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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

possum

Hat 1

Hat 3 

Hat 2 

We had another rainy start to our weekend, so I stayed inside with the children and did some knitting. I made another hat for Arlo, because the last one I knitted ended up being a bit small. To make this one I used a skein of really lovely yarn that my Mum gave me a while ago- it's a mix of merino wool and possum fur (you can read more about the environmental benefits of using possum yarn here). It's just a simple garter-stitch hat but does the job and the fur blended with the wool, makes the hat super-soft and lightweight.

There's a small interview with me today over on the Craft 2.0 blog– at the moment there are interviews each day with the various 'makers' who will be part of Craft 2.0 show at the New Dowse Gallery in Lower Hutt, June 12th. I can't wait to do some shopping there!

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21 responses to “possum”

  1. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    I love the simplicity of the hat style. I’ve never really been into beanies (I’ve not got a great head for hats!) but this winter I find myself being drawn to them. Maybe I’ll try one of the slouchy styles. Arlo’s t-shirt is very cool too!

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  2. oshun Avatar
    oshun

    This is a very lovely yarn and it gives the hat all of its charm.

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  3. Eyecatchers Avatar
    Eyecatchers

    Just read your interview on Craft 2.0 Blog – I can totally relate to your comment – about not tie-ing your self-worth to your creative ideas because it can be damaging, – sooo true – and that we shouldn’t let those “so-called failures” hold us back to branch out – – some “great” advice for all “creatively-minded” people!

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  4. cyndi Avatar
    cyndi

    Hi Melissa,
    i don’t comment here much these days, but i just wantedto take a moment to tell you that everytime i come here i am always so moved by the wonderful little beauties you create. thank you!! this is a very special place you’ve created.
    all my best
    cyndi

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  5. May Avatar
    May

    I love the clean lines of your benie, but is there a seam in the back? I don’t suppose there is a pattern for it somewhere…

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  6. Rattling On Avatar
    Rattling On

    I have a cardigan (commercially made) that I bought in a thrift shop here in the UK. It’s made from this fibre and is really soft and warm. You can get the yarn over here as well, but it’s incredibly expensive!

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  7. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you, cyndi!

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  8. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    hi may,
    yes there is a seam in the back- i followed an old pattern and tried to adjust to make it a bit bigger. now i wish i had just used a circular because i think that would have been better. i will try again, and then post my pattern up here on the blog for you soon.

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    glad you like the fibre, rattling on- the yarn is a little expensive here but not too bad i suppose because it’s locally made. if you ever want me to buy some for you- just let me know.

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  10. julie Avatar
    julie

    It’s funny to hear of possum fur being turned into wool, it’s a great idea. Arlo is super cute with his hat.
    Taking up knitting is on my project list before the winter! I can never find cute hats and knitting is so relaxing.
    Any project in mind for the checked fabric?;)

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  11. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Nice article about you. As with many others, I love your designs and read your blog when I get a chance. I had never heard of possum yarn. We have a Cairn terrier and I have heard that it can be spun. I have a big bag of it from our brushing sessions. Hope you have a happy crafting day.

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  12. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    possum, really? i had no idea! just finished my first hat, trying to weigh the pros and cons of circulars and straights. will follow your progress to see what you find!

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  13. Rattling On Avatar
    Rattling On

    I may take you up on that. Could you let me know which brand it is so I can check out colours etc. Thanks so much for the offer x

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  14. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    It’s looks very sweet and warm. I always love seeing what you are up to….always so inspiring!

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  15. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    I love that hat design!

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  16. Lovely World Avatar
    Lovely World

    That was a very nice interview. I can picture you sitting there, looking at the people on the street, radio on, stitching away. A good life.

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  17. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    I’m in complete agreement with what you mentioned in your interview “We shouldn’t let ‘failed’ ideas hold us back from branching out and trying new things.” I am improving in this area. Slowly, but surely. I was much more afraid of failure when I was younger. I also clicked on your possum link and I know this seems a bit crazy, but it sure looks like that possum is wearing a little sweater. I think it’s because his/her head and torso look to be completely different colors.

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  18. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    i have been thinking of starting up a sweater knitting project to knit along while watching the world cup soccer matches ( yes I am a soccer fan) but it is so warm here that the thought of holding wool in my hands just doesn’t appeal.
    Perhaps a cooler silk, bamboo or cotton/soy mix would be a compromise.

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  19. tai Avatar
    tai

    Such a cozy looking hat. And I love his shirt too!

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  20. Darla Avatar
    Darla

    Interesting yarn. We have possums in our yard but I don’t think I’ll be attempting to spin anything possum related. Love the simple style of the hat.
    Darla

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  21. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar
    Littleminx.wordpress.com

    that hat makes you instantly feel warm, very nice x

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