Punch with Judy - Happy New Year 2011
PUNCH WITH JUDY - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 NEWSLETTER
1. Year in Review 2. Best Sellers in 2010 3. Most Rewarding and Best Memories for 2010 4. Website's 10th Birthday 5. New Year's Resolution Hints 6. Wise Words for 2011 |
||
|
HAPPY
NEW YEAR to everyone! We say it every year - where has the last year gone? But it's true! What a full year it has been again. I shall report on my Year in Review further down. If you wish to catch up on our Christmas Celebrations, you may do so by visiting my blog. http://punchwithjudy.blogspot.com/ You really should sign up to receive it directly into your mailbox as I often post personal happenings, newsy stuff for business and tips on using products. We certainly had an enjoyable Christmas though cut short for John having to return home to complete his summer job driving a wheat truck for someone else for their harvest. Today he is baling lucerne hay from our front paddock, the second cutting - that's how good the weather has been to us. We've had more rain this year than any since we've lived here. Tis hot now, but the lead up to summer has been quite a lot cooler than normal. The country is browning off now but has been magnificent. Just a shame recent heavy rain spoilt many crops when it did look as though the farmers would have a bumper harvest. It will flow through to city people when produce is scarce so prices soar. Expect to have a 70% rise in your cotton products - that means your quilting fabric! We've been warned by overseas producers. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too. I was spoilt with a beautiful gold bracelet which I just happened to see whilst shopping for a watch for Jasmine - fell in love with it but walked out because it wasn't a few dollars. John insisted I go back if I liked it so much and I didn't take much pushing. Love it.
My New Year's Resolution is to try to find a solution to the wretched little sparrows from nesting in the eaves of the warehouse and in John's sheds and causing such a mess. Anyone got any solutions? The large fake Owls I purchased last Christmas are useless, so are the rubber snakes hanging around. Tried the old CDs hanging too. Prize for another remedy that is successful for us. May John and I wish you a very
Happy New Year - may it bring good health, prosperity and happiness to
you. We thank you for your support during 2010 and hope we may continue to
serve you well in 2011. BRING IN THE NEW YEAR! Keep it safe. Happy
Sewing, Judy | ||
Santa was kind to John too. We saw some Hanging
Chairs at Henty Field Days which he liked, so I bought as a surprise but now he
says there's too many flies and mosquitos to use it on the back verandah.
One can't win! Between the grasshoppers and the mosquitos this year it is
hard to be an outside person at all.
 1. YEAR IN REVIEW
The Show Schedule for 2011 is on my website. Our Machine Embroidery Retreats were a huge success this year, having to add an extra one to accommodate those wishing to attend. Thinking ahead, I've scheduled two for September 2011 and bookings are already very strong. Many are returning, so that's as good a recommendation as you can get. They must have enjoyed them and are eager to learn more.
Couple of snaps of those who completed the September Retreats this year.
2. BEST SELLERS IN 2010 We had several old favourites that still top the charts with their popularity; such as our Pleat Makers, Fasturn Turning Tools and Punchneedle Sets plus several smaller haberdashery items, particularly the Clover Range of Products, but once again which product topped the list? The Curve Master Presser Foot! With the help of Sandra Chandler from USA, the designer and inventor, attending a few shows, it continued to be the Best Seller for 2010. Other BIG sellers were the Bendable
Bright Light, Fabulous
Fabric Glide, Sew Slip,
Texture
Magic, Stencil
Burner, Clover's
Stack 'n Store Bobbin Tower, Clover
range of Yo-Yos and a huge amount of Patterns
for the Yo-Yos from Indigo Junction. By far the best of the newcomers was the Mylar Embroidery Sheet which is so much fun to use and so easy. The new magazines Down Under Textiles and Embellish rated very highly too and good to see so many Australian products doing so well. In the pattern ranges, Joan's Own Creations still outshone as they do year after year. Joan's Applique patterns have really captured everyone's imagination. Closely followed by StudioKat Designs range of fabulous Bag Patterns. Lazy Girl Designs, By Annie and Susa Glenn Designs with her Sewing Whimsies were all strong sellers too. Of the new pattern ranges, I'm extremely pleased how these four bag pattern newcomers are progressing. Purse-O-Nality, Sewphisti-Cats, The Creative Thimble and Turkey Tracks. In the Machine Embroidery CDs our own Yesteryear topped the charts. My Tags and My Labels in our own exclusive range digitized by Leaenda Ingram were hot too. How wonderful! The range of Hatched in Africa and Julie Hall Designs continued to sell very well too as did the Mylar Embroidery Designs from Purely Gates. Do check all the above out so as you don't miss out on "what's hot"! Also check out "What's New?" on the website. Don't forget the Pleat Maker Online Class commences on 1st February and I'll be announcing a new Mystery Quilt Online using Westalee Design Products. More in January. 3. MOST REWARDING AND BEST MEMORIES FOR 2010 Most Rewarding Accomplishment for 2010: Definitely having my Blog up and running. It has been fun really. I try to keep it different to the Newsletters, so if you haven't logged on, do so. I intend to have more "how to use it" articles since the last one featuring laminating with Heat 'n Bond Iron-On Vinyl. Best Achievement for 2010: There's a few here. Business wise, I'd have to say the updates behind the scenes to the website making it easier to navigate and find things; the addition of the complete Product Price List in pdf format for you on the website so as you may see our entire range of products (there are numerous ones not displayed on the actual website) and this month's changeover to Real Time Payments with SSL for your added security in today's challenging world of internet. Best Farm Accomplishment for 2010: John got his record price for some lambs and older ewes and has had excellent lucerne crops so we have plenty of hay to feed the stock for another year. Best Memory for 2010: Most
definitely my trip to England and Scotland! WOW! I'm still reliving
every moment when I look at my photos and my souvenirs. Thank you to all
who followed me on my Blog with my daily reports, particularly of the Birmingham
Festival of Quilts Show. Wasn't it great? I went with two really
good friends and we had an absolute ball. Had invited two other good
friends too but they were unable to squeeze it in. I'd go again in a
flash! I'm still in awe at the history and just EVERYTHING. Worst Memory for 2010: Last year it was bushfires, this year it was floods. The Rock got flooded in October and many had to evacuate. The township was cut off and many poor souls had their houses under water. We didn't suffer too much damage since we live high on a hill, but we did feel for those who weren't so fortunate. Plus, even now, there's so much of NSW and QLD suffering their worst floods in 50 years. Most Thanks for 2010: Just surviving and keeping fairly healthy during a very busy year is in itself an achievement to be thankful for. For our three wonderful 'kids" (still call them that) for their constant support and love amidst the gruelling lifestyle we lead. For our grandchildren who provide me with everlasting relief from my work and whom I'm so very proud of, as if you wouldn't have guessed if you are a regular reader! Special mention to Liz and Sandy who have become two of my best friends, though they are work associates too. To Carol, for always being there with an ear, that's a true friend, as does Terese on a near daily basis. Two of my "rocks" are fellas - to Harry and Kerry, thank you. To Robyn for continuing travelling Interstate to tutor our Machine Embroidery Retreat. To those students who have attended ALL my classes all year at the shows, at the Retreats and Online Classes. You keep me inspired to achieve more! Penny helps me at the shows and has been called upon at the last minute a few times this year for extras and has always jumped in with a "yes", of course, I can be there and do whatever. To the Show Organizers, Expertise Events, a special thank you for staging excellent Shows and for working well together. Team effort. Looking forward to the new plans for 2011 which all dressmakers will be very excited about when news is released. To Adrienne, my webmaster - BOY, what a year we have had together? If ever you want an excellent webmaster, she's the one! Thank you Adrienne, you have always been there when needed with the right advice and have been willing to compromise when I haven't wanted to take it! We work fine together really. To my staff at home who have managed through the year with sometimes being hectic, some stressful but mostly going smoothly. Thanks to Brenda, Kim and Gloria. Special Thanks to my other
half: Poor John gets ridiculed during the year and this is no
exception. He not only makes the Pleat Makers, refines your Stencil
Burners, packs stuff and prints the orders to name only a few, but he Will he survive 2011? It has been a major accomplishment to get him computer savvy, so here he is at his own computer. 4. WEBSITE'S 10TH BIRTHDAY Don't forget to check the website each day for our wonderful Daily Specials as our thank you for being customers during the past.
Remember too, that EVERY Online Website Order for the month of January goes into our Lucky Draw for the Grand Prize of an Open Order to the value of $150.00 for a spending spree. Runner-Up $100.00 and Third Prize $50.00.
Each day in January, from 8am AEDST, click on the Birthday cake to find out the daily special. 5. NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION HINTS: Taken from Kaye Wood's Newsletter but I know she won't mind me passing it on. It's good advice. Here are some tips to help
you obtain and stick to your New Year's
Resolutions! 1)
Be realistic. 6. WISE WORDS FOR 2011 These wise words were written by a 90 year old and I'm sure, whatever your age, you will appreciate the wisdom. Regina Brett from Ohio, USA, wrote the following saying "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written". 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick, Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's ok to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's ok to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry: God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Ged rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no-one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The important sex organ is the brain. 25. No-one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words "In five years, will it matter?" 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive everyone everything. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time does NOT heal everything. Give time time to let some love heal you. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No-one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative --- dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 42. The best is yet to come...... 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." I hope you enjoy this wisdom and allow your children to read it too, they are our future.
We all have something to celebrate so see the New Year in with a lot of noise and excitement.
May the New Year 2011 Bring you Good
Health, Success with what you
attempt, Happiness with what you
achieve and Good Friends to share it
with!
Till
next time,
| |||||
Once
again 2010 entertained us with exhibiting at 12 Shows Nationally, teaching Hands
On Classes, presenting Daily Seminars, Guest on "Ask the Experts",
demonstrating at Discovery Desks plus a few "What's New?" type day classes in
Perth. The Ruching Flowers workshops were very well attended and my
Seminars on Binding Methods were often with "standing room only". Pretty
full year really. I hope you enjoyed our Show Stands and our
presentations. Have already new ones planned for 2011, just waiting on
confirmation of acceptance by the show organizers.
Threads and Stabilizers continued to sell
well all year as did the 
You can still read about it on my 
transports
all our stuff to the Shows and suffers with the unpacking and packing. We
won't mention his silly antics such as recently arriving home after picking up a
new trailer, only to find he'd lost the tailgate (with the number plate attached
I might add) somewhere on the way home between Yass and The Rock!!! Then
there was the episode at Canberra whereby I'd asked him to drive downtown to
purchase some Toothbrushes which I'd forgotten to pack. Off he went loudly
telling me that he wasn't going shopping, but his guilt conscience got the
better of him and he did. However, he couldn't find a parking spot, so
popped in where he shouldn't have had since he'd only be a moment! You
guessed it. The most expensive toothbrushes known to mankind! Well
over $100 for the parking ticket! We won't mention that we still have
never found his mobile phone in the paddock (somewhere) nor his good glasses in
the hayshed, nor his leather jacket that he has no idea where it is and swears
he never wore it off the farm.
BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATIONS 
