Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

In This Issue:-
1. Shows
2. Retreats
3. What's New?
4. Made in Australia
5. Clubs/Guilds Discounts
6. Specials
7. Stitches Subscribers Offers
8. Free Projects
9. Damaged or Discontinued
10. Gallery
11. Did You Know?
12. Golden Oldies

Unsubscribe

View newsletter
on our Website

Most will be commencing preparations for Christmas by now and thinking about your Christmas shopping. You'll find lots to tempt you in this Newsletter not only for gifts but for yourself too. Remember to use your "Wish List" within your website registration which you can use when you log on as a Registered User. One of the benefits of being registered. Of course, Gift Vouchers are a great idea too.

Jen has now retired from working for us as she's very much pregnant, but she visited this morning and had a cuppa and Birthday Cake for Gloria's ??? birthday (another staff member), so I'm reporting to you that she looks vibrant and is over her pregnancy hiccups (for the benefit of those who've asked and got to know her friendly voice on the phone). When she had to leave unexpectedly, it did throw us into quite a tizz over the weeks that I was attending Brisbane and Adelaide Shows, but you've all been so patient and understanding.

A regular customer was considering some of the Circle Cutters and sent me the following email which may be quite appropriate with Christmas Cake Cooking approaching.

Just looked at the circle cutters and just had to tell you - You are free to laugh. The news should make your day as it has mine again. My problem when cutting out circles for my cake tins is that I cannot for the life of me cut a nice circle. Solution - Olfa's CMP-3 Ratchet Rotary Compass Cutter. Thankyou, thankyou. Yes it's going on my Christmas list for myself as well as the other rotary cutter with mat. Yes the price may sound extravagant, but if you could see my circles you would understand that over the coming year I will save on the 'Glad' bake paper used to line my cake tins.
Judy if you include this idea in your newsletter I will be chuffed, as this cutter is very much an answer to my prayers, in the kitchen. Maybe I will now find other sewing/craft tools to use in the kitchen as well.

So readers, what else do you use from your sewing room in the kitchen, or, more likely vice versa? We may compile a list and I'll share it with you. I know I have lots of multi-purpose "tools" that I swap over.

As our mobile phone system is changing to the Next G very soon, many of us are updating our CDMA phones because they won't work very shortly when the changeover occurs. Having done this ourselves recently, I was then asked if I wished for them to dispose of my old mobiles. I imagine many of you have been down this path too. So, it was of interest to me to read the following from a Ziglar Newsletter in the States and I was wondering if any reader knew of a similar organization here in Australia.

Those old cell phones in your junk drawer can be used to help our deployed service men and women call home for free. Each phone equals a 250-minute calling card that allows them to call husbands, wives, parents and children. At Ziglar we want to honour those that are protecting our country, family and friends, and you can help. Please go through your junk drawers and turn in those phones. Then ask your family, friends and co-workers to do the same.

Does it?

Now is the time of year when we are home for a few months, even though we're extremely busy, but it gives us a chance to catch up on lots of jobs not possible during the year. One thing I want to have done is to have a better entrance to our property rather than the dilapidated thing that exists now and was here when we bought the property. What to have though? Do you have any photos of your own Property Entrance that you'd care to send me so as I may conjure up some grand ideas for HIM to perform during January in the heat? We do both agree that it needs replacing but we're at loggerheads as to what to build. Thanks in advance for your time if you can.

Yes, there's been more Clearance Sales around but nothing big has been brought home, only a Jack for $5 which HE has discovered doesn't work and some fencing. HE has been looking for a Header to strip our wheat paddocks. They've been ready for 2 weeks now but we can't contract anyone to do it as yet. They're all too busy with larger farms. So, we're on the lookout for one at EVERY Clearance Sale around. HE is off next week to our friend's property near Stawell in Victoria to drive a truck for them during their harvest. Always good to get out and do some "man" type work as opposed Craft Shows. Had many emails over the last HIM story I gave re the Tractor Part through Airways Security. Glad I made you laugh.

Our friends in USA have just celebrated Thanksgiving and one kind contact of mine sent me this, so I'd like to share it with you. I am sure that many of you have someone close to your heart who taught you how to sew, so this may be special to you too. Sewing and Crafts are not taught in many schools these days as we knew it, so it is up to us to teach the younger generation coming on. Thank you to Jean Haas for forwarding it to me. Hope you like it.
Go to: http://www.thesewingmovie.com

Happy Sewing ,
Your friend,

Judy

Shows for 2008 are now listed on the website, including which ones Punch with Judy will be participating in. Continuing on my long term plan, there have been some shows deleted from our intended schedule for next year. Stitches & Craft Shows have reduced their shows to three per year - one in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We will only be attending the one in Brisbane.
The Craft & Quilt Fairs that we will be attending are in order of the calendar months scheduled as follows: Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, Hobart is to be confirmed for us, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane & Adelaide. The AQC in February is the first show for 2008 for us.
Please visit the Show Schedule Section for full particulars.

For those who may be disappointed that we may not be travelling your way when there is a show being held, I have some plans for Newsletter readers only which should be appealing and you'll be able to participate in those. More next year.

As always, Brisbane and Adelaide Shows just held were wonderful with many of our group saying HI and allowing me to put the face with the name. Always introduce yourself as I do like chatting with you but forgive me if I need prompting with your name as you would appreciate how many people I talk to.

BRISBANE Craft & Quilt Fair

Craft Bag Challenge

Remember in my last Newsletter I told you about the Craft Bag Challenge in aid of the Heart Foundation, well, over $2,000 was raised. Punch with Judy contributed by just having to be the LAST bid for our bag, so apologies to whomever I had to pay $1 more than. Here are some pics of the Punch with Judy bag entry. Photos of numerous photos we sell were printed onto Miracle Fabric Sheets and the bag supplied was covered with a "new" fabric. Colourful Loralie Designs fabric was used for the cute appliqué ladies down the sides and on the base as well as completely lining the bag with their sewing gals fabric. Real Angelina Fiber, a Yo-Yo, Hot-Fix Crystals, Coin Charms and a Punch with Judy Badge were adorning the bag too. Again, many thanks to Liz for all her efforts in embellishing the bag. I'll have it on display at our show stands during 2008.

2. RETREATS

I shall be sending out all the relevant information during December to those who've expressed interest in our Retreats for 2008. Is your name on my list? Are you the slightest bit tempted to join us for this educational journey of sewing fun? If you've received that information in the past but are no longer able to attend, you may like to email me to be taken off that list so as I'm not giving you unnecessary emails.

More Machine Embroidery (previously called our Advanced Class) will be held from 8th to 10th February 2008. This is for those who've attended a previous Machine Embroidery Retreat with us.

Digitizing/Customizing Retreat will be held from 10th - 12th March, 2008. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best!

Machine Embroidery Magazine states "Would you like to digitize like master digitizer Leaenda Ingram? As anyone who has ever tried digitizing knows getting a great, well digitized design is not easy and takes skill and experience. The problem is, of course, finding an experienced, competent tutor to teach you all you would like to know. Well now you have that opportunity as Leaenda will be teaching a three-day retreat for us.

Each participant will be supplied with a Trial Period Generations Software package so that everyone can work consistently. However, even if you do not have this particular software the lessons you learn you will be able to translate back to your own software. At the end of the retreat each student will be able to purchase the Generations Software package at a very special discount and there will be time payment options available.

This is your opportunity to really come to grips with all the secrets to great digitising in an atmosphere of fun and terrific hospitality."

Machine Embroidery Retreat will be held from 12th - 14th April, 2008.
If you own a computerized machine embroidery machine, this is a must! Everyone learns so much whilst having a great time with other fellow enthusiasts. Reports from students who've attended this class claim they learnt more than any periodical classes held in shops. Of course you would, three days of concentrated learning can't be equalled.

Machine Embroidery Techniques Retreat will be held from 16th - 18th April, 2008. Wow, didn't this one cause an impact when we held it last year! This is for those who don't own a computerized machine. So many techniques, so much machine knowledge to be gained, this possesses a wealth of information for our passion of sewing.

Full particulars are now on my website.

4. WHAT'S NEW

I wasn't able to make it to the International Quilt Festival at Houston held recently, but that hasn't stopped me from getting all the latest products released there for you. One of the hottest new items shown was the SideWinder® Bobbin Winder. What is one thing we all detest about sewing? Winding bobbins! It always is a nuisance to stop what you're doing, unthread your machine, wind a bobbin, then get started all over again and worse still if you're in the middle of something really intricate or an automated embroidery design. Well, here's your answer. A separate little unit that works on power or batteries. Do read more about it!

Some great new books/CDs from Cindy Losekamp of Sew Artfully Yours too. You'll have fun with her Bodacious Botanicals sewing Three-Dimensional Embroidered Flowers.

If you are a dog lover, then there's new Doggie Delight CDs and new Fabric Panels from Loralie Designs, as well as other new items from Loralie Harris. They accidentally sent me some Purrty Cat T-Shirts in error, so if you are a Cat Lover you may wish to take opportunity of purchasing one of these because I shan't be reordering them as a stock line.

Marta Alto and Pati Palmer have remade their popular Videos into DVD's combining two videos into one DVD plus adding extra new footage, bringing them right up to date. These are invaluable for anyone who is unable to attend classes for Overlockers in your local store. I can thoroughly recommend these. Serger Basics DVD & Creative Serging DVD.

Have fun over the holidays when you're sitting back relaxing by the beach or the pool, maybe caravanning around, playing with the new Knit-Wit® and Doodle-Loom®. Young children can even have fun making animals with the latter.

A few new bag patterns, new rulers from June Tailor Inc. and other items, so do visit the What's New? I do update this section during the month too, so check regularly. Don't forget that the previous additions are still available to view in the archive section of What's New? Too.

4. MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Julie Hall has released several new CDs in time for our Christmas sewing named Trapunto Christmas, Swirly Christmas, Coffee, Tea & Me and Conway Christmas Bears, as well as other new CDs. Maybe you'd like to make your own Gift Boxes? If so, try All Boxed Up. Timtex would be the best option for their shape.

Helen Stubbings releases her first Machine Embroidered CD having Leaenda Ingram digitize the ever popular "Tilly and Friends" quilt from her popular book of the same name Pajama Party CD.

Would be close to the best new product I'm sure, the Double Mitre Ruler has now been released in Metric as well.

5. CLUBS/GUILDS REGISTRATION MEMBERSHIPS

If you're a Club, Guild or Sewing Group, contact me for more details. You simply order as a group, one shipment, one payment, but a rewarding discount being offered. Use it as a group fund-raiser or simply to save your members money.

6. SPECIALS

For Newsletter readers only, we have some of the old version of the most popular size in cutting mats from Olfa, 45cm x 90cm Olfa Cutting Mat, now at HALF PRICE.

We have numerous great products from The Yazzii Collection to help you with your Christmas Shopping ideas. Many of these make perfect gifts, whilst there'll be several you'll want for yourself. Ranging from only $5.00 they will help the Christmas Budget too.

Daylight Lamps
With each Daylight Compact Lamp you will receive a FREE Carry Bag.
With each purchase of a Daylight Floor Standing Model or the Ultimate Floor Standing Model, you may purchase an Art & Craft Light Box for Half Price - $60.00.

Free Freight for all Slimline Light Boxes until 19th December. Plus, you receive your Punch Points Vouchers making these even cheaper than elsewhere.

Ott-Lite Lamps
With each purchase of the Lexington Floor Lamp or the Arial 2-in-1 Lamp you will receive a FREE Task Lamp.
The Ott-Lite Easy View Craft Lamp with Magnifier is still at a remarkably great offer. Freight on ANY Ott-Lite product is only $12.00 to anywhere within Australia.

The Madeira Thread Treasure Chest is back on special for you for Christmas. This really is a great bargain, so do consider it.

Do visit the homepage of our website for the Monthly Special in the Java Column as these would make great Christmas Gifts. It's a good special of Buy One, Get One Free!

7. STITCHES SUBSCRIBER OFFERS

Can you afford not to be a subscriber? Over the next few months we have some fabulous offers for Subscribers only, so you should consider becoming one. I cannot give you those specials without a Stitches Subscribers Membership Number.

Check out the current specials - Offers remain available for 3 months from date of issue via our website even though the magazine states 1 month only.

8. FREE PROJECTS

Remember the Roundabout Bag I mentioned in the last 2 Newsletters? Liz made this one using Leaenda's Geometric CD in Denim and I think it's fabulous. Wanted to mention that the CD inserts for these have arrived from USA as many found it very difficult purchasing the right shape for this CD Carry Case.

11. DAMAGED AND DISCONTINUED

I have another Rule Steady 300mm that experienced a little crack on one end that is hardly noticeable and easily glued but I can't sell it as new, so I'm offering it to you at the reduced price of $30 rather than $55 as it is near perfect. Anyone want it? The Rule Steady holds your ruler steady as you rotary cut, preventing any mishaps which we've ALL experienced from time to time.

EZ Quilting company has great products and their Easy Square is no exception. I have one that has been slightly roughened at one end simply in transit I suppose. It's great to square up blocks and will cut squares from 1" to 13".
Normally $31.95 this one for $19.00 plus postage.

I have a pair of Thera-Glove® Medium Size which are great support gloves for your hands if you suffer from Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel and the likes, which have a little of the stitching coming undone. A few stitches and they're perfect. Normally $39.95, this pair for $25.00.

For those with not so perfect eyesight for very close work - a Magvu may help you. I have one that has a #2 magnification lens only (normally the Magvu have a #4 & a #2) for only $15.00, normally $35.00. ONE only.

10. GALLERY

Vicki Gresser sent me some photos to share with you of a beautiful, meaningful remembrance quilt made with Miracle Fabric Sheets, but this one is different since it has dogs and horses on it, not family photos. Now, an animal lover would say these ARE family, but you know what I mean. If I did something like this Vicki, I couldn't give it away, so Jenny, the receiver, must be a very special friend indeed. Vicki kindly allowed me to place it within our Gallery so as others may get ideas for their own quilts on the drawing board in your minds.

11. DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you may now view the popular Sewing With Nancy Online ANYTIME? Whenever it is convenient for you, choose which program you wish to watch without any registration or log in, plus it's FREE! http://www.sewingwithnancytv.com

Did you know that there is another FREE channel available on your computer screen? Visit http://www.quilterstv.com for free viewing a multitude of quilting related programs.

Did you know that one reader kindly sent "Grandma Home" for the grandchildren? Yes, after my last Newsletter's "funny" about the computer grandma, someone actually emailed me a photo of myself saying, Hi Judy, I am sending back the grandchildren's grandma, I hope grandpa appreciates it. When I emailed back with laughter, she replied "the devil made me do it". You are a great bunch!

Did you know about the dear 90 year old who purchased his first laptop and then wrote to Microsoft complaining that the Cup Holder on the right hand side of his computer was too large for his cup of coffee? Think about it…….

11. GOLDEN OLDIES

I like to tell you about some of my favourite products that I personally use and want to share their attributes, as one sewer to another. Here's some more.

For years and years when I've wanted to enlarge or reduce a photo, a pattern, a template, a document, an embroidery design etc. I've "trialled & error" guessed that percentage on the photo copier until I got approx. what I wanted. Then I discovered the Quilter's Assistant Proportional Scale. I tell you everyone, this is the best, most accurate, little device for the above that I've used. Simply line up the measurement of your original size on the inner ring with the new size desired on the outer ring by turning the outer ring accordingly. The percentage increase or decrease will appear in the window opening. Resize on machine, scanner or photocopier and you're there! Measurements are imperial. It's not expensive and I can fully recommend it.

There have been lots of copies, but none comes up to the standard of the original liquid seam sealant Fray Check by Dritz - ask the cloth doll makers, they love it too. No longer able to be sent by air and now that USA have ceased Surface Mail to Australia, this product is as scarce as Hen's Teeth. I have some at present though for "my group". It is not packaged as I've received it in bulk, but most only throw the packaging away anyway.
Fray Check prevents fabric from fraying and secures thread ends for seams, hems and collars. I use it too along the edges of motifs and appliqués in my Punchneedle Embroidery since satin stitch would spoil that work. It's fabulous! Use sparingly - the new smaller tip makes it easier to have just the amount you need in small portions though. Always test it first on the fabric you wish to use - I have only ever found it stained my fabric once - on some dupion silk, so now I test it.

Have you tried Clover's Fork Pins? I find them extremely useful for holding down seam allowances for cross section seams and a multitude of other times when a regular pin just doesn't hold as flat as I'd like. This is because the Fork Pin has two prongs and they are bent for ease of use. I like the 40mm length too making them not only easier to insert, but easier to see than normal pins. Yes, not inexpensive, but absolute marvels.

Till next time,
Judy