Judy & John Hall live on 100 acres in a small country town, The Rock, (near Wagga Wagga in the Riverina) N.S.W. Australia – inland, about halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. Here they run their Mail Order business as well as an Emu Farm and breed sheep.

O riginally living in Sydney where Judy had her retail sewing shop, the present business of Punch with Judy was conducted from their suburban home from 1991. It grew so quickly, that in 1994 they had to move to larger premises, so settled for the rural life they now enjoy – when they are home! It is like their “haven” with beautiful views of The Rock hill. Judy and the staff conduct the Mail Order business from premises at the rear of the house.

They have three adult children and seven grandchildren, all of whom adore visiting Grandpa’s farm to see all the animals and “work” with him, feeding and tending them.

Judy has created her own niche in the sewing industry, always as an innovator and leader in fabric manipulation techniques and texturing with textiles. Besides running the Mail Order business, she travels Australia and Overseas teaching her methods of Wearable Art using her amazing tools and equipment. Exhibiting at all major Sewing & Craft Shows throughout Australia, Judy has the reputation of always offering the latest in sewing technology to allow the home sewer to achieve that professional finish. She travels overseas in search of new ideas for innovative sewing, overlocking, wearable art, patchwork and quilting, all subjects she has taught for 30 years.

Having owned a sewing machine dealership, she has vast background knowledge of the industry and is currently a Certified Overlocking Instructor & Certified Fit Instructor for Palmer/Pletsch & Assoc. USA. Judy is a feature writer for the Australian Stitches Magazine with a “Tips & Techniques” article in most issues accompanied by a project using some of her different techniques with the notions she sells. Always able to inspire her students with her creative flair in the art of manipulating fabric beyond their expectations, plus her new patchwork series, Judy is keenly sought after to share her knowledge and conducts classes throughout Australia for groups or shops.

Judy also conducts Three Day Sewing Retreats at their home at The Rock teaching students, other teachers and shopowners.

John keeps busy by manufacturing their range of pleating boards which they have now also commenced exporting. Click here for details of THE PLEAT MAKERS.

For some time now I’ve been dreaming of a larger premise for Punch with Judy and rather than extending our Mailroom, we decided late 2005 to build a separate Warehouse closeby. I am proud to present to you a photo of the completed Warehouse as of February 2006, which should make life so much easier for stock control and loading for shows, as shown here in this photo. Thank you for your interest in requesting to share this “dream come true” with me.

WHY “PUNCH WITH JUDY”?
In 1991 Judy Hall commenced exhibiting at Craft Shows, demonstrating and selling the “IGOLOCHKOY” Russian Punchneedles – the ORIGINAL punchneedles used by the immigrants from the Ukraine. This was the ONLY product Judy sold, unlike the vast array of treasures she sells on her booths today. Hence the name "PUNCH WITH JUDY” was chosen as the business name. Judy is still fascinated by the versatility of punchneedle embroidery and continues to demonstrate and teach the art wherever she exhibits.