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

a small floral

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This is what I've been working on over the past couple of days: a small floral design. It's just free-form embroidery on natural linen, in an all-over pattern. The colours were inspired by a pair of paper fans from Japan on the mantlepiece at a friend's house. I was sitting at her kitchen table the other evening when I noticed them and set aside the threads to match. White, turquoise, red and light pink. 

My plan for the finished piece is to sew it into a keepsake pouch for a family member, as a Christmas gift. She doesn't read my blog so I think I'm safe in writing about it! I'm only making a few of my Christmas presents this year. How are you going with yours? Are you making anything? 

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18 responses to “a small floral”

  1. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    Pretty! I’ve been knitting cowls. One for my sister and one for each of my nieces. It’s been fun selecting a yarn and pattern to suit each person.

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  2. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    Beautiful design and the colours are gorgeous!

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  3. mary Avatar
    mary

    I just love this style of flower embroidery you’re doing these days :^) And I envy you only making a few gifts – I think that’s a good way to enjoy the process and the season. I really tried to reign myself in this year but: old habits!

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  4. Ruth Avatar
    Ruth

    The embroidery is beautiful. I’ve made two sets of placemats for Christmas and crocheted a rabbit. I was hoping to get more done, but ran out of time.

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  5. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    We’ve been handrolling beautiful coloured beeswax candles. Easy, quick for a child to make, and special when all wrapped up with a chocolate treat or two!
    We also plan to make peppermint bark for all our neighbours!

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  6. louana Avatar
    louana

    I think that is the most beautiful embroidery Melissa! I’ve abandoned hope of making many presents, but I’ve been buying handmade. It’s better really, less stress and helping out a maker too!

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  7. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    cowls! brilliant idea for the northern hemisphere gang. is there a particular pattern you’re using?

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  8. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you kate. happy christmas!

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you mary. have fun with your busy making schedule! your friends + family will be pleased. and you will be pleased to have a break after the 25th.

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  10. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you ruth. i know just what you mean about running out of time. have a good (hot?!) christmas.

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  11. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    beeswax candles. such a good idea. i bought a beeswax-candle-kit for someone- but secretly wanted to keep it for myself!

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  12. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks L. and great idea on buying handmade- i have been doing a bit of that too.

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  13. KarenLR Avatar
    KarenLR

    I’ve been making mobius-inspired scarves from lovely fabrics (Liberty and Nani iro). The scarves require a half yard of fabric, so the wee splurge is affordable.
    I’ve also made a carpenter’s apron for my husband, knitted fingerless mittens for my young adult daughters and sets of napkins, too.
    Of course, I still have a few more projects to go…tiny knitted Christmas trees…pattern here. http://www.etsy.com/listing/168252127/knitting-pattern-jack-pine-tree-knit?ref=shop_home_feat
    Love your sweet embroideries, Melissa.

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  14. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    This is my favorite cowl pattern, so far: http://spiderwomanknits.typepad.com/swk/2012/01/free-pattern-.html

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  15. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    love that pattern. thank you for the link- i’ll go and search out my circulars.

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  16. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    those little trees are so cute! sounds like you’ve been a busy crafter, karen. happy christmas!

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  17. Melania Avatar
    Melania

    I do love hearing about how a design unfolds for you. The colours in your embroidery are just beautiful.
    I have been making a couple of little softies for my niece and nephew. A funny little rabbit and a teddy-in-disguise (he has a cape and mask).
    Hope you are having a lovely week.

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  18. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Oh Melissa, this embroidery is so very beautiful.
    A parcel arrived from you yesterday – thankyou so much. It is a gift for someone who has coveted my tiny happy brooch for some years.

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