Punch with Judy - September 2005 Newsletter
Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au
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In This Issue:-
1. Shows & Workshops
2. Retreats
3. Specials
4. What's New?
5. Made in Australia
6. Magazines
7. Did You Know?
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Hello Everyone,
Well, the next week never came after my last Newsletter to you stating that you’d have this one shortly after it. Too many shows and things to do in August, it becomes a very busy time.
From the phone calls I’ve had, many visited Melbourne’s Stitches & Craft Show this week expecting to find us in our usual Show Stand and were disappointed to realize Punch with Judy just wasn’t attending this year. Maybe those visitors don’t receive my Newsletters because I had mentioned that quite emphatically in my last two Newsletters. A couple of enquiring people do and simply replied, “Yes, I do, but I don’t read it ALL?”
Many also phoned asking was I giving the Show Circuit up? No, I’m just trying not to kill myself with the “push” and making a firm stand upon what is right for us and which shows we choose to attend and doing so with my feet. We’ve just had two shows on end without a day in between and then would’ve only been home one week before going to Melbourne plus packing and sending our stock to New Zealand within that week too. Enough is enough. Thank you to all my caring customers though.
During the Sydney Show we attended the Gala Dinner for the presentation of the Awards for our Quilting Industry organized by Pride Publishing who publish many magazines but this night was mainly under the helm of Down Under Quilts magazine. There were many sponsors too, Bernina Australia being the main one and should be acknowledged. I am not going to go into all the awards because I feel until more people know about this “voting system” it will take time until full respect is earned. Now, you may think that harsh, however, not only my eyebrows were raised but many others too. I’m just making you aware of this opportunity to vote for your most popular categories so that results are broadened for more people’s view. Maybe you don’t even read the magazine in which you may place your preferences. Groups and Guilds maybe should share this opportunity. I am trying to be constructive here, please don’t send me heaps of what we call “flame emails”.
Nevertheless, there was one award that was deservedly won. Gloria McKinnon of Anne’s Glory Box in Hamilton NSW was this year’s winner of the coveted award for her contribution to the Quilting Industry over the years. A very popular choice and the list of who’s who and what’s what associated with this “Grand Dame”, as she is affectionately known, was enough to leave us all exhausted with “just how does she do all this?” Gloria has been a friend for more years than we both care to recall and if you visit our Show Stand after 4pm each day and can’t see John, then you know Don has been around and the two have escaped. (Don is Gloria’s hubby) Congratulations to Gloria, a truly deserved recipient voted by a panel of three respected industry people. In future though, it will be by your votes. Hmm.
Many changes will take place at the end of this year, so if you have any likes or dislikes or ideas of what you may like to have included, why you like or don’t like aspects of websites in general, then please “feed” me some ideas. What makes you buy online?
Well, I DID IT! Yes, I went up in a Hot Air Balloon on the Sunday morning of the Canberra Show last month. Harry the Legend & I have been trying to do this for the last four years and we finally made it. A few more Exhibitors joined us for what has to be one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. Just beautiful. I’d go again tomorrow. If you get a chance, just do it! It was very foggy in patches, very early in the morning and minus degrees on the ground. Amazingly, it was warmer up there than on the ground and the other fascinating fact was there was no wind because you were moving with the current, so no breeze at all. Absolutely exhilarating! GO!
New Warehouse is now all pegged out and the trenches and post holes are being dug out. Framework in progress. Proceeding nicely. I still can’t believe it is happening.
God’s Little Acre looks a picture at the moment as we’ve had adequate rain (sorry for those of you who haven’t) resulting in the Lucerne all greened up and sprouting, crops are growing, paddocks look like green velvet, wattle is out everywhere and the pink blossoms up our driveway are bursting. The lambs are baaaaing, even though I have yet another Poddy Lamb. Lost many lambs because it’s been cold and even lost some we’ve tried to bottle feed, but this little weed is doing well and is so lively. The girls in the office are sharing quarters with it at times so it thinks it has four Mums! Won't mention that HIM took the little pet in the ute for a ride down to the bottom paddock, but because it promptly twiddled on the seat as HIM was putting the other HIM in, trousers had to be changed upon arrival back home. Guess who the lamb thinks Daddy is?
Even the turkeys know it is Spring! Big Bird certainly has his hormones working and guards Fifi from anyone who comes within 10 feet. So, you never know. At least he has the right attitude and not like poor old Fergie.
Shall leave you with the above painted picture of heaven and hope the world is treating you well too.
Happy Father's Day to all our menfolk who read my Newsletters too.
Happy Sewing,
Your friend,
Judy
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1. 2005
SHOWS CALENDAR
For a complete listing of all the major Shows for 2005, visit our Show
Schedule section.
NZ CRAFT & QUILT FAIR, HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
My Pre Show "Machine Embroidery Seminar" on Tuesday 20th September from 2.00pm - 4.00pm at the Waikato Events Centre.
When I held my last Machine
Embroidery Retreat at Wagga (home) I had four ladies travel from NZ to attend,
at such great cost, dollar, time and luggage wise! They insisted I should hold
the same in NZ as they had friends in their groups who wished they could’ve
come too, but distance and dollars prevented that. This is the best I can do
for you just at present, so do join me for this informative seminar, hopefully,
answering all the questions you may have to improve your machine embroidery.
My Pre Show Seminar on “Photos to Fabric” will be held on Wednesday 21st September from 10.00am to 12 noon at the Waikato Events Centre.
You don't have to be a computer whiz, come and enjoy this very informative seminar.
I have a great range of
inspirational ideas for you to be so creative. Not just heirloom quilting with
photos; you really will be amazed with these modern techniques.
Don't miss this opportunity as it won't be repeated in New Zealand again.
Each of these will cost NZ$35.00 and will also include some very valuable Lucky Door Prizes and other surprises. Money wisely spent!
There are still vacancies so please contact myself or Rebecca Reed on
(02) 9452 7542 or email her at rebeccar@expertiseevents.com.au to book.
Remember too, if you mention
you receive my Newsletters, then ask for our
special FREE gift for you. I have only a limited number for New Zealand so ask
early!
My daily workshop will be
held in Workshop 2 at 12 noon daily showing you
new products for both Patchwork and Machine Embroidery. This is only a 20
minute session in which I demonstrate and explain some new products to you
but is always well worth attending to keep up to date.
Tuesday 6th September is the cut off date for requests from Kiwis to have anything in particular brought over to New Zealand for you for collection at the Show. You must realize I can’t possibly bring all my normal “show range of products” so don’t be disappointed on the show stand that I don’t have something. ASK NOW. Our stock leaves this Wednesday.
CRAFT & QUILT FAIR BRISBANE
This takes place from 19-23 October at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank.
Remember, it is a five day Show.
My Pre Show Seminar on “Photos to Fabric” will be offered on the evening of Tuesday 18th October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm enabling workers to attend as well.
CRAFT & QUILT FAIR ADELAIDE
The above will be repeated in Adelaide at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds on Wednesday 2nd November from 2.00pm till 4.00pm. The Show commences on Thursday 10th until Sunday 13th November.
Bookings are open now the cost of which is $30.00
Please refer above for all the details as they are the same as for NZ.
2006 SHOW DATES
I have the dates for next years Craft & Quilt Fairs and Stitches & Craft Shows if anyone wants to email me for those. Shall put them on my website later in the year but you should be considering attending the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre (different venue to this year) from 27th – 30th January, 2006. A little earlier to avoid the Commonwealth Games influx to Melbourne.
2.
RETREATS
Bookings are flowing for these Retreats for next year, so don't delay emailing
me if you are interested in attending. Deposits aren't required until early
next year but students are enrolling now so thought I should inform you. I think
I’m going to have to add more Retreat dates as these will ALL be booked
out. Problem is the calendar doesn’t allow much room for adjustments.
Organize your time, holidays, money, family or whatever and join us for the following.
Just repeating what I said last Newsletter……………..
Machine Embroidery Retreat
9th - 11th July, 2006
Have you a computerized sewing machine but don't know the full capacity of
what it is able to do? This is a specially designed workshop with you in
mind!
Learn from our special guest tutor and myself, how to get the best from your
investment.
We will cover correct hooping, choice of correct stabilizers, threads &
needles, exact placement and how to use various accessories. Projects done
show how to use The Sewing Revolution correctly, other positioning and
dissecting designs, photos to fabric and so forth.
Suitable to all brands of machines and for the novice to the expert.
Machine Embroidery Retreat
14th & 15th July, 2006
Many past students of our usual 3 Day ME Retreat have requested they have a
follow up Retreat, so we have organized this as our first. Students must
have completed our Machine Embroidery Retreat prior to attending this one.
Simply follows on with more advanced techniques and ideas.
Patchwork Retreat 4th
- 6th May, 2006
Not the usual "this is how to patchwork" type class, but rather using
the
new shortcuts and techniques that make the difficult within the "easy range"
using various new equipment and patterns.
Very achievable for all levels of patchwork knowledge, including those with
NONE.
I will offer a range of topics from which you may choose so as absolute
beginners will be able to attend as well as those who have more experience
and need new challenges and learn new techniques.
Briefly, the Retreat will cover several topics from which the girls can choose. Final details are not all typed up as yet, but basically, we'll cover some of the "Foldy Stuff", the Lone Star from Quiltsmart, Double Wedding Ring from Phillips Fiber Art, plus their other methods for Attic Window, Bargello in the Round and possibly Mariner's Compass.
Shall be pretty good and will cover a wide variety of techniques. I'd say students could choose 5 of their choice.Of course, if anyone wants to do my method of Stained Glass Appliqué or reverse foundation piecing method from Cynthia England's range of Picture Piecing Patterns, then that's fine too. We've covered these for a few years but some may have missed out and wish to learn these methods.
Selecting correct colours, correct cutting, new ways to cut Half Square Triangles, a demo on some new rulers...................need I go on???
3.
SPECIALS
Don't forget
to visit the website at the beginning of each month to see what our Monthly
Special Offer is in the revolving text on the home page. I don't tell you, you
have to visit the website.
September’s Special has a great opportunity for those who love Appliqué
and Stained Glass applications.
Re the Stabilizer Specials I mentioned before – I’ve decided to opt for a 30cm, 25cm & 20cm choice, all to be 100m in length on a roll. These widths will then suit everyone’s hoops, so the decision will be to please everyone! These will be ready by the end of next week and will be added to the website soon after. As a preview though, Medium Tearaway Stabilizer 30cm x 100m roll $25.00, 25cm x 100m roll $21.00 and 20cm x 100m roll $16.50. Prices include GST. That’s right, hoop size width by 100 metres!
Similar great prices for Cutaway Stabilizer, Medium Iron On Stabilizer, Soft Tearaway Stabilizer and Rinse Away Stabilizer. I’m willing to take your orders now via email until they get added to the website.
DAMAGED ITEMS
Who was the lady who requested the damaged 6 x 24 inch Springfield Ruler? Please
contact me again.
I have some templates for Fabric Bowls and Fabric Bread Baskets damaged in transit if anyone wants for half price. Only needs a little glue.
4. WHAT'S NEW?
NEWS! The new smaller sized Block Marking Board from The Sewing Revolution Company
is now in stock retailing for $55.00. Email orders until added to the website.
Olfa’s Rotating Cutting Mat is now in stock and has an introductory offer to you of $49.95. Will be added to the website in the next update, but you can order it now. This one is in Imperial as opposed to the Metric version by Clover which is $79.95 too. I just love the idea of the Rotating Mats and use my discontinued June Tailor Turn-Style constantly. However, I wish these companies would listen to quilters that a 12 inch or a 12.5 inch mat is not as useful as one only slightly larger so as we have room to square up a 12 inch block that has to be cut to 12.5 inches allowing for seam allowances!!!! Grrr.
Agree???
Ricky Tims’ DVD’s are now in stock and these are even autographed! Now you don’t get that elsewhere do you? Competitively priced and an absolute joy to watch. Full details on the website. Spoke to Ricky today and he’s asked me to report to you regarding his recent visit to Australia that the only reason he wasn’t teaching in Sydney during his schedule was because he wasn’t asked. Really think that was a shame but maybe Sydney shops weren’t aware of his visit till it was all finalized. I’ve invited him to The Rock on his next visit. Just a reminder too that we distribute his Razzle Dazzle Thread made for him by Superior Threads.
The complete range of colours
has been updated for both the following Superior Threads.
Several new colours to choose from.
Razzle Dazzle by Superior Threads
King Tut by Superior Threads now in a 500yd spool
Quiltsmart have some new kits added to their range which I am expecting delivery of soon. Their kits are becoming more popular than their panels because they contain so much information in their instructions.
The current craze of Fabric Bowls has spread to so many other items now. The makers of fast2fuse Interfacing have released some new templates that are user-friendly because of their durable flexibility compared to the acrylic templates.
View the fast2cut templates here.
While you’re making these items, check this new item out.
New from the Vilene people…..Lamifix a great way to “laminate” your fabric.
One of our most popular stabilizers is Polymesh Plus, so you’ll be pleased to know we have added Polymesh Plus Fusible to our range.
Just for your convenience, we have added a Travel Adaptor for use with some of the items from USA that has a two point plug different from our three point plug. This converter is all that is needed for many items as not all require a “Step-Down” Transformer. The Decorative Touch Applicator Wand by L’orna is a perfect example.
You will love this new Heirloom Shirt.
Several new Patchwork and Quilting Books have been added.
What a great bag to make from two squares of fabric? You won’t stop at just one! Simple Soft Sack will become a favourite with you for gift giving or craft stalls.
A new bag pattern from Design & Planning Concepts – Tote Trio. This will become a firm favourite since it is so versatile. It is a shoulder tote, a backpack and a supertote.
New patterns for Stained Glass too. I’ve added many to the Haddrick on Fabric range for you to choose from.
Plus, a great new pattern
from the Patchwork Studio.
Their Three Swans Dragon has a wonderful
oriental image.
A few new rulers to choose
from.
The new All In One Ruler may just be
the only one ruler you will ever need.
Fussy Cut Ruler Set - The Ultimate tool for use with all of Jan Krentz’s books.
45° Diamond Guide in two sizes - 3 inch and 6.5 inch.
All the Creative Curves
Rulers and Books have now been added to our range.
These are something to really get your teeth into.
Creative Curves Rulers
Creative Curves Books
Leanda's Sewbiz
Leaenda has captured the beauty of an embroidery from the past era called Richelieu. Traditionally, “RICHELIEU EMBROIDERY” has an open-cut effect which Leaenda has cleverly devised a two tone embroidery to give the look of cut-work without any holes. You really must take a peep at this. I think it is SO clever.
Whilst there, if you have teenagers, here’s a collection of digitized designs with them in mind. “GRAFFITTI” is created for the younger generation and is not your normal type embroidery designs at all. She even included a tractor in it, just for John, so she says!
With Swarovski Crystals being so popular at present, Leaenda has designed, exclusively for Punch with Judy, the most beautiful Heart Shaped Lace Box that you may adorn with Crystals. This exquisite Heart is the perfect gift for any special occasion to be remembered by for storing those little treasured memories. At only $19.95 it’s a must for any keen machine embroiderer. CD plus Water Soluble Stabilizer.
Leaenda’s collection can be viewed here, including these new ones.
Glenn Harris has added “FURRY FRIENDS” to his Machine Embroidery CD range which will delight the young folk whilst there are several others that I’ve now added to the website from his vast collection.
A reminder re the Glenn
Harris special limited offer. Some of his CD's have
a FREE Bonus Disc Offer of 20 designs on a limited edition CD.
Glenn also has made available for us a special introductory CD for only
$19.95 containing an assortment of his designs simply to encourage machine
embroiderers who have never used his designs previously, to purchase same
and thereby possibly enjoy them so much that they may then purchase more in
the future. Great idea and represents excellent value. Have a look at “Limited
Edition” as it is value plus.
View the whole range including the SIX new ones here.
Janny Primrose has a new CD out too. Though not yet on my website, I did want to tell you about it because it is a CD for Quilters! At every seminar I conduct, I ask who does both Machine Embroidery and Patchwork. 50% enthusiasts do! So, here’s a collection of 24 Traditional Patchwork Designs digitized for you to embroider. $69.95. Remember, only emailed orders for this as yet.
Another new book we’ve had at the last two shows has been an absolute walkout. I mean, I’ve been dumbfounded at the sales. Suzanne Gray of Hooley Dooley fame for her beautiful patterns of “house type cushions” has now released her designs into a book which form a complete quilt of quaint appliquéd houses that are to drool over. The detail in the embellishments is part of the fun. There’s even a Christmas Tree Skirt, Sewing Machine Cover and Tote Bag included. Made in Australia and the price is GREAT. $28.95. Email me if you want a photo of it since it won’t be on the website till next update. Just couldn’t wait to rave on about it though. I also have her two Christmas Stockings patterns too. Congratulations Suzanne! I love promoting excellent Aussie Products.
There’s a fiest of new items in the Machine Embroidery Magazine section as I have updated it to include the editorial on the L’orna Decorative Touch Applicator Wand for attaching Hot Fix Swarovski Crystals and the like, the Fabric Boxes article, my beautiful Pleated Fish and three new cutwork designs using our Stencil Burner.
There is also an update on Shopping Basket for Australian Stitches Magazine.
7. DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the Gingher Scissor Company has been bought out by Fiskars and the previously “Made in Germany” Ginghers will now be made in Mexico? Yet another icon gone, in my opinion.
Did you know that if you have trouble threading a needle and let’s face it, who doesn’t, then you must remember that the eye of the needle is stamped out? So, simply turning the needle around may be all that is required to make it easier for the thread to pass through the eye. Also, you should always cut a length of thread and thread the needle with the first end that comes off the reel and it certainly helps to cut it at an angle too. I hope this helps you next time you think your eyes are failing you.
Did you know that you don’t have to put your Credit Card details on each online order you place with Punch with Judy? Simply fill in a whole row of zeros. How? Ask for us to keep your details safely filed away for future use. First time around though, you’ll have to phone or fax us those numbers. Some just put it on the first website order then never again. Makes sense and keeps your mind at ease. Just another service for you.
Did you know that the SEARCH icon on the top of my website can help you find a product quickly? Do you use it? There is also a complete online alphabetical list of all the products on my website that sometimes can help you too. Otherwise, simply email me for assistance.
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