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. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Congratulation to ten years and thank you for your blog! I`m working on beach costumes for my little ones.
    Angela

    Like

  2. Alison Avatar
    Alison

    Love reading your blog Melissa, the current project is a quilt using upcycled denim and African da gama fabric-the third in a series-have now used up every last scrap of the da gama fabric I have had for 10 plus years!

    Like

  3. Ed Avatar

    Loads of Arohanui Melissa Wow!! ten years!
    Crumbs where have those years gone??
    um I am trying at the moment to get started on a linocut( have the drawing semi finished) and also trying to get a few baby gifts made for a beautiful friend who is due at the beginning of November.
    I love all of your amazing projects Thank you sooooo much for being there over the past 10 years 🙂
    kindest best wishes Ed xxxx
    And I almost forgot THANKYOU for all your amazing music recommendations!!!

    Like

  4. Marzipan Avatar
    Marzipan

    Congratulations on ten years of Tiny Happy. I’ve only been reading it for the last four years or so, but love to see what you’ve been up to.
    I’m currently working on a quilt for my just turned three year old. I can’t wait to get it finished and see it on his bed.

    Like

  5. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Congratulations on ten years! I have always enjoyed reading your blog. I am currently sewing up some floor cushions and reading Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery.

    Like

  6. Pearlin Avatar
    Pearlin

    congrats on a decade! I’m working on an embroidery pattern hoop art I designed myself , i also have a crochet baby blanket and a knit cowl on the go. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Like

  7. Wendy Moore Avatar
    Wendy Moore

    Well, I’m a relative newcomer to your blog, Melissa – coming up three years. Had no idea you’d been doing it 10 years! Making… cushion covers for thick foam triangles – for the verandah in summer. Cooking … trialing dishes for a fundraising sit-down dinner for 50 which I’m doing. The Pear Almond Tart is going well! Reading … ‘Smyrna’ by Giles Milton. Having lived and worked in Istanbul for nearly a year, I’m finally understanding the details of what led up to the dreadful people swap (Turkey/Greece) of 1922. Keep up the blog, Melissa.

    Like

  8. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I’ve been reading your blog for nearly that long, but I’ve never commented! I am working on curtains for my room, and working in my garden constantly during harvest season.
    Hello and congrats from Vermont, USA.

    Like

  9. Fawn Avatar

    Congrats on 10 years! I love reading your blog. I am working on… grilling a turkey on the outdoor grill (a first time for this) and cross stitching.

    Like

  10. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    Happy ten year anniversary! Your blog has been a constant companion to me during my parenting journey- I have loved reading it with a cup of tea for years- it is always a calming and inspiring treat! I am obsessed with embroidery at the moment and loving stitching faces very slowly (Denise Greany on instagram if you want to see- I don’t blog any more). I’m also working on a quilt made of men’s shirts which I am finding quite tricky- its intended as a wedding present for a late summer wedding and I am despairing of finishing it in time- it will certainly be quite wonky!!

    Like

  11. Nikki Lawrence Avatar
    Nikki Lawrence

    I have loved reading your blog and now that I have finished teaching I too can concentrate on sewing little angels from vintage Victorian fabrics. Currently using a distressed bridal veil for the skirts which is just gorgeous to work with. Nikki x👼

    Like

  12. Fräulein Rucksack Avatar

    I’m always working on mending clothes for the family (neverending…) and knitting socks for my brother. But now I need slippers (saw your simple ones on IG…)
    Thank you!

    Like

  13. Joyce Avatar
    Joyce

    10 years, quite an accomplishment! I hope you continue. I am working on a few things: a new scarf pattern, some socks, swatching for a new sweater and making some draw string bags.

    Like

  14. Joan Avatar
    Joan

    I just made a fabric chair cover that looks like a stove for my friend’s 4-year-old. Ahead? I’ve been thinking about socks or mittens with a Latvian pattern.

    Like

  15. Frau Kirschkernzeit Avatar

    Congratulations! I love “Tiny Happy” exactly for your gorgeous handmade goods and the everyday beauty that shines through your pictures…
    I’ve just finished my second pair of cotton knit shortys for my little girl, am knitting now and then at my “Annabel Cardigan” and plan to sew some small bags for my entryway to hold our caps, hats, shawls and so on. Some days ago I finished a linen tote bag for the library books and I hope I’ll manage to start a new cardigan for my one year old to wear this autumn…
    PS. I have your book and it’s one of my dearest sewing books!)

    Like

  16. lori Avatar

    i have been picking plums and making plum sauce to top pancakes and also chocolate cake. i am making zip pouches with removable sleeves for essential oils to store safely in.

    Like

  17. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I have made a beautiful cardie from the silver lining wool. So lovely to knit. I’m making a wool embroidered cushion cover, a scarf for my dear friend and some slow cooked beef for this cool winters night. Thank you for your posts. They make me happy.

    Like

  18. Annette Avatar

    Congratulations Melissa! Your blog is lovely and inspiring. I am currently cross stitching ‘The Wedding’ by Lavender and Lace. I’d love to win that beautiful vintage fabric or the special knitting parcel.

    Like

  19. Janette Wing Avatar
    Janette Wing

    Congratulations on 10 years of blogging. I’m making a patchwork baby quilt for my colleague who is expecting her first baby next month. I’ve pieced the top and will baste and quilt it in the weekend.

    Like

  20. Catherine Avatar

    I can’t believe it’s ten years. I’ve been reading you for a long time but maybe not quite ten..8 or 9 maybe? I’m working on too much as usual, a series of textiles and a new blog and a quilt. I am reading Giants in the earth by O.E. Rolvaag, published in 1940s I believe. I’m loving, it’s about immigratnst to the USA from Norway. Enjoy your blog birthday. 🙂

    Like

  21. Ni Avatar
    Ni

    Quilting,knitting scarves and slippers (using the pattern you posted) for all in my whanau, making muesli, writing a musical and poetry for an anthology

    Like

  22. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    I am just about to block a herringbone scarf worked in Louisa Harding mulberry %100 silk yarn… The color is a lusciously rich chocolate color with a sheen and a lovely heft to it! I made it for my dad’s annual trips to Germany.
    Also casting on 360 stitches to work an oversized cowl for my mother in purple pima cotton/modal yarn starting with a wide band of Barbara Walker’s Ogee lace pattern.
    Presently reading book 3 in the Expanse series called Abaddon’s Gate by James S. A. Corey (pen name for a collaborate effort by 2 authors who have worked with George R.R. Martin)… gripping stuff!!!
    I live in the U.S., I don’t necessarily want to be included in the drawing (lovely prizes, but I live too far to ship)… I just thought that after years of visiting your happy blog I should add in a comment! Thank you for sharing your joy with us!
    -Barbara

    Like

  23. Susan M Avatar
    Susan M

    Congrats!! I’m working on the Citadel cabled sweater for my Rhinebeck sweater……Don’t know if I can finish in time but it’s the thought……

    Like

  24. muenzeeins Avatar

    oh my ten years, that’s a real milestone!! congratulations!! it is such a pleasure to read your blog, my little break of peace and inspiration during the day…
    for the moment I’m sewing little bicycle satchels for our number two so that he can pack away his essentials (like books, biscuits…) during our family cycle trip next week; along with that I’m making covers for the seats of our bikes in case of rain.
    Cécile

    Like

  25. Katherine Avatar

    Ten years, amazing! I don’t comment a whole lot, but I have been following along for maybe 7 or 8 years and still love it. I’m currently working on a digital illustration of some tomatoes! But I’d rather be reading the new Harry Potter book…

    Like

  26. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Just love your blog! I am knitting dish cloths for little christmas presents. I read through the comments to see what folks are reading and get a few ideas for my reading list. I am still pouring over Lotta Jansdotter’s latest book and am inspired to make the same tunic you made.

    Like

  27. Janetta Reitsma Avatar
    Janetta Reitsma

    I am crocheting a baby blanket as a break from making dozens of beanies, all for charity. Love your site and have been reading for many years!

    Like

  28. Meliors Simms Avatar

    Congratulations on 10 years of blogging. I love your images and little stories from your life. I’m working on developing a series of videos teaching people how to mend textiles by hand. I would definitely have fun with the sewing pack.

    Like

  29. Monique Avatar
    Monique

    Congratulations on 10 years! At the moment I’m working on an upcycled hoodie made from a vintage wool blanket 🙂

    Like

  30. Jeanette Avatar
    Jeanette

    Well done Melissa. Love reading about your life in NZ. I am about to start an English paper pieced pouch from a lovely Helen Stubbings pattern…we are very lucky to have her shop here. Happy blogging.

    Like

  31. Shara Avatar

    I thought I left a comment already, but I mustn’t have clicked publish! Oh well…
    I’ve been reading here since you first returned to New Zealand.
    Currently working on finishing a Red ribbed cardi for my biggest boy, then I’ll make another 3 for the other boys. I’m so glad I started with the biggest one first! The pattern is called School Cardigan on Ravelry. X
    Three such beautiful gifts to give away!

    Like

  32. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Happy 10th! I’m knitting a Levenwick cardigan in red for myself, and seaming up another cardigan which is a gift for my mother. Coincidentally the latter is in Heritage NZ Alpaca from Skeinz, the same company who make Silver Lining. I’m also trying to learn to sew, beginning with a dress from Lotte Jansdotter’s Everyday Style book. Just finished reading All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews, loved it.

    Like

  33. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Hello Melissa & congratulations on 10 years of blogging. I am currently making some little shoes using the pattern in your book … the wee shoes are for my grandson who has just turned one. I have made so many things for him out of your book – just the best investment ever. Plus it is pouring with rain here, so wonderful crafting weather.

    Like

  34. Janet Ford Avatar
    Janet Ford

    Big congrats – I adore your blog, however frequently or infrequently it comes! Life is busy, it’s nice to slow things down 🙂 I’m working on homemade kombucha (yum & easy), sourdough (yum & hard.. perhaps bread-making isn’t my thing), & watching my garlic babies poke through in the garden. Was imagining a winter of long cold nights spent inside sewing & knitting but it hasn’t been cold enough yet!

    Like

  35. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Your blog has been such an inspiration – your travels and thoughts have always brightened by day. I’m working on a quilt for my girl hand sewing long lines of running stick as a form of therapy and relaxation

    Like

  36. Kerttu Avatar
    Kerttu

    10 years,wow! I’m reading Camilla Läckberg. I’m pregnant and would love to do something for the baby.

    Like

  37. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    Wow 10 years! I’m been reading your blog for years. You make me want to move to Wellington. I am knitting dishcloths.

    Like

  38. Kirsten Avatar
    Kirsten

    Just finished a beautiful cardigan for a new baby, knitting a scarf on size 10 needles, practice for a beautiful shawl for my best mate….http://knittingyarns.com.au/products/aspen-shawl-pattern-leaflet-s109 Really looking forward to making this for her!
    I do love reading your blogs, beautiful photos, wistful, lovely writing, fabulous wool & fabrics, book recommendations=fabulous….thank you for doing your thing 🙂

    Like

  39. bekki Avatar
    bekki

    Congratualtions! I’m working on a crochet blanket at the moment.

    Like

  40. Cushla Avatar
    Cushla

    Wahoo 10 years! Congrats lovely lady. I have not read your blog in sometime but saw your post pop up and it inspired me last night to pick up my knitting needles and start knitting a wee vest for a little man who is due to enter the world. Keep up the beautiful work, you have been an inspiration right from when you were young 🙂

    Like

  41. Melinda dyer Martin Avatar
    Melinda dyer Martin

    Even though it’s been hot to knit, I have been making the hilltop shawl. First one was muted and then the next one was a fun yarn that looks like ice cream sprinkles called Hindi holiday! I might be i. The dog days of August because I have been drifting without a project for a week or two.

    Like

  42. Susan Caddie Avatar

    Congratulations! I always love to read your snippets. They’re always so gentle and I feel I can breathe just reading them. Currently I’m working on an English Paper Pieced quilt. It will be the first quilt I’ve made completely by hand and I’m loving it!

    Like

  43. Carla Avatar

    Congratulations with 10 years sharing your makings!
    I’m currently into intuitive embroidery – i cut small squares of cotton and just go with needle and thread. The last one became a full moon…
    Every night before i go to sleep I will paint a tiny thing (on paper 2 x 2 inch). Last night i made the first one -a senso with blue watercolour.
    Just trying to express whatever is overflowing in me…

    Like

  44. Christy Avatar

    Yours was the very first blog I ever looked at when you lived in Norway, so you have to keep going. Has it been ten years? Congratualtions. To me my blog is my journal

    Like

  45. Melanie Avatar
    Melanie

    Hello, my dear! So exciting to read that your blog is celebrating such a milestone, congratulations! I am currently knitting a yoga shawl, it has been a fantastic, albeit slow process. It is a gift for a loved one. Also, will be long arm quilting a whole cloth quilt tomorrow, very excited about it. Thank you for all the amazing posts and for all the inspiration.
    xo Melanie

    Like

  46. bmlloyd@xtra.co.nz Avatar

    Huge congrats on a decade of blogging. I’m glad you haven’t abandoned it! At the moment I’m making squares of thick stripey felt and imagining all the things I can do with it. I’m reading Tracey Slaughter’s new collection of short stories Deleted Scenes for Lovers, which is just incredible!

    Like

  47. Katrina Avatar
    Katrina

    Well I’m a few days late, but well done for keeping at it. Longer than many marriages!! I’ve been knitting your fingerless gloves, and have two pairs to sew up once I find my darning needle. Am anticipating the arrival of Lotta Jansdotter’s book you mentioned a couple of months ago. Saw it, WANTED it and found it on sale at Nile. Thank you for giving me a quiet place to go.

    Like

  48. Pauline Avatar
    Pauline

    Hi Melissa, wow – 10 years! I feel like I’ve been reading your blog since almost the beginning and I love the gentle little snippets of your day. My Year 8 Tech classes still have your Tiny Happy bag as an option to sew for themselves! I’m currently working on a pair of house slippers using the pattern you recommended. Knitting in the round is a new challenge for me and, thanks to youtube videos, they seem to be progressing nicely (albeit a little slowly!) Congrats again on your 10 years.

    Like

  49. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    Congratulations on 10 years – your blog was the first I found, while pregnant with my now 7 year old daughter, and starting to make stuff again after a long gap. We also lived in Nelson for a year when we first came to NZ, and so it was always nice to read what you wrote about that area, and to see your photos. I am currently making a hat (pattern called Clover) for my baby Clover, and am also making a Lila sweater for myself. Both very slowly…

    Like

  50. michelle Avatar
    michelle

    I’m knitting–a Tails top in cotton, and the Avalon stole in preparation for Fall. I love your photos–the colours and things you’ve made are always so inspiring, and as a dislocated wellingtonian it’s great to see photos of home

    Like

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