thank you

Really, thank you. I don't think I've mentioned lately how much I love this little world of mine here. Not just writing my blog, but reading the comments and emails, reading other blogs, getting inspiration and encouragement. It really has improved my life in a big way. I never dreamed I would get so much from starting up this blog, and while sometimes trying to write on here *most days* (I've always felt that if i leave it too long i will completely lose momentum) has caused me a bit of panic (can you tell those days when there's not much to write about?!), I acknowledge that it's a silly self-imposed rule.

And thank you so much for your support of my etsy shop. I still feel a vague sense of disbelief every time something sells on there. I debated with myself about opening up an online store for ages before I actually did it. Quite apart from being wracked with self-doubt about my work, I was worried that selling things would change the feel/nature of my blog, and I wanted to make sure I was still blogging for the joy of it, and not just for promoting what was for sale.

I forgot to add the embroidered pansy shoes (sz 6-12 mths) above to my shop update yesterday. And it's been ages since I gave away anything on here- so I was wondering if anyone would like them? I also have an extra set of poppy notecards.

I thought a de-lurk might be fun, so if you leave a comment on this post and let me know something about yourself- how you found my blog, where you live, or something like that, I'll put your name in a basket and draw two out on thursday. The winners can let me know if they'd like the shoes, or a more boy-ish pair, or the notecards.

I'd love to hear from you, whether you leave a comment often, or never have before, so don't be scared, lurkers.

Comments

[anna]

forgot to say that i'm in perth, west oz, that's why the big deal about same home town...

[amy]

hello from all the way over here in Brooklyn! I came across your blog while researching "baby shoes" for my nephews. So glad I found you!!

[shula]

Well, darling, now I HAVe to leave a comment.

[Tara]

I have been feeling like a terrible person for not already emailing to tell you that I already received the pair of baby shoes that I purchased from your Etsy shop. And they're *wonderful*! Thank you so much!! You are an inspiration to me, in creating something so beautiful, out of something so simple.

[Mariana]

The first time I saw your work (in the market) I had a chuckle as I had been experimenting with freezer paper stencils and booties for my son, small world of coincidences. We should meet for a coffee one day!
Can I go in the hat for the cards? ; )

[Bethie]

I just googled "free purse pattern" and found your wonderful world in New Zealand! I am in California. I had packed up my sewing things, and forgot how much I *LOVED* to sew and create! I helped my 12 year old daughter make the purse pattern (a little smaller) for a friend's b-day, and then set about making an even smaller one for myself. I LOVE it!
I can't wait to try freezer paper stenciling, and I may even give the little shoes a try.
Is an op-shop a second-hand store? I love those too! I think if you were my neighbor, we would be fast friends!

[suzy]

I always love reading your blog and seeing what you make - I think I first found you via a link to your bag pattern from someone else who made it. I live in Sydney and would love some boy booties if I was lucky enough to have my name drawn - our bub is due to arrive in 2 weeks!

[angelique]

I stumbled upon you from somebodies link list and now I check in every few days. I love the things you create and hearing about everyday stuff. Inspired me to start my own blog about starting life in a new country and trying to craft when it seems nobody here does. I would like an explanation on how gocco actually works if you get the the chance. It looks like a fantasic way to print paper and fabric. Anyway keep up the good work. angelique

[melissa]

Hi Melissa, I have to say I found you at the markets when we first moved to Nelson, we didn't have any money that day so I just went quietly mad, and said we'd be back another day. It took almost two years to see you there again! In the meantime, I'd met your sister who gave me your blog address, and you know the rest! Also your site is very inspiring. My kids have been sick for three weeks but they are on the mend. Today I sewed again, since they fell ill. Yay! I went a bit mad and did some printing, made two tshirts for Anoushka, and finished a wrap dress for my niece... then pickled some onions and folded a weeks worth of clean washing..... I'm tired and waiting for Struan to come home!hope you are all well! Melissa

[Veronica]

Someone linked to you on a forum, and your blog is just so pretty and serene, I had to add it to my feeder.

[petitloulou]

What a delightful and inspiring blog. I came across it one day after following a link from another craft blog's favourites'list though I can't remember which one. I take a peek every day when the baby is asleep. I only wish I had a bit more time to do something more creative - one day, one day I keep telling myself. Your embroidered shoes are just so gorgeous. Greetings from sunny Sydney where it is a balmy 24 degrees today.

[kielz]

I found your blog on a happy browsing day of all things crafty and your bag pattern was linked. I love how you brighten my day (yes I check every day haha). As I have mentioned I am a school teacher and often my the end of the day I feel zonked, but the way you see beauty in the smallest of things always seems to put things in perspective. And as a born and bred JAFA, apart from a brief stint in Wellington, you live in the part of the country I want to visit most! If I were to get chosen I would be happy with anything - one of my best friends has recently had twins (one of each) so the cutie cute shoes would be cool, but if I got the cards I would be greedy and keep them all to myself!! Goodness - it is nice to come home early (even though it is caring for a sick relative) it feels positively naughty to be on the computer right now! Hope the sun is shining down your way, Kielz :)

[Heather]

I don't remember how I found your blog...but I come by once or twice a week, mostly for the inspiration. I'm a Texas girl currently living in Germany and loving the luck that brought me here! And I'm difinitely going to want those shoes!

[French Knots]

De lurking to say I visit to see what you have been making, your work is lovely and so inspiring. Can't remember whose blog I found you through, but I'm glad I did!

[Quatrefoil]

Well, I delurked some time ago, but it seemed like a good opportunity to tell you that your blog means a lot to me - it's one of the things I look forward to reading every day. I really like the way that you can see the beauty of small things - I find it very inspiring. My friends both loved the shoes I bought too! BTW, if you have any more of the cornflower linen, I'd like to commission something - they are my favourite flowers in the whole wide world!

[cyndi]

hello tinyhappy
i don`t remember how i found you. i think it may have been a link from another blog, but i`ve been lurking regularly for the past several months now.
I`m an american living in japan with my aus husband and our 2 young sons. we`ve been here for 6 years now with no plans to relocate as of yet.
i love sewing, knitting, reading, yoga and unschooling my boys.

[Lia]

You were mentioned by another Blogger, who told, that she loves to read your Blog, because it makes her happy everytime she reads it. The same is with me, i really love seeing what you sew and i'm just courious about all the wonderful things you are going to make in the future. :)

[Paisley]

De-lurking from across the Tasman in Melbourne. Like many, I came here via the bag pattern (can't remember who/what linked to that though). I'm sorry to say that I haven't yet actually made the bag yet, although it's on my list of things-to-do.
I've got relatives in Nelson, so I always enjoy reading about your adventures out and about locally, imagining what they might be up to, not so far from you.
Oh and the shoes? I drool every time you post pics of a new pair. They're so unlike anything else that's out there. I'm just waiting for a suitable baby to appear in my circle of friends!

[mariyarn]

Delurking here, ben around for awhile, I really like it here, what you do is very inspiring.

[stacie]

I'm giggling at the avalanche of comments you have here, but I guess you asked for it! I've been a daily reader since I made your bag about a month and a half ago, and I copy your clever ideas shamelessly. Your work is beautiful. Your motherly musings are an equal delight. If you ever move to Idaho, please make sure you buy a house next door to mine.
(Now excuse me as I re-lurk.)

[Kat]

Well, isn't it funny how we already had connections when I came across your blog! I love reading your blog, you are so happy and sound like such a lovely person. You inspire me by all your beautiful sewing. I've just come back from a few weeks in the States and couldn't wait to catch up on all the posts I missed! :)

[caireen]

Hey - thank You too for all the inspiration! I was told about you by a friend Susan - hope she delurks if she's reading this! Your site has totally inspired me to do something and find a way to do it! Also the importance of finding a way that is comfortable and manageable so you don't lose the love of what you do. Cx

[steph]

*waves* thank you too Melissa ~ you inspire so much! xxxxx

[rhiannon]

I do believe you found me! haha. Is that right? It seems a long time ago now.
I do very much love those cards m'dear so perhaps I'll join the ga-zillions of Tiny-happy fans and enter the basket if that's okay with you?
I'll give you a call sometime soon, must be almost time for a catch up. I'm terrible at the internet these days. ha. Talk soon, hope all is well with you and your lovelies xxx

[Alisha]

Hi - I think I've commented here before, but mostly I lurk. I'm trying to comment more often because I know I enjoy reading what others have to say on my blog. The opportunity for a gift is great motivation. :)

I found your blog earlier this year through the bag tutorial. I recently moved to Austria, but am from the U.S. The shoes would be great for my sister's little one.