1. SHOWS
Important
Announcement:
Reed Exhibitions have consolidated reducing their Stitches Shows from
five to three per year, cancelling
the Autumn Stitches & Craft Show held at Rosehill Racecourse in February
and the Spring Stitches & Craft Show held at Caulfield Racecourse
in September. The organizers have reported that they've listened to the
Exhibitors and the visitors then decided to make a big effort for ONE
great show in each of Melbourne (March), Brisbane (April/May) and Sydney
(August).
Years ago, everyone
saved all year to attend the one and only show in their capital city and
it was a real annual pilgrimage, not to be missed. Down the track, it's
been overkill with so many little craft shows, markets, fairs, exhibitions
and so on, let alone the "big" organizers, so it has become
"oh well, if I miss this one, there's another one soon" attitude.
Expenses have gone up for both the visitor and the exhibitor and to some
shows, not all, number of visitors has declined.
It had to happen.
I'm not surprised at all. You all know where I stand on this since Punch
with Judy hasn't attended the September Stitches for the past 3 years
and this year took the bold step by not attending either the February
nor August Stitches, letting go quite some turnover to a/ make a stance
on the issue of "too many shows" and b/ we're simply cutting
down due to pressure of the workload and demands of our Mail Order business.
Now, to top this off,
within hours, another Organizer stepped in to claim those cancelled dates
and same venues to stage another similar Show. Anyone who has attended
the cancelled shows over the past two years, should know only too well
why these shows were cancelled. In fact, so many of you emailed me your
disappointment after attending same, it was all quite clear. Punch with
Judy will NOT be attending the new shows either.
I'm willing to hear
from you your thoughts………
My opinion why you go to a show is to have a great FUN day's outing (or
two, or three, or four, or five as some do attend ALL days)to see what's
new, learn new ideas, get inspired, attend seminars, see the quilt or
whatever displays, catch up with friends, but also, to GRAB a BARGAIN.
Where did all the Show Specials go? Remember we used to get Show Sample
Bags as kids? I know the economy now can't afford that, but a  lot
of stands are trying to offer you special show incentives. We do. Don't
forget to print your Show Coupons.
I'm discussing with Organizers some ideas to try and make a show something
that you wouldn't dare miss out on. Again, let me know what you think,
we all want to make the shows even better.
 BRISBANE
Get
Set for a Craft Extravaganza!
Come and experience
the ultimate day out for craft
lovers at the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair held from 24th - 28th October
at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Look for Punch with Judy on Stand A23.
Don't miss the spectacular Annual Qld. Quilt Show
presented by the Queensland Quilters Inc.
Also, you MUST see the fascinating display of antique Gollies
and memorabilia from Craft Cubby too. Bev's tour of this is Fun,
Fun, Fun and so nostalgic. I did it with her in NZ the day she was dressed
to the hilt as "Super Golly" (after our party the night before)
and she was just so informative with her knowledge of the history of Gollies.
Don't forget to
let me know by Saturday morning if there's anything in particular
you want brought to the show or held for you. Here's a group of Exhibitors,
all smiling and knowing you'll have a great day if you can attend the
show.
My
Pre Show Seminar will be held on Tuesday 23rd October from
2pm to 4.30pm
exploring numerous sewing techniques that everyone can do on any sewing
machine, representing new techniques of yesteryear's sewing.
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. There's still time.
Threadology
Sequel - Tuesday 23rd October
with Judy Hall from Punch with Judy
2.00pm 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.
My Daily
Workshop during the show, "Inspirational Ideas using
the Pleat Maker" to be held in Workshop 4 at 12.00 noon. 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."
Then, at 1.00pm in Workshop 3 daily I'll show you several new products
in "What's New in Patchwork & Machine Embroidery?"
Always wonderful new ways to improve your sewing with time-saving tools
of the trade. Many of what I have I'm sure are not readily available in
the NZ shops.
Craft
Bag Challenge
Now here's some fun.
Exhibitors have been asked to decorate a bag issued by the organizers
in some creative way depicting their products. They'll all be on display
in the foyer to the show's entrance and you'll be able to purchase your
favourite bag. Well, that is, IF you are the highest bidder. It's a silent
auction, so please support a great cause and make sure you consider the
Punch with Judy bag entrant. I am. I just may purchase my own bag back
because it is soooooo US. Liz, my dear friend and show helper has kindly
had her arm twisted to do the honours of decorating the bag as she has
more time than I. (hehehe, smart me) I chose a theme and Liz has excelled
herself again.
Brisbane's
Big Craft Bag Challenge
Support the Heart
Foundation by bidding for a one-of-a-kind, professionally decorated
Craft Fair bag at this year's fair.
Up for grabs will
be a selection of fabulous Craft Fair bags individually decorated by
some of the generous Brisbane exhibitors. Displaying a myriad of craft
styles and techniques, the bags will showcase the makers' talents and
provide unique items for visitors to bid on in a silent auction. All
money raised will be donated to the Heart Foundation. Stop by at the
display in the foyer to make a bid and, while you're there, pick up
some information on how to keep your heart healthy.
How to Bid
The auction is via silent bidding at the Brisbane Craft & Quilt
Fair. To bid for your favourite bag, simply fill in the form provided
with your bid amount and contact phone number. The person with the highest
bid will be notified directly.
ADELAIDE
ANNOUNCEMENT
My Pre-Show Seminar, as above, will be on Wednesday 7th November 2.00pm
to 4.30pm.
Bookings are now open. For special orders, the cut off time will be Sunday
4th November please. Show is open from Thursday 8th till Sunday 11th November
at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds.
NEW
ZEALAND
What a great time NZ is. I know it's a lot of work and ever so much paperwork
and repricing etc. let alone the enormous cost of travel and freight,
but the Kiwis are always such a treat and do appreciate those who trek
over the Tasman each year. Don't know about the future for us, but thank
you dear supporters for visiting our stand this year and for all those
who attended my Daily Workshops in great numbers and the fantastic Pre
Show Seminar we had together. You're all great.
Exhibitors traditionally
have their 'night out" and let their hair down, so to speak. It's
always a dress up night but this year there was no way John was going
to get dressed up. The theme was Heroes and Villains. Hmm. I visited a
dress up hire costume place and tried on a few outfits that made me look
hideous, but what was the point of going dressed as such without a partner
also looking like someone else? So, I opted for us to go as US. John was
the villain (of course) and I was the Hero wearing this sign on the back
of my outfit of normal clothes but with a cardboard apron featuring a
wonderful ribboned affair saying "Domestic Goddess" and supporting
a fantastic floppy halo of tinsel and such. Do read my sign though which
says it all!
Many know my HIM quite well and were in hysterics reading all the signs
pinned on to the villain. Many added a few more quite commonly featured
sayings of his.
Do you like?
 
2. RETREATS
How many of you asked
the family to treat you to a Retreat as a Christmas present this year?
Let it be a joint effort by the family and would be something you'd really
love.
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.
Digitizing/Customizing
Retreat will be held from 10th - 12th March, 2008.
Machine Embroidery
Retreat will be held from 12th - 14th April, 2008.
Machine Embroidery
Techniques Retreat will be held from 16th - 18th April, 2008.
Full particulars are
now on my website.
4. WHAT'S NEW
Since I've been placing
a lot of emphasis on different sewing machine needles in my seminars recently,
I've been surprised how so many have experienced trouble finding certain
ones in your local shops. Therefore, I've now listed them on the website
so as you will no longer have to search for needles in the haystack! See
the range under Sewing
Machine Needles.
Do you like having
fun sewing different textures? Yes? You must try Tyvek-Tex
and Tyvek-Film
then. It shrinks, bubbles and distorts, giving a range of interesting
surface textures that make its use so exciting.
More along these lines
is the addition of Foils
and Foil
Glue. Hey hey, what fun with these!
 Studio-Kat
Designs have released yet another fabulous new bag pattern. The
Kizmet Klutch will sure to be very popular for day or night accessorizing.
Scrap-bags have a
new pattern too called The
Diamond Scrap-bag, absolutely superb for focusing on a piece of embroidery
or selected appliqué or patchwork.
Ricky Tims has done
it again! He's an absolute genius that man. He released a new book called
"Rhapsody
Quilts" but now has a machine embroidery CD out called "Rhapsodie
Fantastique". These are absolutely amazing - quilts made with
5 inch squares of machine embroidery effectively. What a brilliantly creative
mind. You must take a peep at some of the finished quilts using these.
New
Punchneedle Embroidery is a new book released for punchneedle enthusiasts
showing how to do the basics of this versatile craft to more advanced
stages. 20 projects included.
Fascinating new ruler
called Quilter's
Rule Yardstick which is 41" long and 3" wide with measurements
on both sides for ease of use (don't you always normally pick up a ruler
the wrong way around?) plus measurements from zero in the centre of the
Yardstick to either end. Has one rounded end and one 45 degree angled
end. Now, please note, I hesitate sending this in the mail, but will do
so at your own "risk", otherwise, collect from me at a Show.
Inklingo
Shape Collection #3 is now released. Linda Franz told me in retrospect
she should've had a book accompanying #1 & #2, so she's listened to
your request and now released a book/cd combo for this one and it is nothing
short of fantastic ease and versatility. Linda emailed me "All
along the way I asked myself, if this had to be your last book ever, what
would you do? So here it is!"
 There's
a great Knitting
Bag from the Yazzii
Collection which we've all grown to appreciate the finest quality
in workmanship with every one of their products. Knitting is enjoying
a resurgence and because it is a craft-on-the-go, you need a knitting
bag to travel with. They've also released a new Seat
Carry Bag. Now this is handy! Great for home, but even better when
you attend classes elsewhere. Some have made their own from other patterns
I have, but this is for those who prefer all the fiddly pockets and zippers
to be done for you. Excellent quality again.
Can't get to classes?
Then have one in your own home. Yes, you can. "At
Home With The Experts" is a new series of DVDs with world renowned
experts in various fields giving you quilting lessons in your own home,
whenever you want to. These are very professionally produced giving you
education on many topics in the convenience of your home.
4. MADE IN AUSTRALIA
 Matilda
has already become a hit! Remember playing with paper dolls and dressing
them up? When visiting a cousin of mine I noticed she had "Kath &
Kim" on her fridge as magnets and dressed them daily depending on
the weather and their imaginary outings. I was intrigued that an adult
was trekking back in time to her childhood. I asked Leaenda to design
a cute little girl and give her some outfits. This is just the beginning
I think. Matilda and her beautiful clothes will delight any little girl
whilst giving you lots of nostalgic memories as you embroider her. Embroider
on Timtex Stabilizer and use Off 'n On Glue to attach and detach her clothes,
or maybe the Magnetic Canvas on the back will allow you to adhere to the
fridge! Hope you love her.
 Clover's
Yo-Yos have been no doubt one of the biggest selling items we've introduced
this year. People are fascinated how easy it is to make these little "Suffolk
puffs" and drool over our samples (well, the ones that don't grow legs
and disappear!), so Leaenda has introduced, exclusively for Punch with
Judy, a pattern of two scarves, Yo
Yo Scarves, that will turn everyone's eyes to you when you wear either
of these superb fashion accessories. I've seen purchased scarves made
of small Yo-Yos out of Men's Silk Ties retailing for $150 - $200. Make
yours!!
Janny Primrose's new
collection is just superb. Swirls
and Lace will have your mind swirling with ideas too. This is gorgeous
girls and so typically "Janny" with delicacy, beauty and heirloom
appeal with a modern touch.
G L Designs have released
a new Machine Embroidery CD on Butterflies
as corners - use them for collars, blouses, table linen or whatever. They've
been designed to also use the Stencil Burner for the cutwork sections.
Just remember to use Rayon Thread in both the top and bottom and sew on
a fabric which burns, such as Polyester.
5.
CLUBS/GUILDS REGISTRATION MEMBERSHIPS
This offer has started
to roll along nicely now. Congratulations to those sewing groups who are
taking advantage of the discounts we're offering. If you're a Club, Guild
or Sewing Group, contact me for more details.
6. SPECIALS
We
don't like to think about it quite yet, but facts are facts. It's only
9 weeks to Christmas. I have some great Christmas Specials this year.
They will be officially announced on the website at the beginning of November,
but here's a few for you to think
about.
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 you will receive a FREE Task Lamp in Pink or Blue.
With each purchase
of the Arial
2-in-1 Lamp you will receive a FREE Task Lamp also.
There'll be more specials
announced soon.
Don't forget the specials
we still have on Quilter's
Mat Bag Combo for $79.00 and the HP
Custom Quilt Label Kit. These are great value. Stock on the October
Special on the homepage for Thread at only $2.50 each is running low.
Don't miss out.
7. STITCHES SUBSCRIBER
OFFERS
Punch with Judy is
proud to be part of the Australian Stitches Subscribers Club offering
Monthly Specials to Subscribers. The twelve month subscription has been
increased to $64.40 but is excellent value when you consider not only
the magazine each month but the special offers for subscribers only. You
only need to purchase 3 of our offers per year and you have saved the
cost of your subscription. Ever thought of it that way?
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
Last Newsletter I
said "Now this is a MUST make, especially suitable as a gift. An
embroidered CD Case. What fun! One of Linda McGehee's patterns is
ideal for this and you can purchase the CD plastic covers from most chain
stores. A really fabulous idea and I thank Linda for allowing us to share
this. You will need Ghee's Pattern Roundabout
Bag." Many have queried where do you purchase round inserts for
CDs as the shops here seem to have only square ones, so Linda has kindly
sent me over a whole batch of them. Contact me if you want some.
9. DID
YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Laurel Birch died
a few weeks ago? Whilst I was at the NZ Show actually. She will be greatly
missed in our world. So, treasure your Laurel Birch bag if you have one
or stack up on your Laurel Birch fabrics. She was indeed a great artist.
Did
you know that the QNN is now by membership only? I think this
a real shame because it was so easy before to view what was playing that
day and it was FREE. The good side though is that many who could not view
it before due to technical reasons, now can because the videos are now
in "flash". Plus, they have a library of segments to view that
no-one could complain about - such variety. Check it out on www.quiltersnewsnetwork.com
Did
you know that October is Cancer Awareness Month? Many companies
have products out now in PINK and submit a donation from those sales to
Research. It should be remembered that Australia does have an important
role in this and has experienced many world-first break throughs in their
research. This is why all Olfa Products we purchase from the Australian
Distributors in the PINK Cancer Colour
(such as the Pink Rotary Cutter and the Pink Rotary Cutting Mat) sends
a donation to the Australian Research Constitutions.
Did
you know that the best way to store thread is to keep it out
of direct sunlight and keep it dust free? Bob from Superior Threads gives
this further advice: Thread does not need to be kept in a sealed bag,
the refrigerator or freezer. Keep it in a drawer or other container. If
it is on the wall, place a sheet over it to keep the dust away. Best advice
though is, don't let your husband view what you have otherwise he may
realize how much money you have invested!
Did
you know that my grandchildren think this happened to ME?
The
Computer Swallowed Grandma!
The computer swallowed grandma, yes, honestly it's true!
She pressed "control" and "enter", and disappeared
from view!
It devoured her completely, the thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus or been eaten by a worm.
I've searched through the recycle bin and files of every kind.
I've even used the Internet, but nothing did I find.
In desperation I asked Google, my searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative, not a thing was found online!
So if inside your "Inbox", my grandma you should see.
Please copy, scan and paste her and send her back to me!
11. GOLDEN
OLDIES
 There
are so many different rulers for sewing and quilting out now but I seem
to still use the same two for everything. To be truthful, seldom do I
pick up a ruler; I actually cut most things using June
Tailor's Shape Cut which has slots in it for the Rotary Cutter. It
is so accurate and I can cut strips, squares, triangles at a fraction
of the time as using a normal ruler.
Naturally, there are
times when only a ruler will do; the one I use then, for general use,
is from Quilter's
Rule because it has a non slip surface underneath. This
ruler measures 61/2" x 24" with 1/2", 1/4" and
1/8" markings plus angles markings of 45, 60 and 30 degrees. Quilter's
Rule International say "It has our exclusive molded in "Fabric
Gripping Action" which many have attempted to copy but no-one has
quite accomplished". It's the fact that it doesn't move that appeals
to me. There's a full range of their products available.
Marti Michell, whom
is the guru of all quilting, told me she preferred not to have a "grip"
type ruler because she prefers to be able to slide her ruler across the
fabric and I think for some things, Marti has a valid point. I do also
like the Marti
Michell ruler range for specific purposes as they've been made with
a lot of practical thought.
By the way, Stitch-n-Ditch
Stabilizer has just returned to stock after me searching for it elsewhere
for yonks after other distributor hiccups. If you love this too, order
up now as I'm not sure how long I can still purchase same. It is a fine
paper that really does tear back without effort, excellent for Heirloom
Sewing, but I use it for buttonholes on fine fabric and lots of other
uses. It's a superb product.
 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
|
Guess
who's hoping for a miracle? Here's the scan of our suitcase they took,
so no wonder we were called in. I asked could I have it just so as I
could share it with you.
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