Punch with Judy's Blog

January Lucky Draw Winners

2012-02-03T23:22:00.000+11:00

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF OUR JANUARY LUCKY DRAW

Three lucky people have won a SPENDING SPREE on ANY items throughout the entire website for participating in our January Website’s 11th Birthday Celebrations. Thank you to everyone for sharing the fun and frivolity for the whole month of January, day by day.

CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS!
1st Prize of $150.00 Rosemary Goulding, Vic
2nd Prize of $100.00 Jill Henderson, Vic
3rd Prize of $50.00 Elizabeth DiBlasio, NSW

We have now started collating the orders and mailing them out. It will take a while, so please email me if you need your goodies for our Online Classes that have already commenced or if you need your order quickly. Otherwise, please be patient with us as we have a mammoth task ahead of us this month. My wonderful staff are working extra hours to try and have everything finalized before I leave for a trip to USA, catching up with friends whilst looking for new products and ideas to share with you.

A new "INTO CRAFT" Newsletter has been published and my regular column "Nifty Notions" in this issue is discussing different ways of taking up hems, particularly for school clothing now that kids are back at school. I hope you enjoy the reading (with a little humour) and appreciate the hints, tips, projects and ideas in all the articles presented.

Sew Daily recently published a different way of cutting bias strips, giving credit to John the Slipcover Guy and they have kindly given permission to me to publish it for discussion. I certainly appreciate their co-operation. Please post your comments.

I want to share his brilliant method for cutting bias strips lickety-split:

1. Cut a good-sized square of the fabric you want to use to make bias strips. I use the entire width of the fabric.

2. Fold the fabric in half, matching two opposite corners, like a napkin.

3. Bring each lower corner to the centre, so that they are overlapping and your fabric now resembles an envelope.

4. Fold the fabric in half again, bringing the right side to the left. Your fabric now looks like half of a house.

5. Cut perpendicular to the last fold, cutting across in strips. When you unfold the strips, they will be on the bias. Tada!

What do you think?

Note: Cut the bias strips (horizontal in this picture)
commencing from the lower edge shown here.

I add this because the first time I cut I used the diagonal top edge shown here as my guide and cut them parallel to it. Drrrr. Result? Ziz-zag strips! Just as well I was only playing around with a folded serviette to trial the idea!

Don't forget our Online Classes have commenced and also mark your calendar for the Shows you wish to attend this year - we're into the swing of it already!

Happy Australia Day

2012-01-26T22:26:00.000+11:00

In my Australia Day Newsletter I gave details of a wonderful local Mum, Sarah Mycroft, who became the first woman to run, yes, literally run, around Australia. Do you receive my Newsletters?

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY! Our local Shire held celebrations at The Rock, my home town, so I enjoyed the morning in the heat watching the presentations and being an AUSSIE with the normal damper, egg and sausage brekky.

It's always a lot of fun, normally hot and dry like it was today, so everyone is also thirsty - good excuse.

Today was no exception so thought you may enjoy some country small town celebrations.

Our future - small children playing with their Aussie Flags.

The presentation platform on a hired truck is behind the marquee tent.

Another view where the food was being offered.

Because it is AUSTRALIA DAY, allow me to brag about some MADE IN AUSTRALIA products! Three of our grandchildren attended school formals towards the end of 2011 and we're proud of them.

Kirsten is 18 and about to enter Wollongong Uni for Nursing. Nicholas is 17 and attending Albury High.

Courtney is 16 (the one in blue) and attending St. Johns in Nowra on the South Coast of NSW.

My regulars have followed these youngsters growing up over the years!

The girls' Jack Russell pet, Mollie, gave birth to some puppies a fortnight ago and today youngest Grandson, Hunter, was visiting them and the look on his face tells it all!

Hope you don't mind me indulging on a special day like today is!

Westalee Patchwork Online Classes

2012-01-19T10:45:00.000+11:00

The year is starting to get into full swing with many now returning from Annual Holidays and I've been busy planning 2012 with new Online Classes to offer you.

One of our most popular Online Classes held in 2011 was most definitely the Westalee Mystery Sampler Quilt and another commences on 1st February 2012; enrollments and pre class communications are in progress now, if you'd like to consider joining us. Many past students wanted to continue, so I am proud to announce an "exclusive to Punch with Judy" course commencing on 15th February 2012 from Westalee Design Rulers.

The "Westalee Constellation Quilt" will certainly give you more than first meets the eye as the classes will also include a second quilt using the Constellation Series plus fabulous new ideas for the Double Wedding Ring and Dresden Plate - old favourites. I'm so excited about what we have in this course and it's only $30.00 for the whole 10 lessons - that's total, not each lesson!

Of course, other Online Classes commence in the following months and you may consider any of those here including Punchneedle Embroidery, Pleat Maker and Curve Master - all repeat Online Classes.

If you don't know how Online Classes are presented, you may wish to attend our first WEBINAR to be announced shortly. Read about what a Webinar is here.

Have you visited my website this week? Tell me what you think of our new Home Page and Shop Page? Tried to make it a little more compact so as you could see things at a glance.

Would appreciate your comments.

Don't forget to visit EVERY day during January to see what the daily special offer is during our JANUARY WEBSITE'S 11TH BIRTHDAY SALE. There have been some fabulous bargains and more to come!

ENJOY! My way of saying THANK YOU for being loyal customers.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-05T00:26:00.000+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my bloggers!

Another great year to look forward to.

May I extend Best Wishes to everyone.

HEALTH, WEALTH & PROSPERITY.

2012 was ushered in at our house by the female members of the family because ALL the males were in bed before the clock struck 12! Grandsons had gone "out celebrating" with their mates, but our Granddaughters livened the place up with their antics.

This is "before" and the following is "after" the lights went out!

Their luminous hats and glasses glowed in the dark.

They had so much fun with these. Purchased in a packet and they had to make them up.

As all teenagers do today, communicate with friends via Facebook - one of them told "city" friends they were celebrating at Grandma's & Grandpa's emu farm - what a hoot! Friend said "kiss an emu for me"! Jasmine and Ashleigh decided to take up the challenge and went down the paddock in the dark with camera ready to do just that. Naturally, the emus weren't interested but the giggles of these two in the paddock in the dark soon changed as "Midge" heard them and came bolting up frightening the living daylights out of them. So, they settled for the next best - sending their friends via Facebook a photo of Jasmine kissing a sheep (Midge) for New Year!

A little blurry because I think Ashleigh (photographer) was still shaking, either with laughter or fright???

Was delightful having them all present for such an occasion.

Hope yours was as full of laughter as ours was.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Last Days of 2011

2011-12-31T08:45:00.001+11:00

As we near the end of 2011, we are most fortunate to be spending these days with our entire family. Our three children and all our grandchildren are visiting for a few days.
We enjoyed a barbeque and sharing of gifts with much fun, laughter, jokes, teasing, sharing stories and recent experiences. We discussed solutions to the Nation's problems but also appreciated gratitude for our well-being and togetherness as a family.
My apologies to Jasmine who was "behind" some of her cousins in this snap, but wanted to share our family with you.

The age of technology and what most grandchildren are brought up with as second nature to their daily lives. Hunter (3) and Nick (17 tomorrow) share games on iPADS.

We have enjoyed walks, games, tending to animals, riding the quad bikes and trying to catch a Yabbie. "Midge" (a sheep I bottle-fed) delighted all by joining in accepting lots of attention and a few slices of bread.
Farmer John "conned" some into helping mark lambs!
Kirsten and Courtney had to catch them, pass them on to Rowan, John did the "nasties" and Ashleigh painted them with "medicine". Hunter and I just watched - someone has to supervise and someone has to be the photographer!

I hope you enjoy reading my Happy New Year Newsletter including my Year in Review. You may subscribe on my website. More tomorrow as 2012 begins!

Don't Forget! Our January 11th Website's Birthday Sale begins tomorrow! A new special daily, so you must check each day and order each day, don't pop things into your Wish List. Check here for full details.

After Christmas

2011-12-27T18:29:00.002+11:00

After Christmas is a quiet time, just lazin' around, doing nothin', listening to music, catching up, no phone ringing, post office not open so no mail going out, cleaning up, sorting out, just wastin' time; but it is certainly nice and I'm lapping it up.
We had a lovely Christmas at our daughter's house. Hope yours was enjoyed with your family and close friends. Everyone happy with their presents; both John and I were spoilt by the "kids" too.

Eldest grandson, Reece, was delighted with two little Orpington chicks on Christmas Eve, but even more delighted with the Christmas Coop received on Christmas Day.

This came "flat-packed", now you all would relate to assembling "something or other" on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!

It's a beauty though, with two "nests" inside and a lid to lift to gather eggs. Perfect for the clucky chook to sit on her eggs and hatch them, safe from harm's way. I WANT ONE TOO!

Those who have followed me for some time, know that a few Christmases ago I was searching for an authentic feather duster and you helped me find a few. By now, they have lost most of their feathers. Sharelle found this little treat at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, on a school excursion and just had to buy it for me, (even though she had told the school children that they were not to buy anything) and has kept it most of the year until Christmas. What a treat! It is so full and fluffy. I really think they are Emu Feathers too!

Crazy getting excited over housework, I hear you saying!!!!

I have a great recommendation for you: go to the movies and see "RED DOG" but take some tissues! We enjoyed it immensely. John said (with tissue in hand) that he was going home to give our own "Rusty" a big hug! He's old, deaf and not moving very well at all these days. Of course, I'm referring to Rusty!

Braided Christmas Wreath

2011-12-19T22:29:00.000+11:00

Less than one week till Christmas, so here are some last minute quick Christmas Decorations that are so simple to make that even the children can have some fun entertaining themselves now that school has finished.
Of course, with a little help from you!

On my website there are many FREE Projects so here are some reminders: Clover's Holiday Flower Frills is very appealing; made with Clover's Flower Frill Templates.

Plus, the December Newsletter from Into Craft has been released and we have another FREE Project in this edition. Visit http://www.intocraft.com.au/ and you'll find instructions for our Braided Christmas Wreath. You may make this from filled fabric tubes in no time at all. Ours is made using Fasturn Turning Tools. Another FREE Project on my website.

Do have FUN making these and/or teaching your youngsters some handcrafts.

Today I sent a Newsletter to all my subscribers offering a large number of NEW books for half price so as everyone could treat themselves to a special Christmas present to go under the Christmas Tree "to me from me" sort of thing.

Not a Member? Subscribe now, then email me for the list and you too may treat yourself for Christmas.

Punch AND Judy

2011-12-03T15:35:00.001+11:00

People ask frequently about our "peculiar" name and an explanation is given on our website's homepage as follows:
(Sketch to the right was drawn a few years ago by our eldest Granddaughter, Kirsten. Talented artist!)

WHY “PUNCH WITH JUDY”?

"In 1991 Judy Hall commenced exhibiting at Craft Shows, demonstrating and selling the “IGOLOCHKOY” Russian Punchneedles – the ORIGINAL punchneedles used by the immigrants from the Ukraine. This was the ONLY product Judy sold, unlike the vast array of treasures she sells on her booths today. Hence the name "PUNCH WITH JUDY” was chosen as the business name. Judy is still fascinated by the versatility of punchneedle embroidery and continues to demonstrate and teach the art wherever she exhibits."

The photo shown here was taken at a show way back in the early 90's when crowds were so deep at every booth that it was difficult to get close to see what all the "fuss" was about. Each State only had one show per year and remember how you would save up all year and never dare to miss it?

Yes, Shows, Booths and Punch with Judy have come a long way since then.

Why this little nostalgic trip? It is nearly Christmas and as you are all thinking about "giving", I want to do some "asking". I have a little collection of Punch AND Judy memorabilia but it is so very hard to find items in Antique Shops. So, I'm asking you that if you have any little item about that rascal Punch and his poor hard-done-by-wife Judy, (who was constantly being beaten by Mr. Punch's stick) that you may care to part with, then please know they'd be going to a caring, loving and appreciative recipient!

Here are a few in my collection......the first two are Postcards. Do these bring back memories? Yes? So, you're over 50!

This one is a Money Box.... and here are my enamelled thimbles from the UK.

Note: She has ONE EYE watching him!

Another Money Box - you insert a coin in the plate held by the guy on the left, pull a lever, then Mr. Punch hits him with his stick because the money is dropped into the "bank".

I also have two books and some Pewter Miniatures which I don't have a photo of but they are my most valuable possession.

Now I know many of you may not even have heard of the Punch and Judy Shows, but to many of us, it was part of our childhood years. The Puppet Show at any fair or event was a MUST SEE! I ask at every book shop in my travels for the possibility of any books about Punch and Judy and the young staff look right through me with a vague look!

Here is a Punch and Judy Puppet Show......

The character of “Punch” made his earliest appearance in the 14^th century in Italy, in the Commedia del’Arte dramas, when he was Pulcinella. Later, in France in the 16^th century, he became Polichinelle, the “hunchbacked fool of French farce,” and, in 17^th century diaries and journals, he is seen in England as Punchinella, Mr. Punch, and finally, Punch. Punch and Judy shows reached their greatest popularity in England in street shows, fairs and small theatres during the 19^th century. Always a popular event at the British seaside during holiday time.

It’s easy to see the appeal for children of the Punch and Judy shows – characters of all stripes, silly, nonsensical plots and dialogues, quaint, decorated, little stages. Often a live dog, Toby, sat in front of the stage with a ruff around his neck and a hat on. Punch, furthermore, could commit the most heinous of acts and get away with it! Throw the baby out of the window, whack his wife with a big stick, kill off the authorities that come to take him to jail, chase the ghost away, and, his greatest triumph, vanquish the devil himself, all with a merry grin. Pleased as Punch. There was very little in the way of plot that the street watchers had to follow - Punch must contend with a shrewish wife and a screaming baby so he murders them both and is then forced to defend himself from the law officials and do-gooders who try to get him to the gallows. Whether he succeeds in overcoming them is the suspense of the drama, though the fun is in watching how Punch dispatches them all. The variation in the dramas came from the talent of the puppeteers (called “Professors”) who brought the characters to life with their own humor and skill and sense of the outrageous.

http://www.wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

I hope you have enjoyed a trip down memory lane!

Now, do you have any Punch and Judy items needing a new home?

Spirit of the Land Festival 2011

2011-11-24T23:59:00.000+11:00

As you know, I live at The Rock in the Shire of Lockhart in the Riverina of NSW. Each October, the town of Lockhart swells to 5,000 to 6,000 people to view the magnificent art sculpture displayed for the Spirit of the Land Festival.

This year's winning entry was from Stuart Taylor (Deniliquin) who was a worthy winner of the National Farm Art Sculpture Competition called "Horse Power".

Second place went to Stuart Spragg with his entry of

"A Drover's Life".

The Spirit of the Land Festival Lockhart grew out of the worst drought in Australian history and concerns over escalating rural suicides.

It took shape to encourage farmers determined to survive living and working on the land to use country ingenuity and create sculptures using old farm machinery, recycled scrap metal and elements of the land.

The Farm Art attracted national and international media and major corporate sponsors enabling a $10,000 first prize. In three years it became a finalist in the NSW Inland Tourism award and is fast becoming the “Farm Art” capital of Australia. It continues to expand supporting the best of Country Australia experiences in a three day Festival held on the second weekend of October each year.

Our community is very proud of the ongoing achievement.

Others works of art include

"Steel Wool" and "Sculptures by the Lagoon".

Still on "farm" news; one of our neighbours is the Gill Family. John (Happy) Gill & Sons is Australia's largest and most complete professional Rodeo livestock contracting firm, producing over 40 Rodeos, Bull Rides and corporate promotions annually.

They have been featured in a full length documentary on the ABC's "An Australian Story" TV program. Margaret Gill proudly explained to me why they had won on more than one occasion the "Best Stand Award" at the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show for their Pony Rides etc. for the kids. (Interesting criteria how those points are awarded and accumulated to give them that prized trophy.) Their establishment entry is heralded by one of their Australian Champion Bucking Horses as shown here.

Recently, I noticed new headstones placed in a row in their front paddock along our jointly used laneway - definitely a cemetry.

Intrigued, I took these photos and Margaret explained that they were the grave yards of all their famous Australian Rodeo Bull Champions and YES, they ARE actually buried there. How thoughtful and respectful to give these dignitaries a special resting place in the paddocks they grazed in between rodeos!

Here rests "Bambi", "Earthquake", "Insanity", "Akubra", "Cobra", "Paper Doll" & "Loadfinder".

They are ALL Champions!

Other NEWS of the day is that I have joined TWITTER!

So, if you like to "tweet", may I invite you to follow me

with regular quick comments of happenings?

PS. Visit "What's New" on my website as I've added several NEW products!

Drunkard's Path Quilts

2011-11-19T17:58:00.000+11:00

Punch with Judy has just completed a six month Online Course using the Curve Master Presser Foot for Quilts with Curves as well as other miscellaneous usage on garments, toys and home decor ideas. For this reason, I was drawn to some "curvy quilts" at the recent Craft & Quilt Fair held in Brisbane during October. The Queensland Quilters' Raffle was a magnificent quilt using a variation of Drunkard's Path which we did during our Online Course.

Here is a close-up so as you may see the intersections.

Janome Stand very kindly gave me permission to share with you two quilts displayed on their stand. These were over-sized Drunkard's Path blocks and were extremely striking and ever so colourful. Thought you may like to see how quickly you may have a quilt in just a few days! I have left the sewing machines in the foreground so as you may grasp the dimensions of each block.

Aren't they great? Thank you Janome girls!

Another Curve Master Online Course will commence on 1st May 2012. Why not consider joining us?

We are now home from attending THREE shows in THREE different States on THREE consecutive weeks! Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Whew! I doubt if the poor van has ever carried so much weight and it was a challenge to carry sufficient stock and display for all three shows. Many asked how "we travelled" so I thought you may be interested to see our set-up. (Yes, we did have some deliveries to the show stands too!)

Staying overnight at a motel in Goondiwindi Qld. on the first leg of our journey.

Unloading for the Brisbane Show with the help of Liz's son-in-law - Liz and I are carting the stock from the back dock to the stand location. Thank goodness for Carl's help!

The back of the van (shown left) had looked like the rear passenger seat (shown right) before the guys commenced unloading. The trailer was packed just as tightly. So, next time you visit our stand, appreciate the logistics of it all please!

No more shows until MARCH 2012

Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair

2011-10-23T08:13:00.000+11:00

One more day to go! So, if you live in the vicinity of Brisbane, don't miss your last chance to visit Brisbane's Craft & Quilt Fair - today from 9.00am to 5.00pm. There's so much to see, to learn, to buy, to make and, of course, visit us!!!
STAND A09 PUNCH WITH JUDY.

We have an additional feature demonstration booth right at the front door. Something new! All day demonstrations on the half hour every hour. This has been received with tremendous applaud. Visitors telling us how much they appreciate this new format. No hustle, no bustle, no selling, just demonstrating new products - so different to our large stand.

Visitors enjoying the FREE presentations we are offering on our NIFTY NOTIONS STAND.

Do come and visit if you can.

This coming week we will be at the Craft and Sewing Show at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne from Thursday 27th October until Sunday 30th October. 10.00am to 4.30pm. Remember, this is a NEW venue for this show and IS NOT the Stitches & Craft Show that has so dismally been held over recent years. THIS IS A GREAT SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED. FREE Parking too! Full details here.

See you there!

Machine Embroidery Retreat - Day 3

2011-09-21T22:11:00.000+10:00

What a fantastic three days our students have had at our MACHINE EMBROIDERY RETREAT! The weather was so very kind to us and wonderful new friendships arose. Even the 4 hubbies had a great time too.
So many beaming faces holding up some of their achievements. They all said they learnt so much and now feel so much more confident with their machine embroidery and so inspired to go on to other challenging projects with no hesitations. What a fun time they have ahead of them for the next 12 months, as many have already promised to return for next year's Retreat!

Day 3 flew past so quickly that I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to take many photos of the day's progression of sewing, but I did take some finished project photos. It will give you some idea of what the girls achieved, but there were so many more.

Gael has a selection to show you..........

Wanda had too many to fit into one photo!

We all loved Cheryl's comical ditty on her mesh bag..........

Kay made a wonderful folder cover to contain all her notes, appropriately decorated with many new techniques she learnt.

Next year's date has now been set, so I hope the above may encourage you to consider joining us!

MACHINE EMBROIDERY RETREAT

29th September - 1st October 2012

Expressions of interest now being compiled!

Email Judy: judy@punchwithjudy.com.au

Machine Embroidery Retreat - Day 2

2011-09-19T07:44:00.000+10:00

Reporting to you re our Day 2 of our MACHINE EMBROIDERY RETREAT.

One of the most popular projects was the fringed flowers and how fringing may be used for hair on dolls and animals as well.

Following closely was making "velvet" which students enjoyed using as parts of birds stitched and for leaves or parts of flowers. An extraordinarily easy technique which they loved - here's a towel using the techinque on the leaves. Note the wonderfully practical "hanger" at the top of the hand towel!

Students used Lutrador Rainbow Spun, a stabilizer topper and a washaway underneath.

They were fascinated by the use of Mylar Embroidery Sheets and we had so many variations - here are just a few.

Look at this wonderful free-standing bell which would also adorn a Christmas Tree, sparkling with its added Hot-Fix Crystals. I've shown it for you being stitched on Rinseaway Stabilizer so as you may understand how it was formed. Some girls stitched this out in Gold Metallic, or other colours.

Cutwork is the latest rage for machine embroiderers. They experimented with these amazing needles to have the most exquisite cutwork made so easily.

More tomorrow, Day 3 is our last day. Hope you are enjoying sharing students' exciting lessons!

Machine Embroidery Retreat - Day 1

2011-09-17T08:13:00.000+10:00

Day 1 of our MACHINE EMBROIDERY RETREAT has been completed and I promised I'd report upon its progress.
Students are having so much fun already, learning about their own machine and extending their normal comfort zones with our challenges! We are honoured to have the youngest ever, Catherine (17), and the oldest, Pam (78), students attending. They both received one of the "yeahs for the day" prizes automatically.

Group 1 (new students) learnt how to use The Sewing Revolution to place numbers into a circle for a clock face and then embroider the centre. Kay was still sewing hers when I snapped this over her shoulder.

Group 2 (returning students) commenced the day making a cover for their folder which involved several precise placements to refresh their knowledge. Wanda is proud of her progression.

I was in the middle of explaining how to use Rainbow Transfer Paper when John interrupted the class completely, but it was worth it. What's in the box? The students were certainly excited by the smiles showing here.

Little NEWBORN Emu Chicks only a few hours old! Everyone wanted to cuddle one.
Barbara and Catherine shown here tenderly holding these fluffy little newborns.

We had an early morning mist before a beautiful sunny day for Spring. Thought you may enjoy sharing some snaps I took from our front lawn of this most glorious time of the year.

SPRING! WOW!

Emu Feathers

2011-09-14T01:01:00.000+10:00

Readers have responded with a lot of interest in our new Emu Chicks and questions about emu farming. Mostly, we are farming for their oil though feathers are becoming popular and emu meat is extremely healthy being low in fat, high in protein, iron rich and low in cholesterol.
Emu Oil is extremely therapeutic, whether taken orally in capsules for body well-being and the treatment of arthritic joint pain, or rubbed into the skin as an oil for skin & tissue repair, burns, healing, relieves swelling, arthritis, rheumatism, aches and pains. We have a whole range of products available on our website.
http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/shop/only-emu_products
I promised I'd show you how the little emu chicks are progressing. These are now 3 weeks old and enjoying the sunshine daily.

Curious little fellows, pecking at my camera case.

We now have over 100 chicks with another batch due in October.

Emu Feathers have been graded in length and assembled as a plume for decoration to the hat band of our Anzac Army Hats worn by Cadets in their marching out parade. These are our feathers made by an Army Colonel for the soldiers.

I have two treasured framed "fairies" dressed in skirts made of dyed emu feathers made by a friend and past fellow Exhibitor at Shows, Karen Rawolle. Aren't they exquisite?

The boys were shearing last weekend..........

This weekend..............we have 20 students and 4 hubbies arriving for another Machine Embroidery Retreat!!! I'll send you some photos asap.

I have noted that this month we have surpassed

100 countries who have viewed my Blog -

THANK YOU.

New Emu Chicks - Spring is Here!

2011-08-26T22:45:00.002+10:00

Spring is not officially here until 1st September, but this year's emu chicks are hatching now.

A few weeks ago I posted a Blog about a new home for the expected emu chicks, a 40ft container.

These are the first we've hatched on the farm for a couple of years, rather than employing an outside company to rear our chicks for the first 2 months.

The first little chick hatched on Tuesday, two days early and they've been coming continuously ever since.

We have 250 eggs in "Daddy Emu", the incubator, so named because in the wild, it is the male emu who sits on the eggs and hatches them.

After 53 days, they start to chirp inside the egg, so are moved to the Hatcher where they chip away at the egg to break it and emerge. So far, all those hatched are still alive and seem to be healthy little chicks.

Chip, chip, chip. It is a fairly hard, thick egg for such a little mite to break open. We try not to "help" them, preferring them to do the hard work themselves. Can you see them emerging?

To give you some idea of their size, this little chick is one day old, being held carefully. Note how alert he is - I mentioned above they seem strong and healthy little chicks so far. I say "he", but unless chicks are "sexed" at birth, you can never really tell afterwards which is a male and which is a female. The striped markings will disappear as they grow older. Cuddly and cute hey?

These were the first few placed into the container, huddled together and still a little wet from birth.

I'll keep you posted on their progress.

Have you ever tried any natural Emu Oil products?

CONGRATULATIONS must be showered upon Albury High School Soccer Team who this week WON their Grand Final in the Erra Cup held in Sydney for the NSW State Combined High School Open Age Group. It is rewarding to see any Country Team in any Sport successful at State Level.

My interest, of course, is my youngest Granddaughter, Jasmine, who is only 13, but is a member of the Premier Team. Hers is the face to the left of the one holding the prized trophy.

Well done Albury!

Texstyle - NSW 2010 HSC Students Display

2011-08-17T08:42:00.000+10:00

INSPIRE INNOVATE CREATE

TEXSTYLE is the display of some of the outstanding Major Textile Projects done in Textile & Design by students from across NSW as part of the Higher School Certificate.

Textiles & Design is a high school elective that challenges students to create a major project plus a progress portfolio. The result is a completely original piece of self-expression, as you will see by my photos, taken at last week's Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair.
They are all on display again this week at the Craft and Sewing Show at Newcastle. I was overwhelmed by the level of imagination and sewing skills and admired the work involved with their supporting documentation in their portfolios displayed underneath each magnificent creation.
Students electing Textile & Design for their HSC have 50% of their final mark allocated for their major project and 50% in an exam. Focus areas were under the choices of "Apparel, Costume, Textile Art, Furnishings or Non-Apparel".
Enjoy the following photos, these are are future!

The amazing pink flower is the skirt to accompany the bodice shown above it.

I was drawn by the pleating down the side of this bodice, naturally, because of the Pleat Makers we manufacture.
Here is another with pleating and shirring interest.

Sorry I can't show all of the amazing display, but here are a few more inspiring outfits. Study the neckline interest in this snazzy outfit!

Don't forget you may view all of these at each show during 2011. Make sure you see them at this week's Craft and Sewing Show at Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadows this week.

18th - 21st August 10.00am to 4.30pm daily

Visit us on Stand F10

I have FOUR FREE Tickets to give away. First 4 customers to place an order to be collected at the Show and you may collect your FREE Ticket at the door once I confirm you are a WINNER.

Best of Show - Canberra Quilters

2011-08-15T22:33:00.001+10:00

Canberra's Craft & Quilt Fair finished yesterday. Let me share with you some of the amazing work Helen Godden, quilter/artist extraordinaire, has produced yet again to take out the prized "Best of Show" Award. Helen has received world-wide acclaim for many masterpieces and this is no exception.
"Freedom" shows off Helen's own imitable style she has become so famous for. Hope you appreciate the detailed photos.

Helen also was awarded a Special Category Prize for the "Best Use of Colour" with her exquisite "Lilli Marlene" which I know you'll agree is cheekily superb.

Seems that talent runs in the family because Helen's young daughter won herself a Baby Lock Embellisher with her entry in the "embellish a scarf" hourly classes they ran at the Show. I was "Judge Judy" asked to select the four finalists, it was public applause which chose the winner. As it turned out, "winners", because another youngster also made a scarf come to brilliance with beautiful embellishing all over it, so a second Embellisher was awarded since public applause was hard to gain a clear winner. Sorry I didn't get a photo since I was judging!

I had an absolutely wonderful surprise in the few closing minutes of the Show when a very thoughtful customer of mine surprised me with a cute stuffed toy she made knowing just how I love Chooks and Roosters. Sally attended a Machine Embroidery Retreat of mine when she was 8 months pregnant giving us all concerns each day with our fingers crossed. She then went overseas to live for sometime (as her husband's work made the whole family move to USA), however, we kept in touch. I was over the moon to receive such a beautiful addition to my family of Chooks. Is "Sally Chick" a chook or a rooster? Daisy buttons on the knees and fluffy wool for it's tail.

Don't forget everyone, this week we are at the Craft and Sew Show being held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Showgrounds, Griffiths Road, Broadmeadow. Come by and say hello. You'll find us on Stand F10. It promises to be a great show. Please check it out: http://www.craftandsew.com.au/

My own full schedule of classes being conducted by Punch with Judy are on my Show Schedule on my website. View here.

Now the good news is - I have FOUR FREE TICKETS to give away. You must make a pre-show purchase from my website for collection at the show. First four with an order will WIN.

Win a Baby Lock Embellisher!

2011-08-13T00:21:00.001+10:00

Punch with Judy is exhibiting at the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair this week. Come and visit the Show at Exhibition Park, Mitchell, Canberra.

The weekend promises to be sunny and warm outside but ever so more inviting inside with all the stands selling Craft Products, Seminars, Hands-On Classes, Quilt Displays and much more to inspire you to new ideas and introduce you to the latest products. Full details are available at www.craftfair.com.au

We are on Stand A02 as you enter the main hall. You can't miss our new banner above our stand!

At this year's Show, Baby Lock are giving away each day, a new Baby Lock Embellisher but there's a catch - you have to be part of their embellisher workshops, held 3 times a day, making a scarf.

Then you are in the line up on stage for the "Most Popular" entry voted for by the loudest applause during a fun 15 minutes entertainment hosted by the Show Organizer, Gary Fitz-Roy. The building erupts with everyone applauding, barracking for their favourite to win. (It pays to have plenty of friends attending!)

Thursday's winner was Jill Lorimer, a good friend who was ecstatic about her accomplishment when she popped into my stand before she went home to "show off" her fabulous scarf.

Several students of our Online Classes for both Westalee Rulers and Curve Master visited our stand, some showing projects they'd completed in our lessons. I was so proud of Velvy McLeod, who is over 80 I might add, who allowed me to take some photos of her work to post on the Group's Yahoo website. I'll share two of these with you - beautifully made Table Runners from Lesson 2 of the Curve Master Online Course.

Come, join in the fun whilst the show is in Canberra this year. You won't regret it as there's so much to see, buy, learn, win, admire whilst having a wonderful day's outing.

Emu Chicks New Home

2011-08-07T01:01:00.001+10:00

As you may know, we have an Emu Farm and we'd always hatched and raised our young but for the past few years, because of the workload with the business of Punch with Judy, we have had our own emu eggs hatched elsewhere with little emu chicks brought to our farm at about 8 weeks of age. This year, we are reverting to doing it all ourselves. The need for a better "home" for the young emu chicks was necessary. We saw some great containers converted into many "work horses" at last year's Henty Field Days.

So.....look what arrived this week! Thought you may be interested to see how it was delivered too. A 40 ft container, weighing 4 ton, decked out to our specifications with heating/cooling, divided pens, floor to be concreted yet, air vents, whirlies in the ceiling and a back door to allow the chicks to go outside during the day.

Arriving.....

Being unloaded.......

All remote controlled by the guy in the yellow shirt.

Set up on concrete blocks and at a slight downgrade so as water will drain out the door when hosed out.

Inside is divided into two long halves with four pens on each side (all "gates" are open in this view).

Back ramp allows the chicks to enter at night to be kept warm and safe from foxes.
It is a refrigerated van with heating, cooling, lights, air vents etc.

When not used for the emu chicks, which are due to be hatched later this month, won't it make a great storeroom for Punch with Judy's stock? !!!!!!

FREE Project - Inn-Spire™ Stabilizer Flower

2011-07-20T21:43:00.001+10:00

Inn-Spire™ by Innovative Craft Products

Inn-Spire™ is a revolutionary, stiff, mouldable, non-woven stabilizer to cover in your own fabric to create bowls, boxes, totes, containers, vases and so much more.
I was delighted today when I received my Craft Fair Friend Magazine for Canberra's Craft & Quilt Fair in August, that a beautiful flower using it appeared on the COVER! What a treat?

Since we've been selling it, I've had several ask for instructions, so I've put together a little Flower Project for you which is our new FREE PROJECT on my website. Feel free to print it, share it and maybe use it for one of your group's future fun days. I hope it helps you experiment and do some wonderful projects of your own. I'd love to see some photos once you do please.

Above is the flower on the cover of the magazine mentioned.

Below is the flower in the Free Project.

Definitely with so much scope for creative imagination!

Just a reminder too that our Machine Embroidery Retreats are drawing closer by the day and I need confirmations of those wishing to attend since accommodation bookings need to be finalized promptly due to a major Field Day occurring at the same time locally and motel bookings are always like gold.

Please email me if you wish to attend either 11th - 13th September or the one on 16th - 18th September. I will then email you further details.

Cost is $800.00 which includes 4 nights Twin Share Accommodation, 3 full day's Tuition, Fabric, Stabilizers, some designs and all meals. They are held in our warehouse at The Rock with accommodation in Wagga. You bring your own sewing machine etc. Might add too that we usually have 3 or 4 partners venture down to our countryside too and they join us in the evenings for our social time. Some "shadow" John around the farm for 3 days too, whilst others do their own thing or become tourists in the Riverina Region.

This is a great way to learn more about machine embroidery whilst enjoying a lovely break in our wonderful countryside.

I invite you to join us.

I have now posted the list of my classes during the Craft & Quilt Fair in Melbourne next week.

View them here - scroll down to the bottom of the page on this link.

Kanga Cup Soccer at Canberra

2011-07-13T22:52:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we drove to our country's Capital, Canberra, just 3 hours away from us, to cheer and support our youngest granddaughter, Jasmine, play soccer. Jasmine is in the Albury United U14/15 Girls Team and at this stage, they are undefeated - it finishes this Friday.
The 2011 Kanga Cup marks the 21st edition of Australia's Number 1 Football Festival, being held at various grounds across Canberra during these school holidays. The Kanga Cup is the biggest Youth Festival tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world! (According to their website)
It was a splendid clear (sunny but chilly) winter's day in Canberra and we enjoyed our day's outing.

You can JUST make out our Punch with Judy Logo on the far bottom right hand side of their banner.

Our daughter, Sharelle, who is the Team Manager told them they had to play well today because one of their sponsors was present to watch them, but she didn't add that it was her Mother! The former sounded more impressive to the girls.

Jasmine is the second from the right in the front row.

I did say it was chilly when the wind arrived late afternoon, so some of the girls snuggled under some blankets Sharelle had made. Thought you may have been interested for some quick no-sew blankets that your kids can make easily and have such fun doing so.
Take two, same-sized polarfleece blankets of different colours, purchased quite cheaply from any chain store.
Place them wrong sides together and secure with a few pins to hold in place.
Cut into the edges with scissors or a rotary cutter, a fringe of about 5" depth, approx. 1" apart.
Tie knots, using one "fringe piece" from each coloured blanket so as the two blankets now become ONE.

That's it! Polarfleece doesn't fray and this will withstand constant laundering.

VOILA! The girls loved the warmth and bright colours. Try it - excellent project for the school holidays for both girls and boys.

Creative Fibre Day in Canberra

2011-07-09T22:33:00.003+10:00

Looking for something interesting to do next Sunday?
May I suggest making a day's outing to our beautiful Capital City, Canberra? Yes, I know it's winter and it's usually cold, but this is well worth any negatives.

The area boasts so many talented textile artists, both locally and in the surrounding regions; those who weave, design, knit, embroider, hand dye fabrics and yarns, screen print, felt plus so many more other crafts. They all unite to share their wares at The Old Bus Depot Markets in Canberra and coming up next Sunday 17th July, is the 8th year they will host its unique creative theme day, "Creative Fibre".

Everything is for sale!

Many artists will be present and visitors to Creative Fibre will be able to speak to artists about their speciality and learn about the processes involved for that particular craft. Regional educational offerings will be presented and Canberra Textile related Guilds will demonstrate on the day and be available to answer questions too.
If it's within driving distance, how could you not attend?

Creative Fibre on Sunday 17th July from 10.00 to 4.00pm held at the Old Bus Depot Markets, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. ENTRY IS FREE.
For more information visit: http://www.obdm.com.au

For those in far north Queensland, your Craft & Sewing Show is on next week at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre from 14th - 17th July. Now Punch with Judy WON'T be exhibiting, but you should still attend the fair to support your local talented people as well as all those who travel from other States just to be with you for 4 days. Support this Show to enable those to keep returning.

Just a reminder that the next Craft & Quilt Fair is on its way to Melbourne at the end of this month.
Whether your passion is sewing, quilting, crafts, home decor, knitting, crocheting, felting, beading, scrapbooking, cardmaking, painting, jewellry making or whatever, there's something for you. I've seen some of this year's displays and truly, you won't be disappointed you attended.
See more than 300 traditional, innovative and art quilts in the Annual Victorian Quilters' Showcase, the Best of Australia Quilts, the 30 finalists' quilts of the AP&Q AQC Challenge - "Seven Deadly Sins" and so much more.
Melbourne Exhibition Centre (Jeff's Shed), Southbank from 28th to 31st July from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily.
Don't forget the Show is open until 7.00pm on Saturday with extra seminars and hands-on classes to indulge in. Great prizes too - you could win one of four great prizes worth over $8,500 in total just by visiting the fair!

Of course, Punch with Judy will be there too on Stand A11.

Full details of my classes will be in my next regular Newsletter.

Fantastic NEW Needle Threader from Sewline

2011-07-04T22:33:00.000+10:00

Sewline Products have added a new item to their range and it's nothing short of brilliant.

Designed specifically for those very fine needles (size 9 - 12), which are the ones that give us the most trouble when threading, the Sewline quickthru Needle Threader will allow you to thread the finest of needles with ease. Wonderful!!! Looks like a pop-up lipstick!

At the Craft & Quilt Fair late last month, one of my most respected customers, Alan Tremain, for whom I have the highest regard as one of the most talented Quiltmakers extraordinaire in the country, purchased a Sewline Needle Threader from me. Within days, Alan emailed me with the following review. As this was a complete surprise to me, I asked for which magazine had he written it? His reply was "just for you, to do whatever you wish with". Wow! I thought. Allow me to share his findings of this new product. We are indeed honoured. Thank you Alan.

Alan R Tremain - Oz Quilt Sewing School

Review - Sewline quickthru Needle Threader

"As many of us get older the eyes of needles seem to be getting smaller, how often have I heard my students say this! There are many reasons why we should all be using a needle threader, let’s face it we want to spend all of our available time sewing not squinting trying to thread some of those beautifully crafted but fine needles.

One of the most important reasons for using this threader is that it uses the fold of the thread which is so easily threaded through the eye which in turn leaves the cut end smooth and not the fluffy and we all know the problems fluffy cut ends can cause.

The ‘quickthru’ threader is well made, typical of all Japanese products, very compact and when the clearly written and diagrammed instructions are followed, very easy to use.

A simple light touch is all that is required to complete this often tedious task.

A handy needle guide featuring needles from 10 of the top manufacturers is included for quick reference.

I tested the ‘quickthru’ using size 50 pure cotton sewing thread from two major companies and the threader performed perfectly every time with a wide range of needle sizes. This item would be great for travelling especially for those like me who hand sew on long flights as it includes a very nifty built in thread cutter.

The ‘quickthru’ threader also features a built in needle case suitable for pins as well.

Here’s a tip for you - If you are anxious about travelling with your favourite hand sewing needle, simply thread it close to a zip, either on your person or carry-on luggage. I have found this successful on every trip.

I recommend this threader to all that either have trouble threading a needle or like me are tired of the old and frustrating ‘lick and poke’ method of threading hand sewing needles.

So whether you are a quilter, embroiderer or heirloom sewer, this is one tool that should definitely be in your sewing kit.

Congratulations Sewline for another innovative hand sewing tool that will have you buzzing through your sewing and enjoying it more!"

Judy's Note: If you feel resistance STOP, the needle eye is not open to the pin. Reposition the needle eye and gently press once again. Never press too hard as you may break the pin - easy does it. However, if ever required, there is a Replacement Cartridge available.

Here's another tip for those who will still thread their needles by the "lick and poke" method Alan mentioned above: wet the eye of the needle, not the thread; this way, the thread seems to find it's way to the eye of the needle so much easier all by itself without your perfect eyesight.

If anyone else would like to review any product they have purchased from Punch with Judy, please email your findings.

Sydney Quilt Show Winner

2011-07-03T14:35:00.000+10:00

At the recent Sydney Quilt Show 2011 by The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. held at the Craft & Quilt Fair at Darling Harbour, Sydney, Merelyn Pearce won both the "Hanger's Prize" and FIRST PLACE in the category "Predominantly Applique (Professional). About her quilt "Preston Dreaming" she said "In this final quilt in the series of six I have sought to highlight the influence of Australian Aboriginal Art on the work of Margaret Preston who strove to achieve a truly uniquely Australian artistic expression." Well done Merelyn.

I know you'll agree her quilt is absolutely magnificent. Shame photos never give as much as the real quilt offers.
Of course, I was drawn to the Emus, since we have an Emu Farm!

You may visit the next Craft & Quilt Fair to be held in Melbourne, at Jeff's Shed, Southbank.

28th to 31st July, 2011, from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily with late night shopping till 7pm on the Saturday night.

Full details of my workshops etc will be on my next regular Newsletter.

Are you subscribed to that? It's different to my Blog.

Now, action on the farm this week.

A month ago, the Electricity Council visited checking all overhead wires and said two of our Pine Trees had to go because overhead wires were being put at risk. Now, the trees were planted before any overhead wires existed, but when a farmhouse was built on an adjoining property, electricity had to be conveyed to them and this was the shortest route, over our young trees. No choice, so Friday they arrived to do the deed.

Discussing which ones to go.......ones marked with a RED X on the trunk, no getting out of it!

Pulling the fallen tree into the machine that chops it all up into wood chip, funnelling it into the truck. Must add that they were extremely polite and professional agreeing that it's always a shame to lop down trees but they had no option for safety reasons this time. Note that the dogs lended a hand and befriended the guys.

We now have some mulching for the garden (which at the moment needs some TLC). Will have to let it "mature" though as the pine tips are very green.

We now have a view out upon the horizon. They did only cut out two trees and trim another, so it wasn't too bad. In this view, if you look hard enough, you can just see the overhead wires that were the problem.