tiny happy

making journal

Mountain daisy

Socks
Silk top
It feels like life has sped up over the past few weeks, and now both kids have finished school for the year and all the events that came with that are done and dusted. Hooray!

Tom planted a small native daisy when we first moved into this house, and over those years it's sat on the hillside, a small, slightly dejected-looking clump of leaves. But this week it finally seemed to come alive, and is flowering! I love these plants and am so glad to see it doing well in our garden (not many things do, unfortunately). 

I can't have been too flat out lately though because I finished knitting a pair of socks (mind you, they did take me about a month of slow knitting to complete) and I'm looking forward to wearing them when we get some cooler weather! I used Vintage Purls sock yarn in various shades of grey and blue to make these. (Ravelry notes are here).

I also binge-watched the second season of Better Things which I loved, and most of the sock knitting was done during those episodes. 

And in the last photo you can see a new top I made for myself with the thought of the hot summer ahead. I used a vintage pattern lent to me by a friend, it's Style #3896 from 1983 and includes four different top designs.

This one has dropped sleeves and quite wide facings sewn around the armholes and neckline. It's sewn from silky fabric with a watercolour-style print and little gold dots scattered over it. I actually cut the fabric from a pleated designer dress I loved but never wore because it didn't fit comfortably, and was just sitting bored in my wardrobe. I'm so pleased with the fit of the top that I bought my own copy of the pattern online and will no doubt make lots more of these.

Happy making and celebrating to you!

X = X = X = X = X

 

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10 responses to “last-minute making”

  1. Kimberley Atkinson Avatar

    love the shirt and just found the pattern very cheap on Trade Me now! Yay for summer sewing.

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  2. Susan Hemann Avatar

    I love the top, not familiar with the pattern company, love your socks wishing you a Merry Christmas!

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  3. Cyndi Avatar
    Cyndi

    Plants are so interesting!

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  4. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    That’s a beautiful top. The fabric has a a great late 50s look. I’ve just binge watched the 2nd season of The Crown as I embroidered names on Christmas stockings and attempted to finish a very long overdue scarf. Maybe if I watch Better Things over the holidays I will finish it. Happy Christmas and holidays and summer and family time to you . x

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  5. Meg Avatar

    I love the fabric of your top, Melissa. It’s very pretty.
    Over the holiday break,I am going to attempt sewing a dress. The pattern arrived the other day and I am really glad my Mum will be here to offer “technical support” otherwise I can see a whole lot of unpicking on the horizon;) We have native daises in Australia called paper daisies, the one you have growing in your garden reminds me of them. Have a lovely Christmas-time! Meg:)

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  6. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    We have the same daisy in our garden here in Cromwell. It’s flowering for the first time here, so cool! Your socks look great, just starting a pair myself.

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  7. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Hi. Melissa,
    I’m going to help my residents make some floral Christmas table centres for their dining room today. Using fresh flowers, including NSW Christmas bush and greenery. Brightens the Nursing Home over Christmas. Hope you have a lovely Christmas.
    Cheers
    Karen
    Newcastle NSW

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  8. Liz Russell Avatar
    Liz Russell

    Hi Melissa, Great top! Where did you find the pattern online? I have tried etsy but it’s a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack! I think I might be on the wrong track…any clues?
    Thanks, Liz

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar

    Hi Liz, I found the pattern on Trade Me which is a NZ website a bit like Ebay (but mostly for 2nd hand goods). I think Style could be an old NZ pattern company, which might explain why its hard to find the pattern overseas. Ive just had a look on trademe and there isnt another copy for sale at the moment, but I will keep my eye out if you like. This is what the pattern front looks like: https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/113786328064211989/ 

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  10. Liz Russell Avatar
    Liz Russell

    oh thanks so much! That would be great! Cheers, Liz 🙂

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