 1.
SHOWS
I have now updated
the website with a list of the shows for 2007. Remember, Punch with Judy
will not be attending the Autumn Sydney Stitches & Craft Show in February.
Two years ago we stopped attending the Spring Melbourne Stitches & Craft
Show, so this is simply the next step in my overall plan. As I said earlier,
I think that two Shows per year in any Capital City is sufficient for
Punch with Judy.
2. RETREATS
 Details
of the Retreats for 2007 are now available for viewing on the website
too. There are some new Retreats for next year, so don’t miss out.
Check them now, save being disappointed later because they fill up fairly
quickly. Maybe it’s a thought for the family to give you as a Christmas
Gift! A sewing holiday away from the usual dishes and cooking!
SPECIAL
ANNOUNCEMENT
New
Retreat
Anne van der Kley is Internationally recognized as a guru for Texturing
with an Overlocker and has kindly agreed to visit us for an Overlocking
Retreat from 14th to 16th July 2007. If you'd like details, I can email
you a preliminary outline now. This will be GREAT! I'll be her assistant
as I've taught many an Overlocking Class. Anne’s books and CDs are
now on our website too.
 Machine
Embroidery Retreat 2nd - 4th June, 2007
Have you a computerized sewing machine but don't know the full capacity
of what it is able to do? This is a specially designed workshop with you
in mind!
Learn from our special guest tutor and myself, how to get the best from
your investment.
We will cover correct hooping, choice of correct stabilizers, threads
& needles, exact placement and how to use various accessories. Projects
done show how to use The Sewing Revolution correctly, other positioning
and dissecting designs, photos to fabric and so forth.
Suitable to all brands of machines and for the novice to the expert.
Machine Embroidery
Techniques Retreat 6th - 8th June, 2007
Includes Free Motion Embroidery for other than computerized designs. This
will include Hemstitching, Couching, Feather Stitching, Pintucking, Stippling,
Appliqué Stitch, Candlewicking, Double Eye Needle Embroidery; PLUS
Shrink Embroidery Thread, Fusible Thread, Machine Trapunto using Wash-A-Way
Thread and using Perfect Sew.
Pleating Techniques
Retreat 14th - 16th April, 2007
Manipulate and embellish fabric using The Pleat Makers & Fasturn Tools
plus other surprises.
Various techniques for the beginner and intermediate student.
Tucks, Tubes & Trims! New tricks & techniques for wearable art
embellishments.
Expressions of Interest now welcome.
Don't forget I'll also be visiting Cobar in central NSW for a Weekend
Retreat in the first quarter of next year if you live in that area, email
me and I shall certainly pass your details on to those who are organizing
this.
3. WHAT'S
NEW
 Ever
thought about sewing on Flyscreen Mesh? Well, Pet Mesh is better because
it is stronger and will soon be available in colours to make the new Screenplay
Patterns even more exciting. These are FUN patterns and I know you’ll
enjoy experimenting. There are a few patterns in this range too that are
normal “fabric” use patterns.
 New
CDs from Hatched
in Africa have been added to our website with many more being added
very shortly. Santi’s Fantasy Phoenix and her new Purple Passion
delighted all who attended Santi’s Trunk Shows when she visited Australia
last month.
Just in time for Christmas.
Ricky Tims, prolific quilter extraordinaire, has a musical CD entitled
"Christmastime"
and this is ideal for dinnertime background music. Beautifully produced
by this fine musical talent who was actually a professional musician before
he became famous as a quilter. A reminder too, shopowners, we now distribute
Ricky's Quilting DVDs.
Inklingo
surely may rate as one of the best innovative new quilting products to
be marketed recently. Inklingo is a way of printing templates for patchwork
directly onto your fabric using a coloured inkjet printer. Futuristic
and it just shows how electronic our sewing has become. Tutorials on Inklingo
will be added to the website within the next week.
 Quilters'
Preview Paper is a roll of see through "stuff" enabling
you to see your quilting design before quilting your quilt. Please take
a peep at this exciting way of trialling a design before quilting.
Some of you have already
purchased the following book for those poor men in your family who can
relate truly to these woes. A delightfully hilarious glimpse of the quilting
world through the eyes of a non-quilter who happens to be married to a
"died in the wool" quilter. "Help,
I Married A Quilter" is a book written by Mark Hyland, lamenting
husband of Suzanne Michelle Hyland from whom I purchase Machingers Quilting
Gloves. This is a riot. Scary that it is so true.
Quilters
Hangups are a great new marketing device of ready-to-use pleated quilt
sleeves. They are designed by Terri Cowan who has background as a quilt
shop owner/teacher thereby knowing exactly what is required for quilt
show regulations. These wonderful hang-ups allow your quilt to hand flat
against the wall instead of “flopping” over at the top where
the rod goes. So easy to use too and saves you so much time.
From the Palmer/Pletsch
company comes a new DVD “Fit
for Real People”. It’s often so much easier to learn by
viewing than reading, isn’t it? This invaluable aid for dressmakers
will be welcomed.
Sew
Precise, Sew Fast is an absolute gem of an idea for Machine Binding
quilts. I watched the DVD before adding this product to my website and
I am in awe with the technique and I’ve tried as many as you have!
You MUST try it. You’ll love this!
4. MADE
IN AUSTRALIA
Julie
Hall has released three new Machine Embroidery CDs. Her Bullion
Roses is sure to be a big hit, particularly as she uses Sulky’s
Puffy Foam to give the flowers a three dimensional appearance. Her Funky
Borders and Swirlz
& Curlz are certainly different and bound to suit those who prefer
Art Decó and the modern approach.
Micnali
Designs has 3 new CDs for machine embroidery being offered and for
December you will receive two for the price of one. That's correct. Buy
One, Get One Free. (to the same value) This IS extra special.
The second
and third
Quizzles have been available for a little while now but I’ve just
added them to the website too.
As mentioned above
in the Retreats section, Anne
van der Kley has a range of Overlocker CDs and some very informative
books on her very special techniques using the Overlocker. Anne has a
tremendous following overseas and I think it a shame that our Aussie Talent
often doesn’t share the same recognition in their own country. Not
saying this is the case with Anne, but you view her products and see what
you think.
Christmas Gift Ideas……..
I have just received
a few really nice little Sewing Items which are hand made in Australia
that I think would make lovely Chrissy Gifts. Haven’t had time to
pop them up on the website but shall try to do so this week. Take my word
for it though, these are good quality and are sure to please.
 Mini
Iron Holder suitable for the Clover Mini Iron, the Stencil Burner or the
Crystal Wand Applicator. Made of wood with a wire holder these retail
for $17.95
Beautiful Australian
Wood base pincushion, also $17.95
Old fashioned Black
Sewing Machine with handwheel as the pincushion and 6 vertical dowels
to hold reels of thread, also made of wood for $22.95
Email me for photos
of these if you wish before deciding, but they are really nicely finished
quality Oz Made handcrafted products.
5. CLUBS/GUILDS
REGISTRATION MEMBERSHIPS
Announcement!
If you are a member
of a sewing group, patchwork group, Guild or Club, then I now have a specially
assigned Membership to our Website arranged for you. One Member (and ONE
Member only), usually the President, but that's up to you, may register
as a Club/Guild Membership. A form will be issued to you for completion
and if your criteria meets my requirements for eligibility, then you have
reduced prices for which you may purchase as a group. Bulk orders may
then be placed by the Club or Guild on behalf of their members in order
to receive generous discounts. One order, one payment, one shipment. Now,
the Club or Guild may decide to either allow their members those reduced
prices or they may choose to save this money as a fund raiser for a special
appeal or guest tutors or whatever. The choice is theirs.
Footnote: Just to
clarify, you don’t need to have your group affiliated with a State Guild
to qualify. I’ve had some emails re what exactly is defined as a group?
When you apply, I’ll be sending you a form to complete and then I can
decide.
6. SPECIALS
Another brand new
Super Christmas Special! Purchase an Ott-Lite
Lexington Floor Lamp and receive absolutely FREE an Ott-Lite
Desk Pro Lamp valued at $99.00. Plus, remember, there’s FREE
delivery on all Ott-Lite products up until Christmas. But Wait! There’s
More! No, we’re not giving away Steak Knives, but when you purchase
the Lexington Floor Lamp you also may purchase a matching Lexington
Table Lamp for HALF PRICE. Now, these are classy pieces of furniture
that will suit any living room. Do consider this fantastic offer.
I know I advised you
of these Specials last week, but think they deserve a reminder as Christmas
Shopping is on our minds.
Fantastic Specials
from YAZZII
for Christmas Super Specials too good to miss out on, even if you're buying
them for yourself.
Madeira
Threads and Punch with Judy have some extra wonderful savings for
you too. you.
Ott-Lite
have released a new Floor Lamp which hasn't made the stores as yet. The
Ott-Lite Easy View Craft Lamp 18w will be $189.00 - but, for Christmas,
just $149.00. PLUS, Free Delivery. In fact, we're offering Free Postage
on ANY Ott-Lite product for December. Take advantage of this generous
offer. Plus, our prices are already very competitive and you also receive
Punch Points Vouchers for all normally priced items.
Slimline
Light Boxes are recognized as the best in their field. For either
the 17" x 17" or the 24" x 24" Slimline Light Box
ordered in December, there will be Free delivery. Now that is a big saving.
Don't let this opportunity pass if you've ever wanted one of these. Punch
Points Vouchers are still offered for each sale as well. This is a great
offer!
7.
STITCHES SUBSCRIBER OFFERS
Punch with Judy is
proud to be part of the Australian Stitches Subscribers
Club offering Monthly Specials to Subscribers. Not only do
we offer you a 12 month subscription for half price but you could pay
for that alone with the savings I offer in our monthly specials which
are only available to Stitches Subscribers and you must quote your Membership
Number when ordering.
Stitches Issue 14/4
released in August, 2006, had a CurveMaster
Presser Foot at $10 off the normal RRP plus a FREE pair of Bent Tip
Tweezers.
Stitches Issue 14/5
released in September, 2006, offered a Free pair of Punch with Judy Embroidery
Scissors with each purchase of the Satinedge Foot from Creative Feet.
Plus, if you purchased all three Creative
Feet you had the great combo offer of $139.95 plus the Accessory Guides
Free!
Stitches Issue 14/6
released in October, 2006, was our Fasturn
Set special. When you purchase a set of 6 Fasturn Turning Tools, you
may purchase the Fastube Foot and the Perfect Tubes Guide for half price.
Stitches Issue 14/7 released in November, had 3 gadgets for $22.00 - The
Buttonhole Buster, The
Hump Jumper and The
Puts It.
Stitches Issue 14/8
will be released this week and we are excited to offer subscribers the
Professional
Touch Applicator Wand, 2 Iron-On Ribbon & Thread Tips, PLUS a
packet of Swarovski Crystals for the incredible price of $49.95. That's
a saving of $21.95!
Offers remain available
for 3 months from date of issue. So, everyone, tell me what you think
about them so as I may give you Special Offers that you appreciate. Postage
is extra.
8. DAMAGED
PRODUCTS
Still available these
items at half price, damaged during transit.
Springfield Ruler
24" x 6.5"
Brandy's 1" Shapes
Sew Clean
If any of these can find a home with you, please email me and I will quote
you the price with postage.
9. CHRISTMAS
GIFT IDEAS UNDER $15.00
Refrigerator
Magnets from Magnetic Quilts showing quilt designs - 3 for $10.00
Book
a Quiltmark by Rhonda Taylor - laminated bookmark with a quilt pattern
on it. $5.95
Quilt
Sewing & Collection Pins $11.95 or 3 for $30.00
What
Needle? Keeps track of what size sewing machine needle is in your
machine. $3.95
Spec
Pins - ideal way to keep track of where your pen or glasses are. I
wear mine every day. $15.00
Sewing Pantyhose -
true life black pantyhose with sewing designs embossed over them! Not
on the website but you can ask for them in the Additional Comments section
of the order form. $12.95
Zinger
- Punch with Judy retractable clip-on scissor holder $6.95
Quilter’s
Journal - record your quilts like a diary on special for $13.95
Bobbin
Saver - non slip organizer to hold 20+ bobbins, looks like a life
saver - $12.95
Spool
Swing - a handy spool caddy to wear around your neck for hand sewers
- $15.00
The
Pin Place - magnetic holder for your sewing machine to either hold
your pins or scissors. Has a suction attachment so is completely removable
- $10.50
Now, there would be
lots more in the Sewing Aids & Tools and also in the Quilter’s
Accessories, so these are just a few suggestions that are “gifty”
type items.
9. DID
YOU KNOW?
Did You Know that Ricky Tims will
be the Co-Host of a new quilt show being presented by Bernina of America?
Well, of course you did as I told you in the last Newsletter, however,
here’s an update. Ricky says “This new video magazine-style
format will be unlike any other quilt show you’ve seen before. Trust
us!” It really is television on the internet with the first episode
being free and the remaining episodes by subscription. There will be special
guests sharing their talents and will suit beginners to the expert. Each
show is 45 mins in length and because it will be shot in front of a live
audience you can bet it will be entertaining too. If you don’t wish
to subscribe then you can wait until all the episodes have been aired
and then you’ll be able to purchase it on a DVD. For more information
visit www.thequiltshow.com
Did
You Know that all Egyptian labelled cotton is not necessarily
from Egypt? In Bob Purcell’s Newsletter this week (Superior Threads)
Bob said “no, it isn’t. Many years ago, the term Egyptian cotton
became a generic term for long staple cotton. Just as we use the word
Kleenex for tissues or Xerox for copying, the term Egyptian cotton was
used for any long staple cotton grown anywhere in the world. Egypt is
now very strict in trying to protect this term but old habits die hard
and I don’t know if it will ever stop. A major thread factory in
Germany labels their thread as Egyptian cotton even though it is grown
in and imported from Romania and countries other than Egypt. They consider
any long staple cotton to be Egyptian cotton due to the common use of
the generic term. So how can we tell and does it really matter? Unless
you have reliable information directly from the source, there really is
no way to know the origin. What matters is the integrity of the company
and the quality of the final product. For the record, our King Tut cotton
and MasterPiece cotton are authentic Egyptian-grown extra-long staple
cotton.”
Did
You Know why the letter F is so popular in the quilting fraternity?
I read a wonderful reasoning for this in an email posted on another list,
copy/paste/filed it, but for the love of me I just can’t track it
down to ask permission to reprint this, but I’m going to take the
chance that the person won’t mind since she made it public anyway
and I really have tried my darndest. Here it is because it’s a nice
light note to finish with and I apologize in advance with some words,
remembering that this is from USA and some terminology has different meanings………..
Quilter's
F-Words
I have been asked
why I usually name my quilts with words starting with the letter F. Fabricated
Flurries, Fabricated Feathers, Fabricated Forest, Facets and Reflections,
and Fabricating a Fond Farewell are just a few of the quilts I completed
for a show at Homer Watson Gallery.
My response was that I am fascinated with F-words as I cut, stitch and
complete a quilt. Aren't F- words a part of every quilter's vocabulary?
Now, before you get
flustered, I should elaborate, and try to explain exactly what I mean.
I have a fondness for every facet of fabricating.
It goes without saying that Fabric is always on my mind-I am a fabric
fanatic-but fat quarters made with florals or fruit aren't really my favourite.
I have a fond fixation for fussy cutting and funky fabric and fragments
of these are never frittered away.
The fraternity of quilters is frequently female, but a few males fabricate,
too. We never have enough file folders to keep our freebie patterns found
online organized and at our fingertips.
We all have fancy machines to facilitate our fabrications, but a few of
us find Featherweights are fine, too.
We are all familiar with frog-stitching (rip-it, rip-it) and fussy-cutting
and freezer paper for foundation piecing. We all fantasize about fancy
flourishes and are full of ideas to bring to fruition.
We all have to be flexible financially to finagle funds from our finances
for affordable fabric. And we must always purchase enough-we try to be
frugal, but it is fairly frustrating trying to figure out where you found
the fabric in the first place! And we find that this frame of mind fatigue
forms frown lines on our faces.
We all know that frazzled feeling when we foolishly promise to finish
a fabrication and time flies so fast, we have to stay focused to finish.
Most of us are afraid fellow quilters will find the flaw that we tried
to fix when we made a faux-pas figuring out that fraction. By now, we
are fraught with frustration and we have to force that fabric to fit.
This is often referred to as the Fudge Factor.
It concerns me that I was forced to forgo fitness so I could finish fabricating
for this show and now I am fretful that I have a flabby fanny-I ate a
lot of finger food. I made frequent forays to the freezer to forage for
food for my family that could be defrosted fast.
I think my favourite
F-words are in the familiar refrain: Fabric, Flat, Friends, Fortunate
and finally......Finished!
So, you see, I (and
now I'll bet you do, too!) often think of F-words when fabricating.
What did you think I meant??
Anne Beaudoin
Ontario.
Till
next time,
Judy Hall
Punch with Judy
P.O. Box 62
THE ROCK (near Wagga) N.S.W.
AUSTRALIA. 2655
Website: http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au
Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au
Phone: 02 6920 2238
Fax: 02 6920 2021
International Phone: 61 26920 2238
International Fax: 61 26920 2021
|
Hi
Everyone ,
Our
thoughts are with those who are being devastated by the bushfires everywhere,
particularly in Victoria. There are some days when the smoke from them
is as thick here as we can’t even see The Rock hill at all, so I
can imagine how it is even closer. Summer has certainly started with a
vengeance. It is dry and disastrous here, but we pale into insignificance
in comparison.
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