tiny happy

making journal

DSCF7218

DSCF7225

DSCF7240

I've just finished the book 'Blankets' by Craig Thompson and had to sing its praises on my blog because it was such a moving and beautiful read. It's a graphic novel written in 2003 and tells the story of the author's strict Christian upbringing and coming-of-age in the icy Midwest. He falls in love with a girl he meets at Christian camp and this part of the book is so evocative and caused my own teenage years (somewhat suppressed, I must admit) to come flooding back. I think you would love it, if you haven't read it already.

We are going back to our hometown for a few days, so I made myself a roomy case for the craft supplies I hope to use while we're down South. I might have been a bit ambitious- I made my bag from some stripy old kimono fabric and it's big enough to hold linen, threads, scissors, yarn, knitting needles and an embroidery hoop. After all, we're hoping to see friends and fmaily mostly, so I probably won't use them a bit.

I also made a winter coat for Keira from some great vintage wool with tiny squares, and lined it in a purple and grey cotton lawn. She is quite keen on it (even though you can see she was not pleased with having her photo taken), mostly because I let her choose the buttons, and she picked these old white ones with gold inlays. I think they used to belong to her great-grandmother, which I think is pretty special, but she just likes them for their sparkle.

I'll be having a blog-break while we're away, so I'll see you towards the end of next week. Have a great weekend, dear readers.

 

Posted in

17 responses to “blankets”

  1. Cinnamon Avatar
    Cinnamon

    Keira’s choice in buttons is perfect. Have a good time!

    Like

  2. Heather Woollove Avatar

    Oh, I loved ‘Blankets’, too! Have you read ‘Stitches’ by David Small or ‘Fun Home’ by Alison Bechdel (my personal favorite!!)? Have a wonderful trip!!

    Like

  3. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you heather! yes, ive read stitches but not fun house- i will look for it next 🙂

    Like

  4. Chontelle Avatar

    Happy travels.

    Like

  5. Rowena Avatar

    The look on K’s face almost matches the one on my Isa’s when asked to pose for handmade pictures. I can only get co-operation from her if I tell fibs like ‘I’m taking a picture of the buttons’…
    Have a lovely time at home. R x

    Like

  6. Eva Avatar
    Eva

    I love ‘Blankets’ too and keep meaning to read his other books. I’m going to have a look at those recommended by Heather now too, thank you Heather! Lovely coat, enjoy your trip back home, Eva

    Like

  7. Angela Avatar

    Thanks for the book recommendation, it sounds like a good read. I love your adorable little jackets and
    the precious buttons!

    Like

  8. Kevie Avatar

    Gorgeous coat… would love one in me-size!! I also thank you for the book recommendation, need to look it up! Have a good break.

    Like

  9. Molly Avatar

    Have a wonderful time away, projects or no. And thanks for the book recommendation… piqued my curiosity.
    xo,
    M

    Like

  10. Nichole Avatar

    thanks for the book suggestion! and those buttons are so precious. nice touch.

    Like

  11. cyndi Avatar

    the coat is just precious, Melissa. enjoy your holiday.

    Like

  12. sloane Avatar

    I’m loving the wee jackets that you have been making, really wonderful for the children in your life.
    Enjoy your time away. 🙂

    Like

  13. SmitoniusAndSonata Avatar

    The jacket is gorgeous and the choice of buttons , perfect . She’s inherited your good eye for detail !
    As for the craft bag ? I quite understand …. I trail loads about , too , even if I hardly work on any of it when I’m away . It’s my security blanket !

    Like

  14. Sarah Avatar

    I loved ‘Blankets’ too, and I also liked ‘Stitches’ and “Fun Home’. I’ve been waiting forever for Craig Thompson’s ‘Habibi’ to turn up at the library. Beautiful jacket!

    Like

  15. Sienna Avatar

    Craig Thomson’s Carnet de Voyage is also fantastic!

    Like

  16. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks sienna! i will look out for it. 🙂

    Like

Leave a reply to cyndi Cancel reply