mine mine mine!!!

And so Santa came to our house.....
It was an odd one as my little sis was away for the first time, not even a little bit away, all the way in christchurch New Zealand.
Adam definitley understood the concept of xmas and emi was right there behind him.
Emi's word of christmas was mine... mine... mine...
I think it is a good word to learn, althought the next concept to learn in the new year is sharing!!!
Christmas could never be said to be normal in our house, but can it be in any household with kids.
This year as well as het and her fella mark being away, My dearest hubby had a terrible tummy bug from the evening of the 25th to the evening of the 26th. that altered plans somewhat. Boxing day got postponed and we spent a lovely extra day at mums and the 27th at my mils.
And so to a couple of family pickies
This is adam opening his prezzy from aunty het and unky marc

THis is emi opening her prezzy from het and mark
THis is emi warming up to be the next delia with her fab new kitchen
The next two are a family tradition. Every year for the last 5 years we have humoured our mum and had a sisterly and grandchildren photo, they have had two of me pregnant and now have two of my children in. The first is last year, with a full compliment of sisters and kids. Unfortunatley this year we were a sister down so aunty het's side kicks "dog" and "bert" stood in and not to be out done Banana bear ( adam's ) ( back right) and Icky ( emi's) ( back left) had to be part as well. you have no idea how many of these have to be taken to get us all in the right place and smiling. So enough of my family christmas, I will bore you with wonderful textiley and glistening gem!!! prezzies next post.
Happy new year to you all I hope you had a good xmas.
Hope you like the photos aunty het.
lots of festive love and kisses
al x

I've been MEME'd

Am I the only one who doesnt know what that stands for.
I understand the concept but not the abbreviations. I can usually figure it out.
Ah well I have been thingyed
The theme is 6 weird things about me, I'm then supposed to tag 6 other people, I'm not sure I know that many that will do it, but I will try.
First things first....
1, I dont drink tea or coffee, my main drink is Hot water. I like asking for it when I'm out. It really confuses people.
2, I love cheesey footballs. These are a terrible snack that only comes out in the uk at christmas.
It is a small savoury snak with a biscuit exterior in the shape of a football and the inside is a very strong cheesey substance.
3, sort of carrying on a theme... I stock piled cheesey footballs this year when they came into the shops and had four huge tubs in the pantry for a while. ( they were on by one get one free) Now if seems that my poor daughter has inherited my taste for the above terrible snack and my previously untouch stock pile is now under seige.
4, I cant watch anyone cleaning their teeth, it gives me goose bumps, like others cant stand nails on a black board. This has had to be partially overcome with the arrival of children, cos I gotta clean their teeth!
5, I love pickled onion monster munch!
6, I think the welsh accent is very sexy! I really dont know where this has come from, its a new thing. I think it was from spending too long in wales whilst doing my degree. I think they brain
washed me.... it might have been the beer.

I have learnt alot from this if no one else has.... If I'm talking about food this late at night, I must have indigestion for one.
And I've learnt something I kinda knew already... I need to get out more.
So to delegate this very fun tag I challenge
Mama grouch
Caged minutes
and quite contrary

Off to sort indigestion
al x

They let me out!!

This is a little post just for my MIL
I got let out on friday to my works xmas do.
I cant remember the last time I got really tarted up (that may be a british term).
I even bought some new shoes, thanks to an investment from my grandmother.
I bought some stillettos!!!!! I mean I ask you.... a mother of two in very high heels!!
Well I dont usually but I had great fun wearing them. I even managed to dance for one dance, it nearly killed me but I did it!!
I dyed the silk velvet scarf and made the bracelet (plysplit) out of linen that I had dyed at the same time as the scarf!!
MIL told me she wanted a picky to prove I did it, so here you are..... me all glam.
al x

a new addition to the family!!!

Dont panic....... for all those who know me quite well, no I'm not!!!!!!!!!!
I'd like to introduce you all to MURRAY.
He is a little shy but my kids soon made up for. He's settling in very well and is getting into the festive season, his manners are impecable.
He was a wonderful prezzy from Mama Grouch
She's the best.
The pickies back up the theory of never working with children, and now i can add sock creatures to the list.
Talking of new additions though.....
we're getting a kitten in the new year,aaaahhhhh.
trying not to think of the logistics of kids cats and kittens 'till the new year.
al x

Still here honest

Hello world,
The good kharma bunny is still around. Only just got my boy back to school today, I've banned xmas until monday when I will finish all the unfinished stuff.
I've had two night sleep, so we're getting there.
I have two festive parties and a carol service and a kiddies party and visitors saturday pm, to pull in this weekend, so xmas is on hold.
I've posted all my important parcels to my SP9 and Mama Grouch and I've taken part in the online weavers spinner and dyers festive decoration exchange, so thats all posted.
My boy missed his xmas party and xmas lunch and carols, but it was lovely today when one of his class mates ran up to him and at the top of his voice said ADAM I REALLY MISSED YOU, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!!!!!
aaahhhhhh
And his teacher was really please to see him.
lots of season greetings
al x

just keep blogging

I am here honest,
It never rains when it pours or something like that....
I'm sure all I have to say is poorly children.... walk in centres.... doctors... no sleep....
Never mind ,whilst one sleeps and the other gets a thomas fix, lets have some fun...
Here is the bag that I knitted with Bev from knitting4fun.com
I used Katia Nordic wool and 20mm circular needles.
I then felted it in the machine.
The intention was to make a bag with intentional holes in. It seems to have worked. It's quite a small bag and firm, it's possibly going to be a crochet hook holder.At the moment the hooks and bag seem to be missing each other, in the chaos that is my house.
That aside I'm trying to get into the christmas spirit,
SSSOOO what are your run up to christmas traditions?
My mum made some giant fabric advent calendars for my two kids and she fills them with little gifts.
I'm seriously thinking about making myself one with thornton chocolate sized pockets. hmmmm
I've bought emi some christmas lights for her room and adam's as well, it's going to be a twinkly christmas.
I make my own xmas cards, maybe I'm just mad....
I've just bought Miracle on 34th street and the Santa Clause1 & 2 which will give me somethingo watch whilst wrapping prezzies.
Tell me what your doing for the run up.
al x

Blurrrrghjgjjgjgj

Dear all,
I apologise for the silence, I've been a really busy bunny, and what follows may not be overly coherent cos I'm very tired.
I'll give you the edited highlights, of a very hectic week.
This week we bought and collected (on friday) a new ( in a used sort of way) car,
But not before we had a week of being a one car family... which involved me working more hours cos I couldnt get home etc....
Tuesday mum and I dyed till we were blue in the hands....
Below is only one part of the day, dyed linen thread, the rest is a secret cos some of you will be getting them for prezzies.
Friday, mum and Emi and me did a preliminary xmas shop,
And then yesterday I did my biggest good kharma bunny workshop, it went very well.
Everyone seemed to enjoy it and come away with lots of samples.
So this is it now, with the workshops done for this year, it's the slippery slope to that holiday that we all love.... easter... did I miss one?
I got another domestice goddess badge today, I've made my christmas chutney. I decided to make twice the recipe.... hmm note to self for next year ... dont ... do it in two batches.... ( it doesnt all fit in one pan!!!!!)

Off to draw up action plan, and get the spread sheet out.... ( I jest not)... it's the only way I can do it.

al x

Will this week never end and lots of wool

Dear All,
The week is almost over, only have to buy a car and take my boy to a party tomorrow and the week from hell will end.. HHOOORRRAAAHH.
Saying that I have had a good day, all be it with a little tooth ache.. I went on a workshop run by Bev from knitting4fun and Pauline Barke from Living threads.
The workshop was knitted felted bags. I had fun, because I'd bought some 20 mm circular needles recently and I wanted to knit something chunky with holes in. So I did. It's in the washing machine as we speak. I'll let you know.
My neck warmer got some interest and I said I would show the link to where I found it....
neck warmer
This is it... enjoy.
I also taught some lovely ladies, on Thursday, how to Braid. It went very well.
Take care
Al x

I love my dentist!

You know those weeks when it's just not going to happen?!
This is one of those weeks!
Hubby's head fell off..... he gets dizzy spells.
The main family car got signed off...... we've got to buy a new one very very quickly.
and I now have a huge whole in my mouth... the only way to deal with the wisdom tooth that was giving me jip was to take it out.... so he did.
But my dentist is so brill I can't hold it against him at all. Although I did decide one thing, having a baby is easy compared to tooth extraction! Hubby looks worried.
I have been doing lot of textiley things this week but with the current situation, photogroahs will have to wait.
I went to the Lutterworth embroiderers guild textile extravaganza on Saturday, and got lots of positive comments about my work and my courses next year. which is very cool.
I'm teaching on friday again, and off to a knitting course on saturday.
such fun. more soon.
al x

New Braid society web site

Dear all,
The Braid society new web site is up and running and looking wonderful.
I'm on it!!! my work is in techniques and my name is in tutors.
Welcome if you have come here from the web site. I've just posted below some of my new ply split braiding work. If you have any questions post a comment by clicking on the comment button at the bottom of a post or email me on goodkharmabunny at tiscali dot co dot uk.
al x

The triffid has legs!!!!!!!!!!

Dear all,
I have my ply split braiding head on this week. I'm demonstrating 3D ply split at the Lutterworth embroiderers guild on saturday, so I thought I should have something to show.
I have some but now I have more.....

Having lots of fun trying out some of the techniques I've been storing in my brain for a while.
The best so far is my triffid or Hydra. It started out as a tree and then got a mind of its own, and then last night it grew feet. I'm really pleased with it.

I've also done a few more 3d bracelets the red one is knitting4fun's banana yarn and the pinky one is hipknits aran weight silk

and as a finale I've had a go at lattice work, not very 3D but just as tricky. I'm so pleased with it, but it took ages there's about 2 inches here and it took me 2 nights!!

I've also set the dates for the Second batch of courses I will be running in 2007. I wanted them sorted so I could publicise them on saturday.
For those interested the dates are
24th February
Plysplit braiding
28th April
Kumihimo braiding
19th May
Advanced kumihimo
june 2007
two dates for hand felting, to be arranged.
I'll post more info later, but let me know if you want more info now.
al x

secret pal goodies

These are all the lovely goodies that Emi and I were lucky enough to get from my secret pal
They came like this












Emi reading the sock monkey card












and the unwrapped goodies, some hipknits yummy silk, some debbie bliss maya wool and some chocs and hand cream
guess which one Emi liked?!









And finally the reason why I've not posted this earlier ( have you ever tried to get a 2yrd old to pose!)
Emi in her beautiful hat, it took a while for her to warm to it, as it does for everything she wears
at the moment, but she wore it to school and to the fireworks, she looks wonderful in it.







The colour is perfect with her coat. You're a very talented secret pal.
Thank you again
Al x

secret pal 9 whoop!!

Just a quicky cos hubby needs to get on the computer, but I got my first secret pal package and it fab.
thank you thank you thank you. It's wonderful. I love the colours and Emi loves her prezzy.
off to eat my choc.
I will post pickies tomorow.
al x

happy halloween! or BOO!

Dear All,
Happy Halloween!
Or bah humbug as our town seems to be this year.
last year we had loads of very friendly trick or treaters this year hardly any!
such a shame coz I'd really tried to make an effort, The boy and emi had had their faces painted since about 3.30pm. we'd got the pumpkin lit we'd got lots of treats. even the one family that we usually visit wasnt answering the door.Never mind.
got some cool pickies tho.

We did it!!

We did it!
The first course is under my belt and all with the help of my fab support team. Mum was on refreshments and money collection, and sister and mil were infultrating the crowd.
I think it went really well, I will have pickies soon.
I've had really good feedback so far, and everyone left smiling and with lots of samples.
more soon as too tired to type.
al x

A puzzler and Diwali expedition

Dear all,
We're on holiday! and the plan to do nothing has worked very well. It helped that the boy was a bit poorly with an impressive cough, so we just stayed in for a few days doing housey things that have needed doing for a very long time.
I'm running my first big course on Saturday and everything seems to be all in place, I'm sure you can overplan something like this.
We had a lovely morning today and went to see the Diwali lights in Leicester, we bought lots of yummy things from the asian supermarket and some diwali sweets (now feel very sick). I also bought an outfit, a top, trousers and scarf in black cotton and lots of silver sequins all for £6!!!
It only needs a little tweek to make it perfect.
The puzzler of the week comes from an incident yesterday and a little forward thinking for xmas.
My Emi loves music and will happily dance to almost anything. You should have seen the family dancing to saturday night fever last night.
Yesterday in a cafe she started to jiggle whilst eating her lunch and I realised it was a classic Madonna track. I found myself saying this is madonna I'm sure you'll have alot of this in your music collection when your older.
So I'm thinking of buying her a cheap cd player for xmas and think I will buy her a few classic albums to get her jigging, the quesion is what? You know over the years there will be the odd terrible Barbie and high five cd, but I'd like to get her off to a good start, wouldn't you?....
The question is.....
What do you buy a small girl to get her music collection started??
Answers on a blog to me....
al x

I sold something!!

Just a quicky tonight.
Look what I did.
I was showing the braids to a lady at work and she likes the colours of one and asked me to make her a light pull for her bathroom.
So I did. It's a cord using hand dyed linen.
She picked the bead.
She was really pleased with it and paid me what I asked and a bit more.
ooohhh very excited.
Hope you like it.
More excitement in that my November braiding course is fully booked and I have quite a few for my October one.
Off to Weavers spinners and dyers tomorrow for a Crochet workshop, looking forward to it.
al x

well I did most of it!

Dear all and secret pal!
So much has happened this week. This could be a long post bear with me!!
I got my secret pal and my pal. My husband will tell you that I am rubbish at keeping secrets, so this could be tricky.
But welcome pal, do ask if you have any questions.
I've started planning my gifts already for my pal, but I can't tell you about them, because that would give the game away!

I've done lots of family things.
Friday night I had a knit in with my MIL, and she finished my kneckwarmer. I think it was more painful for her to see me struggling with it than it was for me to knit it. I have not given in with knitting I have just learnt a few valuable lessons. I definitely had the wrong size needles for the yarn, which for a beginner was a bit of a problem, so mil took over and I sewed the buttons on. I did about 75% of it! And it's very very cool. It's a ball of Noro Kureyon, I may have to have another ball to have another go. It's lovely to wear. subtle as ever. ( i dont post me very often!)

It was my mums birthday on friday and we did a birthday weekend, we were going to go to a folk festival, but they priced us out of the market so we had a take in curry from our local excellent curry house. Now to those who know me this will be a surprise. I shouldn't eat curries, as I have a Hiatus Hernia which gives me indigestion if I eat various things such as citrus fruits or spicey food. But somethimes you have to live little and face to consequences. The meal was fabulous and I've not suffered that much which is cool.
I also crocheted my first flower from, the Happy hooker book. Which wasnt easy as it's in american and I can only just managed to remember the british names. And we'd plied my mil with wine so the crochet weas a bit blurry!
But with the fab help of my MIL and the heckling of my father and father in law, we got there.
Then we went out for sunday lunch today ( more food ) I might not eat for a long time.
Then I took Adam to his first big birthday party since he started school. Don't get me started about it, you'd be there a long time..... cost!!!!..... 38 children under 5!!!!....... I dont think I need to say more. The picky of the neck warmer and me was taken post party!!

Oooohhhh exciting news, my November course is fully booked!!!!!

and I have a few for the October one. aaaahhhhh better start planning again.
I back working 2 days a week as of this week and then I'm off for half term. Definitely in denial.

have fun
alx

Press release

I have an announcement, my exceptionally talented sister has launched her website!
It contains fabulous handmade bags jewellery and accessories made by Bel (Isabel) and my mum (Anne).
So go along to www.isabelmaryrose.co.uk and let her know what you think.
al x

admissions of a beginner knitter

So I admit I'm a beginner knitter, Everyone has to start somewhere, but I'm determined to succeed.
I got so frustrated last week, I took this picture!

My husband walked in and looked quizically at me...
I believe I said" I may not be able to knit But I can cook a mean muffin!

I've knitted three things this week, one worked!!! number 2 counts as a lesson learnt, the other is a AWIP ( annoying work in progress).
The lesson learnt was a hat for emi. The principle was good I wanted a unique hat for her to wear on the way to school to drop adam off. So I decided a square felted one would be cool, (extra warm). I had a skein of a lovely Noro yarn

and I knitted it fine and sewed it together fine

hmmm..... Then I felted it

the sides weren't long enough and the top was too big. It is now a very unique vessel, but Emi still insists on wearing it!


The second was a huge sucess, my black felted bag, with decoration. I am sooo pleased with it.
Emi loves any bag that I produce

the third, my mother in law has taken pitty on me and insisted I go to hers on friday for a knitin to sort me out!!
Is there any hope for me?
al x

tell me your secrets ( evil cackle!?!!?!!!!)

The Heatherley at Yarn Yenta pointed out that Jody had suggested a few more questions for people to get to know one another for SP9.
I think I'm getting more nervous as the allocations get nearer, I feel like a SP virgin. I hope I will live up to the SP ethos. Thankyou to the Yarn Yenta for tips on SP ing.

1, favorite knitting spot?
In the car going somewhere that is a long way away. I cant do anything else but sit and knit, (listen to music and eat chocolate.)
Ideally with no kids in the car, but that's unlikely, so with lots to amuze the kids that doesnt need parental supervision.
2, If you could suddenly never knit again - -what would you do instead?
I'm guessing if I couldn't knit I would struggle to crochet, braid and felt so I would have to paint, draw and photograph. Probably plants and stone buildings.

3, If you could travel anywhere in the world- where would you go and why?
morocco/ marrakesh, I've never been, but I imagine the colours and the fabrics and the spices.
I have a vision of hot colours, oranges, reds, burnt siena, yellows.....
Why? well It would be exotic and exciting.

4, when you were little - what did you want to do when you grew up, are you doing it now?
I wanted to be an archaeologist. An Indiana Jones.... I took my dream almost as far as I could.... I got the degree and the MA in Archaeology, and then they told me I could work but they wouldnt pay me ( no money in archaeology).....I specialised in building archaeology ( I love buildings)
I'm now an archivist of photographs for a quarrying company who has the best collection of old industrial photographs. I only work two days a week and do family and textiles the rest of the week.
What do I want to be now... I want to be a textile artist, but dont we all?

5, what is your favorite flavour icecream?
tough one...
I love hagen daz strawberry cheesecake icecream, but my budget doesnt really allow.
I'm very happy with vanilla icecream with chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles.


OOhh a correction, I have been reminded that I have a UFO that is definitely more than Four months old , I have some wagon Wheel weaving that is about 16mths old, but it's not knitting so does it count? thank you caged minutes!!!
al x

Kumihimo Braiding

kumihimo disc
Originally uploaded by goodkharmabunny.

Dear all,
For those who have shown interest in my courses recently this is what it's all about... a kumihimo disc.
If you click on my Flickr photo collection ( bottom right) you will be able to see lots of examples of kumihimo braids as well as some of my ply split braiding and felting.

Alice

Secret pal 9 questionaire

Dear all, just so you don't all think I've completely lost it, I shall explain.
Over the next three months I am taking part in secret pal 9.
There are about 550 of us this time.....
The blog explains the concept alot better than I can...secretpal9
Basically you spoil someone (anonymously) and someone spoils you ( anonymously).
In order for your spoiler to get to know you, everyone has to fill in a questionaire.
So stand by to learn lots of things about me that many of you knew or didnt want to know.

1, Favourite yarn to knit with, and what fibres dont I like.
I love all yarns, I'm a bit scared by anything delicate or thinner than double knit, like mohair and 4ply. I tend towards chunky and natural. I like hemp and linen to do my braids with and I like nearly all the Noro yarns. I tend to buy alot of fantasy yarns ( hairy and acrylic) for knitting into felting wool and cords. I love silk yarns , but then who doesn't. I love banana yarn and sari silk, they make great cords. I love all of them.....

2, what do I use to store my needles/hooks in?
Crochet hooks currently in an old cigar box, knitting needles spread randomly around house (out of reach of small hands) (sorry)

3, How long have I been knitting, how did I learn, what level to I think I am.
I AM DEFINITELY A BEGINNER! But I'm trying very hard. I've been knitting about a year. my mum taught me and my mother in law is an excellent tutor in both knitting and crochet. mil is alot quicker than me aswell.

4, Do I have an amazon online wish list?
yes

5, Favourite scent?
Lavender, sandlewood, rosewood.

6, Do I have a sweet tooth? favourite candy?
Yes very, but I'm a dark dark chocolate girl, or milk chocolate if I've run out. dont do chewy sweets.

7, what other crafts/do it yourself things do I like, do I spin?
felting, braiding; ply split braiding and kumihimo braiding, dyeing, spinning, anything that involves yarn or fibre.

8, what music do i like? am I MP3 compatible
I'm not MP3 compatible. I like nina simone, elvis costello , david bowie, the Scissor sisters, madeline peroux etc.... very broad likes. ( ooohh apparently my computer is MP3 compatible)

9, favourite colours? I go for most colour combinations as long as it has some element of purple, burgundy, peuce pink, maroon. I also like turquoise/jade.
I dont really have any dislikes that I know of.

10, family situation? pets?
Manic, One ever understanding husband of eight years, a four and a half year old boy and a very cute pink girl, of one and a half. And a cat called Lenny!

11, Scarves, hats, mittens, or ponchos?
I don't function without a scarf (inside or out) and I dont go outside without a hat

12, favourite item to knit? easy ones, I mainly do bags , hats and scarves. I like to knit accessories. I do quick projects, so I finish them.

13, what am I knitting now? a hat for my little girl

14 do I like to receive hand made gifts?
I Love to.

15, straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminium, plastic?
To early to say, although i seem to favour the circulars.

16, do I own a yarn winder or swift?
No, No

17, how old is your oldest UFO?
about four months

18, favourite holiday? Last year we had a lovely beach holiday to north Wales, with all the family. If I was been selfish I would say a quiet beach anywhere with my hubby, and a glass of red wine.
Or after reading other peoples answers christmas!

19, Do I collect anything?
yarn! Anything unusual that might be good in cords or knitted in for interest. my hubby says I dont have any room to collect anything else!
Stuff from the beach or bits from the walk to school, we have alot of conkers this week.
I seem to attract odd childrens socks. dont think that counts.

20, Any books, yarns, needles, patterns I want, what knitting subscription do I have?
I dont have any knitting subscriptions, I buy simply knitting sometimes, but find it frustrating cos I cant do alot of whats in it, or dont have to time. There are alot of books on my amazon list.

21, Any new techniques I would like to learn?
I think I need to master the basics first. Crochet seems to come easier to me than knitting. I keep thinking about knitting socks, but i think that may be a step to far. I've just managed to master knitting a seamless bag on two circular needles, so there is hope for me.

22, am i a sock knitter? foot size?
no I'm not, foot size uk 6 , not sure what other measurements you need.

23 birthday? 25th of January

hmm I feel completely bare and slightly insane!
al x

I did it my way

Dear All,
I did it !!!!
I did my first proper official course in Kumihimo braiding
I've taught the local "Quilt together group" how to braid.
They were brilliant, so enthusiastic.
They had to be forced to take a tea break.
This is what the room looked like, can you see my giant kumihimo disc!!














These are the ladies hard at work















and these are the wonderful braids they produced.


Some were so efficient that they produced three samples in about two hours
A huge success.
Bring on the big courses!!
off to do something non braid related!!!
al x

bananas and sponsorship

Dear all,
Just a couple of totally non craft related things for you ( well one is a bit)
The first is a boast
I couldn't resist taking these photographs of EMi eating a banana, how delicious?!

and the other are something I noticed last night whilst getting my threads ready for my workshop this week (aaaahhh)
I noticed that I had coorparate sponsors......

( Flora margarine and Clarks shoes)
AL x

p.s did you notice the late post beneath the press release, about the NEC, blogger snuck it in below it, even though I posted it a week after.

Press release for the braiding workshop

Dear all,

I'm pleased to announce two workshops to be run by the Good Kharma Bunny (thats me!)

The Good Kharma Bunny is looking to spread a knowledge of various textile techniques through a selection of one day courses, suitable for all abilities.

Japanese Braiding ( Kumihimo)

Sat 28th October 2006 10.30 to 4pm
and Sat 25th November 10.30 to 4pm

A beautiful technique for producing braids that can be used as cords, bag handles, jewellery and many more. It uses a simple, inexpensive and reusable bit of equipment with a wide variety of yarns to quickly produce some exciting braids.

The course will give a basic understanding of the method and you will produce several samples to go away with.
The course will be held in Shepshed, Leicestershire

There will be courses on Ply split braiding and hand felting in the new year.

If you would like further information please e-mail me at goodkharmabunny@tiscali.co.uk

Below are a few examples of the equipment and results you can achieve