First Knitting Pattern!

January 14, 2014April 16, 2014Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

It’s a new year, which means fresh opportunities, fresh new ideas! One new idea for this year: create more knitting patterns. So, I did!

Now available: The Budding Foliage Fingerless Gloves Pattern, in PDF format for knitting. These mittens feature a lovely bobble and leaf motif on the top of the gloves, with just a leaf motif underneath. Eyelet detail at thumb gussets. These make perfect three-season mittens. You may purchase the pattern here on Etsy, or here on Ravelry.

More knitting patterns available soon!

Spring-Inspired Surprises.

January 14, 2014April 16, 2014Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

By: Rhonda Potteet

The Pantone 2014 color of the year is “Radiant Orchid,” which is actually a surprise for me, as I oddly had the desire to knit with purple-y colors recently, inspired by my blooming orchid. I’m not so much a “purple person,” if you will, but aren’t these gorgeous?

In celebration of this beautiful color, I am offering another pattern for purchase:
The “Kaleidoscope Cap” PDF Knitting Pattern, created using Knit Pick’s Gloss in “Velveteen,” which is a supple fingering weight in a vintage-y purple hue. This pattern can be purchased on Etsy here, or on Ravelry here.

The finished hat has a lovely, detailed eyelet, lace, and cabled design. The top of the cap is designed to come together symmetrically in a starburst design. Once knitted, this hat is a perfect three-season item.

This pattern is a perfect option for any knitter who knows some intermediate techniques of knitting, such as: k2tog, ssk, yo, a simple cable, and knitting in the round. Pattern includes written instructions, suggestions, and color photos. No prior experience needed of making hats since this pattern gives detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Notes of Autumn

November 12, 2013April 16, 2014Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

By Rhonda Potteet

It seems as though Fall is finally making it’s debut here in Desert, Arizona. Though Japanese Maple and the Mighty Oak are rarities in this part of the country, we are still lucky enough to see some color-shifts amongst the trees.

The Mulberry in my front yard has finally yellowed and begun to lose its leaves…

…so I finally felt inspired to finish up a few fall knitted items that I had begun in-between our home renovations. I created these “Fall Foliage Fingerless Gloves” from 100% Peruvian Highland Wool from Knit Picks Palette in a beautiful cornmeal color.

The upper-side has the bobbles and leaf motif. The underside is just the leaves.

I created this aran cowl from Debbie Bliss’ Cashmerino Aran in a lovely pumpkin hue.

And, since I loved the aran design so much, I created a super-slouchy hat with the same design. Created from a cashmerino in a spicy cinnamon color.

I possibly have some patterns in the works, so I will be sure to post as soon as (if) they are available! 😉

Knits for Summer

June 13, 2013April 16, 2014Out of the Thistle Leave a comment

Moms–toss out the drool bibs! These hand knit, beautiful, berry-tinted collars are lightweight, airy, and still absorbent! They are created from a cotton/kapok (silk cotton) blend, which makes them so soft and smooth against the skin. The openwork lace makes them comfortable to wear in the middle of summer, but still keeps bare necks dry. Who says knitted items have to be warm, heavy, or bulky??

These summer knits are great investment pieces, since they fit most children sizes 12 months to 5 years. They are also versatile–each collar has two options on how to wear it. Finished with delicate scalloped edges.

No longer available.

Vintage Raspberry:

In Thimbleberry:

And in Cherry:

First Knitted Character.

May 22, 2013April 19, 2014Out of the Thistle 2 Comments

I’m relatively new to knitting, yes. However, I can gladly say that almost everything I have ever made has been from my own brain. Though it may take days or even weeks to create, perfecting it to the best of my ability–I like being able to say: “This is my design.”

Don’t get me wrong, I have used a few patterns… literally, a few. I could probably count how many on one hand. Maybe it’s because I’m crazy! Maybe it’s because I like to challenge myself to make something better. And, typically, this example is what has happened on those rare occasions of pattern-using…I change it. I can’t just make what someone else tells me to make, I guess.

This dapper little monkey was adapted from an Alan Dart pattern. Originally, the pieces were to be knitted flat and sewn in place to the body. I decided to make him jointed, instead! He is my first knitted animal design, and I cannot wait to create a little character entirely from my own design! I love the way this little guy turned out, and I plan on making a lady-chimp-friend for him, along with a whole knitted tea set from the pattern…with my own changes, I’m sure. From his little top hat, to his cheerful little bow tie, with ten fingers and toes, I’d say this “first” was a success. I’m ready to create my own Thread Bears® characters! Hope you like this little fella.

Rhonda

Rhonda Potteet

Floral Cluster Cap.

April 10, 2013April 16, 2014Out of the Thistle 2 Comments

I knitted this fresh, coral-hued hat for my daughter, and it is actually my first finished hat! I crocheted a bunch of these four-petaled flowers in the same color for a little added detail without it being too over-the-top. I am debating about making a pattern for this little hat. I will keep you posted if I do!