tiny happy

making journal

Bohemian 1

Bohemian 2

Bohemian 3
I've had this shirt for a long time, it's worn and old and much too small for me, really, and it's been hand-dyed a kind of grey (once when I was a teenager and liked everything in dark colours.) I gave it a wash recently and the seams came undone, so I knew my days of wearing it were over. It's one of those amazing old hand-embroidered garments from the 1970's, made in China. 

Anyway, I knew those perfect and gorgeous Chinese hand-stitches were too good to go to waste, so I made a couple of small things for my shop this week: a brooch and a little purse. The Bohemian-style embroidery made me think of the late-summer flowers that are everywhere at the moment: deep-coloured hydrangeas and red geraniums.

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15 responses to “made in china”

  1. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    i love how you find a beautiful use for every tiny happy thing

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  2. Mary Avatar

    what Margaret said :^)

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  3. Genie Avatar

    Ditto ditto.

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  4. Nicole Avatar

    You’re the best recycler I know. LOVE!

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  5. Eyecatchers & Wind In The Willow Avatar

    Yep, just love the “UP”~cycling you do ~ that purse is gorgeous!

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  6. Tammy Avatar

    I do love how you can take the simplest items, recycle, upcycle, and make something wonderful and useful … and then tie it into your environment, your surroundings. Fabulously inspiring!! Have a wonderful Wednesday! 🙂 Tammy

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  7. Lisa Avatar

    Those flowers are lovely. I love how you recycled your shirt!

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  8. Caroline McN Avatar

    I meant to say after your oven-mitt post- Have you found “Stitch” by Cath Kidston? It is also very lovely, but lots of projects to cross-stitch etc… Might be right up your street….
    C

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  9. Jacilyn Avatar

    How clever to recycle your well loved shirt like that! Love the colors.

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  10. Hadley Avatar

    I love how you’ve given it a new life, and are willing to let it go on its own now to new lands and new hands… I get so attached to my clothes. Too attached.

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  11. Mousy Brown Avatar

    I loved that purse – I went to buy it but someone else got there first – have you any shirt left!!??

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  12. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, mousy brown!
    yes- i do have enough to make one more the same… just let me know if youd like to reserve it for you. 🙂

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  13. Emily Avatar
  14. Mousy Brown Avatar

    Oh yes please!!

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  15. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks, caroline- yes i do know that one- must buy a copy actually! thank you x

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