tiny happy

making journal

Giveaway 1

Giveaway 3

Giveaway 2

This online journal is ten years old! I find it hard to believe.

Yet in some ways it feels like I've been writing about my projects here forever. 

Thank you for dropping by and reading. Thank you for your emails and comments over the years. It's been a lot of fun. I don't know what the future holds for 'tiny happy' – whether I'll keep on writing here or not. I'll just keep going until I get tired of it.

So to celebrate this blog milestone (a decade..!!) I wanted to have a giveaway, because that's always fun.

I have three parcels to send to you, dear readers, to thank you for being part of my blog family. I'll draw three separate winners – they can be from anywhere in the world – and we can work out which is the best parcel for which winner.

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a) knitting parcel – this includes a bento bag I've made from hand-printed linen (it's the perfect size for socks-in-progress), a skein of beautiful hand-dyed merino yarn (handspun and dyed by my Mum) and two balls of one of my favourite local yarns, Silver Lining merino DK (knits up like this)

b) sewing parcel – this has a length of beautiful vintage cotton fabric, some hand-dyed embroidery threads and a sampler needlebook

c) making for children parcel – a new signed copy of my book and half a metre of 'planting seeds' fabric I designed (it's nice for lining bonnets, baby shoes, etc and you can find the patterns for these in the book)

If you're not really a making-things type of person, I also have some nature badges and postcard sets I can send should your name be drawn.

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To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below telling me what you're currently working on – whether it's something you're making or cooking or a book you're reading.

XX Melissa XX

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219 responses to “a decade of blogging, with presents”

  1. clare Avatar
    clare

    I am always working on lots of things! Currently knitting a stripy cardigan and making a Hazel dress. And reading The Whalerider.

    Like

  2. Sarah lin Avatar
    Sarah lin

    I’m knitting a baby sweater for my sister in law who is pregnant.

    Like

  3. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Happy decade of blogging Melissa! I have enjoyed dropping into your space here for many years now. Thank you so much for sending out your beautiful pictures, making inspiration and thoughts! XXX Currently making pants for my daughter…

    Like

  4. Doris Avatar
    Doris

    Hello and congratulations! Tiny happy is the first blog I’ve been following since beginning of university, always imagining how my life would be when I ‘grow up’, have family of my own and make things for them in such a gentle and lovely way as you do…

    Like

  5. Elena Smith-Beech Avatar
    Elena Smith-Beech

    Ahh so exciting! I’ve recently finished knitting a beanie for a friend, and my next project is to either knit a loooong red scarf (inspired by the ‘Me Before You’ film) or to embroider a t-shirt with a massive sunflower to celebrate the coming summer! I’ve also been reading huckleberry fin for uni xx

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  6. Sarah Varey Avatar
    Sarah Varey

    I’m knitting a neck tube (it probably has a better ‘real’ name) out of lovely merino scraps…it’s for me, reading “The Dyslexic Advantage” and listening to Solomon Crook on Soundcloud…I’ve been alternating activities on this rainy day.
    I love the quiet vibe of your blog…a lovely antidote to so much of life that is shouty and showy-off.

    Like

  7. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Working on several little baby gifts! A sweater, a romper and a little doll. Congrats on a decade of blogging! I think I’ve read for 6 years now 🙂

    Like

  8. Yasmine Avatar
    Yasmine

    Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I’ve just finished a Camilla shawl and am about to cast on a Liv Cardigan.

    Like

  9. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Congrats x I’m crocheting granny squares to make a blanket. I was donated the wool, so I’m going to donate the blanket once I’ve finished to a family in need 🙂

    Like

  10. Patricia Shaw Avatar
    Patricia Shaw

    Congrats on your decade of expressing yourself! I am currently switching back and forth between knitting a baby blanket for a friend and knitting a neck wrap thing that I designed. But new skeins of yarn try to get my attention every day. 😉

    Like

  11. Faye Avatar
    Faye

    Congratulations on the blog’s 10 year anniversary! At the moment I am knitting a jumper for my nephew; it’s a simple design but very satisfying as it grows quickly. I also have a mohair blanket on the go – this has been an ‘in progress’ project for the last couple of years, very slow progress but it is nice to always have something there to pick up when the mood strikes.

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  12. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Congratulations! I am currently knitting a pair of heavily textured Cookie A socks. In addition I have just started to learn how to spin using a wheel. Fingers crossed that during the rest of my vacation I can learn brioche stitch and practice lever knitting 🙂

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  13. Deb Avatar

    Congratulations on ten years of blogging. My current project – I have been sorting out all my patchwork fabric and bought some nice mint green storage boxes so my fabric is more organised.

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  14. Kate Avatar

    oh so lovely. hugest congratulations on a decade of gorgeousness!! i’m knitting socks, a blanket and a hot water bottle and i’m thinking about the fact that in all these years of blogging you’ve managed to stay original and special. hooray for tiny happy. xxx

    Like

  15. Jemma Avatar
    Jemma

    I’m knitting all the shawls – finished a Laylow and a Corinna this week and have cast on a vey simple Helium. Thank you for blogging and inspiring us with beauty

    Like

  16. Kylie Avatar

    Congratulations on a decade of blogging Melissa. Ten years is a long time, especially as far as blogs are concerned. So many nice blogs have bitten the dust – I’m glad I’ve discovered yours and that you continue to write it.
    I like your blog because it is lovely and quiet. It has a gentleness about it which appeals to me…even though I’m a crap sewer and a wonky knitter I don’t feel intimidated by your creativity and talent. Does that make sense?
    I am knitting a beanie, repainting walls in our house and spreading mulch at the moment – I guess those things count as projects…

    Like

  17. Jennifer Cole Avatar
    Jennifer Cole

    Congrats on 10 years! I hope there are many more to come. I am currently sewing a top, a shorter version of the Endless Summer Tunic and also knitting a Sunrise Cardi. Much love!

    Like

  18. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Ten years is amazing, Melissa. I’ve really enjoyed all of your inspiration. I’ve just finished a wonderful book called A Year of Marvellous Ways. It’s quite magical and I’m sad that it’s finished. I’m not quite sure what to read next now.

    Like

  19. Amellia Avatar
    Amellia

    Your blog is just lovely to read, and your work beautiful.
    I am making a wiksten tank for summer, cooking pound cake for my hungry family and reading the new Liane Moriarty book for some escapism.

    Like

  20. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Wow, ten years. That’s amazing! You’ve gathered some lovely things for giving away. I always find your posts inspirational for my creativity! Currently I’m knitting up some squares to eventually become a blanket, i am still quite new to knitting but am enjoying the process of learning how!

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  21. Lynn Avatar

    Congratulations on ten years of blogging. I love seeing new posts as I know they will be interesting and beautiful. I love seeing your latest projects but have also discovered some great new music and other stuff through reading your blog. I hope you continue writing it for a long time. Best wishes x

    Like

  22. Anne-Marie Avatar
    Anne-Marie

    Congratulations for your blog, which is always nice to read.I am currently knitting a montrouge cardigan while eating scones I just baked, with tea, the only thing to do in this awful Saturday in Wellington! And I’m trying to finish reading the Luminaries, but it’s loooong!
    Anne-Marie

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  23. Alice Voncken Avatar
    Alice Voncken

    Congratulations! 🎉 I have several knitting projects going on 😁

    Like

  24. lyndle Avatar
    lyndle

    Congratulations on keeping the blog up for a decade! I only discovered it a year or so ago but I do enjoy your writing and making. At the moment I have on the go, a top (sewing) for my partner (nearly finished), a pair of trousers for me, two lots of embroidery, an applique quilt AND my first ever knitted garment, a cardigan for my nephew (I’ve had the foresight to make it for his age plus 2, so that by the time he is 4 I should have it finished). These are all actual works in progress – there are other UFOs. Perhaps focus is my issue! If I was to win I’d love the knitting pack but they are all gorgeous.

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  25. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Ooh congrats Melissa! I still love reading your blog, esp the photos, can’t believe it’s ten! I’m crocheting a baby blanket at the moment. Something I didn’t know I could do until I watched a YouTube tutorial! Easy Peasy! Just finished reading dead to me by Lesley Pearse.

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  26. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Hi, my grandaughter,Taylor (6) and I are currently watching my spring bulbs grow in a pot near the front door. She gets very excited with their growth. I’ve enjoyed “tinyhappy” so much .Keep up the great work, Melissa.
    Karen-‘Newcastle
    Australia

    Like

  27. Daphna Avatar
    Daphna

    10 years is such an awsome accomplishment & your esthetic is so pure and beautiful! I am currently reading a book on Icelandic folktales and crocheting a granny square blanket for my daughter to take to college!

    Like

  28. Heather Woollove Avatar

    Congratulations on ten wonderful years, my sweet friend!
    (Not so ‘tiny’ any more, are you?!?) 🙂
    I’ve been sewing some tops from a fantastic Grainline pattern lately, so the sewing gift would be cool…and since I’ve recently become a grandmother (a “Honey” in our family), your kids’ patterns would be fantastic, as well!! Sending love and big hugs!!! Heather

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  29. Penelope Avatar
    Penelope

    Happy anniversary!
    I just whipped up some curtains for my kid this afternoon, to test out my new (to me) vintage sewing machine. They’re a bit wonky but the flannelette lining should help keep the cold out.
    I’ve been sick this week so I’ve been spending lots of time in bed knitting: socks for my partner, socks for my kid and a lace scarf for me. All are still very much in progress, but I think I can finish the kid’s socks this week – they’re my waiting-for-the-school-bell knitting. Otherwise it’s going to be pretty quiet on the crafting front while I catch up on all the work I missed during the week.

    Like

  30. Heather Johnson Avatar
    Heather Johnson

    Wow Melissa where has that 10 years gone. I am knitting baby blankets, baby clothes and small teddy’s for the neonatal unit.

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  31. Ruthie Avatar
    Ruthie

    Ten years! Many congratulations Melissa. I do enjoy seeing your work, your embroidery is so inspiring. I’m working on two knitted shawls, a crochet cowl, a ‘slow stitch’ embroidered piece, and I’m sewing little pouches from ‘Making’ magazine, to put friends birthday presents in. Of course, there are many UFO’s lurking, but let’s not think about those!

    Like

  32. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    Hello Melissa! I started reading your blog in college and have been visiting it for over a year now. It always brings a smile to my face. Your recipes for lemon curd and easy fudge are among my favorites. I’m currently reading two books-When Breath Becomes Air (beautifully written but very sad) and Lab Girl (about a scientist I really admire). I’m currently knitting some simple cotton washcloths. I just moved into my first apartment and managed to bring along some knitting needles and a ball of blue yarn. It’s a start! Thank you for all the times this blog has brightened my day.

    Like

  33. Melody Adelman Avatar
    Melody Adelman

    Congrats on the online journal. I love it…….I am making a quilt for an engagement present, socks for my soon to be first granddaughter, embroidering pillow cases and finishing up a needlepoint.

    Like

  34. Sarah Kennedy Avatar
    Sarah Kennedy

    I remember visiting you blog when we first moved to London in 2009. So lovely to see the work you’ve done over the years. You’re such an inspiration.
    I’m in the middle of finishing all of my WIP knitting projects. I have 3 left to get done and I’m hoping to be finished in the next fortnight! Fingers crossed! Because then I can move onto some sewing projects I’ve had whirling around my brain for the last 6 months!

    Like

  35. Yolande Avatar
    Yolande

    I love your blog, it’s one of my regular stops! I’m sewing buttons on a little boho baby vest, reading Mrs. Pollifax, playing with rubber stamps!

    Like

  36. Jessica Gabbie Avatar
    Jessica Gabbie

    Congratulations on a decade Melissa, I’m currently preparing to start making a new Roman blind for my kitchen 🙂

    Like

  37. Mousy Brown Avatar

    I been reading for ten years now I guess and have enjoyed the inspiration and beautiful pictures so much…and the music suggestions have always been fab too! Congratulations on reaching a decade…something to be very proud of and a lovely record of all that creativity for yourself too I would think…
    I sat up until 1am last night finishing off a patchwork quilt for my younger son, using squares of pyjamas he has worn since he was a baby (he’s 14 now!)…i’d promised to get it done before we went on holiday (today) and as he has been patiently waiting since his big brother had his for his birthday in April, it seemed the right thing to do!
    Now I can enjoy the knitting projects I have packed to take to Scotland and a bit of English Paper Piecing too…oh and the huge pile of books…or maybe I’ll end up doing nothing!

    Like

  38. Sonya Avatar
    Sonya

    Congratulations Melissa and Tiny Happy! Your blog is like a little ray of sunshine that I look forward to reading. I have just finished a combined knitting project with my 12 year old son and we made a hot water bottle cover (partly inspired by Ricky Baker in Hunt for the Wilder people) and I am about to start a project making some knitted slippers, inspired by your blog a week or two ago, for my 15 year old son. I’m trying to convince him to have some knitting input into the project… I made some citrus muffins the other day as it felt like a ‘welcome to spring’ thing to do, and yesterday I made fudge slice which we are devouring!

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  39. diane Avatar
    diane

    Congratulations on ten years . I am reader but never a comment before . Making hiking socks at present for a friend’s husband and reading Peter Garrett’s biography .always a project and book on the go

    Like

  40. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    Congratulations – I love your blog and you’re lovely photos on Instagram 😊 I’m currently knitting lots of things – some for me and some for presents – I’ve just finished making a merchant and mills rugby shirt dress and I’m reading a book all about using embroidery on everyday things – just haven’t got enough hours in my day 😊

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  41. Lou Avatar

    10 years, congratulations Melissa! You’ve cultivated a beautiful corner of the internet in this tiny happy space 🙂
    I’m currently working on a series of lino prints with a botanical theme 🙂

    Like

  42. Char Avatar
    Char

    I’ve just finished a Little Tykes playhouse makeover, like the ones on Pinterest, on my son’s playhouse we bought second hand, so I’m looking for inspiration for my next project. I’m hoping to squeeze something in before my second son is born in three month’s time (and then I’ll have my hands full!)

    Like

  43. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Thank you for the past ten years of blogging, Melissa, and I hope to read many more as your photos of projects, places, food and flowers always inspire me. As far as ‘projects’ go, I am currently working through a pile of mending. I actually get great satisfaction from extending the life of well-loved & well-worn clothes and quite like the look of patches and mended spots. I have just finished darning the thinning elbows on a favourite grey sweater and am happily wearing it as I write. Reading Margaret Atwood’s Stone Mattress these winter evenings.

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  44. Tussocknz Avatar
    Tussocknz

    I’m knitting a cosy merino jersey for my precious 6month old daughter.

    Like

  45. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    Hi. I’ve summonsed up the courage to start knitting my first pair of socks. Just starting to work the heel! I’ve also just started to read The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, my first of her novels. Lots of firsts here …. Thanks for writing your lovely blog. x

    Like

  46. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    I started following your blog after you were in the NZ House & Garden mag. I would like to enter on behalf of my mum. She is busy knitting a baby jersey at the moment t and always has something on the go. Congrats on 10 years!

    Like

  47. Colleen Conlan Avatar
    Colleen Conlan

    You have the loveliest of blogs! This summer I am knitting my first linen project, and growing lots of marigolds to do some dyeing with.

    Like

  48. Michelle Moss Avatar
    Michelle Moss

    What a lovely way to celebrate! This milestone makes me think back over my years of reading your blog and my own life events along the way 🙂 Today I started a book of essays by an Australian author, Helen Garner, called Everywhere I look. And while I have not started this project yet, earlier this week I received in the mail some Heather Ross fabric, perfect for a summer dress for my mermaid loving 8 year old! 🙂

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  49. Anna Avatar

    Thank you for your beautiful blog!
    I am currently knitting Gudrun Johnston´s Lang Ayre hap (from Kate Davies´ book on haps), watching documentaries on Netflix (on cannabis, feminism, food, nature…), and re-reading some childhood favourites (books by a Finnish author set in the middle-ages).

    Like

  50. Susie Dean Avatar
    Susie Dean

    Dear Melissa, thank you for 10years of Tiny Happy what joy and delight it has always bought me to open your blog. Congratulations on your quiet creative celebration of family and life. much love

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