Punch with Judy - April Newsletter 2010

Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

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Hi Everyone,

Happy Easter to one and all - hope you are enjoying your few days break, as we are.  Will probably eat too much chocolate but will enjoy the grandchildren's usual Easter Egg Hunt. 

What a delightful time of year this is?  Our countryside is so green, fresh and clean at the moment, heavy dew in the mornings, sunny warm days, cool evenings, birds tweeting, (won't mention the million and one flies around at the moment), family about to come and visit for a few days and four weeks at home!  Not all rest though, I'm frantically finalizing the upcoming Online Punchneedle Class projects.

Did you read on my blog about my flying trip to Perth for one day just to attend a personal function?  My father was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Australian Greyhound Racing Association as a Greyhound Trainer.  Full story on my blog.  Are any readers involved in Greyhounds?  It was my whole life as a child growing up and John worked for Dad for 6 years training Greyhounds with him when we lived at Minto and Campbelltown on the outskirts of Sydney.

You really should check my blog weekly as Newsletters take me a few days to prepare so don't get sent as often as I'd like, whereas the blog allows me to send some instant news as it happens.  So, to be sure you are kept right up to date, pop it into your favourites and check it out very regularly.  Some weeks I have 2 or 3 postings but not so when I'm at a show.

In May I'll be attending the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair again, but prior to the Show, I've been invited to present some "What's New?" products to the Australian Sewing Guild at Belcatta on Saturday May 15th and also to a wonderful Art Textile Group at Mandurah on Sunday May 16th.  Full details will be available in my next Newsletter, but if you are interested in attending either I think both will be open to non-members too, so email me and I can pass your details on.

I had an article in our local Daily Advertiser in Wagga upon our return from the CraftExpo in Sydney.  They phoned, interviewed me, bingo, it was in the following day's paper, complete with photo and all.    Previous time was a full page with a coloured photo, upon which some "friend" cut out and posted it up on the wall of the local pub, just to stir John.

On Saturday 10th April I'm proud to have accepted the generous invitation to be Guest Speaker at the NSW Quilt Guild's Annual Conference to be held this year in Wagga, not far from home.  (Maybe why I was asked?)  It is indeed an honour as the Quilt Guilds in each State have a high reputation for their tremendous voluntary efforts for our industry.  

To all my Scquilters friends who will be attending our Annual Retreat in a few weeks at Bathurst, have fun, live it up and sorry I can't be there with you this year due to so many committments during April.

May I wish you a safe and happy holiday period,

Happy Easter,
Your friend,

Judy

Australasian Quilt Convention 2010
Next show for us is The AQC to be held at the heritage Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne from 29th April to 2nd May, 2010 from 10.00am to 4.30pm daily.  Ever so many exciting features at this premiere event in the quilting industry.  Do visit http://www.aqc.com.au/ for all details.  

If you have ever dreamt of attending this "main event of the year", here's just the extra incentive you may need.  The Easter Bunny has brought you a present, but it's not a chocolate Easter Egg.  From now until 14th April, the organizers are offering a special 4 day Gold Pass for only $875.00 - be a delegate, visit http://www.aqc.com.au/Melbourne2010/app/pages/view/welcome9/ to read what is included in this fantastic offer.

Plus, they are offering a One-Day Class Booking for only $199.00 which includes lunch. Check to see which classes are left for some last minute bookings.

Sandra Chandler from Just Curves and the Curve Master Presser Foot, will be our guest on our Stand 126 on Saturday and Sunday, but will be teaching all day on Thursday and Friday.    
If you are interested in these classes, visit the Class Schedule here.  

You never know your luck!  I think there may be some places left for her "Winner's Circle Quilt" made with the Curve Master Presser Foot and highlight borders using our Pleat Maker.

Popular tutor and current Rajah Award Winner, Gloria Loughman, will have a display of her fabulous quilts.  She also has a new book entitled "Quilted Symphony" which we will have on sale or you may purchase online.

My daily workshop at the Show is at 12.30pm in Seminar Room 1 - entitled "Binding Methods", but it covers so much more including various trims and embellishments, plus a few cheating ideas as well.  If you would like any order brought to the show, please let me know before Monday 26th April.

Don't forget your Show Coupons too. Print them and collect your discounted products or receive your FREEBIES.  The ones being offered this year includes a fabulous offer of Hot-Fix Swarovski Crystals and Wand, a FREE CD for a selected group of Aussie Machine Embroidery Designers, 10% off Clover Products and an offer from Westalee Design Rulers.   Too good to miss.  No coupon, No Offer.

Townsville CraftExpo

Although Punch with Judy will NOT be exhibiting at this Show, I'd like to remind all those in far north Queensland to attend the CraftExpo from 8th April to 11th April in the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre.  You may even win a Bernette Sewing Machine by making a Challenge Bag whilst at the Show. 

Visit my blog to see how?  http://punchwithjudy.blogspot.com/

2. RETREATS 

Machine Embroidery Retreat will be held from 17th - 19th September, 2010, however, because enrollments are so high, we've decided to hold a second Retreat immediately following on 21st - 23rd September so as not to disappoint anyone.  The first Retreat is booked out and the 2nd Retreat is half full already, so don't delay if you wish to attend.  $100.00 deposit must accompany any booking. 

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. What we've done with this particular Retreat is update it completely with many new Projects.  The industry is advancing in leaps and bounds, so we've taken on board lots of new Stabilizers & Techniques.  Did you read the editorial I wrote for Machine Embroidery Magazine entitled an Update on Stabilizers?  I still have a few copies if you email me.  We will be supplying you with designs to upload so as everyone will come to the Retreat fully prepared so as ALL the time will be spent sewing and learning.  Anyone who has attended one of our previous ME Retreats held over the last 5 years, this is different with no repeat projects, so you may like to attend again.  More to be added, but view full particulars on our Retreats section.

3. ONLINE CLASSES

The first Online Class for the Pleat Maker went so well last year and we're now in the middle of a second class.  Depending upon  more requests, I'm happy to schedule another, so please email me if you're interested.  One thing I do need to emphasize though, you do NOT need to be in front of the computer at a given time  for each lesson.  Lessons are emailed to you for downloading  at a time to suit yourself.  You may  do all the projects or simply read about them, entirely up to yourself and what time permits you to  do.

PLEAT MAKER ONLINE CLASSES with Judy Hall Six lessons, issued fortnightly on 1st & 3rd Monday of the month - giving students ample time for class exercises, projects, experimenting and communicating with others via our chat group.   Cost is $65.00

These lessons will take you through from how to use your Pleat Maker correctly, manipulating your fabric, having fun with frills & trims, flowers & embellishments and using your Pleat Maker for patchwork.   Come join me on a wonderful path that will change your sewing ideas forever!

PUNCHNEEDLE EMBROIDERY ONLINE CLASSES with Judy Hall Four lessons, issued fortnightly on 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month - giving students ample time for class exercises, projects, experimenting and communicating with others via our chat group.   Cost is $45.00 - for all 4 lessons incl. GST.

4. WHAT'S NEW

What a feast for you in this section this month! New patterns from Bee Creative Studio, Scrap-Bags, Indygo Junction, Nancy Ota, as well as a new book from Gloria Loughman and a book on Free Motion Quilting from Joan Statz.  

Plus two new ranges of Bag Patterns.  Purse-O-Nalities have flown out the door since introducing them a the shows.  No wonder, they are practical and appealing but also ever so well written.  Also, the Sewphisti-Cat Bag Patterns are superb.

Absolutely sold out the first show we took the Fabulous Fabric Glide to.  If you need better control whilst free motion quilting or embroidering, then this is for you!    From the same company comes the Gypsy Sit Upon, a comfort cushion.  I kid you not, a therapeutic massage for your tailbone whilst sitting for hours sewing, at the computer, driving, watching sport or whatever.  You'll find yourself rocking from side to side just to get with the rhythm. Purple too!

In my Seminars at Shows this year, I'm speaking about various finishes on quilts including the binding.  An updated version of the Bias Binding Foot has arrived and will allow a larger thickness to be fed through enabling so much more use since we like to have batting sandwiched between our fabrics for many projects.  The Bias Binder Tape Foot will be a worth while added foot to your range of sewing accessories.  Photo courtesy of Charlene Phillips, USA.

Everyone, at times, has difficulty in removing marking lines.  Sewline have a handy new Aqua Eraser which is a far more gentle way of removing unwanted pencil marks.  Works sort of like a fountain pen with a mixture of water and detergent which you softly daub with finger-pressure-control upon the unwanted marks. As you know, ALL Sewline products are excellent.

Many new accessories such as the Prairie Pointer, Hoop Grip and some new designs from Loralie Designs of which I'm still to add to the website. Plus, 3 sizes in Skip-Stitch Blades for use with 45mm Rotary Cutters. Blade for perforating fleece, leather, vinyl, felt, soft foam and other fabrics in the application of over-edge finishing, lacing, crocheting, quilting etc.

I have some more fabulously exciting new products on their way too.

5. MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Jenny Haskins has a new Machine Embroidery Book/CD released called When Dreams Flower which is another stunning quilt featuring patchwork, machine embroidery & quilting. Excellent value because it also includes a full size pattern sheet to make two jackets and a coat, using Jenny's amazing Faux Knitting fabric technique as well as free embroidery designs to be used for embellishments.

Jenny certainly has been busy since Christmas as she also has released 2 new CDs Margaret's Magnificent Melody and Harvey's Garden, the latter the most delightful toddler's idea for a quilt with machine embroidery, (pictured here).

Julie Hall has released several new CDs, some of which use Mylar a new rage for embroidery.  Purely Gates introduced it and I fell in love with this method when I saw it at their Houston Quilt Festival Booth.  Told Julie, who was also exhibiting to go take a peep and these are the results!  All That Glitters Angels has 10 Angels sewn on Mylar and All That Glitters Mermaids has 10 Mermaids sewn on Mylar.  So, what is Mylar?  Refer to the "Did You Know?" at the end of this Newsletter.  More new CDs are Antique Sewing Machines, Enso Circles, Out of Africa and Teeing Off (for the boys).  Julie's new CDs will be added to my website over the next few days.  The Mylar CDs are absolutely delightful, sorry I didn't get a chance to add them before I wrote this.

Leaenda Ingram has digitized some Quilt Labels at my request because we were forever being asked for them on the show circuit.  I hope you like My Labels because there is a variety of choice, some have satin stitch surrounding them, others may be burned with a Stencil Burner, but most importantly, the quality of the lettering digitized is far superior to what embroidery machines can do automatically.  Exclusive to Punch with Judy too!

Janny Primrose also has a new CD called Candlewick Elegance - these Candlewick and Lace Designs will make beautiful elegant style table linen and quilts.  Another brilliant CD collection from Janny.

Australian Magazine are well respected throughout the sewing world and Embellish Magazine will be another most sought after addition.  The very first edition is now available.

6. SPECIALS

Mother's Day is not very far away.  Always popular are products from Daylight Lamps, Ott-Lites and Slimline Light Boxes.  All have specials to tempt your dollar.  All Ott-Lite Floor Lamps are not only at excellent prices, but are freight FREE for this month.

Another great idea would be the Bendable Bright Light.  Can be used in ever so many places, not just on your sewing machine.  These are 240v with "our" plug, so no need for adaptors or transformers within Australia or New Zealand.  Since I've had one on my sewing machine on our Show Booths, customers have been amazed at just how strong the light is and love the ability to move it to exactly where it's needed.

The 3 Piece Trolley Bag Set is another firm favourite this time of the year.  Now available in new colours too.  Dusty Pink, Navy and Teal. Only $12.00 freight anywhere within Australia.

7. STITCHES SUBSCRIBER OFFERS

If you are a Sewing with Stitches Magazine Subscriber (formerly Australian Stitches) please remember I always have a few month's subscriber's specials available on my website, even though the magazine does give an expiry date to offers.  Just for you, I leave them open for 3 months or until sold.  There is an excellent offer for a Crystals/Wand Combo that saves you 43%.

You recoup your subs fee in no time at all, plus you have all that wonderful reading and knowledge shared.  You MUST be a subscriber to the magazine to receive these special offers though and MUST quote your Subscriber's Number when ordering.

8. FREE PROJECTS 

I'm working on a new one here for you which I should have ready in a week.  So many have admired my Yo-Yo Vest I've been wearing at the shows recently that I've all but finished writing a pattern for you.  So, coming soon!  See a photo of it on my blog.

9. DAMAGED & DISCONTINUED

These are all are bargain prices because they have been damaged in transit somewhere along the way. Simply visit Damaged & Discontinued, order whichever you please, then type in the Additional Comments section of your order that you wish to purchase the one from the D&D for such and such a price as the normal retail price will be showing on your order.  Don't worry about that, we'll adjust manually.   This section has just been updated and there are some super bargains for you, some are not damaged, simply don't have any packaging.

10. TIPS & TUTORIALS

To make it easier for you, we have streamlined this section into categories which should make it quick to find specific tutorials.  New ones will be added mid week on some great new products from Martelli Enterprises.  You'll find their new Rotary Cutting Mat and Accessories absolutely amazing and with features every quilter needs.  Of course, there are many others in the tutorials section on our website to help you too. You can print them and use them side by side as your work.

11. GALLERY

This is the place where I display some of your work.  What is the connection of the Punchneedle Camel and a Bernette Sewing Machine?  Visit my blog to find out and read a lovely story.

Also see a beautiful quilt made with the Curve Master which I'll add to the Gallery asap but it is on my blog for you to see now.

12. DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you can achieve the appearance of Metallic Thread embroidery but by using any other thread at all?  Yes, you can.  Simply embroider over Mylar, the talk of the town on chat groups at present.  I know some are suggesting to use Gift Wrap Selophane, but why should you take the chance of spoiling your project when laundered rather than to use the perfect  medium for this sparkling appearance?  Use only Mylar, it is washable!

 Photo to the left is a design from Purely Gates, Mylar Curly Butterflies.

Did you know that we now have so many wonderful products for sufferers from back pain, wrist pain etc. that I thought I'd like to have a section on the website devoted to all the therapeutic life-savers available for craftspeople.  Can you think of a catchy name for such a section?  I'm happy to give a $25.00 Gift Voucher to anyone who can come up with what I select as the most appropriate wording.  Email me with something better than "Therapeutic Products"!  Thinking caps on girls and boys, let me know.

I'm so pleased with the reports I'm receiving from people who've purchased the Back Support too.

Did you know that the new image of Punch on our Shop Page was drawn by our eldest Granddaughter Kirsten?  Both Kirsten and Nicholas are exceedingly good at art producing some beautiful work in their High School Art Classes.

13. GOLDEN OLDIES

Clover's Yo-Yo Makers have been one of the most popular items over the last few years and they've added new shapes such as an Oval version, Heart & Flower.  Now we have a range of patterns from Indygo Junction that will tempt you make some cute animals for the youngsters or maybe to bring back some precious childhood memories.

Do you have trouble folding a mitre corner on your binding in place?  Not the sewn 45 degree seam, when you fold your bias to form a little pleat or tuck on the corners - the Minute Miter is a clip to hold the mitre in place, securely and accurately.  Do take a moment to consider these, they are the best thing I've found for those pesky corners.  We now have 3 sizes too.

Till next time,
Judy