Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

In This Issue:-
1. Mother's Day
2. Shows
3. Retreats and Workshops

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Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mums and especially to those Mums on this Newsletter Group. This Sunday, 11th May, we honour those who are lucky enough to be a Mum. What a special kind of person Mums are! Only another Mum knows what it is like to have the emotions and love that only a Mum can possess. If you have just become a Mother, you will begin to understand the change within your inner self from the moment of giving birth; congratulations if this is your first Mother’s Day.

For those of us who have seen many and maybe don’t have our own Mother around us physically anymore, you will understand what I mean when I say our Mum is still there with us every moment of every day, watching everything we do and still guiding us through the power of the mind and spirit, giving us comfort when we need, advice when we think, “what would Mum have done right now?”, the strength to carry on when we run into a brick wall, the hope that things can only get better, the confidence in ourselves that “of course, you can do it, just try!”, but most of all, the love to share that comes from a bottomless pit. My own staff know about my Mother, mainly because I talk to her out loud constantly, usually asking her where is the wretched item I can’t find because I can’t remember where I put it for safe keeping! When I do find it, I always remember to say “Thanks Mum!”

So, this Sunday (and everyday I hope), we say “Thanks Mum” for always being there, for all your support, for all your encouragement, for being the one person I can always depend upon, for your listening ear, for accepting me the way I am with all my faults and for your never ending love. On Mother’s Day we honour all Mums and shower them, in return, with all our love and all our time. If some of you are not as fortunate as I am to have these feelings about your own Mother, just remember, she IS your Mum (and you’ll never get another), phone her, visit her, tell her you LOVE her with a big bear hug and kiss and thank her for being your MUM. Opportunities pass too quickly and we should have no regrets.

We’ve all had lovely Mother’s Day cards and many a time, I’ve stood in a newsagency choosing a card with tears whelming in my eyes as I read some of the beautiful words some people seem to be able to relay; but one year, one of my daughters gave me a card with a very special message and I’d like to share it with you at the end of this section. I hope you will find strength in it too.

God's Little Acre here is a dry dustbowl as this area is still in the drought area having had hardly any rain whatsoever. Some farmers are gamely sowing their crops "dry" in the hope of rain coming though there's none forecast. We've lost many a newborn lamb and some ewes having twins just up and leave one somehow realizing they can only feed one. Remember I told HIM "no more poddies" unless they're female because I get too attached when I name them and have to feed them, well, he did it again! The first little girl was sooo small I called her Midget; such a darling face with big floppy ears and loving cuddles, going to sleep in your arms. She is now quite a demanding, strong, pushy monster thriving well on the garden. Then HE brought another two, one of each sex. The little girl didn't make it past a couple of days but "The Boy" as I refer to him as is going well. Don't name them since I get heartbroken when they get sold whereas the girls are kept for breeding. I'm not cut out for being a true Farmer's Wife.

John has been stockpiling a lot of dead stumps and rubbish down the paddock and we're meant to be having a big bonfire tonight complete with spuds and snags, maybe toast and marshmellows. Grandchildren should love it. Does this bring back memories for many of you?

I hope you enjoy your Mother's Day too!

To the Strongest Person I Know……MY MOTHER

I admire you – I admire your strength, your courage, your never ending hope and the way you never allow the clouds to block our sunshine.

You have always been the light at the end of the tunnel, my constant support and source of love. Today I want to say thank you.

We haven’t always had it easy. There have been so many times when the obstacles seemed bigger than both of us and I couldn’t help but wonder if we’d make it through. But you never stopped believing. You never quit. How can I ever thank you for that? How can I thank you for all the sacrifices you have made throughout my life?

Your dedication and commitment to making life better for us is truly admirable. In the hard times you get stronger. In the sad times you find a way to smile….and to make me smile too.

You are one of the strongest women I know and I only hope that I am just like you someday.

Mum, I love you so very much and this Mother’s Day I want you to know how proud I am to be your child.

Elle Mastro

Happy Sewing,
Your friend,

Judy

Mother's Day is Sunday May 11th

A quick reminder that we have lots of specials for Mother’s Day and though it is now too late to arrive in time, you may simply wish to take advantage of them for your own present to yourself. If you are a little late with your shopping, maybe you could choose a Gift Voucher, as it will be INSTANT, right up until Sunday ordering. It can be of any value and is the perfect way to give Mum something she really wants.

Allow me to repeat the specials I announced in my last Newsletter.

Visit the SPECIALS section of our website for all the details.  ALL Ott-Lites are still at special prices but also POSTAGE FREE for Mother's Day.  ALL Slimline Light Boxes are POSTAGE FREE.  The fabulous Madeira Treasure Chest and the 3 Piece Trolley Set are also POSTAGE FREE. 

ALL Sue Box Creations Machine Embroidery CDs are less 20% until May 11th.

What better and smarter idea than giving one of our Gift Vouchers?  Easier for you and appreciated by the receiver. Perfect Gift for Mum as she then decides what she'd like.  If you like surprises though, ask her to email you her Wish List from our website (one of the benefits of being a Registered User).  Keep it in mind for any time of the year when you've slipped up and forgotten to buy a gift in time - Mother's Day, Birthdays as well as Christmas.  Giving a Gift Voucher is INSTANT.  Maybe a 12 month Subscription to Australian Stitches Magazine?

2. SHOWS

We’ve just returned from the Brisbane Stitches & Craft Show and I must apologize to those who were so disappointed to have missed my daily workshop considering it was not in the pre show printed program and then, to make matters worse, I was grouped with the hands-on workshops requesting bookings & payment for same, yet they are free. Oh dear! Just goes to show how important my Newsletters are to keep you informed as I announced all the details in my pre-show Newsletter. In fact, most of those few who attended only knew about it from my Newsletter.

As a matter of interest, email me with your thoughts of the show if you attended the Brisbane Stitches.

Perth's Craft & Quilt Fair is from 21st - 25th May at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. A reminder if you want something in particular brought over to Perth for collection at the Show, you will ned to let me know before Tuesday 13th May.

Look for us on Stand A01 in our usual place. I possibly need one extra staff member to help on our stand, if you have a friendly, smiling face and have a knowledge of quilting, sewing or Punchneedle Embroidery (or any hand embroidery as I can teach you quickly), can withstand having a quick bite for lunch and long intervals in between pit-stops, the endless barrage of questions from enthusiastic customers, then the experience will be an everlasting memory!

Remember I have no Pre-Show Workshop this year at Perth, but I do have a Daily Seminar at 11.00am in Workshop 1.

"How to Use the New Specialty Rulers". I will explain how to use some of the new rulers to perfect your patchwork by using just the right tool for a specific need, making patchwork quicker, easier and certainly more fun. Of course, I add lots of tips and tricks along the way.

The Show is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily.

For full Show particulars, here’s the link for you to visit: http://www.craftfair.com.au/perth08.php

Be Inspired - See New Ideas - Learn and Shop

Don't forget your Show Coupons either,  Print them from our website and bring them to the Show.  No Coupon, No Special, No Discount.  

After Brisbane we're heading off to the west.  Perth's Craft & Quilt Fair is from 21st - 25th May.  More details next Newsletter, but I will make mention in answer to the emails I'm receiving, NO, I'm not conducting a Pre-Show Seminar this year, so there is no error in the printed Craft Fair Friend or other advertising.  I will be attending the Scquilters Retreat prior to the Show though and will be having a couple of days of just being "ME" amongst many of my friends.

3. RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair at Darling Harbou r from 11th – 15th June 2008.

Announcing our guest at this show will be Sandra Chandler, Just Curves, USA.

Sandra will be demonstrating on our stand how to sew curves the easy way with her Curve Master Presser Foot. Imagine sewing Drunkard’s Path blocks without pinning or quartering? Imagine sewing Dresden Plate blocks without appliqué?

Daily trunkshow/lectures will be held and also a hands on class. This is an excellent opportunity for you to experience hands-on the easy way of sewing curves. Sandra will amaze you with her variations to very familiar patchwork blocks made so easy the Just Curves way! You may contact me now for bookings and I'll pass them on to Rebecca at Expertise Events.

Class 9 Carolina Favourite – The Just Curves Way with Sandra Chandler (USA)
5pm to 8pm Wednesday 11th June Fee: $60 (no kit)
Carolina Favourite is a simple American 4-patch block with lots of ways to arrange it. Four templates make this 16” finished block fast! Focus on cutting one or two blocks, then sew them with the Curve Master Presser Foot. Complete at least one block in class. Sandra will discuss the vertical symmetry concepts and techniques for you to explore after class. Templates and the Curve Master Presser Feet are available for use during class. Sewing machines will be provided but if you prefer to bring your own please do so. You will need to bring your own materials – a class requirements list will be provided.

After the show, Sandra will be tutoring a 3 Day Retreat for me at The Rock (near Wagga). Cost is $650.00 which includes 4 nights Twin Share Accommodation, all meals and 3 days tuition. Bookings are open now and I suggest you book early as it is bound to be a very popular Retreat but numbers will be limited. Requirements list will be available next week if you've already booked and deposits are requested now as confirmation please.

19 - 21 June, 2008 at THE ROCK NSW
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.

Now, do I have the power or not? During our April Retreat, I organized some entertainment for my Retreatees. Kapooka Army Camp staged a full dress rehearsal of their famous Services Spectacular just for us on Friday evening before the main event on the Saturday. We had nearly the complete show, just minus the parachuters and the dogs.

Military Band, full concert which was superb featuring themes from the movies and even Superman, Star Wars and other "guests", displays, workouts, drills, competitions, cannons and topped off by the fireworks finale. Fabulous night. It's not what you know, buy who you know; our neighbour is in charge of security at the camp! Here's some photos, though it was at night. Don't know how I'm going to top this one at the next Retreat!

Regular Newsletter next week.

Till next time,
Judy