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

friday giveaway

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Hello! Hope you are well today. I thought I might have a little giveaway here because I haven't had one in a while, and it's fun. Also, I turn another year older tomorrow and I always like to give stuff away on my birthday. I have made up two packages to send (to anywhere in the world) and each has a digital print of a collage I made back in the wintertime, a couple of fat quarters from this fabric collection, and a set of watercolour postcards. 

For past giveaways, I've suggested leaving a comment telling us about your latest favourite record or film, and I still go back to those posts to find new things to listen to and watch! So if you wouldn't mind doing the same this time, that would be fabulous. What are you enjoying listening to/watching/making? 

Thanks for visiting my blog and being generally awesome, lovely readers.

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266 responses to “friday giveaway”

  1. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    Ah, many wishes for a fun and celebratory day, week and year! We’ve been into Nanci Griffith and Elizabeth Mitchell – very folksy around here this week.

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  2. jessie Avatar
    jessie

    listening to Tell me a Tale by Michael Kiwanuka and watching tUnE-yArDs with Yoko Ono at Iceland Airwaves on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=50hPbLLUK_M
    thank you for your lovely blog and happy birthday!

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  3. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Happy Birthday Melissa!
    Adele is my favorite these days, and I hear Feist has a new CD, I still haven’t heard. One of my favorite movies is Finding Forrester.
    All the best young lady.

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  4. Sera Avatar
    Sera

    Happy Birthday Melissa!! I’m currently listening to a mix of Kate Bush, Feist, and Wilco. The new Feist and Wilco albums are giving me a lot of joy, and ‘Aerial’ by Kate Bush is a perennial favourite. I’ve been watching old QI (Stephen Fry, BBC panel show) series, but have run out! So I now have to wait a week for a new episode like a normal person haha Mr. Fry has also started a gorgeous programme on Language – Planet Word. So far only 3 episodes, but really fascinating! I’m not really a film person, so much, but I did get introduced to ‘Keinohrhasen’ (No Ear Rabbit) – a German film – the other week. It’s a very sweet romance, but has sad parts. I don’t know if you’re much of a reader, but ‘When God Was a Rabbit’ really struck me to the core! Living in a German speaking country now, bookdepository.co.uk is my downfall haha
    I’m slowly nesting here, and I went to a Flohmarkt this morning – so many gorgeous old pieces of fabric! I wish I could have bought so many, but I have to be realistic.. I did buy a beautiful handmade rug, and an old crochet doily. The next project is making curtains – the old blinds and windows don’t keep the cold out so well!
    The sticks and stones fabric is gorgeous, every week when I take a peek in your shop, I see it and want it! So you can be assured that the fabric would be well used 🙂
    I appear to have written a bit of a novel.. but best wishes for your birthday! I hope springy Nelson puts on a show!
    Sera

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  5. Nancy Cook Avatar
    Nancy Cook

    Happy Birthday Melissa.
    I guess with the leaves changing color and my excitement over the NY Sheep and Wool Festival this weekend I found myself knitting and sewing with recycled cashmere this week though some sewing and embroidery snuck it’s way in there too. I want to see the new Jane Eyre and I need new music suggestions badly so I will check back in here. I’m also quite loving peppermint tea lately.

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  6. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    Happy almost Birthday! So far I’ve been listening to Serenada Schizophrana by Danny Elfman, crocheting hats for my mom to give away to people to need them at work, and patching up holes in jeans. It’s been a busy but fairly productive week. 🙂

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  7. lucy Avatar
    lucy

    lovely lovely giveaway! Currently I am listening too Gold Leaves, watching Mad Men and making my way through my massive to do list of things to make. x

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  8. Ali Avatar
    Ali

    Hi,
    I rarely comment here but I do silently stalk your blog 🙂 The first thing I ever attempted to sew was using your Shoulder Bag Tutorial & I have now made SO many of them…thank you!
    I am currently…
    Listening to: The Golden Retrievers, A Way to Change (EP)http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-way-to-change-ep/id297610173 – a UK band who are mellow & amazing 🙂
    Watching: Gavin & Stacey as I love it!
    Making: Dreaming of making this gorgeous crochet floral pouch bag http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/ePDF/1012/4w/210-52_Floral_Pouch.pdf
    Ali
    x

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  9. Dwan Evans Avatar
    Dwan Evans

    Wishing you a Happy Birthday.
    I recently watched The Beaver. It’s a movie dealing with depression. Pretty Good.
    Since a recent vacation to Jamaica I have been listening to Bob Marley. Can’t help, but be happy listening to him.
    Also, I recently read All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. He writes about my area (south Texas). I never knew I could enjoy a western. Very good book.

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  10. tara Avatar
    tara

    I’m loving Dan Mangan’s new album Oh Fortune (http://www.danmanganmusic.com/ohfortune.html), almost as much as I loved his first, Nice, Nice Very Nice!

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  11. Hannah Avatar
    Hannah

    Happy Birthday!! I had never watched the Felicity series when it first came out and I just watched it and throughly enjoyed watching the drama of college girl world!! Yeah j.j. abrams!

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  12. Mousy Brown Avatar
    Mousy Brown

    Happy Birthday Melissa – hope you have a lovely day!
    I am listening to Bon Iver For Emma Forever ago.
    I am watching a dvd of an old 1980s BBC adaptation of My Family and other animals.
    I am making a pinwheel blanket http://knitalong.net/?page_id=3

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  13. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Our second son arrived last week and I have been trying to work on knitting some booties for him when I can. He and my pandora radio stations are what I am listening to the most right now. Happy Birthday from Ohio!

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  14. betty Avatar
    betty

    happy birthday…
    loving the new liberty book of sewing, right now. x

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  15. carla Avatar
    carla

    hello
    have a nice B-day
    I love Sia’s voice, I often visit stranger blogs and appreciate their personal creativity, i collect vintage toys for my children and buy everything remind me my childhood.
    Thanks for this sweet giveway
    Carla from France

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  16. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Hi Melissa,
    Have you seen Juno yet? Its out on DVD – I thought it was wonderful and unexpected for an American film. Also you could try a series called Breaking Bad, which when you read the blurb sounds crazy but is a high paced sort of action series. Happy Birthday, hope you have a fabulous day!
    Emma x

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  17. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    I recently watched the movie Win Win, and loved it! Also listening a lot to Feist’s new album, which is very good. Have a lovely birthday and thank you for sharing your creations with us! 🙂

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  18. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmPXDDTQkbRrYbut_ZmZUwWtqObYPklSsc Avatar
    www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmPXDDTQkbRrYbut_ZmZUwWtqObYPklSsc

    Hello,
    Thanks a lot for the giveaway and happy birthday.
    I am listening to Wu Lyf “Go tell fire to the mountain” at the moment. Mesmerizing.
    Have a nice weekend.

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  19. Ulrika Avatar
    Ulrika

    Happy birthday! Listen to the swedish singer Nicolai Dunger. Wonderful! And to another swedish singer, Anna Ternheim.

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  20. Erendira Avatar
    Erendira

    Happy birthday! Music I’ve been loving lately is Over the Rhine, Gillian Welch, and David Bazan. Have a fantastic day!

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  21. Katherine Ross Avatar
    Katherine Ross

    Happy Birthday and how sweet of you to give a gift!
    I honestly haven’t had the time to see any films lately, but I’ve been listening to (and highly recommend) Feist’s and Bon Iver’s new albums.
    I’m currently reading Design*Sponge At Home.. it’s so wonderful! I actually received it for my birthday 🙂 Then I’m moving on to “Wildwood” by Colin Meloy with beautiful illustrations by Carson Ellis.
    Hope you have a lovely Birthday!

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  22. jeanette kayne Avatar
    jeanette kayne

    October is my favorite month I am jealous you get to celebrate your birthday in it!
    Lately I am listening to Feist new album metals…sigh I love her. I’ve been watching nothing actually I have been reading…currently I’m reading Charms for the Easy Life…I would definitely recommend it. Making…I make a bunch of mini pies…they are so cute I’m obsessed

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  23. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Hi there Melissa – happy birthday! I’m currently getting hooked on Justified (loving it – how did I not know this was on??), Downton Abbey (addicted, can’t wait for series 2) and Mad Men. Listening to Adele, the Wallflowers and the Barenaked Ladies (fun band from Canada). I’ve just finished a four week night course in basic patchwork – made four cushions for the kids bedrooms, and currently nearing the end of a knitted log cabin blanket. Would love to win your cool printed fabric.

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  24. Bonnie De Gros Avatar
    Bonnie De Gros

    I was exhausted one night and my partner put on the movie The Professional. I was convinced I would fall asleep but instead found myself wide awake and completely wired at the end of it. It is a really compelling film and I think it was Natalie Portman’s first film. And as far as music goes, it isn’t new, but I have been listening to The Field – From Here We Go Sublime every time I am writing an assignment. It totally mellows me out. x Bonnie (p.s. I am 4 weeks away from finishing my midwifery degree… can you believe how fast time passes?)

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  25. Tessa Avatar
    Tessa

    Fabulous Arabia! And the new Wilco of course.
    We’ve been making lemon pudding……
    Happy Birthday

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  26. Hanna Avatar
    Hanna

    Happy Birthday! I haven’t seen any movies recently, but I have been watching some tv shows like Parenthood and Parks and Rec.

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  27. Lindsay Jewell Avatar
    Lindsay Jewell

    I watched Sweet Land recently, and it’s now one of my favorite films. Will probably watch it once or twice per year for the rest of my life – that kind of thing. 🙂

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  28. Eliane Avatar
    Eliane

    how sweet of you to give presents at your birthday! enjoy a very happy day! I have finished the lovely book ‘The Help’ which is really moving. i don’t watch too many films and don’t listen to much music as my sons (12 and 18) play lots of live music most often much too loud ;-))) cheers from ireland, eliane

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  29. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    Happy Birthday! I love your blog and all the lovely thing you create. Right now I am loving the new Rosebuds CD, Wilco’s newest Cd and Bjork.
    Here is a link to Wilco’s live concert on NPR (they play a lot of new songs)
    http://www.npr.org/2011/09/21/140669742/live-sunday-wilco-in-concert
    also I thought you would enjoy Bon Iver’s live concert
    http://www.npr.org/2011/08/04/138890247/live-tuesday-bon-iver-in-concert
    Gillian Welch’s new album is so lovely also.
    Thanks so much and have a wonderful weekend <3!

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  30. Marian Avatar
    Marian

    Happy birthday to you! Hope you have a wonderful day 🙂
    Our listening as of late is probably not for you, even though you might understand them…Norwegian kids audio books…Hakkebakkeskogen and Karius og Baktus mainly :-p.
    Watching, maybe a little more interesting. Contagion, When the Sky Falls (based on a true story), Lumumba (very interesting), Secret Window (It’s Johnny Depp, what can I say!), and Thor (surprisingly good).
    The making department. Hmm, I’m trying to get a head start on Christmas with some knit cotton dishcloths. Then there was a birthday before (coming Sunday actually), one knit wool/alpaca hat for my lovely husband (attempt number three, pattern number two worked out wonderfully!) and another birthday next week for a niece, crochet purple tote/basket (who ever thought of making scented yarn!! Yuck! Too bad it was the perfect color…at least it was lavender scented, which is not too bad).

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  31. amy lowrey Avatar
    amy lowrey

    very happy birthday to you! these are all so lovely!
    lately i’m:
    listening to mumford & sons
    reading mockingbird by kathryn erskine
    and making {or rather finishing} binding on 3 quilts which feels good!

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  32. Minji Avatar
    Minji

    Happy birthday! You were born in the beautiful season.

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  33. Minji Avatar
    Minji

    I am really lucky because I do professionaly what I like to do; drawing for the children. Have a wonderful week-end!

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  34. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Happy, happy birthday, Melissa. I’m still listening to Mark Knopfler’s Screenplaying, which I’ve loved forever. Haven’t seen a movie in ages, but there are so many books out there, and I finally read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. Have a lovely weekend!

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  35. Katherine DeStefano Avatar
    Katherine DeStefano

    Happy birthday! I have been watching Downton Abbey and it is great!

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  36. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    Happy Birthday 😀
    I’m listening to Kate Rusby’s most recent album ‘Make the Light’ and revisiting her earlier albums. Reading Mrs Minniver. And all the books I got for the birthday I’ve just had!

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  37. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    I’m enjoying making early Christmas gifts. This year I’m making some placemat and napkins sets. With starting early I’m able to add those special touches I skip when I’m rushing. And Ive been enjoying listening to Kari Jobe lately.

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  38. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Lovely giveaway Melissa.Lately I’ve been listening to Weather Report..they’re a jazz band but disbanded in the 80’s ..my teenage son plays trumpet and is developing a love of all things jazz so we hear some interesting stuff.Helikes death metal too…also interesting!!!

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  39. Susan C. Avatar
    Susan C.

    Happy Happy BIRTHDAY!!!
    Thank you for such an awesome giveaway!
    My daughter and I just watched Calendar Girls which we really enjoyed.:) Also two of our all time favorite old movies are My Favorite Wife(Cary Grant) and You Can’t Take It With You(James Stewart.)
    Music….to liven up my cleaning day I love to listen to the 1940’s music of Betty Hutton singing anything and lately I have been enjoying Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook…both so upbeat and fun.
    And sewing…I am working on some cute aprons with a fun and perky ocean theme for a beach house owned by friends of ours.
    Hoping you have an especially pampered birthday! Love to you!

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  40. Karen Hynds Avatar
    Karen Hynds

    I’ve been reliving the “Bee Gees live in Concert” with my Aged Care Residents. The staff are into it too. Their music is timeless and great for dancing!
    Cheers
    Karen
    Newcastle

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  41. Dacia Avatar
    Dacia

    oh that is lovely! we’ve been watching downton abbey, which is great–a series, not a movie. and listening to? i’m so behind but i do love lightning love.

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  42. Eunhwa Avatar
    Eunhwa

    Happy Birthday! I love listening to REM – any song would do. I also love Sting, especially when he sang “Every Breath You Take” while he was still part of The Police. Thanks!

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  43. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Lately I’ve been soaking up The Year of Hibernation by Youth Lagoon and Black Light in the Forest by Soledad Vélez.
    http://soundcloud.com/youth-lagoon
    http://soledadvelez.bandcamp.com/album/black-light-in-the-forest
    Grattis från sverige! x

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  44. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    I am currently into reading “The Deptford Trilogy” by the canadian author Robertson Davies. He writes in a way that makes me think about the characters in his story and their lives. His stories are about art, universities, professors, family relationships, and travel. I can’t get enough!

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  45. leslifroeschner@gmail.com Avatar
    leslifroeschner@gmail.com

    A very Happy Birthday to you! I’m glad to join on discussions like this as I too get lots of ideas for new things to see and listen to, so thanks for starting another.
    He’s been talked about more than usually lately with the new movie out, but there’s nothing better than a well-made documentary and Werner Herzog is one of the best. THe movie that came out recently about ancient art in a French cave, “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” is so neat to watch, but the other older ones are interesting too.
    I also just saw a French-made movie with an English title “Flirting with Heights” (www.vertigedunerencontre.com) which was stunning and had some very powerful photography. THe director basically sits in the Alps and looks at Golden Eagles and other creatures but with a wonderfully poetic French attitude toward the whole thing.
    Whatever you end up watching, a happy day to you 🙂

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  46. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia

    Listening to James Vincent McMorrow. Reading “Fire Monks” – great learning about Zen practice, Tassajara, and California wildfires. The last movie to really stick with me was “The September Issue” which I saw this summer on DVD. Wasn’t prepared to like it, but it’s a quietly beautiful film and story about women and fashion (together and separately). Happy, happy birthday to you Melissa – Cheers from up North!

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  47. Heart Felt Avatar
    Heart Felt

    Happy birthday Melissa, I’m reading at the moment. I’m loving Brian Selznick and currently reading Wonderstruck. It’s marvellous. J.xxx

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  48. Cassandra Avatar
    Cassandra

    I hope you have a lovely day. I have been listening to Emiliana Torrini’s Fisherman’s Wife lot recently along with Bon Iver and James Blake. Have also been sewing a Sashiko tote for library books. Indigo and white go so beautifully together!

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  49. jonahliza Avatar
    jonahliza

    hello. i love your work and inspiring blog. thanks for the great lil giveaway ❤ i have been listening to the latest red hot chili peppers record, i’m with you, while i have been crafting.. and one of my most favorite films is wes anderson’s fantastic mr. fox. its such an AWESOME film. have you seen it?
    happy autumn -jo

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  50. Ed Avatar
    Ed

    Happiest of birthdays to you Melissa 🙂 I hope you are having a magical day with your family!
    we just had an evening at our village hall(Donovans Store) with the guys from Beyondsemble,so have been listening to them and also Sanders, Alley and Geiling 3 amazingly talented guys who also came thru earlier this year and played in Okarito. ( i think they all might have done shows up your way…maybe at the Mussel Inn? or with Creative Arts on tour)
    Sorry havent been watching much lately…but have “Frieda” to watch soon (we saw it years ago) and now have a copy so just waiting to watch it!!! can’t wait …the colours are so gorgeous!
    sorry won’t rabble on! hope your weekend is fantastic
    Arohanui x
    Ed

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