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Punch with Judy - September Newsletter 2008


PUNCH WITH JUDY
- SEPTEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

In This Issue:-

1. Shows
2. Retreats
3. What's New?
4. Made in Australia
5. Clubs/Guilds Discounts
6. Specials
7. Stitches Subscribers Offers
8. Free Projects
9. Damaged & Discontinued
10. Tips & Tutorials
11. Gallery
12. Did You Know?
13. Golden Oldies


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Hi Everyone,

Spring....Yes, Spring is here on September 1st.  Our blossom trees and wattle have been flowering and although the mornings are extremely fresh as we're still getting frosts, the days are definately warmer.  No rain about at all, though they do keep promising.  Certainly is still "drought" stricken here.  Lambs are growing, birds are singing, so life is great.

Whilst watching the Olympics and getting carried away with all the excitement, I knitted at night since I just couldn't sit and do nothing.  Made a doggie coat for Pep, Rowan's Dachshund whom we're dog-sitting whilst he's in South Korea again.  Fine little work of art, all shaped, striped to make fashionable, neck, legs, tail bit - the works.  Dressed him up the first night because it's been so cold, got up in the morning to find it not on him.  A search found it discarded and "chewed" off so as torn and with stitches having run down. Yikes!  Not impressed.  Wretched ungrateful animal.  Repaired, challenging him again in short spurts during the times when I can watch him, just till he gets used to the idea that it's not a straight jacket!

Rowan is working back in South Korea for a few weeks and also enjoying catch-up time with his son, Hunter.  He's sent me some photos and the dear little guy has certainly become more interesting as he grows and he's so handsome, a fine young man, now all of 5 months.

Watched our other two grandsons play their Grand Finals of Aussie Rules Footy last Sunday, but not good results.  So close......a draw at full time, a draw after 5 mins extra time each way, then the first to score declared the winner.  Not Nick's team!  Then Reece's team was in front till 3/4 time but couldn't finish off.  Granddaughters have finals next week for Netball and Hockey.  Gee, brings back so many memories of so many years ago.

I've been relaying to you the episodes of John helping Harry with driving his 8 tonne truck to and fro the shows all over the country during the time when Harry has been out of action with a shoulder operation.  When I drove our Van and Trailer to Canberra, with Sandy as my passenger, following John in "his" truck, as we arrived, we all said "whew", glad that's all over and no accidents etc. because Harry was to be functionable again and could drive home himself from Canberra.  Ah no, not the end of this saga!  Some dear Canberrians thought the truck needed brightening up so tried their hands at grafiti all over it and another bus whilst they were parked overnight at Yowani Country Club Motel.  Here's a photo of Harry and the Show Organizers trying very hard to clean it.  Aren't they wretches those who do this for kicks?  Not funny at all.

Having a few weeks at home is so nice, lots of time to catch up on so many things.  Having an extra staff member has allowed us to catch up completely on so many things in the mailroom and the warehouse too.  We welcome Kim to our Punch with Judy staff.  Now, just to get a clone of me...........????

Lots of very important news within this Newsletter, so do read through it all. In my current state of having to take it easier, I'm doing a lot of planning for 2009.  Some changes have to occur.  I'm working on a few of my own ideas but I would truly welcome some from "my group" too please.  I think you will be pleased with what I've come up with so far.  So, come on, email me some of your thoughts for "why don't you do......." and "what I'd like to see on your website is......." 

The challenge is yours, don't let me down.  It's your Newsletter Group too.  It's your Website too.

Happy Sewing,
Your friend,

Judy



1. SHOWS

I've updated the Show Schedule on my website to include our 2009 Calendar of Shows with the announcement of new Shows being added.  I think should prove to be a very interesting year ahead.  The new Textile Art Festival in Brisbane during May, followed Perth's Craft & Quilt Fair, with not enough time for our stock to make it from one side of Australia to the other.  Hence the organizers have been able to bring the Perth Show forward a week. Thank goodness for that.  There's now 11 days in between the two shows rather than only 4 days.  People from the West, please note the new dates for Perth's Craft & Quilt Fair of 13 - 17 May, 2009.

The Gold Coast & Townsville Craft & Quilt Fairs have been renamed Craftfest.  Plus, there are two new Craftfest Shows announced.  6 - 8 March, 2009 at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, Sydney and 9 - 11 October, 2009 at Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne.  Please mark them on your calendar or in your diary.  Go to http://www.craftfest.com.au/ and register for exciting promotional benefits from all the Exhibitors.  You will have a Club Member's Card, barcoded to take part in all the offers. The official launch will be on October 3, 2008.  Even though the Craftfest Shows are from the organizers of the Craft & Quilt Fairs, they promise they'll be different, having different feature displays and offers, plus they boast a lower entry cost.

Had quite a few enquiries last week to bring such and such to the Stitches & Craft Show being held at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney.  We didn't do that show last year and had it on our website all year that we weren't doing it again this year.  Sorry girls.  You'd better tell all your friends that they need to subscribe to this Newsletter to be kept up to date.  Speaking of this show, all Stitches & Craft Shows are owned by Living Creatively since they've bought them outright from Reed Exhibitions.  There's bound to be some changes and should prove interesting times ahead.  Living Creatively had also purchased the Creative Living Expos which had picked up the two show dates that Stitches dropped last year, namely February in Sydney and September in Melbourne.  This was publicly announced and I informed you in my last Newsletter.  The sale has now fallen through.  As a result, both February and September shows have been cancelled. 

Please note:  The September Show next week at Caulfield Racecourse will not take place.  I'm sorry for those whom I've heard had booked flights from Interstate mainly to view the advertised Gee's Bend Quilts, from the deep south of America. 

Next Show on the agenda is the Craft & Quilt Fair in Hamilton NZ from 18 - 21 September, 2008.  Make sure if you're a Kiwi that you attend and keep this show going strongly.  The organizers have put a lot of work into this event and have great displays, numerous Exhibitors, informative workshops and wonderful entertainment for you.

We announced last year that we would not be attending this show.  I've had several orders from customers wishing to collect items from our stand and I am indeed sorry if I'm disappointing our NZ followers.  I told you in 2007 that I would have something special for you, so I'm pleased to announce that ANY order OVER $100.00 during the month of September, mailed to a NZ address, will not only be at the lower Australian Price (than what we would normally sell for on our NZ Stand) less the GST component (9.1%) but will also be sent Air Mail to you POST FREEThis Newsletter Offer must be requested in the Additional Comments section of your online order.  Make sure that you tell your friends and members of any group you belong to, that they should subscribe to our Newsletters because there are all sorts of benefits.

Last Newsletter I gave details of the itinerary for our journey to The Apple Isle (Tasmania) late September to hold some Hands-On Classes and some What's New? demonstrations in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.  If you missed that list, kindly email me and I can forward you the full schedule.  Robyn Miller of Sewknit is taking the bookings for Launceston and Devonport whilst Yvonne Roberts is taking bookings for Hobart.  Respectively, contact Robyn at sewknit@bigpond.net.au and Yvonne at robertsy8@tadaust.org.au  I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time, both John and I are looking forward to catching up with our friends down south.  Remember, bookings are essential.  Hobart is Monday 22nd September, Launceston Tuesday 23rd & 24th with Devonport on Thursday 25th September.  Tassie girls, if there's anything in particular you want demonstrated or even orders of product brought down, please email me within the next two weeks.

The next show we are attending is the Craft & Quilt Fair in Brisbane 22 - 26 October.  We will be on Stand A23 and I'm pleased to confirm to you that Sandra Chandler from Just Curves USA will be our special guest.  Sandra is the inventor of the fabulous Curve Master Presser Foot  and will be demonstrating on our stand plus holding a Daily Trunk Show at 3.30pm as well as a Hands-On Class on Friday evening 5.00pm - 8.00pm.  Details are as follows and please note there are changes to how you must book:

TRUNK SHOW daily at 3.30pm Workshop Number to be announced- Curved Pieced Quilts Made Easy - presented by Sandra Chandler.  Cost is $10.00 and includes a $10.00 discount voucher off any Just Curves Template Set.  Book at Stand A23 or email judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

Hands On Class  Carolina Favourite - The Just Curves Way with Sandra Chandler (USA)
5pm to 8pm Friday 24th October. Fee: $60 (no kit)
Carolina Favourite is a simple American 4-patch block with lots of ways to arrange it. Four templates make this 16" finished block fast! Focus on cutting one or two blocks, then sew them with the Curve Master Presser Foot. Complete at least one block in class. Sandra will discuss the vertical symmetry concepts and techniques for you to explore after class. Templates and the Curve Master Presser Feet are available for use during class. Sewing machines will be provided but if you prefer to bring your own please do so. You will need to bring your own materials - a class requirements list will be provided.

Bonus:  Each attendee will receive a $10.00 discount voucher off a set of Just Curves Templates.  

Expertise Events are no longer taking bookings for these special Hands-On Classes, so please email me to book and receive your requirements list.  Naturally, you may also book at the Show on our stand but you may be disappointed if you leave it till then since we are limited to 15 Students.  Those who emailed me last month expressing interest, will be at the top of the list and I'll contact you next week.

Book at Stand A23 or email judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

 

Like learning new crafts?  We're participating in the Craft Circle classes at Brisbane teaching Kumihimo.

Craft Circle 5 at 11.30am Daily - 1 hour
Kumihimo - The Art of Japanese Braiding - Liz College
Hands-on class - Make a funky zipper pull with this easy to learn braiding you can do anywhere - great for jewellery, bags and embellishments.  Special Kumihimo discs available for use in class.
Kit cost $10.00
Book at Stand A23 or email judy@punchwithjudy.com.au
 
 
I will be holding a Daily Seminar in Workshop 3 at 1.30pm daily.
"How to Use the New Specialty Rulers". I will explain 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. Of course, I add lots of tips and tricks along the way.  This has been very well received with lots of short cuts and "cheating" type patchwork.  Beginners and advanced quilters alike have gained heaps of ideas from this session.

Don't forget your Show Coupons. Print them from our website and bring them to the Show. 
No Coupon, No Special, No Discount! 

2. RETREATS

Regrettably, I had to postpone the two September Retreats until 2009 as stated in my last Newsletter.  I am moving freely again now with the help of those little white pills (can't walk well without them) and have an appointment with a Neurosurgeon this week.  One day I could walk and the next day I couldn't.  Thinking back, I just thought all those little aches were simply getting older signs!   Not so invincible as I had thought just because I've always been so strong and healthy. Thank you again for those who've been so concerned.  I'm fine. 

3. WHAT'S NEW

So many new products for you to peruse under the heading What's New? on my website. There are some that I must mention though.  We all love bags!  Some great new patterns from Nancy Shriber of Contemporary Sashiko plus some new designs from one of my all time favourites StudioKat Designs.  Her ReUse-a-Bag is Eco-Friendly and her new Harmony Handbag will definitely give harmony to your life with its organized style. 

I'm writing an article on Best Bag-Making Tips, so if any would like to add their two cents worth, please email me.

Lots of new products from June Tailor Inc.such as Diamond Cut, Shape Cut Pro, Simple Circles, Quilter's Cut 'n Press 111, Quilter's Creative Station (pictured her), Perfect Piecing, Square 'n Blocker, Around the Block, Perfect Press, Creative Cut Ruler and Create-a-Calendar.

Several new Clover products have been added including a Pen Style Felting Tool, Needle Felting Claw & Mat Cleaner, several Needle Felting Applique Moulds, Crochet & Knitting Needle Cases.  For those who love fibres and textures, we've added Textiva or Angelina Iridescent Fusible Film, Rubbing Plates Shiva Stiks.

Madeira Threads - Rayon, Cotona & Metallic have all been added to the website. Full Colour Charts should be available next week so will add them as soon as possible.

For those who have yearned for more table space when they're sewing, maybe you should consider a Sew Steady Portable Table.  These are so sturdy and take the weight of your quilt or other large project making sewing so much easier.  It is a plexiglass addition that fits snugly around your sewing machine or overlocker giving a much larger workable area.

Another handy little iron for classes or travelling.  Bohin (France) have introduced a Folding Mini Iron that truly is only 2.5" high.  Has to be the smallest little electrical iron I've seen and is suited for our 240v without an adaptor too.

Foldy Stuff patterns are so much fun.  They give a pleated effect with their folds of fabric making them so different.  The best part of them though is that blind freddy could sew their designs and have perfect results everytime.  Great for beginners to patchwork as excellent results are achieved by all.  Two new patterns to whet your appetite, Snails Trails and Hidden Wells will sure to please.

A few new books, just mentioning some - a new one with free-motion quilting designs, felting, quilting and one for using Paintstiks.

4. MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Janny Primrose has a new quilt CD.  Her beautiful Rose Garden Quilt is another fabulous salute to Janny's exquisite designs.  A lot of the designs are from Elegance #2 CD, so if you already have this, we can offer you a discount on the new CD.

Leaenda Ingram has made the front cover of the newly released issue of Machine Embroidery & Textile Art Magazine with her Aloysius Mini Tile Quilt giving a Stained Glass Tile effect.  When Leaenda tutored at our Digitizing Retreat earlier this year, we used this design as one of our learning curves.

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 out on the Olfa Rotary Cutting Mat special we have at present.  It's on the home page at the top right hand side.  A Metric Mat in the large size of 45cm x 60cm for only $25.00.  You may have an Imperial Mat but for this price, how could you pass up a large Metric Mat for those times when your pattern states all Metric measurements?  Just two more days for this monthly special.

C&T Publishing very kindly send me new books to review.  I have ONE each of the following for sale which are not on my website, but if you wish to view them, simply type the title in the Search Icon of their website but make sure you select "title" in the drop down too.  Prices will be whatever is the US Dollar price, I'll sell it to you for the same dollar in Australian Dollars but postage will be added.  eg. If it is US $16.95 then you'll have it for AUS $16.95 plus postage. That's a big saving!  http://www.ctpub.com/index.cfm?siteID=B2C 

A Patrick Lose Christmas by Patrick Lose,      Color Splashed Quilts by Carol Burniston,      Color Your World by Princess Mirah Batiks,      Comfort Quilts from the Heart by Jake Finch,      Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth by Rayna Gillman,      Embellishing with Felted Wool by Mary Stori,      Fast Fun & Easy Fabric Fiddlesticks by Diana Taylor,      Fat Quarter Quilts by M'Liss Rae Hawley,      Fun with One Block Quilts by Cheryl Malkowski,      Fuse and Tell Journal Quilts by Laura Wasilowski,      Life Style by Valerie Wells & Carolyn Spencer,      More Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini,      Neutral Essentials by Alex Anderson,      One Block Wonders - Encore by Maxine Rosenthal & Joy Pelzmann,      Quiet Time Busy Books by Michelle Van Tassell,      Quilted Garden Delights by Holly Knott & Dianne Knott,      Quiltmakers Fancy by various editors,      Quilts, Bibs, Blankies by Kim Schaefer,      Radiant Sunshine & Shadow by Helen Frost & Catherine Skow,      Rectangle Pizzazz by Judy Sisneros,      Scrappy Quilts by M'Liss Rae Hawley, Simply Stunning Woven Quilts by Anna Faustino,      Snowflakes - Papercut - Applique Quilts by Kathy K. Wylie,      Strata Various Quilts by Barbara Persing & Mary Hoover,      Stunning Angleplay Quilts by Alex Anderson & Liz Aneloski,      Sweet Treats by Sandy Bonsib,      Terrific Tees by Roberta de Luz and      The ABC's of Words on Quilts by Elizabeth Scot.

There's some great books listed above and these are offered at a genuine hugely discounted prices.

7. STITCHES SUBSCRIBER OFFERS

Stitches Magazine is about to be reduced to less pages per issue and, sorry to say, one of the features to go is the Stitches Subscribers Offers.  However, we're working on some other benefits of ways to not have you so disappointed.  In the meantime, if you Subscribe to Australian Stitches via our website you will still be eligible to receive all the current monthly specials Punch with Judy offers. There's always four current Issue Offers on my website which allows you plenty of time to consider, even though the magazine states a closing date of one month only for each offer. You recoup your subs fee in no time at all, plus you have all that wonderful reading and knowledge shared. 

Current offers are 3 Piece Trolley Bag Set, Class Project Bag, Sewline Markers & Glue Pen and Compact Caddies.

8. FREE PROJECTS

In this section we have wonderful FREE Projects for you.  Because August was the month of the Olympic Games held in China and September will see the Paralympics, I thought of keeping in tune with China by offering a "Chinese Lantern Pleated Quilt" pattern for you to try the Foldy Stuff Pattern called "Courthouse Steps".  This is truly a great fun project.  Not wanting to make another quilt?  Make a wall hanging, a cushion, a Tablerunner.  Just try it, you'll love it.

9. DAMAGED & DISCONTINUED

The last group of these I offered went so quickly, so this time, email me "fast". You will need to visit the Damaged & Discontinued section to read the extent of the damage.  Current ones include, Borders Made Easy, Tambour Needle Set, Springfield 4" Square, New York Beauty Book/Template, Standard Cut a Round Tool, Hoop-It-All hoop and Mercury Template.

10. TIPS & TUTORIALS

So many Curve Master Presser Feet have been sold during Sandra Chandler's visits to Australia, that I know some may go home from a show and wonder "what did she say"?  So, I've updated the tutorial for using the Curve Master with some very close shots I took at the Canberra Show of Sandy using the fabulous foot.  Please print these off for instructions how to use the foot effectively.  I've also added a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" and a complete list of which adaptor to use with which sewing machine.  All very helpful information.

There's a few new FREE Foldy Stuff Pleated Quilt Patterns for you to print off too if you like their patterns - and who doesn't?

There's a fabulous video of how to use Roxanne's Glue Baste It properly and how to care for your bottle of glue to prevent "glugging" up.  This is really informative.

Next week, we'll be adding some new Projects for using some June Tailor products and some short videos of some of the "At Home with the Experts" DVDs which give you a small glimpse of what the DVD is all about.

11. GALLERY

Don't forget to send me some pics of any projects you complete using products you've purchased from us.  Don't by shy.  If I think they'll give inspiration to others, I'll include them in "your" gallery.  We also have a "student's gallery" too with finished projects from our Retreats.


12. DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that Emu Soap is excellent to banish headlice and nits?  True.  Seems to be a problem that every school has from time to time so keep this in mind.  Try Only Emu No Nits Anti Headlice Soap.

Did you know that your good scissors do need that extra TLC by wiping them with a lightly oiled cloth from time to time and a wee drop of oil on the swivel joint wouldn't go astray either?  Do care for your tools and they'll last you longer and your investment will be better spent.

Did you know that when using the new ceramic markers and any other for that matter, (the Sewline ones are walking out the door) you should mark with a very light touch and remove unneccessary marks as you go with the eraser supplied or with a damp cloth? One of my wonderful customers who is Textile Teacher and founder of a well known School of Creative Needleart has written me a most informative page as a reference guide to marking pens and pencils.  I'll add it to the Tips & Tutorials next week.

Did you know that if you are a registered online user that you receive Punch Rewards Dollars for future FREE spending or as a Cash Discount off your purchases?  Please remember though that this has nothing to do with being subscribed to my Newsletters.  Some get confused between the two.  One is a Registration as an Online User giving you lots of benefits, whereas being subscribed to my Newsletters is simply just that.  Remember too, your Punch Rewards Vouchers, if you have any left, are still valid.

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.

The Wrist Ball Holder is a great way to hold your ball of yarn when knitting, tatting or crocheting.  I wouldn't be without mine.  No more having the ball roll away from you or get tangled.  Made of stainless steel, it hangs around your wrist and swivels to unleash your yarn.  Try it!

I've been informed that the very popular Clover Mini Iron has been deleted from their range, however, I do have plenty in stock at the moment.  If you've been contemplating purchasing one, then maybe you shouldn't wait too long.

 

 

I know this has been a long newsy Newsletter, but let me lighten it a wee bit and give you a belly laugh.  This is apparently a true story.

One of the funniest computer type stories I've read.  Hope you enjoy and DON'T relate to it.

From the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department.  Needless to say the Help Desk Employee was fired, hwoever, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for "Termination without Cause".  What do you think?  Promotion or Dismissal?

Operator:  "Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?"
Caller:      "Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
Operator:  "What sort of trouble?"
Caller:      "Well, I was just typing along and all of a sudden the words went away."
Operator:  "Went away?"
Caller:      "They disappeared."
Operator:  "Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?"
Caller:      "Nothing."
Operator:  "Nothing?"
Caller:      "It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."
Operator:  "Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?"
Caller:      "How do I tell?"
Operator:  "Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?"
Caller:      "What's a sea-prompt?"
Operator:  "Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?"
Caller:      "There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type."
Operator:  "Does your monitor have a power indicator?"
Caller:      "What's a monitor?"
Operator:  "It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?"
Caller:      "I don't know."
Operator:  "Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?"
Caller:      "Yes, I think so."
Operator:  "Great. Follow the cord to the plug and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller:      "Yes, it is."
Operator:  "When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?"
Caller:      "No."
Operator:  "Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."
Caller:      "Okay, here it is."
Operator:  "Follow it for me and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."
Caller:      "I can't reach."
Operator:  "OK. Well, can you see if it is?"
Caller:      "No."
Operator:  "Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"
Caller:      "Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark."
Operator:  "Dark?"
Caller:      "Yes - the office light is off and the only light I have is coming in from the window."
Operator:  "Well, turn on the office light then."
Caller:      "I can't."
Operator:  "No? Why not?"
Caller:      "Because there's a power failure."
Operator:  "A power .... A power.....A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff that your computer came in?"
Caller:     "Well, yes, I keep them in the closet."
Operator: "Good. Go get them and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."
Caller:     "Really?  Is it that bad?"
Operator: "Yes, I'm afraid it is."
Caller:     "Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
Operator: "Tell them you're too stupid to own a computer!!!"


Till next time,
Judy


Judy Hall
Punch with Judy
P.O. Box 62
THE ROCK (near Wagga)
N.S.W. AUSTRALIA. 2655

Website: http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/
Phone: 02 6920 2238
International Phone: 61 26920 2238
Email: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au
Fax: 02 6920 2021
International Fax: 61 26920 2021