tiny happy

making journal

Birkin 2
Birkin 1
Spring
Bach 1

Wool quilt

Kia ora,

Today's blog is coming to you from a stormy eve in early spring. I hope it finds you well, dear reader.

I finished a knitting project last month and realised I hadn't yet shared it here on the blog. It's a jumper, made from Caitlin Hunter's ''Birkin'' design that I first saw in an early issue of Laine magazine and knew I had to knit it. 

For this garment, I used a range of fingering-weight yarns, mostly from Holst Garn and some from Jamieson's of Shetland. I also adjusted the pattern a little so the yoke was less deep – for fit reasons. I'm so happy with my finished jumper and have been wearing it a lot! I'm almost tempted to make another – I was thinking in black with colourful flowers, or perhaps in grey, with white flowers. In the meantime I'm really enjoying this version, and have been wearing it over my favourite linen dress mostly.

You can find more details, including links to the pattern and yarn, here on my Ravelry page.

= = = = = = = = = = = 

In my last post, I mentioned a book I had found that showcases antique quilts from the state of Nebraska, and that I'd include a picture of my favourite quilt for its pages. That's the last photo you see displayed above – isn't it a beauty? It looks like each panel is made from a piece of cloth in various shades of pink, green, grey or blue, then heavily embroidered and appliqued with plants and animals. I find it endlessly inspiring and would love to try to make something inspired by it one day.

+ + + + + + + + + + + 

Last weekend we packed the car up with kids and books and escaped the city for a quick break. I've included a photo of the gorgeous wee seaside house (a classic art deco bach) we rented for one night. While at Foxton Beach we ate quite a lot of ice-cream, did some knitting, read some books, walked along the beach twice, sat under cabbage trees in the sun and watched a pair of horses ride through the waves. It was wonderful!

Non-crafty life has been rather full lately, and I feel as though I don't have as much to report here as I'd like! I do have some projects on the go and hope to make more as the weather warms up and the days get a little longer. What are you working on at the moment?

+ + + + + + + + + + +

I've been reading Novel About my Wife by Emily Perkins which I'm definitely into – the writing is beautiful, although the story is quite dark. And I've discovered the latest season of the British show Mum – I absolutely loved the first two, so am looking forward to making my way through that.

See you soon!
M

Posted in

9 responses to “birkin sweater + early spring”

  1. Annri Avatar
    Annri

    Your sweater is beautiful, the colors sing together! It looks like you crafted the perfect fit. Autumn has begun here (Michigan, US) and cicadas and crickets are filling the air with their songs, and the plants are hinting their golden natures. xo

    Like

  2. Alison Avatar
    Alison

    Beautiful knitting. I too really enjoy those state quilt history books. I wish I could get to know the quilt makers and hear their stories. We have connections to Waitarere so know that coast well, it is especially beautiful when stormy with crashing waves and howling winds. Most of the old baches have open fires and are so cozy. But nothing beats a lovely sunny day like you had. Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  3. Karen Hynds Avatar
    Karen Hynds

    Love your new jumper, bet you get heaps of wear out of it. I’m glad its spring ,I can “collect” lots of cuttings on my walks around the neighbourhood. Cheers Melissa!

    Like

  4. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks karen, and happy spring!

    Like

  5. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    What a beautiful jumper. I do like the clothes you make for yourself. And glad you are enjoying the comedy series Mum. It is very funny in a very subtle way. Another series to look out for if it is available in NZ is the fishing series with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Even if fishing isn’t your thing, the pair of them taking the mickey out of each other and talking about life is very relaxing and funny.
    Sliding into autumn here but summer is hanging on for a while longer.

    Like

  6. hosanna Avatar
    hosanna

    Thanks so much for this book recommendation (the Nebraska Quilts). I went and got it immediately from our library and have been loving it so much. I’m also re-reading a book right now called Nothing to Do but Stay, by Carrie Young; have you read this? It’s a collection of stories about her pioneer mother who homesteaded as a single woman on the North Dakota prairie, then married and raised six children through the Dust Bowl. And who was also (of course), an excellent seamstress and cook! Comfort reading of the best quality, that makes you want to sit down and stitch or go make lefse.

    Like

  7. tinyhappy Avatar

    So glad youre enjoying the quilt book! Ive not read the other you mention, but I will look for it at the library – thank you! 
    Hooray for comfort reading XX

    Like

  8. Manda Avatar
    Manda

    That sweater is so good e hoa. I have sweater envy!

    Like

  9. tinyhappy Avatar

    Kia ora Manda – thanks so much! We need to knit together soon XX

    Like

Leave a comment