bursts of color will soon fade and fall away, baring the empty branches. We hate there comes a time to say goodbye to everything pumpkin. But, we are reminded that the time of slumber during the Winter allow for closeness, and Spring will soon be here again with it’s own colorful parade of petals. We just plan on enjoying the cozy over these next few months, and hope you do as well.

Here’s a few snippets of our Fall thus far. Enjoy!

Hugs, Rhonda

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Fleeting Moments

September 14, 2016October 31, 2016Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

I feel it–the summer season is beginning to fade. Masses of flowers are staying bloomed a bit longer, now that they aren’t so quickly baked in the sun. There’s a cool morning breeze that teases us, only making way to warm midday temps. The occasional wind gusts whip through and scatter petals all over like confetti. This is when I begin to beckon the sweater weather by baking everything with pumpkin and cloves and leaving an apple cider candle lit all day. This is when I eat entirely too much bread. And yes, I break a sweat waiting for a pie to finish baking. Completely worth it.

In spite of my baked-sweets Fall summoning, it comes in it’s own slow-as-molasses timing. As soon as it’s here, it’s gone. The seemingly shortest, most beautiful season. As soon as it passes I feel like I spend the whole year waiting for next fall. Here in the Southwest, I feel like the Dog Days of Summer last soooo much longer than in other regions.

Though the trees have yet to turn golden, I’ll take my time and enjoy the rest of what the warm sunshine has to offer in this last week of summer–no matter that it feels like an eternity. Besides, as the seasons grow and change, so do my kids. And I’d be okay if that would slow down.

Here’s a few things we’ve been working on, eaten, or enjoyed looking at while the weather hasn’t complied with our desires. If you’d like to see some more of those adorable rattles, view them here.

Thanks for following.

Hugs, Rhonda

A tisket, a tasket, bunnies in a basket!

October 10, 2015Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

These three little cuties are now available on our website! They are the perfect size for being toted around by your little one. I hand-knit them with 100% American wool (from Quince & Co), then I put them through a process to shrink ’em up! The result: a more durable, fuzzy knit that holds its shape. I can’t even fully explain how much of a difference there is in just the feel of shrunken (felted) knitted dolls compared to regularly knitted ones. They just feel more substantial, yet… light-weight.

They are jointed (buttons are decorative) so they can sit on a shelf with ease.

They have shapely features such as curved paws and feet and a perfectly puckered nose. Each little bunny is wearing a hand knitted alpaca, flutter-sleeve vest that ties in the front, and each one has a coordinating 100% cotton skirt (made from Liberty of London fabric). The outfits are completely removable for ease of cleaning. Standing at about 12.5″ tall, they are the perfect size for squeezing. xx

Keep an eye out for more of these one-of-a-kind softies on our website! Thanks for looking!

–Rhonda Potteet

Avery Hand Warmers Pattern

September 24, 2014April 8, 2015Out of the Thistle 2 Comments

My daughter is always getting her hands into things, so much so, that she hates having anything obstruct her ability to do so–including gloves. And so, for the soon-to-be cooler weather, I designed these little hand warmers for my curious little one, which are aptly named the “Avery Hand Warmers.”

The finished hand warmers feature a simple garter stitch and cable design, perfect for matching any Fall/Winter outfit. The non-bulky design and use of fingering weight yarn allows for items to snugly fit on little ones hands yet allowing plenty of room to move. These hand warmers are perfect for little ones who will be collecting acorns or picking apples in the cooler seasons.

These hand warmers are a breeze to make, and they only use 1 skein of Quince & Co. “Tern” or “Finch” yarns!

The pattern is designed to make hand warmers for ages 12 months up to 6 years.

This pattern can be purchased here on Etsy, or here on Ravelry (will be available on our website soon!

Happy knitting, and Happy Autumn!

Rhonda Potteet

Leaf Collecting Leg Warmers Knitting Pattern now available!

September 23, 2014April 8, 2015Out of the Thistle 1 Comment

I love putting dresses on my daughter, no matter what time of year. I mean, have you seen some of the knitted dresses available now?? So cute. And, what better way to keep those little legs warm when it gets a little chilly outside than with a pair of these:

I wanted my daughter to have a pair of legwarmers that she can wear while jumping in a pile of leaves, or while dressed up to pick out her own pumpkin. So, I designed a PDF pattern for these little leg warmers, which fit perfectly inside of boots, or over tights for an extra cozy, layered look. They feature an all-over leaf lace design and are created from a fingering weight Peruvian Highland Wool, so they are lightweight yet warm.

Due to the amount of stretch, these leg warmers can fit most sizes 12 months up to 5T. Once knitted, these leggings are a perfect three-season accessory. Pattern includes: comprehensive charts, detailed written instructions, suggestions, and color photos.

This pattern is a perfect option for any knitter who knows some intermediate techniques of knitting, such as: yo, s2kp (description included in pattern), and knitting in the round. No prior experience needed of making Leg warmers since this pattern gives detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Patterns can be purchase here on Etsy, or here on Ravelry. Will be available on our website soon.

Thanks for looking!

Rhonda Potteet

Cozy tees!

September 17, 2014April 8, 2015Out of the Thistle 1 Comment

I cannot rave enough about the “Immie Tee” and “Camilla Babe” patterns that Carrie Hoge has designed for little ones. The pullover design is practical, yet they have a simple but beautiful pattern up the front panel of the body. These patterns are easy to follow, which is why I have used them over, and over… So, I have decided to keep a few of each of the sweater (shirts) that I have made following these patterns, and I will sell the rest. First available, this mustard yellow, short-sleeved, cozy Camilla Babe:

This cozy sweater-shirt is a perfect Fall/Winter piece, and is worthy of being passed down for many generations. Since it is a pullover, it is easy for little ones to wear.

Though it is short-sleeved, it is warm and serves as a good transition piece from Summer into the cooler weather.

It features a boatneck design, a patterned panel up the front and a garter stitch around the body. It was created from the “Camilla Babe” pattern created by Carrie Hoge, and was knitted from a high-quality Quince and Co. American Wool.

Click here to purchase this lovely tee!

Second tee is this lovely laced, lightweight-yet-warm knitted shirt. It was knitted from a bright teal Merino/Silk blend and features a lace floral pattern up the front panel of the tee. It is short-sleeved and lightweight and serves as a good transition piece from Summer into the cooler weather.