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

Knitting and Stitching show NEC

Dear all,
What a weekend.
I did a two day stint at the Knitting and stitching show. Not exhibiting, but absorbing ideas and techniques, and a little bit of " might you be interested in my courses"
I met lots of lovely people, and spent some money.... and I can justify all of it.
I bought some more fantasy yarns, from Uppingham yarns,
for the courses and some bodkins for finishing of braids.

I bought some fab buttons for my neck warmer from the Button company

I bought some gorgeous aran weight silk yarn from Hip knits.

I did a knitted flowers workshop with Kerrie

from Hip knits and had some lovely chats with her and Laura about their new venture Yarn Forward, which is going to be a quarterly magazine which thinks outside the box with yarns.... sounds just like me. So I just had to subscribe! especially as they were interested in my work. I cant wait for the first issue.
I also pre ordered the new Julie Hedges book on Ply split braiding. Should be interesting as there has only ever been one book on the subject.
I also had a good chat with Sandy Jesset from the braid society. She was very encouraging about my work, and suggested that I put my name on the tutors list next year. She also asked me to write a book review on the new Helen Deighan book on braiding.
I think it was well worth going for the two days.
You may also have noticed I hit 1,000 on my site meter!!!!!!!!
wow!
I would have posted this sooner but shall I just say BLOGGER!
al x

k2 p2, knit to end?

(k2p2 knit to end?
arghhh, knitting doesn't come easily to me, but I'm determined not to be beaten, and I have a great teacher, my mum inlaw can knit, she makes my knitting look like a string vest. I'm getting better quickly, I'd like to add.)
dear all
I am here, had a blog block so going to brain storm this! and try harder over the weekend, promise
I'm launching the Good Kharma Bunny workshops.
More information over the weekend.
I'm knitting a neck warmer!
Found on the nubian Craftsers blog which led me to here Craftsters.org
I've signed up to Crafters cos it looked so cool.
I'm knitting a bag! black
I'm looking for a job again!
I'm going to the knitting and stitching show tomorrow and Saturday
I'm getting quite good at making pack lunches!
so much fun, so little time
taking Emi on a train for the first time tomorrow aaaahhhh
Thought you might like this
al x

Hook and roll

Dear all,
I've been a busy bee again.
Taught some pals to braid last night, and they loved it.
Made a friend a birthday bag. Happy Birthday aunty Catherine!I felted merino tops by hand and added some angelina fibres for a bit of glitz.
It had two flaps, seen below, which acts as a cool anti theft devise.

I've also purchased a new book, and for all those crocheters, and all those who cant yet, it's a must. Although I've had a few comments on the title the Happy Hooker!
The only disadvantage to it is it uses american crochet terms, and as I've only just managed to learn the english I may struggle, but it works from basics right up to some fab patterns.
The problem is that I have to do prep for my courses first before I can justify having a go.

I've also signed up for secret pal 9, very exciting. you basically treat a textile person for three months by sending anonymous presents, and someone send you some as well.

I also seem to have won a sock creature, hoorah, from mama grouch. cant wait!
off to prep
al x