1. SHOWS
 The
Craft & Quilt Fair in Hamilton NZ commences next Thursday and although
our stock left a few weeks ago, if there is anything small in particular
you may need, kindly email me before Sunday evening and I may be able
to include it in my personal luggage. Just remember and appreciate that
shipping stock to NZ had to be very limited so it is in your best interest
to check with me before I leave rather than be disappointed at our show
stand.
This is the largest
Annual Craft Fair in NZ. There's Plenty to Do, Learn, See & Buy!
If you've got a passion
for quilting, sewing, embroidery, beading, scrapbooking and all things
crafty, then don't miss the New Zealand Craft & Quilt Fair - on for
four days only at the Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton, from September
20 - 23, 9.00am to 4.00pm daily.
More than 65 retailers from far and wide will travel to Hamilton especially
for the fair to launch new products and showcase their latest designs
- many that you won't find in the shops. If you wish to go but can't drive
there yourself, why not contact Tiki Tours because the organizers have
arranged travel with this bus company from just about anywhere in NZ.
Contact them and don't miss the Fair. www.tikitoursnz.com
or Phone 09 6236148 or 0800 845 486. Isn't this a great idea?
A highlight of the
fair will be the fabulous displays by local and interstate craft talent.
See more than 100 spectacular quilts created by members of the National
Association of New Zealand Quilters Inc, as part of the NANZQ Quilts
Aotearoa 2007 exhibition. Plus, there'll be the Best of Australia
Quilts display.
Textile-lovers will
be delighted by the Currency Challenge Quilts, featuring 90 small
quilts from Japan, the USA and New Zealand - all made under the theme
of currency. This fascinating exhibition features coins as diverse as
the Papua New Guinea Kina, Celtic coins of the Iron Age and old Kiwi 10
cent coins.
Exclusive to the fair
is the new exhibition, Pe-ac-ed With Love - Story Quilts by War Veteran
Families. Australian and New Zealand war veteran families have shared
their experiences through the creation of 47 quilts. This touching display
recognizes wives, children and siblings who have supported our brave soldiers.
Of course, there are
so many other displays, Pre-Show Classes, Craft Circle, The Studio, Daily
Seminars plus the Gollies Display. Visit www.craftfair.com
for full details. It's not too late to book.
 We'll
be on Stand E02, so please visit us
and don't forget to print out your Show Coupons and bring them to the
show.
My
Pre Show Seminar will be held on Wednesday 19th September from
10.00am to 12.30pm
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 - Wednesday 19th September
with Judy Hall from Punch with Judy
10am to 12.30pm 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.
I have two Daily
Workshops during the show. "Inspirational Ideas using
the Pleat Maker" to be held in Workshop 3 at 11.00am. 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.
BRISBANE
ANNOUNCEMENT
My Pre-Show Seminar, as above, has been confirmed for Tuesday 23rd October
from 2pm to 4.30pm, cost is $30.00
ADELAIDE
ANNOUNCEMENT
My Pre-Show Seminar, as above, will probably be on Wednesday 7th November.
Yet to be confirmed.
A reminder . . . .
.
New dates for Tassie…….
The Craft & Quilt Fair will be held in Hobart again in 2008 but moved
from April to June. New dates are 27th to 29th June, 2008.
New show for Newcastle……..
The Craft & Quilt Fair will hold a NEW Show in Newcastle from 29th
Feb to 2nd March, 2008.
2. RETREATS
Oh what fun we had
at our August Retreats! The Pleat Maker Techniques Retreat and the Overlocker
Retreat were enjoyed immensely by all those "Retreatees". You
really should consider asking the family to treat you to one as a Christmas
present this year - 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
More CDs from Loralie
Designs have arrived and some fabrics too. Have a Fit, Grannies, Baby
Face, Fun Cats, Sew Girls, Masquerade and You Golf Girl. Too many to choose
from.
Have you got a My-T-Fine
Cutter yet? If you have, just advising that we now have in stock Replacement
Blades for when you may need them in the future.
I've updated the YLI
Threads section of the website to include a larger range of their
products.
 StudioKat
Designs has been the most successful of all the new additions to our Bag
Patterns ranges and they've just added one new pattern called "SideKick".
All their patterns are just the best and this is no exception.
Another new addition
is "Knotty
But...Nice Scrap-bags" from the Scrap-bags collection.
We've been asked so
many times for a tape measure tape, so here's one to suit lots of situations.
Called "Handy
Tape" it is a self adhesive measuring tape on a roll similar
to sticky tape and actually may be placed in the same type of dispenser.
It is removable and reusable but the best part is that it is in both Metric
and Imperial.
Next is another tape,
the "LongArm
Centering Tape" which is a fiberglass tape reinforced to assure
accurate measuring and dimensional stability for long-lasting use. Designed
to help longarm quilters, the tape actually measures from the centre out.
ie from the centre of the tape, the measurements extend equally marked
to the left and to the right. Eg. 3" 2" 1" 0 1" 2"
3" and so on.
DVDs are a popular
tool for teaching within your own home in your own time, being able to
pause when you need to and replay as desired. New ones soon to be added
to our range are "Ann Fahl Teaches You Coloring with Thread",
"Sally Collins Teaches You Precision Piecing" and "Diana
McClun & Laura Nownes Teach You Beginning Quilting" and "Kate
Pasquini Masopust Teaches You Simple Steps to Dynamic Art Quilts".
All worthy additions to anyone's library.
Omnigrid have a new
handy reference booklet called "All-In-One
Rotary Cutting Magic" which explains the correct use of rotary
cutters and the various shapes you may cut for your projects plus a great
problem solving guide. In fact it has "all you need to know to cut
perfectly every time".
Olfa have released
new 45mm Rotary Cutters in a bright floral design. The Olfa
Calantha Cutters are available in Plum or Orange and are sure to be
popular simply because of their difference. By the way, we do still have
some of the Cancer
Pink 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutters and Pink Mats left too but they'll
soon be a finished line.
4. MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Sue
Box has a new release on Tuesday 18th September on free standing lace
called "Classic Lace Collection"
which will retail for $99.00. As always, for those who receive my Newsletters,
for orders via email prior to the release date, there is a $10.00 discount
plus you'll still receive your Punch Points Vouchers for a further $9.00.
Now that's just too good to miss out on. Many have a standing order for
each new release of Sue's so as they don't miss out. Remember, this is
not on our website until Tuesday but by then it will be the full $99.00.
Sue is undisputedly one of the best designers and digitizers of lace designs
in the world.
There's some great
new patterns from Julie Haddrick on Australian
Animals and a lovely Australian Landscape.
I'll try to have them on the website in the next few days. They are GREAT.
Leaenda Ingram has
been working on our show stand for a few years now and as a result of
the public asking for ways in which their photos may be "framed"
with embroidery and, particularly after seeing my wonderful family wall
hanging, she has put together a fabulous collection of designs and ideas.
"Photo
Frames" is extremely well priced too, so why not get to work
and start some Christmas presents now?
 I
was very impressed with a new book on making bags from 14 inch squares
of fabric and folding them to create 14 different shaped bags, so I asked
Leaenda to design a collection to be used on these and "Just
for Bags" is the result. Exclusive to Punch with Judy, I'm delighted
to have this CD to compliment Nancy Shriber's book "Sashiko
Handbags 14 on 14". There will be some bag projects using these
in an issue of Machine Embroidery & Textile Art later this year.
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
The
current specials on the Ott-Lites and 3 piece Trolley Bag Set will end
on 30th September. Currently, all Ott-Lites (not only those on special)
are charged at only $7.50 freight to anywhere in Australia and the Trolley
Bag Set is only $10.00. These truly economic freight charges will definitely
end on 30th September.
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?
Stitches Issue 15/6
has a fabulous Quilt Mat Bag Combo of bag, ruler, rotary cutter and cutting
mat all for only $79.00 plus $10.00 postage. This will be added to the
site on Monday.
Stitches
Issue 15/5 offers a pair of Punch with Judy's Buttonhole Scissors
with each purchase of our My-T-Fine Cordless Electric Cutter. $99.00 plus
$10.00 postage.
Stitches
Issue 15/4 offers Havel's Pelican Blunt Tipped Appliqué Scissors
and Havel's Lace & Appliqué Scissors - both for $35.00 plus
$5.00 postage.
Offers remain available
for 3 months from date of issue.
8. FREE
PROJECTS
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.
There's also a Fan
Shaped
Silverware Caddy, courtesy of Santi from Hatched in Africa. We needed
to have this available on our website to coincide with a project one of
my staff, Liz Colledge, has made being released in an upcoming issue of
Machine Embroidery & Textile Art. The project is a table cloth, serviettes
and cutlery caddy combination which is just superb. Don't miss it.
9.
GALLERY
Two of the students from our Pleat Maker Retreat have sent me photos of
their completed Heirloom Bolster Cushion which is one of the projects
done during the three day Retreat. Aren't they just great? Congratulations
Norma and Liz, now I'm expecting some more soon girls!
Their photos will be added to the Gallery on Monday.
10. DID
YOU KNOW?
Did you know that there is a great
project in Machine Embroidery & Textile Art Volume 13 No. 10 (the
current issue) for using the Double
Mitre Ruler for placemats? Liz has been demonstrating this at the
shows using Timtex as the base and Leaenda has kindly done this project
for you with the step-by-steps.
Did
you know that
if you too have been experiencing trouble watching the programs on www.quiltersnewsnetwork.com
that a solution is on its way? Very soon, they will be converting from
using Windows Media Player to have the new site hosting videos completely
in flash to eliminate the issues of many not being able to view with Windows
Media Player. Great news. If you haven't discovered this free website
available on your computer then please visit the website I've just given
you.
Did you know that if you're having problems threading your sewing machine
needle, that if you cut your thread at an angle, but instead of moistening
the end of the thread that you simply moisten your finger and place your
finger behind the eye of the needle then the thread miraculously will
find its way through the eye of the needle attracted to your moistened
finger? Magic? No, just try it. I've also read to moisten the eye of the
needle rather than the thread. Try both, see what works for you. Otherwise,
we do sell Needle Threaders or Magnifying Glasses!!!!
Did
you know
that Fasturn
Turning Tools continuously make the Top 25 Lists in USA? Nancy Zieman,
world renowned star of her PBS TV Show "Sewing with Nancy" and
president of Nancy's Notions, one of the largest sewing/quilting catalogue
retailers, just released her newest DVD celebrating 25 years on television.
This DVD features Nancy's personal favourites in notions and tools. The
product "Fasturn Fabric Tube Turning System" from The Crowning
Touch is #4 on her list! David Graham, president of TCT, says "This
marks the third "Top 25" nationwide list (in the last two years!)
that includes our Fasturn product line as one of the must-have sewing/quilting
notions. Our Fasturn has always received rave reviews from all who use
it; my thanks go out to my dad, Don Graham for inventing this unique tool
and my late mom, Emma Graham, for all she did to get our tools out into
the public. We are pleased and honoured that so many professionals have
seen the value and the utility of our products and we look forward to
continuing to prove our motto: "Products of Lasting Quality"!
Congratulations Fasturn!
 11.
GOLDEN OLDIES
In honour of the above, I would have to second that notion and say how
delighted I am to be the Australian Distributor of Fasturn
and that so many Australian sewers already know what a time saving device
this simple little device is. No more frustration when turning narrow
tubes of fabric or when wanting to turn a fat tube and fill it with wadding
at the same time, or for any size in between. Personally, I use it to
make narrow bias black tubes of fabric for my stained glass edges rather
than bias binding.
Numerous other applications too. We've been demonstrating the Fasturn
on our show stand for several years now and I wouldn't be without mine
ever!
So, what is Fasturn? The Fasturn is a hollow brass cylinder with a specially
designed wire hook that makes turning fabric tubes fun & EASY!! Magically
fill fabric tubes with cord, batting or wire at the same time they are
turned. Fabric tubes are easily sewn into quilts, vests, dolls, accessories,
crafts, embellishments, and fabric weaving. Set includes six cylinders
ranging in size from 1/8" to 3/4" in diameter, with three different
sized wire hooks.
 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
|
Quick Links 
