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It's my 30th birthday today, and I've had a really nice time with friends and family. And also, I've had lots of treats and kindness shown. Thank you, everyone. I was a bit nervous about turning 30 because it seems properly grown-up, (and also, I happen to remember my parents turning 30), but I think it's going to be okay after all, if today is anything to go by.

And so, just like I did last year, I'd like to offer a little giveaway here to thank you, too, dear blog-friends. I realised today that I've spent the last half of my twenties blogging here- and it's been great. I treasure you, tiny-happy-readers.

I've made up a parcel with an embroidered locket inside (a bit like this one) and also a small embroidery kit, including a wooden hoop, embroidered needlebook with pins and needles and some thread.

If you'd like to go in the draw to win the parcel, (I'll send it anywhere in the world), just leave a comment on this post, telling me something about yourself. Maybe the book you're reading at the moment, or your favourite thing to eat. Or what you're working on at the moment. Something like that.

Have a great weekend! It's going to be party time here.

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344 responses to “a birthday giveaway”

  1. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Wishing you all the best Melissa. I enjoy your blog and creativity very much. Enjoy, you deserve it.

    Like

  2. Britta Avatar
    Britta

    Uh.. .30.. .long ago.. I like your blog very much, read it about one and a half year..
    you want to know what I read? At the moment: gut gegen nordwind from David Glattauer.
    It´s a story about a woman who typed a wrong emaiadress and so she get to know a man, who changes her life…
    Greetings from Germany
    Britta

    Like

  3. Brandiann Molby Avatar
    Brandiann Molby

    Happy Birthday! I’m an English professor from Chicago who loves to cook and only dabbles, I’m afraid, in sewing. A friend and I discovered your blog two years ago, and it has been a continual source of creative inspiration for both of us. Thank you for writing! Enjoy your day!

    Like

  4. Kathryn Avatar
    Kathryn

    Happy birthday! Yay for October babies! My birthday was on the second and next year I will be 30. The book I am reading is House Of Leaves.

    Like

  5. cathleen Avatar

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! Something about me? Well, I’ve been eyeing those needlecases of yours for a long, long, long time. I especially loved the one you sold in your shop that was made from pink wool. Let me know next time you make one of those!!! Now…something else about me? I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!

    Like

  6. lydia Avatar

    not commenting for the give away Melissa … but wanting to wish you a very Happy Birthday.

    Like

  7. Donna B. Avatar
    Donna B.

    Happy Birthday 🙂 I do hope you have the most wonderful weekend to celebrate……………..30 isn’t bad at all. At this time I am working on embrod. blocks for quilts. They will be gifts for little girls come Christmas time.

    Like

  8. tara Avatar

    Happy Birthday! I turned 30 less than a month ago, and you’re handling it better than I have been!

    Like

  9. Beth Stone Studio Avatar

    Happy Birthday! I just turned 30 myself – I know what you mean. :o) Current read: The Mayflower Papers:Selected Writings from Colonial New England. Current project: needle felting! I’m hooked!
    Thanks for the giveaway! I always love to see the beautiful things you’re making! Have a great birthday!

    Like

  10. MzTallulah Avatar
    MzTallulah

    Happy birthday Melissa! I wish I was still 30… I’ll be turning 40 next year and that scares me much more than any other birthday did, because I don’t yet feel “properly grown up” at all! Also, I have a 2 year old girl and it makes me wonder if she’ll see me as an old lady as she grows up 😉

    Like

  11. elena gold Avatar

    Happy Birthday Melissa! Enjoy this new chapter. I love reading your thoughts and seeing your creations. Something about me, I recently had a birthday as well (libra!) and in the past I’ve lived on a kibbutz in Israel, a yoga center in the berkshire mtns…and a cabin in vermont with no plumbing.

    Like

  12. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    happy birthday melissa! 30 coincided with a new life for me so a lot of memories are embedded within that year. now I’m into the next decade and find that – it’s fine! however, I still feel like I’m impersonating a ‘grown up’.. with my son newly at school I’ve dug out my paints and clay and loving it x

    Like

  13. Annette Avatar
    Annette

    Happy Birthday! I was a tad scared of my 30’s but I am 33 now, and they really aren’t so bad, I actually kind of like them. I have so many projects that I want to do, that sometimes I have a really hard time deciding which is more important, making things to sell, or making things for the ones I love. Today it’s a little house on the prairie bonnet, for my daughters birthday. Definitely important.

    Like

  14. Jess Avatar

    Happy Birthday!! I have a little less than 2 years until I turn 30, and I am looking forward to it. At the moment I am reading Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart … I am not sure yet if I’d recommend it. I haven’t touched my cross-stitching in months, but hope to get back to it as the weather cools in Oregon. I am making my friend who recently moved across the country a cross-stitch of the state flower of Maryland, where she landed.

    Like

  15. Lililila Avatar

    HBTY HBTY HBTY Melissa…. HBTY !!
    I’ve just turned 28 the other day and I am quite looking forward getting to 30, because life seems better every day !
    Reading your blog has become a daily routine for me since 8 or 10 months. Here in central France, after my day at work with loads of kids I get a piece of quiet and peace and inspiration ! I’ve started to do some embroidery, very simple cross-stitch, and I’ve recently read “Toro! Toro !” by Michael Morpurgo :I recommend it to both your kids and yourself! Here autumn has brought me some nice mushrooms I REALLY enjoyed yesterday!

    Like

  16. elizabeyta Avatar

    Happy Birthday!
    I am working on: a crocheted bag, crocheted socks, crocheted camisole, 2 crocheted shawls, 2 kimono tops, 2 frontier shops, a quilt, and an apron.
    Writing this list I think I have a problem! I laughed at myself!
    Blessings,
    elizabeyta

    Like

  17. Mel Avatar
    Mel

    Happy birthday Melissa! I am a NZer currently living in the Southern USA. I love your blog and read it every day – your pictures and words remind me of all the good things about home …

    Like

  18. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I wish you a wonderful birthday, Melissa. I turned 30 this summer, and it’s not so bad! I try to enjoy every minute of it. These days, I bake all the goodies from our fall: apples, squash, pumpkin, potatoes, yum!
    Have a great weekend and thanks for the fantastic giveaway.

    Like

  19. karla gibbs Avatar

    Happy Birthday!
    Now to post something about myself:
    Hmmm…I’m 28 and still have to wear children’s shoes because my feet are so small! Ha!

    Like

  20. wendy Avatar

    Happy happy birthday!! I’m turning 41 next week… and I’m okay with that, mostly. I’ve recently switched to vegan eating, so I’m still trying out new recipes – my favourite food so far has been a grilled portobello mushroom “burger”. So yummy! And my list of projects is veryvery lengthy right now – Christmas is just around the corner!! Thanks for the giveaway, and I hope your day is especially joyful 🙂

    Like

  21. annri Avatar

    Happy Birthday, Melissa!!!
    At the moment I’m making many kirigami autumn leaf motifs and paper lanterns all the while knitting socks and a sweater for the winter. So many of the years of my 30’s were my favorites, so far; I hope some of your favorites will be sprinkled in your next decade too.
    best wishes for a splendid day.

    Like

  22. alexis Avatar

    Happy Birthday!
    I’m a single 27 year old living in Long Beach. I work in my parents company but spend half my day dreaming about being home crafting 🙂
    Yours has been one of the first blogs I started reading and continue to read. You’ve given me so much inspiration and your handbag tutorial was my first independent sewing project.
    I hope you have an amazing birthday! Thank you for sharing your life and projects.

    Like

  23. meredith Avatar

    happy birthday, melissa! i have been quietly reading your blog for more than a year now, ever since i found you on etsy and bought a pair of your beautiful embroidered baby booties for my daughter.
    a few things about me… i am reading the haiku of yosa buson right now and loving their crisp, clean images. i am currently making a set of felt play pasta for my daughter’s second birthday. and we are finally enjoying a taste of fall here in virginia, with the leaves just turning and the swirling october winds blowing them down.

    Like

  24. munch Avatar
    munch

    I’m working on a bouquet for my wedding at the moment. I wanted one I had handsewn myself to keep. It’s taking a long time, but I think (hope!) it’ll work. I also love lockets and embroidery and really hope I win! Happy birthday, may you always have peace and happiness in your life.

    Like

  25. Mousy Brown Avatar

    All I can think of today is the workshop I am doing tomorrow – I think you’d like our tutors work though so if I leave a link ( http://www.beckyadams.co.uk/)maybe that will be ok? 😀

    Like

  26. edith Avatar

    Happy Birthday! I have a collection of vintage photographs covering my desk right now and I am working on creating some fun photographs so I can open my own shop on etsy.
    Hope you have a wonderful day!

    Like

  27. Cheryl Avatar

    Happy Happy Birthday!
    My first grandchild is due today
    and I’m so excited to meet her!
    I’d LOVE to win your giveaway!
    It’s lovely!

    Like

  28. Bean Avatar

    Happy Birthday Melissa! The 1st was my daughter’s 7th birthday and tomorrow is my husband’s 38th – Hooray for Libras!

    Like

  29. Hana K. Avatar

    Happy birthday 🙂 Currently I’m almost 6 months pregnant and I’ve been doing a lot of crocheting.

    Like

  30. sophia Avatar

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MELISSA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!! I am not yet 30 but I oddly look forward to it..properly grown up does seem to get the sentiment right 🙂 currently I am obsessing over Wee Wonderfuls..have you read it? So darling and whimsical!!

    Like

  31. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Have a wonderful birthday Melissa! I love reading your blog when I have a moment and it is like a big breath of fresh air! Keep it up!
    Lisa
    LEY Creations

    Like

  32. fleur Avatar

    Oh! Happy Birthday, Melissa!
    Life begins now!!!!
    Fleur
    xxxxxx

    Like

  33. Jacilyn Avatar

    Happy Birthday! Ah 30…I remember it well. 🙂
    Hope you have a great day full of laughter, cake and family and friends.
    Something about myself….my favorite color is robin’s egg blue.

    Like

  34. chelsea Avatar

    happy happy happy birthday!!!! you make such beautiful things & i am so lucky to be the owner of several of your items. i hope that you have a fantastic day!
    today, i’m finishing up pieces for my jewelry business. it’s exciting to have ideas in your head and to finally put them to life! hooray!

    Like

  35. Merja Avatar

    Happy birthday! It surprised me that you are ‘just’ 30, you seem so mature and down to earth.
    I read your blog every day, it gives me great pleasure.
    About me… I’m soon 45 and working on turning our old house into our dream home.

    Like

  36. Katie R Avatar
    Katie R

    Oh happiest of birthdays to you! I have grandiose ideas for 30–let me know how it looks from where you are at! ;o)
    Right now, I am working on a crocheted rainbow blanket for my 4 year old for Christmas. It started out as a washcloth and then I grew tired of cranking out washclothes so decided to do a blanket. It’s my first really big crochet project! Almost to yellow already. At this rate, I hope to be done with it in about a week.

    Like

  37. Cinnamon Avatar

    Oh Happy Birthday! I just turned 29, and while everyone around me keeps hinting at or just flat out teases me about getting older, I love it. Honestly, I think 30 will be great! I hope you enjoy your day. 🙂

    Like

  38. Jess Avatar

    Happy BDay Melissa! I’m in California, USA. I read your blog everyday. I just received the self sufficient garden book in the mail about a week ago after seeing it on your blog and today I’m going home from work to start my winter planting plan. I finally have the time to do it and it’s been sprinkling all week, so its the perfect time. I really enjoy reading your blog, thanks for taking the time to share New Zealand with us, it makes me want to come over there. All the people I’ve met from New Zealand seem the most genuine and fun people on Earth, it must be something in the air over there. I’m 22 but I hope in 8 years I’m as happy as you always seem. your children and your country and your things are beautiful. Happy Birthday once again!

    Like

  39. caireen Avatar

    Happy Birthday dear Melissa, Cx

    Like

  40. Karina Avatar

    Happy birthday my dear friend. I hope you had a fantastic day yesterday, it was nice to see you briefly. Enjoy the party K xxx

    Like

  41. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    30 is a glorious number. Oh Happy Birthday!!!
    Right now, I’m getting ready to start a warm, knitted hat (my first and I’m almost 40) for a trip to Tahoe USA in December. I figure it will take me that long to finish it. I so enjoy your blog. It carries me away to another less hectic world (I am in sunny far Northern California)
    Blessings on your special day!

    Like

  42. lucy Avatar

    Birthday love to you Melissa, thirties are the best (so far). Would love to win your goodies, I have barely taken your “Bright Star” key off since it arrived.

    Like

  43. Nancy Cook Avatar

    Happy Birthday Melissa!
    30 seems so far away to me. It is the year I got engaged to be married and the following year we had our wedding. I really think the 30’s are a good time though my 30’s were maybe a lot like your 20’s. It’s all good.
    I’m thinking about sweaters today.
    I’ve got a pretty black one nearing completion for myself and a nice wooly grey one for my boy. Also, going to the NYS Sheep and Wool festival tomorrow and am pretty excited about that.
    Hope your birthday is sweet like you…awww!

    Like

  44. mon ami Avatar

    Happy Birthday! My 30th year is one of my favourite years. I hope it treats you well too.
    At the moment I am cutting out fabric for my first quilt ever! I am making it for my daughter (who was born when I was 30). Her middle name is Rose so I am using old pillow cases and sheets with roses on them that I have been collecting. I’m so excited to see how it turns out.
    thanks for sharing
    xo

    Like

  45. Lina Avatar
    Lina

    Hi Melisa, happy birthday to you!!! I’m working on a scalloped garland for my daughter’s first birthday and thinking on turning 30 this year to, in november but as you say it feels good!

    Like

  46. Marty Avatar

    Happy birthday, Melissa! In less than two months I will be exactly twice as old as you-shudder!! Actually I still feel 30 except for a bit of arthritis, so I feel very lucky. Have a super birthday!

    Like

  47. Ger Avatar

    Best wishes to you…! Me, I´m 55 – and still going strong…;) actually, lots of good things do happen with aging – when I was your age, I considered sewing a serious waste of time, and now: can´t stop doing it…

    Like

  48. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks for the link- her work is beautiful!

    Like

  49. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    Happy Birthday!! I love reading your blog; about your life in NZ and all of your beautiful crafts! I live in a small town in se Ohio and love to collage.

    Like

  50. sy Avatar
    sy

    happy birthday! i’m loving thai food now, pad kee mao is so delicious. thanks for the awesome giveaway! i wish i could embroider as pretty as you do.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Like

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