tiny happy

making journal

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

second-hand crochet

September 28, 2011

Did you know I'm unable to crochet? Believe me, I've tried. Probably about 58 times, with the help of different books, videos and patient people. And yet, my efforts still resemble a crazy tangle of yarn, rather than something neat and flat. And I won't lie, tears are always near before I throw my crochet hook across the room in anger (although I'm getting better at remaining calm these days, you'll be pleased to hear.)

Luckily I'm always finding other people's crochet pieces on my travels around the junk shops, and I like to rescue them. I can barely believe the work and skill that goes into them, and it doesn't seem right that they end up in the Recycling Centre or somewhere else, in a drawer.

Here are some things I made for my etsy shop update today featuring some old crochet work- a linen bag with a big pocket on the front, a smaller bag and some pincushions. They were a great way to use small antique pieces, and they're backed with Liberty lawn for extra old-fashionedness.

p.s. crochet dreams…

Posted in Uncategorized

31 responses to “second-hand crochet”

Miss Smith

September 28, 2011

An appreciation for crochet is a wonderful thing, even if you can’t figure out how to do it. The purses and bags that you made give those pieces a very noble second life!

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Amie

September 28, 2011

It comforts me that I’m not the only person who simply cannot get the hang of crochet. I’m going to give it one last attempt and then call it quits. It’s just so pretty!

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Marine

September 28, 2011

I tried and tried as well and also called it quits! Wonder why some of us just can’t get the hang of it because everyone says it is so easy!!! 🙂

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SmitoniusAndSonata

September 28, 2011

Yes , my efforts never lie flat , either . But if you ever want an anguished little crocheted cone , just ask me …..

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By Night

September 28, 2011

It is very hard to believe there is something you can’t do!
I like to crochet – eventhough I am still a beginner – it really calms me down after a busy day. (And I just started making one of those hexagonal granny blanket…)
But the pieces you found and used here are totally beautiful and so precisely made!

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Catherine

September 28, 2011

wellthat seems fair. My daughter makes me pot holders on request. She doesn’t want me to learn as she says that this is the only things that she does better than me.we can’t be good at everything and thank goodness there are people like us that rescue all those lovely doilies.

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louana

September 28, 2011

I’m sure you could do it! If you were only left handed I’d teach you. Love the rescued crochet though, you’ve done it proud 🙂

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julochka

September 28, 2011

Melissa, you totally ,axe my day saying this…I too have tried and utterly failed to crochet. it makes me feel much better to hear you have too! crochet rescue is a good alternative.

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julochka

September 28, 2011

that was supposed to say “you totally made my day” (I hate typing on the iPad)

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tinyhappy

September 28, 2011

ha- thanks, julie! great to know im not alone. and also good to know i didnt axe your day 😉

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Angela

September 28, 2011

Tee hee, I can’t crochet either..my wrist goes all weird & I fail! Loving those goodies though! Especially the last pic, beautiful tones, I’d pop that one up on my inspiration wall

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Jacq

September 28, 2011

I can’t crochet, I feel like an absolute unco 🙂 I will stick with all the other stuff I can do 🙂

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Holly C.

September 28, 2011

I can do some basic crochet, BUT-I’ve been known to want to throw my sewing machine out the window, if that makes you feel any better.
I LOVE your new Etsy shop items!

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rachelle

September 28, 2011

I love the look of that grey with those creamy lacy doileys Melissa, especially that bag. wow! I’m loving the ‘sets’ of work your creating. I wonder if Pinterest is partly to cause. I’m noticing the same thing in my work. Its become helpful to help me ‘see’ what I see, what interests and attracts me and by default, what doesn’t. Doileys are a love of mine too. Beautiful work as always. x

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Denise | Chez Danisse

September 29, 2011

Lovely crochet saves and such a beautiful floral photograph.

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Jennifer Lin

September 29, 2011

Don’t fret Melissa…. you’ve done justice to other folks’ crochet creations. Your bags are gorgeous. I can crochet, but yarn is pretty pricey here in Singapore. And I find you need lots of patience and constant referring to a pattern to get it right. Like you, prefer sewing — much more straightforward. Never mind, God made us all different, so we can be wonderfully unique… ;o)

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Annie

September 29, 2011

I couldn’t crochet either. Just like you I tried, and tried and tried to no avail. But then … I found the Meet Me at Mikes Crochet 101 tutorials and hey, I’m making Granny Squares. Highly recommended. Try it 😀

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Ellie

September 29, 2011

Finally the truth comes out – Melissa, I’m shocked! It must be meant to be though, so that you can rescue the neglected crochet instead and keep making these wonderful things : )

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Brenda

September 29, 2011

You do wonderful things with found crochets. I too, have had trouble with the art of crochet. I can do the individual stitches, but can’t read a pattern. I have and 87 year old mother in law, who is a whiz at it. Kind of intimidating.

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hayley l.

September 29, 2011

I’m right there with you, Melissa. EVERYTHING I crochet ends up in a triangle shape. Sigh. The fact that you appreciate others’ handiwork and incorporate those pieces into your own art is wonderful and inspiring.
Hope you’re well. xxoo

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Emily

September 29, 2011

I love crochet too but I am really struggling to learn it! Lovely recycling!

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Margaret Oomen

September 29, 2011

if you ever come visit I am certain I could teach you
xo

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domesticali

September 29, 2011

I’ve tried and tried and can’t crochet either. But it sort of makes other people’s crochet all the more precious, doesn’t it?

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sally anne

September 29, 2011

Just give me another hour with you totally on your own without interruptions, and I am certain I could get you ‘hooked up’ once and for all ! He He
xxx
Mum

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rental mobil jakarta

September 29, 2011

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

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Karen Houghton

September 30, 2011

I’m another person who has never mastered crochet either, but love what you’ve done with your found pieces.I find your blog very inspiring and am busy making Christmas presents so I can avoid the last minute rush in December, so thank you!

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Nicole

September 30, 2011

I can’t crochet either! And I do love the look of overlaid vintage pieces. Such a great way to preserve and showcase beautiful work.

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monica

October 2, 2011

Beautiful!!!
Try again…. 59th time lucky perhaps?

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tinyhappy

October 2, 2011

ha- thanks, monica! might just do that when im feeling extra-patient one of these days…. 🙂

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G.Sims

October 13, 2011

this post reminds me of the film peter pan (2003) in it wendy has a beautiful pink pillow with a crochet pattern on top. it would be the perfect pillow if i had a daughter.

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Las sandalias de ana

November 19, 2011

Ohhh, delicious!!!
😉

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