Wow, what a hectic week it’s been! We’re working flat out here at Beastie Towers, but of course we’re never too busy to stop in and have a chat with all you lovely readers on a Tuesday lunchtime. And today, we have some super exciting news… The Beasties have set foot on US soil!
Now, I am aware that a few intrepid monsters have already moved out there on their own – yes, Finn McSpool, I’m talking about you – but this is more of a migration, or a diplomatic mission.
(Not an invasion, though… I want to be very clear about that. The Beasties come in peace!)
They’ve set themselves up in Glen Rock, NJ, in a place that feels very much like home – Carrick Mór Irish Store! The owners, Kristin and Michael, have been long-standing Beastie supporters, and it was brilliant to be able to send them over a small delegation of monsters to stand alongside their incredible range of Irish goodies.
So, who are these brave travellers? Well, I wanted to cram as much of the Beasties’ homeland into this precious parcel as possible, and I figured the best way to do that was to send a crew of 100% Irish wool Barróg Beasties. The first ones to hop in the box were a pair of Tae (not a typo!) Beasties, each clutching a mug of deeeelicious hot, strong tea!
Next up, a pair of Redhead Beasties, with matching fiery tresses and tweed scarves!
For the sports fans out there, a couple of Hurling Beasties joined the team – one in Dublin colours, and one who appears to hail from Kilkenny!
Now, we’re all used to hearing that winter is coming… And from what I hear, winter in New Jersey hits a lot harder than it does here in Ireland! At least these two Aran Beasties are wrapped up and ready for whatever the weather throws at them!
And for anyone who’d rather curl up by the fire with a good book…
Finally, I added a new face to these tried-and-true favourites – meet Luck O’the Irish Beastie, who set sail with a big bunch of shamrocks! It’s probably thanks to him that everyone made it across the Atlantic safely.
Oh, and I couldn’t resist cramming ALL the Beasties together in the teeny photo studio for some happy snappies before they left!
As you can see, Beasties are just like people – it’s impossible to get them all looking at the camera for a group picture.
So, if you find yourself in Glen Rock sometime soon, do swing by Carrick Mór and say hello to this happy band of explorers! And for anyone closer to our home here in Dublin…
I’ve been a regular at this market over the last few years, and I’m looking forward to joining them again this weekend! If you’re in the area, rock on up and say hello… We’d love to see you!
Right, I’d better get back to it… I have a houseful of Beasties clamouring for accessories, and only three days left to make them! Have a super week, everybody!
Holy cow (or Beastie), you’re blowing up! This is sooooo cool! I only hope those lil Beasties don’t get too seasick. I also hope they don’t have any problems in immigration (who knows how the current administration views Beasties with Finn as their ambassador). I especially like the shamrocks. Well, and the scarves… and Wool-lysses… and the sporty ones…and ALL OF THEM!
Heeheehee! Why thank you! As far as I can tell, they had no problems with immigration… But that could all change if they don’t behave themselves now they’re there. I reeeeeallllly hope they’re not wreaking havoc in that lovely store! 😆
Haha I’m sure they’re on their best behaviour pre-adoption! I actually know someone who lives in Glen Rock (and many more in the vicinity), so I have sent out the Beastie Presence Alert to the appropriate parties! 🙂
Oh woweeeeeeee! Thank you! It’ll look really good if a bunch of people roll up to the shop and demand to meet the Beasties. 😀 The shop looks well worth a visit, actually… If only there wasn’t an ocean separating me from it! 😆
Billboard in Times Square might also do the trick? That ad space is probably within budget, I should imagine.
Oh TOTALLY! I’m sure I’ve enough loose change in my piggy bank to cover that… 😂
The ones in the Aran jumpers just knock me out! I’m old enough to remember the Clancy Brothers in their Arans and that traditional music group took America by storm. I bet the Beasties will too. I imagine they all had the correct paperwork and passport??
Thanks, Queen Bee! And yes, no Beastie ever leaves home without their very own passport! Also, not that I really know anything about fashion, but those Clancy Brothers jumpers seem to be undergoing a revival lately… You might want to dig out your own Aran from the bottom of the wardrobe of you still have it!
That is fantastic! What a great opportunity for you and your Beasties. Glen Rock is so close and yet too far for me to pop by for a Beastie visit. I am sure they will all be snapped up and out of the store in no time.
Thanks, Laura! And yes, I realise that “close” in US terms is still the kind of distance that would be an all-day drive on this side of the Atlantic! I hope they do well out there – from what I can see there’s a strong Irish community round there, so hopefully the Beasties will find themselves in some good homes. 😀
It wouldn’t be an all day drive but probably a couple of hours there and another couple back. Jersey is right next door to me. Yes, people are into their Irish heritage around here so I’m sure they will do well and be adopted quickly.
WOW!!! Congratulations!!!! Although I do feel sorry that these lovely little Beasties had to move to America during such a politically embarrassing time for us. Ah well, maybe they won’t notice since, from what I can tell, Beasties avoid newspapers as much as possible…they’re far too busy living the life, reading pun-inspired tomes (Wool-ysses HAHAHA), and getting up to trouble. Love the group shot even if they wouldn’t all behave (but what did you expect?).
Thanks, Tammie! And yes, Beasties have waaaaay more interesting things to be getting on with than the grotty business of politics. I think the group photo actually captures their anarchic streak quite nicely, more you mention it… Get more than 3 of them together in one place, and you might as well try and herd cats! 😆
Oh I do hope that sales go well both at the craft fair and in the US.
Thanks, Dr Snail! I’m keeping everything crossed! 😀
So awesome to see that you’ve recently sent a diplomatic Beastie delegation to the US! Woo hoo! I’m sure that they enjoyed their trans-Atlantic voyage, and are getting settled into their new home (those Aran sweaters are pure gorgeous-ness!). 😀 Hopefully the beginning of future diplomatic missions? And, I love the picture of the Beasties in the photo studio. It’s a classic group-picture, indeed: hard to get everyone looking into the lens to say cheese – (adorable!). I hope you and the Beasties are enjoying your craft fair weekend, Helen! ❤
Thanks, Shirley! I’m sure the good folks at the Post Office and Customs were wondering what on earth was going on in that box as it passed through their hands… I imagine it was a bit like the below decks scenes from “Titanic” in there! 😆 But yes, I’m intrigued to see how this first batch of Beasties gets on in their Stateside venture – hopefully it’s the start of a beautiful thing. Cheers for stopping by to catch up with the gossip! 😀