PUNCH WITH JUDY - FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER

Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

In This Issue:-

1. Shows
2. Retreats
3. What's New?

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Hi Everyone,

An apology to all that the workload of processing all our January Birthday Orders and three Shows in February, has prevented me from having the time to write a lengthy informative Newsletter.  March will bring me back to normal, if that's ever the case!

This Newsletter is to remind everyone visiting the AQC in Melbourne this week that it is being held in a new venue.  These are smaller stands than at other shows so I can't have everything on the stand as I would normally have to offer so if you wish to have anything put aside for you please email me.  Our stock is already packed but I can hold any items rather than you being disappointed.  Read further down for full Convention details.

Arrived home last evening from a very successful Craft & Quilt Fair held at Newcastle.  For those who attended, I know you had a wonderful day's outing - it was bigger and better and everyone had a smile. 

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to all those affected by the horrendous bushfires in Victoria this month and the massive floods further up north in Queensland and NSW.  What a vastly different country we live in.  The bushfires have made world news and many have emailed me enquiring if we're safe, yes, we are since we are two hours away from even those in northern Victoria, though we've experienced the smoke for weeks even here.  We have had some of our customers affected by this worst natural disaster that Australia has ever endured.  Everyone is sharing the pain and lending a helping hand and donating money, quilts and other things, but we cannot begin to imagine what these poor remaining residents of country Victoria are experiencing.  There will be a huge raffle at the AQC this week in aid of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, whereby all Exhibitors and Tutors are donating wonderful prizes of quilts and quilting goods.  There are ever so many other ways we are all helping too.

Happy Sewing,
Your friend,

Judy

1. SHOWS

Australasian Quilt Convention 
Held from 26th February to 1st March, 2009 at the new venue of Melbourne's beautiful Royal Exhibition Buildings, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton.  More comfort, more shopping, more quilts.  It will be the one event all year you should try to attend. The fifth Australasian Quilt Convention & Expo will bring together thousands of quilters from all around the country and indeed, from overseas too.

There will be over 500 spectacular quilts on show from all around the world, lots of hands-on classes and FREE seminars plus "Make it & Take it" classes.  Naturally, you can purchase from the variety of quilt related stalls too.  The AQC is not your average show, but focused on Quilters, educating and inspiring whilst introducing and demonstrating new products to feed our passion.  10.00am to 4.30pm daily.  We're on Stand 27.

My Daily Workshop will be held in Room 3 at 10.30am with a Cameo Appearance of Leonie West, inventor of the fabulous Westalee Design Rulers.  Leonie will also be demonstrating on our stand for a couple of hours around lunch time.

Westalee Design Adjustable Ruler - Judy Hall will explain how to achieve maximum potential from the Westalee Rulers, Grand Final Winner of People's Choice Award 2008 on ABC TV's New Inventors.   PLUS, introducing the new Multi-Angled Wedge Ruler from Creative Curves.  This fascinating ruler will leave you spellbound with inspiration with all its versatility.  Those attending my workshop will be entitled to a special offer too!

Don't forget your Show Coupons too.  Print them and collect your discounted products or receive your FREEBIES.  The ones being offered this year include a fabulous offer from Olfa Rotary Cutters, Sue Box Embroidery Collections, Outback Embroidery Threads and Westalee Design Rulers.  Too good to miss.  No coupon, No Offer.

Next week we'll be at Homebush, Sydney, attending the new Craftfest to be held at The Dome, Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park, Homebush.  Open 6th - 8th March from 10.00am to 4.30pm daily.  Please visit us at Stand A01.

Daily Seminar on Westalee Design Rulers at 2.00pm in Seminar Room 2.  Details as above for AQC.

Daily Make It & Take It on Kumihimo - Japanese Braiding with Liz Colledge at 11.30am making a funky braided zipper pull.  Cost $10.00, Book on our Stand A01.

If you would like any order brought to the show, please let me know before Tuesday 4th March.

Just a reminder also, Punch with Judy will not be attending either the Gold Coast Show nor the Townsville Show in April, however, for those wishing to attend, here are the dates.
Gold Coast Craftfest 27th - 29th March, Townsville Craft & Quilt Fair 2nd - 5th April.

Brisbane Stitches & Craft Show
Just a reminder that Punch with Judy will not be attending ANY Stitches & Craft Shows this year.

The ASG (Australian Sewing Guild) Perth has organized a special Industry Day prior to the Craft & Quilt Fair, whereby I'll be giving product demonstrations for a fun day's education.  To be held on Saturday 9th May at Balcatta from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  Bookings are essential, so please contact Irene Beadle on (08) 9447 7595 or email irenebeadle@iinet.net.au Cost is $15.00 which includes light refreshment, BYO Lunch.  Irene has asked me to let all my customers in WA know about their Industry Day because Non-Members are more than welcome to attend.  You may also email me and I can send you the Registration Form you'll need to send your payment to Irene.

I am currently organizing a Hands-On Class with Sandra Chandler, Just Curves, USA for a pre-show workshop using the Curve Master Presser Foot.  Monday 11th May.  Details to be confirmed.  Expressions of interest taken now as it will be first in first dressed.  There will be no Pre-Show classes held by the Organizers of the Craft & Quilt Fair this year.  Show is held at the Perth Convention Centre from 13th - 17th May.  Note: These are new dates to what was originally advertised.

2. RETREATS

Two Retreats to be held in September this year rather than previously advertised April.  With so many Shows in February and March, plus Easter, we all just needed a little break around that time.  So, decision time made it September.  Full details next Newsletter.  Plus, our Online Classes for the Pleat Maker will be commencing in April. 

3. WHAT'S NEW

Visit the What's New? section often as I add products as they arrive and there's always something exciting. 

The new Multi-Angled Wedge Ruler from Creative Curves has appealed to me for its absolute ingenious method of creating wonderful wedge inspired blocks that any beginner can achieve with no maths involved. Please do visit and read about it.  The sampler quilt blocks that are included in the package are spectacular.

Just arrived, but not yet on the website, LickityGrip.  LicketyGrip is a grip enhancer developed specifically for the sewing/craft world for our specific needs, such as free-motion quilting or embroidering.  It attracts moisture to give you a better grip for better control yet contains no dyes, no silicone, no wax, no latex, no rubber, no lanolin, no animal by-products, no salicylates - all ingredients are food grade!  Wow!  More later!

As I said, more of a what's happening on the Show Scene Newsletter....... 

Till next time,
Judy