Wasn't our Website Birthday Celebration just so much fun?   I'm so glad you all enjoyed it and it is a shame that so many were on summer holidays away from home that you had no access to internet.

Everyone was a winner this year as each day there was a new Super Special to give you the presents even though it was our Birthday.   I know you did appreciate it from the emails I have had and the little comments within your orders.   Some of you may be poor for a few months as the little plastic card took a beating so close after Christmas, but I can't help it when our Birthday falls.

Now, two very special participants in the January Celebrations were drawn and have been announced on our website, but I thought I should email you who the winners were as that is courtesy.

  Ruby was one of the first to order on any given day because being in Perth, they are 2 hours behind us time wise.   I commented to her once, "what do you do, wait for me to change the special over at midnight?" because there was an order by 12.30am so often.   Ruby replied and I hope she doesn't mind me printing it here because then you may not feel so down about not winning yourself.

Ruby said "Well, my days are pretty busy - we foster a 5 year old with spina bifida who keeps me on the run!  So 10pm (our time) is not so late - I like to get a bit of time to myself and that's the only way I can manage it.  I am thinking of all the things I will be able to do with all the wonderful specials you are offering - and some are for gifts for birthdays, etc.  I think it is a wonderful idea and so glad I got to know about it.  Now I must be off to bed, or I won't be able to function tomorrow.  Thanks for the inspiration your site has brought to me!  It was good to meet you in Perth last year.  Regards, Ruby."  

Second Prize of $50.00 Shopping Spree from the entire website has been won by Yolande James from East Ipswich, Qld.

Yolande's first website order with us was only 12 months ago when she subscribed to Stitches Magazine via us.   When I emailed her this morning letting her know the good news she replied, " What a pleasant surprise to start the morning!  I overslept, woke with a start and rolled out of bed to realise what the time was.  Luckily, I don't have to go to work, my job is to see that my elderly mother is OK (my father died 2 years ago), pick up the grandchildren from school (7-year old twin boys) and all the other "jobs" with looking after the husband and our home.

I will take a leisurely browse around the website to see what I will choose for my prize.  Thanks again, Regards, Yolande."

I am so pleased that the promotion went so well and created excitement over the January so-called Holiday Period.   What holiday, says she?  I'll tell you about my Australia Day weekend away with my daughters in my next normal Newsletter. (It was GREAT!)  

My mind is turning over now with some new ideas as a result of this promotion and whilst I'm planning for these and some others that I had already commenced, if you have any suggestions I would love to hear from you before all the nuts and bolts are finalized.   So, come on, tell me what you want, or maybe how to improve this last promotion?

RETREATS

Some important announcements, so please take note.   If any of these interest you, please email me as full details will be mailed separately tomorrow to those who have requested such only.

Deposits are now due for the March Retreat.  

The More Machine Embroidery Retreat originally planned for early February has been postponed until 7^th - 9^th September, 2008.

Reasons?  A/ Many thought it would be too hot here then and yes, it could be.   B/ The planned Air Conditioners for our warehouse have been delayed.   C/ Many told me it was too soon after School resumed, could we hold it later in the year.   SO, we have!   I hope this doesn't upset those who had planned on attending and that you can reschedule your diary for September.

PLUS, we have announced a NEW Retreat to follow the above.

Fun with Embellishments Retreat to be held from 11^th - 13^th September, 2008.

You've asked for it, so we have obliged.   There are so many new fun things to do in craft, sewing and patchwork that we're putting together our ideas of what will simply be a truly fun experience.   Whilst we are in our early stages of planning, if you have anything in particular you would like to have included, please email me.   Naturally, this will be very sewing orientated.

Digitizing & Customizing Retreat with Leaenda Ingram will be held from 10^th - 12^th March and deposits are now due.   Three days of tuition from a well-known expert in this field.   You shouldn't miss this opportunity if you wish to learn more about digitizing your own designs.

The digitizing software program that will be used for this Retreat will be Generations digitizing program which will be available during the retreat to those who do not currently have this program, however the skills that will be learnt are useful for all domestic digitizing programs on the market.

Machine Embroidery Retreat to be held 12^th - 14^th April for all who wish to learn more about using their computerized embroidery machine.   This has been by far our most popular Retreat and past students have been "over the moon" with what they have learned from the experience. You will too.   Is a definite consideration to gain more knowledge about machine embroidery that only a hands-on class can offer.

Machine Embroidery Techniques Retreat to be held 16^th - 18^th April follows on the above and many attend both as you do have one day of rest in between.   This one is for non-computerized sewing machines learning many of the older techniques of yesteryear's sewing but with a modern approach.   Absolutely fabulous three days of the most exciting and enjoyable adventure with your sewing machine that you could imagine.   Past students have asked for more, more, more of this one and it was inspired from my Pre Show classes for the Craft & Quilt Fair when many said they loved it but wanted it to be a hands-on.   Well, here it is.

Expressions of Interest needed.....

Still in the early stages of planning as yet, but it is nearly certain that I will have a guest from USA on my stand for the Craft & Quilt Fair in June at Darling Harbour, Sydney.   Following this, we will hold a 3 day Retreat at The Rock (not The Rocks in Sydney, but HERE).

Patchwork, the Just Curves Way with Sandra Chandler from USA

Sandra is the inventor of the famous Curve Master Presser Foot and many may have seen her demonstrate on the various TV Shows you can now view on your computer.   What we have planned is learning new ways for old favourites using Sandra’s unique system of acrylic templates and the Curve Master Presser Foot.  

Eg. Drunkard’s Path, Tamed & Wild.   Truly, I've never seen this block made so easily and it's not any method like you think.

Dresden Plate - No Appliqué.   The Just Curves way eliminates all appliqué and creates blocks much quicker and more consistently.   Even the centre circle is inserted, not appliquéd and all with no pinning of seams!   Seems impossible, but true!

Hexagon Orange Peel.   Make a block similar to Grandmother's Flower Garden but not the tiny pieces.   Great when done as the photo shown here in a fussy cut manner like kaleidoscopes. 

Friendship Knot - done in a similar manner to Double Wedding Ring but using the Just Curves way.

Intrigued?   I know you will love this Retreat.   Every technique is a completely different approach to traditional methods.  As I said, everything is being confirmed now, but it will be first in best dressed as I know they will be a sellout!  

Till our normal February Newsletter,