Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

In This Issue:-
1. Shows
2. Retreats
3. What's New?
4. Made in Australia
5. Free Project
6. Stitches Subscribers Offers

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Hi My Friends,

Let's say this is "half" a Newsletter because I am only including some of the normal topics.  Reason being?  As I write this, I've been winging my way to USA to attend a show and by the time you read it, I will be back on Aussie soil again probably.
Drove home from the AQC in Melbourne after packing up on the Sunday night then flew to USA a few hours later; there simply wasn't time to complete this when in Melbourne and certainly not before I left.

Because a website update had been uploaded whilst I was in Melbourne, I want to bring to your attention lots of the new products we now have on offer and also news of the Shows & Retreats.

So much newsy stuff to relay to you but it will keep for another time.  Thoroughly enjoying USA and this time, I scheduled a couple of days being a tourist.  Have been in absolute awe with the fabrics visiting a few quilt shops before the show plus what was on offer from the show booths.  Wasn't tempted!  Well, a little.  Horse panel for youngest granddaughter and a John Deere Farm Panel for John.  The weight to bring home is horrendous and I do like to support the local shops too, but hadn't seen these at home.  We'll get the pick of all the new ones soon enough.  Also visited two wool shops and they were to die for!  Nothing like the wool shop I used to own, these were like a little kid let loose in a lolly shop type ones.  Yes, I did make purchases!  Most of mine are for couching, embellishing and felting whereas my friend had become right into knitting as so many are with the new interest in yarns and this wonderful craft. 

At times I've felt like Doris Day in the movie "Calamity Jane" when she went to  the big city and her eyes popped at all the wondrous things she saw.  From the chocolate shops, bakeries, computer outlets, wool shops, quilt stores, eat-outs, department stores, outlet malls, computer stores, snow, you name it - what memories and all with my wonderful American friend with whom I travelled France & Switzerland last June.  Unfortunately though, my friend broke a bone in her foot on the first morning of the show so that spoiled it a little for her.  Luckily, she was sitting down most of the day demonstrating at the show.  We got to see Medical Centres, X-Ray Centre and the like, all interesting in comparison to ours.  I even walked in snow falling on me sprinkling my clothes with white fluff!  I've never walked in falling snow before.  I know that will amaze many of our International readers but it's true.  Actually, it will be so nice to return home to warm weather and sunshine.  Always good to get back home, isn't it?

The girls have handled things at home very well in my absence for which I'm thankful and proud of them and I'm certainly sure John will appreciate some things a little more upon my return.  HIM has been to a clearance sale again recently and is the owner of a new (well, used) Hay Stacker.  As well as building an extension to his Farm Shed and Shearing Shed, so HIM has to be on his best behaviour for all this expense!  Refer to this photo to see newly acquired necessity with the framework of the extension in the background which has now been completed with green colourbond and looks pretty good.

Actually, I have a little extravagance too.  I've finally found a Weathervane and here it is proudly displayed atop the Warehouse.  As you know, I've always wanted one!

Here's a nice little story to end off with.  Recently, a subscriber asked if I could help out with a pattern for tiny gloves for her grandson who had eczema since birth and had a staff infection in his hands and feet and the poor little mite's fingers were so swollen that just moving them caused them to crack and bleed.  I asked my beloved Scquilters Newsletter Group if anyone could help and they rallied around as usual.  Evelyn was so thankful and has now sent me a photo of the dear little grandson proudly showing off his new "mitts".  Hope you enjoy too.

Shall catch up with you again fairly soon with a normal Newsletter with ALL the news in it.

Happy Sewing,
Your friend,
Judy

Our website shows the complete 2007 Show Calendar, however, there are a few
"newsy" bits to add.

AQC was again a very highly successful show for the organizers Expertise Events and full credit must be given to them for the whole event.  Although our booths were limited in size to 4m resulting in us having to work in very squashy conditions and not being able to take our entire range of goodies, our customers made up for the downside with their friendly attitude and understanding completing the "carnivale" type atmosphere we all enjoyed.  Congratulations to all the winners in the various categories.  These were announced at the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday night which was most enjoyable and the entertainment different yet fantastic.  The music was great and we needed no encouragement to dance our shoes off until midnight.

The 2007 Convention boasted four full days of classes presented by some of the top tutors on the world circuit.  There were also 60 specialty retailers in the expo, exciting social functions, a huge schedule of free seminars and a stunning collection of award-winning quilts from around Australia and overseas.

The Rajah Award recognizes outstanding contributions to quilting in Australia and this year was deservedly won by Lessa Siegle from South Australia.  The Rajah Award was so named as a tribute tot eh historic Rajah Quilt, currently held by the National Gallery of Australia, made by convict women en-route to Australia in 1841 on board the ship "Rajah".

The Shining Light Award recognizes a talented junior quilter and this year's winner was 11 year old Georgia Button, also from South Australia.  Georgia was not only present, but delighted the crowd with her speech and naming all the pigs in one of her quilts!

The Australian National Quilt Award winner was announced from all entrants who had previously been selected as the Best of Show from Guild Shows around the country.  This year the award went to Kerry Gavin from Canberra who was simply dumbfounded and warmed to us all with her "speech" though Kerry wouldn't call it a speech.

If you would like my extended report of the AQC, then kindly email me and I can forward it to you.  It lists the winners and more interesting tidbits.

Congratulations to the girls from Aus/NZ Art Quilters who had an interesting display of Journal Quilts equal to, if not better, than those I was at the International Quilt Festival in Lyon, France last year.  It was also wonderful to share an evening out dining with some of "our" group on Friday night.  What fun we had and gratifying putting the faces to the names we email back and forth to.                          

Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show.  Many visitors to the AQC seemed to think that we were not returning in March for the Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show, supposedly confused with my previous announcement that we weren't attending the Sydney Stitches & Craft Show in February.  Also, maybe because the organizers did not include me in their Workshop Timetable which has been circulated.  Well, WE ARE going to be at Melbourne's Stitches commencing Wednesday 14th March until Sunday 18th March.  If you would like something in particular brought down for you for collection at the Show, then please email me and I'll keep it aside for you.  See you there at our normal Stand #71.

Don't forget to print your Show Coupons if you're going to the Show.

My Daily Workshop is not advertised in previous printouts, but IS happening and I'd love you to come, late in the afternoon as it is.  Don't ask me the full story here, but let's equate to the TV advertisement "Not Happy Jan"!  Join me in Workshop 2 at 2.45pm Wed - Sat as I have some great new ideas to show you about using the Pleat Makers.  "Inspirational Ideas using the Pleat Maker - ever thought of using a Pleat Maker for prairie points, rosettes, flowers, shark's teeth, scenery, inserts or fans?  Judy has some wonderful ideas to demonstrate what she claims is the most versatile and best product she has ever used!"

We will also be at the Stitches & Craft Show in Brisbane from Wednesday 2nd May until Sunday 6th May, 2007.  Daily workshop in Workshop 2 at 11.15am.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Next news is HIM has always wanted to do the Gold Coast Craft & Quilt Fair and it was I who insisted we gear down, not increase.  To keep the peace, I've given in.  Punch with Judy WILL be there in a tiny little stand (as it was really booked out) and I'm sure that I will regret my decision but have relented.  We'd always intended doing this Show in 2008, so HIM said, "well, why not this year too?"  Don't miss us on our little corner stand D20 in the middle.  I've been granted a workshop at 10.30am daily in Workshop 2 re "Inspirational Ideas using the Pleat Maker"; please refer above. 

Also, a Pre Show Seminar on "Circles & Curves" has been allocated for me presenting my usual Slide Presentation rather than a hands-on class and will be held on Wednesday 11th April from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.  The Fair is actually open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily from Thursday 12th April until Sunday 15th April, 2007.  If you wish to enrol in this seminar, kindly email me or contact Rebecca Reed who is co-ordinating the program on rebeccar@expertiseevents.com.au 

"Circles & Curves - No longer be intimidated with Circles & Curves.  New techniques have been developed to both cut and to sew Circles & Curves.  In this very broad coverage of their use in home decorating, dressmaking & quilting, Judy will also show you how to use scallops and waves for borders, bindings, garments, accessories, machine embroidery and quilting."  Sounds good?  Cost is $30.00

As is normal, I am willing to accept names for other Capital Cities (other than Hobart who aren't having any Pre Show Seminars, sorry) as pre publicized enrolments to make sure my Newsletter readers have first bite at the cherry!

Re the Craft & Quilt Fair in Hobart from 28th - 31st March, please note that it is a Wed. to Sat. Show this year and the times are now 10.00am to 4.00pm daily. Thousands of you would have received the Craft Fair Friend magazine via a mailout prior to the show, however, this year, it will be inserted into the Mercury Newspaper on the Saturday before the fair opens, so make sure you receive your copy and not wait for the mailman.

My FREE daily workshop will be held at 1.30pm in Workshop 2 entitled "Inspirational Ideas using the Pleat Maker", details same as above.

2. RETREATS

I had hoped that I would've had time to send out the invitations to enrol in any of these classes before I left for overseas, but time just ran out.  Therefore, it will be sent upon my return from USA asap.  Do NOT panic, if you had your name down, you haven't missed out.  Apologies for the delay.

Due to the announcement of us attending the Gold Coast Show, I will now have to transfer the proposed Pleat Maker Techniques Retreat to another time so shall advise this in the mailout.

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 - new dates to be announced shortly.
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.

3. WHAT'S NEW

At the AQC we introduced several new products, many for the overseas guest tutors who were using certain items in their classes and we obliged by stocking these for the sake of the students accessibility.  I'm sure glad I did!  You can now share in these too.

Misty-Fuse, Gossamer type stabilizer, from Esterita Austin as well as her Transdoodle that transfers designs onto just about anything.

All of Gabrielle Swain’s DVDs for her amazing classes she held.  You may now "hold" one in your own home using her "class" type teaching on her DVDs.

The latest big new product for a variety of reasons is Rainbow Spun or Lutradur as it is also known.  Pellon (the Vilene Company) have produced this new textile for interior decorating, gift wrapping and apparel, but we've discovered lots more ways of using this versatile gossamer type "fabric".  Do note how we've machine embroidered it with Rinseaway underneath.  I packaged it into a "starter" type offer of smaller sized sheets in an assorted colour pack so as you could do your own experimenting, playing and having fun with a variety of colours.  The biggest hit at the AQC was the introduction of Clover’s Yo-Yo Makers.  They walked out the door because everyone loves the look of little "puffs" and this is the easiest way yet to make them. Available in Small or Large.  Their new Pom Pom Makers (small & large) were not far behind on the popularity stakes too.  We've also added Clover’s Bead Embroidery Tool and accessories which is similar to Tambour Needle work. Heaps new items in Brandy’s Products for templates of all shapes and sizes.

We all love bags, so here's a fabulous new range introduced from StudioKat Designs.  These are GREAT!  I had been considering this range for some time and when the patterns arrived, I wondered why I'd not got around to it sooner.  You'll love them too.  There are some good ones to include machine embroidery designs on or insert patchwork sections.

A new range of patchwork patterns from Far-Flung Quilts using the Flying Geese x 4 "No Math" Ruler but you can also make the projects without any ruler whatsoever, just that the Flying Geese Ruler makes it easier, faster and more accurate.

When we manufacture our Pleat Makers, we use a special type of stabilizer which is not normally offered to the consumer in retail shops, but I thought you may like to share in this wonderful product, so I've included it on the website under stabilizers and called it “Fusible Film”.  Lighter in weight than Vliesofix and minus the paper backing.  Appliqué Mats are necessary for using this product.  There's also the new  Iron-On Lightweight Tear-Away Vilene that so many girls have now been using for Appliqué rather than Freezer Paper.  Do try this one.

Plus, there's a Tool Caddy, The Binding Gizmo, Audrey’s Iron Shoe, Black Pet Mesh, Purple Pet Mesh, Magnetic Canvas Sheets (available in A3 or A4) which Julie Hall used in a recent Machine Embroidery Magazine for her Fridge Magnets, two new sets of Quilter’s Coasters, Quilter’s Vinyl, Piecing Tips & Tricks Tool and a whole range of new books.  These include Gloria Loughman's new “Luminous Landscapes", a great new Punchneedle Book (and another two have arrived since this update), two new Felting Books, Jan Mullen's new addition “Free & Eazy Circles” , Ruth McDowell’s Piecing Workshop which sold like hotcakes at the AQC, a great range of new “teaching” CDs and DVDs on various subjects which you will love and so many more.

4. MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Leaenda Ingram has released a new Machine Embroidery CD on Shisha Mirrors which is just stunning.  The Shisha Mirrors are included in with the CD but if you want more, we have them, in fact, we supplied Leaenda with them for her packaged CDs.

Sue Box is releasing her next new CD on 20th March called “Endearing Embroidery Design Collection”  which has 31 multi-formatted designs to please you.  As per normal, for Newsletter readers, any new collection by Sue is offered at $10 off RRP for pre release date orders, assuring you of immediate delivery and at a special price, plus you still receive your Punch Points.  This won't be added to our website till after the Release Date.

5. FREE PROJECT

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 14/11 released this week offers subscribers a FREE Yazzii Craft Wallet with ANY purchase over $20.00 from the Yazzii Collection Range in the Purses & Bag section on our website.  Please add $5.00 postage.  Offers remain available for 3 months from date of issue. This will be added to the website next week but is available now.