Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

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Two months being home without attending Shows feels pretty good; at least it has given us a bit of a break and time to catch up a little.  Have been busy though as you will see from the New Products Section.

During September we visited Tasmania for some What's New? presentations and classes.  A huge thank you to our friends from The Apple Isle; we stayed with "old" friends from my very early shop days right down south at Dover and some good friends way up north along the Tamar River.  Besides this, we motored down the West Coast as tourists and even though it rained every day and a few touristy things we wanted to do weren't available, we thoroughly enjoyed it.  I now know why everyone calls it the "Wet Coast" rather than the "West Coast".  We also spent a night on Bruny Island, next stop Antarctic and were disappointed that the Cruises weren't operating.  I don't mean to the Antarctic either!   Look at this magnificent photo I snapped of a rainbow shining upon Bruny Island! 

I love teaching and sharing ideas with sewing friends, here's a pic of one such group in Launceston.  There were a couple of students missing when this photo was taken, so apologies to them not to have been included.  These were their Orange Peel blocks plus a few extras by those "over-achievers".

We had flown from Wagga to Wynyard and whilst waiting at Melbourne Airport for a changeover, we were delighted to see one of the new Qantas 380 Aircraft land and take off.  That must have been nearly the highlight of the trip for John.  It's huge!  The other Virgin planes you see here are the same size as what we flew in.  So use that for comparison. 

Whilst we were away, the girls at home took this picture of a massive dust storm experienced one morning - which we now know that Roll-a-Doors don't keep dust out!  Any dust on any products mailed to you this month is Free of Charge!  They all claim that the dust was much thicker shortly after this photo was taken and what is shown here was completely invisible only moments after.  The colour is true and has not been "touched up".  Amazing hey?

It's still very dry in our neck of the woods as we seem to miss the odd thunderstorm when it circles around us but this is a lovely time of the year and there's plenty of birds nesting around, some with beautiful songs, others like the sparrows, just becoming a nuisance.  I'm having a battle here feeding my darling chooks as Rowan gave John a Worm Farm for Father's Day and all the scraps now get shared but not 50/50 as it should be.  I'm becoming a cheat.  I believe we've had 1.5 litres of fertilizer in this first month and that's meant to be good. ?? They're enjoying it.  John got really interested in this after visiting a customer in New Zealand a year ago and her husband is doing it on a bigger scale and has witnessed huge improvements in his pastures.

Remember, we only have 100 acres.........

Happy Sewing,
Your friend,

Judy

SHOWS

Brisbane's Craft & Quilt Fair  is the next show we are attending commencing Wed. 22nd October until Sunday 26th.  We'll be on Stand A23 in the first far left hand side aisle, backing onto the workshops, same place we were last year.  Lots happening, so plan your day with the new Day Planner and make sure you pencil these in to attend.

My Daily Workshop is at 1.30pm in Workshop 3

How to Use the New Specialty Rulers with Judy Hall - 45mins
Judy explains 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.

I do cover a few more interesting ideas too, as usual, since I can't help ad-libbing lots of tips and tricks so as you get more than what's on the agenda.

Make a funky zipper pull with this easy to learn braiding you can do anywhere - great for jewellry, bags and embellishments.  Special Kumihimo discs available for use in class.

Book at our Stand A23.  Kit Cost: $10.00

Daily Trunk Show is at 3.30pm in Workshop 3

Don't forget your Show Coupons too.  No Coupon, No Specials, No Discounts!

If you go to http://www.craftfair.com.au/ and check out the events of the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair or the Adelaide Craft & Quilt Fair, a convenient Day Planner pops us automatically when you open up the workshop/craft circle pages and then sits in the left hand column for you to drag your choice into.  Print it out, then you won’t miss any attractions you intend to participate in.  Just don’t forget to actually take it to the show!

The Adelaide Craft & Quilt Fair commences on Thursday 6th until Sunday 9th November being held at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds.  I won't have time for another Newsletter before then so please note that the Daily Workshop and the Daily Craft Circle detailed above will be held during this show as well.

Yes, Punch with Judy will be attending as usual on Stand A07 and there was never any doubt re this so I don't know how and why but I've had three individual phone calls now thinking we're not going to be there.

Now, for either of these Shows, if you wish to have something specifically brought for you, please make sure you let me know a week before the commencement date.

The Quilt Indulgence Festival was held in Brisbane last weekend and will be in Sydney at Canterbury Racecourse from 31st October to 2nd and although I had every intention of reminding those of you in Qld. to attend if you wished to view the Gees Bend Quilts and other displays, I just ran out of time to do this Newsletter in time.  So, here's your last chance, visit Sydney.  Visit http://www.downunderquilts-digital.com/  for full details.

I'm presently reassessing Retreats at The Rock for 2009 and would value any input from you.  What classes would you like?  What do you think of having a "group" Retreat of three different topics with a different tutor for each?

I'm constantly asked why we can't take our Retreats "on the road" to visit you rather than you visit me.  I realize this stems from the inability for many to travel, maybe it's the cost, maybe it's the time, maybe it's family commitments, but really, this is impossible for us.  We need to have so much on hand that our travel, freight and accommodation costs would actually be more.

So, tell me what you want?

The Fun with Embellishments Retreat was postponed from last month to 2009, date of which will be announced soon.  This is proving to be one of the most exciting Retreats we've had with an abundance of new ideas to satisfy everyone's inspirations.  Expressions of interest will be accepted for further details to be mailed directly to you.

3. WHAT'S NEW

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in many parts of the world.  Having had two of my friends undergo surgery for such only in the last few months, it brings home the fact that more than 30 people EACH DAY are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Australia alone.  Some companies are supporting research and here's a newly released product with $4.00 from each sale going to research within Australia.

Simplicity Australia has teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to offer a Limited Edition PINK Side Winding Bobbin Winder.  This item has been the best-seller this year and is now available in PINK.  Bonus: Receive a Pink Tape Measure & Pink Scissors.

Loralie Designs have Cancer Awareness products too: T-Shirts, Mugs, & Fabric Panels.  There's also a lovely little Cancer Pink Awareness Ribbon Pin you may like.  I still have some Pink Olfa Mats left too.

One of the most exciting new developments for quilters is now available for you. Imagine being able to make any size square, rectangle, diamond, half-square triangle, quarter-square triangle without any pattern, template or math!  You can with the Guidelines™4Quilting System  There are complete tutorials on my website which are very easy to follow step by step explanations.  No screws to fiddle with, everything just snaps into place.  So easy and so foolproof!

The full range of Clearview Products is now in stock including their 60 degree Triangle Rulers and Books.  My favourite is the Log Cabin one because I like things that are different and this certainly has a new slant on the traditional Log Cabin.

I've added a few new Wonderarc Patterns to the website using the Wonderarc Ruler.  These have gained a lot of interest in my seminars.

EZ Quilting have released three new rulers to their range too.  The Tall Triangle Ruler, similar to the Tri & Recs Tools, the Easy Hearts Template and a Simply Crazy Template for Crazy Patchwork.

For those who are Ricky Tims fans, we have Volume 1 and Volume 2 now of his Rhapsody Quilt patterns.  Plus, would you believe it, a pack of playing cards with his Rhapsody Quilts on each card and his portrait at the Joker!  Excellent gift for any quilter and a great idea for Guilds or Clubs as they're only $10.00 per pack.

Another new company in introduced to you, New Leaf Stitches.  I've started with 3 patterns, a Sedona Bag, a Tulips Table Top group and a Tea Cozy with Drip catcher.  They also have this little helper.  If you have trouble sewing consistent seams, maybe the new Clearly Perfect Angles could be just what you need.

At shows I have some people who try on every thimble we have searching for a comfortable fit or a personal like.  Those who have trouble like this may appreciate the suppleness of the double layer Goatskin Leather Thimbles we've just received, particularly the Over-the-Knuckle Goatskin Thimble.

Our At Home with the Experts has several new additions to the range of DVDs for you to learn at home in the comfort of your own surroundings, when and where you wish, plus, you're being taught by experts is their field.  There are several new ones, but I'm particularly drawn to the Crazy Patchwork one by none other than Judith Baker Montana. 

There's several new books, including a new Kaleidoscope Quilts book by Paula Nadelstern and a fabulous one on curves by Tammy Kelly called Quiltastic Curves. Just love this one.  If you like Photo-Fabric Play you'll love this book, plus there's a new DVD to teach you these techniques.

One of the most vital essential of any sewing, be it dressmaking, embroidery or quilting, is tension.  One of the main problems is feed of the thread.  Introducing the most functional and necessary tool to eliminate problems with thread tension, the new fit all Wonder Thread Guide.  A wonderful hand-felted Pin Cushion that would make an ideal gift for a very special person.

Outback Embroidery have released 100 colours of Rayon Thead on 1000m spools for just $5.95 each.  I decided to include this because not only is Rayon Thread popular for machine embroidery but also because I needed a Rayon Thread for sewing when using our Stencil Burner for Cutwork.  There's a great introductory offer too of "purchase all 100 colours and receive a Machine Embroidery CD of Alphabets from Outback Embroidery" for just $295.00.  That's half price!

Remember we also have a very comprehensive range of Madeira Threads and the full range of Superior Threads too.

4.MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Julie Hall has released a lovely new Machine Embroidery CD on Candlewicking.  Deco Candlewicking has 10 Candlewick and Whitework designs and is only $29.95.  Jenny Haskins has a new Book/CD out too called Jenny's Heritage which is a remake of her very first Heritage Quilt but with some new designs.  Book and CD combination only $60.00.  Stock arrived today.

5. CLUBS/GUILDS DISCOUNTS

Your club, guild or sewing group could be saving a huge discount on each and every purchase when the group is registered. Why not consider it for your group? One order, one payment, one delivery address. Email me now and I can reply with an application form requesting membership. You may either pass these savings on to your members or use as a fundraiser for your designated charity.

6. SPECIALS

Don't miss the Outback Embroidery Rayon Thread offer listed above in the new products section.  Several of the Yazzii Collection on our specials page will be taken off shortly, so don't miss these either.  We're starting to put together some Christmas Gift specials, the first to be confirmed is a FREE Ott-Lite Task Lamp with the purchase of Ott-Lite's Arial 2-in-1 Lamp which is already at a reduced price.  Christmas Specials won't be formally announced until November, but this one is available now.  You'll need to request the bonus lamp in the Additional Comments section of your order.

For ONE week only, choose any Petal Play pattern in stock and pay just $5.00 per pattern.  Normally, $13.95.  Plus, we'll include ONE Appli-Bond Needle (ie one needle not one packet).  You will order at normal pricing and IF you mention this Newsletter offer in the Additional Comments Section, then I will adjust the Invoice to $5.00 plus $2.00 p/h.

In my opinion, everything on the website is specially priced as we will need to reevaluate most prices as new stock arrives due to the exchange rate fluctuations.  Now is a good time to buy items from your "wish list".

7. STITCHES SUBSCRIBER OFFERS

I announced in my last Newsletter that Stitches Magazine were to discontinue the Stitches Subscriber's Offers we had participated in with each issue.  Good news!  A reversal decision.  They'll be recommenced and Punch with Judy has already offered some new specials. Subscribe to Australian Stitches via our website and then you're eligible to receive all the monthly specials Punch with Judy offers within each issue.  There's even arrangements now being made for similar specials to be available in other Express Publications Magazines.  I've confirmed my participation today.

8. FREE PROJECTS

In this section we have wonderful FREE Projects for you. I simply want to remind you of this and ask you to check back through past projects for some great gift ideas is you're commencing your Christmas sewing now.

9. DAMAGED & DISCONTINUED

The last group of these I offered went so quickly, so this time, email me "fast".  I'm not even going to put these two on the website because I know they'll go within the first day.  Two sets of Just Curves Templates didn't arrive safely by post recently but they have a minor break on one end, easily able to be glued.  So, here you are, one each of Carolina Favourite and Orange Peel. Half Price at $20.00 plus $2.00 postage.

Also have one Brandy's Product that needs gluing as well. The 1" Shapes Fabric Marking Template has 8 co-coordinated shapes and it suffered a clean break across one end. This is indeed a handy template set, yours for only $15 plus $2 p/h, way below RRP.

Choose any Granny May Pattern in stock and pay just $5.00 plus $2.00 p/h. Normal Pricing will show when you order, I will simply adjust the price.

10. TIPS & TUTORIALS

For anyone who has purchased the Curve Master Presser Foot may I suggest you visit the Tutorials and print the new step-by-step instructions I have now included here?  I have also added a Tutorial on using the Boondoggle Ruler and several on the new Guidelines4Quilting products.  Visit the tutorials on our website to help you with their versatility.  Photo shown here will be added to our Gallery shortly.  One of my staff, Liz, commenced this in a recent Retreat, then went home to complete a magnificent quilt using the Curve Master.

11. GALLERY

Not actually in the Gallery but it deserves to be.  This idea comes from Carolyn in the US though, so not quite one of my students.  Carolyn made 80 little Zip-Its from the Screenplay Mesh Patterns using appropriate Golf Fabric and Pet Mesh and was donating them to her Golf Club who would then fill them with Golf related products for their members.  I thought it a brilliant idea and one that could be adapted for any sport or hobby, so I asked permission to share it with you. You will need to visit the Zip-It Pattern then click on the View More Images and go to the second one.  I hope this gives you some ideas for your group and we thank Carolyn and Nancy Ota for their generosity in sharing. 

12. DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you can sign up for a free Quilters' World E-Newsletter?  It's most informative.  Visit http://newsletters.drgnetwork.com/

Did you know that the official Craftfest website is now live?  Visit http://www.craftfest.com.au/ and make sure you join the FREE online CraftClub to receive all the benefits being offered.

Did you know that we have a new member of staff at Punch with Judy? Kim is learning the ropes very quickly and now accompanies Brenda and Gloria.  I must try a take their photo so as you may see the face "on the phone" or "who has wrapped your parcel".

Did you know that there have been four date changes for shows next year, so I suggest you check our Show Schedule on our website?

Did you know that November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in the USA.  Ami Simms who has a very entertaining newsletter asked me to pass this on.  From 5th to 15th November, there will be an auction of quilts which will all be Alzheimer's related.  They will be on display at the International Quilt Festival in Houston later this month for those who are attending.  You can get a sneak preview of those quilts at http://www.alzquilts.org/noquay.html or even bid for one at http://www.alzquilts.org/quiltauction.html   As I've relayed before, John's mother has been in a home for many a year now suffering from this dreadful disease and, in some ways, it makes me happy that both my parents departed with all their faculties.  It's so sad and heart-wrenching for the family.

13. 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 another.

Vliesofix has been everyone's favourite double-sided adhesive used for applique for a whole generation, but in recent times, there were a few hiccups in the manufacturing causing the paper to become unstuck from the adhesive, all at the wrong time causing much distress.  Many sewers changed brands, yet still used the word as an adjective saying that they had to "vliesofix" something even though they may have been using XYZ product, proving just how much we all relied upon Vliesofix.  The company has now released an improved product with none of the hangups of recent batches and called it, wait for it, the NEW Vliesofix!  I've received some and tried it and can thoroughly recommend it.  May I also add that any of the original Vliesofix that we have sold and still stock is not the same as shops usually purchase because we purchase ours from the Industrial division of the company since we use so much of it in the manufacture of our range of Pleat Makers.  So, when ordering from us, specify which one you wish to receive.

Till next time,
Judy