tiny happy

making journal

Parcel 3
Garden bag
CupsCardigan
Coats

At this weekend's Soul Craft Festival, I'll be teaching some embroidery workshops over the two days. But I'll also be giving a talk. I know! Public speaking is not my favourite thing, usually. But when Felicia asked me last year whether I'd be up for it, of course I said yes.

My talk is called 'Giving it Away: Thoughts on Making and Giving' which pretty much sums up the content.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to really think about making, and why we give our work away, or don't, as the case may be. I also spoke to some friends who had interesting thoughts about this topic.

In preparing for it, I looked through lots of old photos to find things I've made in the past – many of which I'd completely forgotten about.

That's another good thing about having such a huge blog archive – there's no way I would be able to keep all this stuff in my brain – but looking through all the clothes and toys and embroidery, etc brought back lots of happy memories. You can see some of these long-forgotten projects above.

From top:

+ a project bag I made for my sister who knits when she isn't gardening
+ hand-painted cups (so many of these made over the years)
+ a butterfly cardigan (can't remember who I made this for or why)
+ toddler coats (some of these I sold in my etsy shop, and some were gifts for friends' kids)

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There are so many amazing things to enjoy at Soul Craft Festival! I'm actually quite jealous of the attendees. I'm excited to be teaching but would also love to wander around the market and demonstrations and listen to the talks and drink coffee and knit and chat with everyone. Hopefully I will squeeze in some of that too.

There are still a few tickets available (you can find them here) and you can choose whether you attend for one or both of the days.
See you back here next week.

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7 responses to “giving it away and other thoughts”

  1. Jeanette Avatar
    Jeanette

    Hoping you have a wonderful time in Melbourne Melissa. It sounds like festival will be fabulous….I am very envious. But will keep up to date via Instagram ❤️

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  2. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, jeanette! X

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  3. Stephenie Lawton Avatar

    Sounds wonderful, congratulations. Those toddler coats are adorable! They look so cute hanging together. I find it’s very important to give handmade gifts to the right people. I love knitting socks for knitters and crocheters who don’t make them. They get worn like crazy!

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  4. Yasmin Avatar
    Yasmin

    Those toddler coats are absolutely divine! What beautiful fabrics. Have a wonderful time at the festival. x

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  5. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I love everything you create Melissa. I hope the talk goes really well for you & you enjoy yourself.

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  6. Betty-Ann Kelly Avatar
    Betty-Ann Kelly

    I was lucky enough to hear your talk at Soul Craft. You were fabulous, and left me with plenty to reflect on.

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  7. tinyhappy Avatar

    Thank you, Betty-Ann! It was lovely to have you and Rachelle there. 
    XX

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