1.
SHOWS
Having just returned from the largest show in Australia, the Craft & Quilt Fair at Darling Harbour, Sydney, I have to thank all who visited our stand and attended our workshops for making it such a great show. Our staff put in a tremendous effort too and I hope all and sundry were happy with the show overall. The displays were incredible. Best of Show Quilt was awarded to Mariya Waters for her Renaissance Revival which was truly amazing. I mention this because it is Mariya's Machine Trapunto Quilt that I have on display on our show booths and everyone always admires and asks about it. Congratulations Mariya.
The organizers, Expertise Events, have claimed that "Recent changes to our advertising and marketing campaign were introduced to deliver higher quality customers and it seems the advertising message worked, with one of the worlds most sought after actresses spending the day at the fair shopping with her Mum!
 Nicole Kidman visiting the Craft & Quilt Fair is proof that the fair is a world class event!"
Shame Nicole walked past our stand and I was tempted to run after her to give her one of our Purple Punch with Judy bags in which to put her purchases from the show. So much nicer than the paper bag over her shoulder shown here. She stood a good head over everyone else as she is so tall so was easy to see and is just as beautiful as all her photos. Ohhh, green I am!
To be honest though, wasn't it just so polite and considerate of everyone just to let her wander around, doing her own thing, without being pestered? I doubt if that would happen elsewhere in the world.
Now, next up is the Craft & Quilt Fair in Melbourne, held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre "Jeff's Shed" from 26th - 29th July with late night on the
Saturday (yes, not Friday as in the past) evening till 8.00pm. Find us on Stand A11. If you want anything in particular brought to the show or held for you, then kindly let me know by Sunday 22nd July.
Don't forget to visit our website and print your Show Coupons if you want those specials. No Coupon, No Special, simple as that.
My daily workshop will be" Inspirational Ideas using the Pleat Maker" to be held in Workshop 1 at 11.30am daily. In this presentation I will inspire you to use your pleaters like you never thought possible!
"Ever thought of using a Pleat Maker for Prairie Points, Rosettes, Flowers, Shark's Teeth, Scenery, Inserts or Fans? Judy demonstrates what she claims is the most versatile product she's ever used! Be shown the 'how-to-do-it' easy steps.
My Pre-Show Seminar will be a follow on to my last year's Threadology Seminar. Many had expressed that more time spent on some aspects of what I showed would be desirable, so I'm doing that plus adding heaps of new techniques and how-to-do-its. I've called it "Threadology Sequel" because it goes further down the line of what you can do with threads and techniques. For bookings please contact Rebecca Reed on rebeccar@expertiseevents.com.au or myself. If you attended Diploma of Threadology and enjoyed it, you NEED to also enroll in this one.
Threadology Sequel - Tuesday 24th July
with Judy Hall from Punch with Judy
2pm to 4.30pm Fee: $30
Create the beautiful sewing of grandma's era on your own machine today and no - you don't need the latest computerised model. As a sequel to her Threadology Seminar, Judy will explore embellishments such as bobbin work using ribbon and decorative threads, couching, trapunto using wash-away thread, appliqué with fusible thread, shrink embroidery, crinkling, texturing fabric, manipulating fabric, heirloom techniques using a wing, twin and triple needle.
After Melbourne it is Canberra's turn from 9th to 12th August. Daily workshop as above and pre-show seminar of "Threadology Sequel" as above. Bookings being accepted now.
A reminder of the Two Big Announcements I made in my last Newsletter:
New dates for Tassie…….
The Craft & Quilt Fair will be held in Hobart again in 2008 but moved from April to June. New dates are 27th to 29th June, 2008.
New show for Newcastle……..
The Craft & Quilt Fair will hold a NEW Show in Newcastle from 29th Feb to 2nd March, 2008.
Some other dates have changed too, so here's a list of Craft & Quilt Fairs from Expertise Events, keeping in mind, they are subject to change (but usually don't). Mark them on your Calendar and please be aware that Punch with Judy will not be attending all of these. This is a courtesy for you and for EE.
AQC Melbourne 21-24 February
Newcastle 29 Feb - 2 March (New)
Gold Coast 3-6 April
Townsville 17-20 April
Perth 21-25 May
Sydney 11-15 June (earlier than normal)
Hobart 27-29 June (new dates)
Melbourne 24-27 July
Canberra 7-10 August
Hamilton NZ 18-21 September
Brisbane 22-26 October
Adelaide 6-9 November
A reminder also that Punch with Judy will NOT be attending the Stitches & Craft Show in August at Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney nor the September one at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne.
The 2008 Calendar for Stitches & Craft Shows are as follows, keeping in mind that we won't be attending them, other than possibly Brisbane.
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Sydney
Melbourne
2.
RETREATS
The Pleat Maker Techniques Retreat will be held 18th - 20th August, 2007. Fabulous Retreat in which you will learn numerous techniques on how to use our Pleat Makers, plus a little about our Fasturn Turning Tools. You will make an Heirloom Bolster Cushion featuring Shark's Teeth, Prairie Points, Mocked Smocking and Ruffling; as well as umpteen dozen other techniques.
The dates for our Machine Embroidery Retreats during 2008 are as follows: You will have plenty of time to organize yourself and book well ahead of time to ensure your acceptance.
More Machine Embroidery (previously called our Advanced Class) will be held from 8th to 10th February 2008.
 Machine Embroidery Retreat will be held from 12th - 14th April, 2008.
Machine Embroidery Techniques Retreat will be held from 16th to 18th April, 2008.
Adrienne, pic of group here somewhere.
I've had very positive reaction to the proposed Digitizing/Customizing Retreat mentioned in my last Newsletter as follows:
Students with computerized machine embroidery sewing machines keep asking for more information about using their software packages and digitizing. I would like your expression of interest in a proposed 3 Day Retreat I'm considering consisting of One Day Customizing and Scanning Images, One Day of Digitizing and One Day of Small Projects using what you learn in those first two days. To make this class flow affectively, every student would be using Generations software which would be provided to you complimentary for the duration of the Retreat. This is the only way I can see such a class "flowing" - if everyone was using the same software and doing the same steps simultaneously with big onscreen tuition from our tutor for you to follow step by step on your own laptop. What do you think? Wouldn't matter whether you had Generations at home or a different software, everyone could learn something. Otherwise, tell me what you'd like. It's just that so many keep asking for this and I have a very professional experienced tutor all keyed up ready to go with this for you. We are considering October 2007 or March 2008.
Watch this space for big news re some other Retreats during 2008 with World-Renowned Tutors that you won't want to miss out on. I'm negotiating some dates now. Fingers crossed.
4.
WHAT'S NEW
I've always thought it a shame that our What's New? Section is updated so quickly that many who don't have the time to visit our website on a regular basis may have missed some new additions. Therefore, we've now added a section whereby you can preview the previous update as well as seeing the new update. Let me
 know what you think?
All our Loralie Designs products have received a great response from you at the shows. Lots of new fabrics and CDs plus now we've added cute Mugs, excellent quality T-Shirts, quirky ornaments, iron-on appliqués and a couple of books on Loralie's own poems. More to come too. I really love the "Gone Shopping" and the "Sew Girls" and the Cancer related items really touch you. Her motto is "Touching the Heart with Fun Art!"
 Heaps of new CDs have been added to the Hatched in Africa range of Machine Embroidery designs. You'll have a feast here. We have also just received the very latest releases , Grandma's Violets, Elegant Orchids & Elegant Scrolls.
Here's the "Taste of Japan" designs used in conjunction with the new Double Mitre Ruler. Isn't it fabulous?
 By FAR the hottest products at the moment are Clover's Yo-Yo Makers. Now you have more to choose from and I know you won't be able to resist having them all. Extra Small Yo-Yos, Extra Large Yo-Yos plus two sizes of Flower Yo-Yos and two sizes of Heart Yo-Yos. If you haven't tried making Suffolk Puffs this way then you are in for a treat. Kids love them too. One of the nicest items I've seen made is a scarf of the tiniest Yo-Yos made in tone on tone silks. Very elegant. The new ones will be arriving in a week so we've been taking pre delivery orders.
 The new Hemingworth Polyselect Threads have been receiving rave reviews from everyone who has used them. The unique and revolutionary delivery system is simply amazing. We've tested them at the Shows and also in our Retreats and there's been not one problem. The first 30 orders I receive purchasing two reels will have one reel FREE sent to them with their order. That's three for the price of two. 30 ONLY. A couple of machine embroiderers who obviously have a large sewing room, expressed interest in the whole range, so our suppliers are offering the magnificent wooden cabinet shown here absolutely free with the purchase of all 300 shades. Now don't fall off your chair, two fortunate sewers do now actually have the whole kit and caboodle in their sewing room.
The Hemingworth range of stabilizers has been added too and you should note the good value they represent.
The Sticky Dot Stamper may be just the item you've been looking for to hold templates or rulers steady, but you can also use them for scrapbooking, photo albums, and appliqués or even to hold your bra or cami straps from slipping!
No update would be worthy without more bag patterns or books. I've not let you down. There's a new range from By Annie and the reversible Chenille Scarf is just a great project. Absolutely perfect to use the electric scissors with too. Have you got a My-T-Fine Cutter yet? The book Bags, Totes & Purses is fantastic value.
If you like painting and like machine embroidery, combining the two with fun describes the Hawaiian Surprise Kit complete with paints and markers.
4.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
 The 4th and 5th Quizzles have now been released. This wonderful initiative for customizing chosen quilt designs in your own colour schemes is incredibly easy.
New book from Jillian Sawyer on Stained Glass will be available end of July for those fans (like myself) who love her quirky comical characters. Witchcraft is about witches as you've not seen before. Great for Punchneedle Embroidery too! I'll add it to the website this week.
5. CLUBS/GUILDS REGISTRATION MEMBERSHIPS
When your Guild or Club has been registered and approved, there are big savings on your group's purchases. We've now changed the pricing arrangement on the website to streamline your ordering. These discounts are only available once you've been approved. If you belong to a Guild or Club, why not discuss this option amongst your members? 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 receive discounts when you 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 discounts 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.
6.
SPECIALS
There's another excellent offer from Ott-Lite for their Easy View Craft Lamp (floor model) with a Magnifier plus a Quilter's Mat Bag complete with Ruler, Mat & Rotary Cutter. Great for a beginner or for travelling to class.
The 3 piece Trolley Bag Sets must surely come to an end soon as this wonderfully low price. Now, I have warned you.
If you'd like to make your own Quilt Labels, Gift Cards, general Cards and the like, then you need the HP Custom Quilt Label Kit whilst it is at half price.
One of the best books in my library is reduced way down too - The Art of Fabric Manipulation. Limited numbers sorry..
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 15/3 has 3 patterns from Junk Jeans showing you how to recycle your jeans. All three for $21.00 plus $3.00 postage.
Stitches Issue 15/2 has our own Stencil Burner plus 3m Polymesh Plus Stabilizer for just $25.00 plus $5.00 postage.
Stitches Issue 15/1 has a special combo offer for a Clover Felting Tool and Angelina Fiber.
Offers remain available for 3 months from date of issue.
8.
DAMAGED PRODUCTS
Still available these items at half price or less, damaged during transit.
I have one Wave Edge Ruler in the longer length size that has a small crack one end which is easily repairable. Yours for $20.00.
Rule Steady now only comes in 300ml but I have one of the previous models in the 450ml length that is broken at both ends but could still be repaired and used if a strong glue was used. These were $59.95, so this is a bargain at $20.00.
Sew Clean - Fabric, Spot & Stain Remover $12.50, normally $25.00.
Magvu - perfect except has #4 magnifying lens missing, only has #2 in it $17.50
Pair Wooden Bag Handles, polished teak $15.00, normally $29.95.
Mercury Template, one is broken completely in two pieces, less than half price $20.00 and another into three pieces $15.00. These retail for $59.95.
Brandy's 1" Shapes Half Price $15.00. Normally $29.95.
If any of these can find a home with you, please email me and I will quote you the price with postage.
9.
GALLERY
 This section is divided into "your" Gallery and "Retreatees" Gallery. Added recently are beautiful cushions using Foldy Stuff Patterns from Edna which were so striking that I asked Edna to kindly make one for me to have on display on my show stand, that's how impressed I was.
Eileen has made up two of Joan's Own Creations "to die for" appliqué patterns that are an absolute credit to her. Barbara has made an absolutely fascinating Photo Quilt using Miracle Fabric Sheets as part of her Art History Assignment at TAFE. You will just love the colourful Camel punched with our Igolochkoy Punchneedles from oh, tis on the tip of my tongue……….sorry, I've misplaced my customer's name.
In the Retreatees Gallery, Norma has been at it again and sent me the most beautiful photo of her completed Cutwork Pillowslip from last month's Retreat. This is superb girls and boys! Also, note her embroidered pleated tablerunner. To machine embroider over pleated fabric you need to use a topping, such as Solvy or Rinseaway, to enable the presser foot to be able to move freely and not have any resistance whilst sewing over the uneven surface of the pleats.
10.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that when using the Control-A-Twist, sometimes it works better by having it extended at "half mast"? A member of our group discovered that this week when using it with metallic thread. When she was having difficulties with too much tension asserted upon the thread, I suggested she lower it and what do you know, worked perfectly with just that little bit less "twist". I'd like to hear from others as to their experiences using this fine Australian Product.
Did you know that once many sewers experience the difference with Superior Threads they don't wish to use anything else? Here's an email I received this week.
Hi Judy, can't remember if I ever gave you some feedback on the Superior Threads thread I purchased (you told me it was the best you'd used). I have to very much agree, but not even just because it didn't play "silly buggers" once. I have just finished doing decorative quilting on a 1m x 70cm 'sky' and have done rows of
various threads including normal Madeira Embroidery (from the chest), one from Spotlight (embroidery), metallics, variegated jeans threads etc. The Superior I used in the middle where it should have been
hardest to quilt, yet that section looks way, way better then the rest. Even a non sewer friend commented on the difference between the various threads! My stitches are more even, sewing is smoother and flatter and it does look so much better then all the rest. When I did it I just assumed I was getting better at quilting but after finishing it I'm thinking about pulling out all the other threads and re doing it all with Superior Threads." True email my friends, with no alterations.
Did you know that, thankfully, sewing is enjoyed a comeback? You can help. Eileen Roche, Editor of Designs in Machine Embroidery recently wrote "The tradition of passing down the hobby to our daughters has skipped a generation and the reasons for sewing today are very different than the reasons our mothers and grandmothers sewed. The sewing industry thrives on the creative pursuits of its customers. We must inspire each other, ignite those who are just starting on this creative expression and unveil the possibilities to those who don't sew. Without education in all of its 21st century forms, there are no sewers. Without sewers, there is no sewing industry."
So, do your bit too. I hope you are passing on your knowledge to your offspring.
Did you know why two cones of the variegated thread may look different yet they are the same colour? Bob from Superior Threads says that "different wind patterns or different winding start points create different appearances, although the colours are identical. When comparing two cones of the same colours, instead of looking at the cones from the sides, look directly at the tops of the cones. The colours should appear identical from this view, even though the side views look different. The top view is the accurate view." I tried it and it sure works.
11.
GOLDEN OLDIES
I mentioned in my May Newsletter that I felt it a shame I was only ever giving you the New Products in my Newsletters and that I certainly have a lot of "old favourites" that should be shared. Sometimes I get so carried away with "What's New?" that I forget the treasures that I just wouldn't be without. So, I've included this new column to bring to your attention any products I use that I feel you would like to be reminded of. They may be new to you, who knows? By the way, thanks Shelley for the name suggestion, rather that "Oldies but Goodies".
 Like the Simflex Expanding Gauge. I've been demonstrating this in my new Pleaters Workshops at the shows this year and it reminded me that it is some time since I've actually shown it and explained its use at the shows. Originally made to evenly space buttonholes at the positions where you need them and not where the pattern says to place them, but I use it for equi-distance anything. Eg. Channel Quilting, Scallops, Belt Loop Carriers, Motif/Lace/Appliqué placement as well as so many uses in conjunction with my Pleat Maker pieces such as for Tortured Tucks, Mocked Smocking, Honeycomb, Twisted Tucks and Shark's Teeth. It can measure the number of times I want something repeated within a given space, when I don't even know what the measurement is, simply that I have X number of times within that distance. One tool I couldn't be without!
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
|
Seems a long time since I've written a "normal type" Newsletter to you, so I do have a bit of catching up for you. Our trek to Perth in May was again a real pleasure and I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed day I had before the show commenced with the girls at Mandurah for a "How do you use it?" day. What hospitality! Spent a couple of days with a good friend before the show commenced and had my girl's night out during the show with my friends from Geraldton who journey down each year. Seems so long ago already because we've now also completed the biggest show of the year at Darling Harbour in June. Plus, we had two Machine Embroidery Retreats at The Rock in between times. Now you may understand why the Newsletters have been briefer during the last few months. Again, our Retreatees (as I call them) had a wonderful time - one wrote this which quite touched me - "It was a most pleasurable 3 days I spent at the sewing workshop; I really enjoyed it and found Robyn a very patient and informative teacher. Your beautiful home was so welcoming and your gracious hospitality exceptional. Hope to return - in the meantime, thank you both for making it such a happy experience." Most students would echo those comments (I hope), so why don't you decide now to join us for one next year? One night after the Retreats had finished, a delivery man arrived with a huge box, special delivery. In it was a bouquet of the most beautiful orchids and other accompanying greenery and little flowers, so I had to share this with you. In fact, they have lasted in my dining room until only this week when I had to admit they'd finished. I felt so thankful everytime I smelt the perfume wafting past me as I walked into the room.
Quick Links 
