Punch with Judy's Blog

Non Winners at Canberra Quilt Inc. - Craft & Quilt Fair Canberra

2017-08-19T15:35:00.001+10:00

Not all quilts entered win a prize, in fact, some display their quilt but decline from being entered in any judging. Browsing around the quilts on display at last week's Canberra Quilt Fair, these quilts took my fancy. NONE of them won a prize, but that does not matter, they are all brilliant. Many of us would like to be as good, correct?
Now, I am not fond of cats (sorry, cat-lovers) but I was drawn to this cutie - the quirkiness and the colour maybe.

Entered in the Art Quilts

LYNDA NIKOLOVSKI

"WHAT'S UP, PUSSYCAT?"

Lynda said: "Lynda, as do most quilters, loves cats. She created this crazy cat quilt, enhanced by her own crazy quilting and embellishments."

The quilting is superb, don't you think? There were so many little cute embellishments, including the rosette necklace too :)

Quilt Measures 104 x 123cm

This next one was not entered for judging but I was drawn to it as it is a pattern we have been showing in our current show seminars demonstrating the X-Blocks.

LARGE QUILTS (Non-Professional)

"ALL THE COLOURS"

KERRY GRAF

using UN-BE-WEAVE-ABLE

Kerry said: "This quilt combines complexity and a rainbow of colours. Pieced using jelly roll strips, each block was cut with a personalised ruler to create the illusion of weaving. The unicorn and border were made from leftover scraps. The design was based on the X-Blocks pattern, "Un-be-weave-able". Quilt Measures 224 x 196cm

This next one I am very proud of. Jakki Cashman is a student of my Westalee Ruler Foot Online Course and Jakki entered her quilt finished from the course. Jakki is always very quick to help others and, indeed, has recommended my Online Course to many other quilters in the Canberra area. Thank you Jakki. The colours are amazing and most liked the back of the quilt better as it was very vibrant and it was actually displayed with the back view showing!!!

Course is Block by Block over 7 months - do it at your own pace, in your own time.

Closeups

Jakki said: "This quilt was made from fabrics dyed by Jakki in Mary Kennedy's fabulous classes. She used a quilt as your go method that explored an array of possibilities using Westalee Rulers, following an instructive and productive online course run by Punch with Judy."

Now here is the front view, what do you prefer?

Quilt Measures 160 x 160cm

Jakki is presently overseas, so I hope she sees this Blog.

Next Course, exclusive to Punch with Judy,

commences on 1st November

JOIN US!

More Winning Quilts from Canberra 2017

2017-08-17T09:25:00.000+10:00

Continuing with some of the Winning Quilts from Canberra Quilters Inc display at the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair last week in Canberra.
Let's look at Group Quilts, Large Quilts and Tiny Treasures.

GROUP QUILT (OPEN)

1st PLACE

IMPROV WITH GEOMETRY

MEG COWEY entered and listed 12 quilters

Meg said: "A round-robin quilt with one starter strip, instructions and fabric to continue the theme. Blocks were created but not sewn together until the end of the round-robin. A 2016 year-long project with Quirky Quilters."

Quilt Measures 185 x 160cm

GROUP QUILT (OPEN)

2nd PLACE

KROSS KUT KAFFE

Mary Kennedy entered and listed 23 quilters

Mary Kennedy said: "Members of the busy Canberra Quilters Modern Quilting Group contributed some Kaffe Fassett and low volume background fabrics. Some fun and creative collaborative piecing and cross-cutting revealed a chaotically intriguing and colourful modern quilt."

KROSS KUT KAFFE also won the MODERN QUILTING AWARD

plus EXCELLENCE IN MACHINE QUILTING (frame system)

Quilt Measures 169 x 154cm

LARGE QUILT (PROFESSIONAL)

1st PLACE

MY TANGLED GARDEN

JENNY BOWKER

Jenny said: "Jenny's husband, Bob, tends their garden and Jenny likes the way he allows plants to spill over pathways and tangle. She quilts to extend images when piecing cuts them and used this idea with multiple fabrics in a simple quilt."

Also won the Special Award for EXCELLENCE IN MACHINE QUILTING (domestic machine)

Quilt Measures 170 x 176cm

LARGE QUILT (PROFESSIONAL)

2nd PLACE

ALWAYS FROM HERE

NOBUKO MIYAKE

Nobuko said: "The Scene is the lake near Nobuko's house, where she loves to walk every day and which reminds her of when she first started quilting a long time ago. Always from here."

Quilt Measures 165 x 190cm

TINY TREASURES QUILT (OPEN)

1st PLACE

NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER

WENDY SACLIER

Wendy said: "This drizzle-patterned fabric was the inspiration for these 'moon gazing rabbits'. The negative space imagery is ideally suited to chiku-chiku stitching."

Quilt Measures 25 x 25cm

TINY TREASURES QUILT (OPEN)

2nd PLACE

WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS

ANDREA McMILLAN

Andrea said: "Draw a rough idea, find fabric, draw a neater design, but totally change it; change fabric; change design a bit more; do nothing for three weeks; submit entry form; start making quilt. Yes, that is how a disorganised person whose life has gone a bit haywire does things!"

Quilt Measures 30 x 26cm

(Judy's Note: THAT is Andrea to a tee!)

I hope you enjoy admiring the work of some fabulous quilters - extraordinary quilting!

MORE TO COME - with a little difference.

Best of Show - Canberra Quilters Inc.

2017-08-15T11:43:00.003+10:00

Last week we exhibited at the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair and thank everyone for your continued support and wonderful comments you have given. The Quilt Displays, Wood Workers, Guilds and other displays were colourful and eye-openers.

BERNINA BEST OF SHOW

BEST OF STATE

1st PLACE ART QUILT (Open)

BEST USE OF COLOUR

was awarded to BRONWYN HILL

for "IGGY"

Bronwyn said: "Iggy (Ignatius), from the Latin ignis, meaning fire, comes the quilt's colour. The background was inspired by the harsh environs of the Galapagos Islands".

Measures 199 x 114cm

Amazing, don't you think? Just examine the detail in the image above.

BEST USE OF EMBELLISHMENT

1st Place MIXED MEDIA QUILT (Open)

HANGERS' CHOICE AWARD

was awarded to DOROTHY CLEE

for "WALLED GARDEN"

Dorothy said: "On a garden tour of England, Dorothy found the contrast between the old buildings and the softening effect of the living flower beds very inspirational for the creation of a quilt. Many different techniques were used in its construction, including raw edge applique, broderie perse, couching, solvy work and paint."

Measures 114 x 85cm

Dorothy also entered another in the Art Quilts Section and although not a Prize Winner, caught my attention because of detailed three-dimensional aspect, so I took a side view photo of it hoping you may gain feeling of the depth. I couldn't capture it well enough for my liking, but maybe you can use a little imagination. Dorothy's fox is certainly fatter and with a much bushier tail than the wretched ones on our property that kill our baby lambs! Fascinating work Dorothy.

"WATCHING"

by DOROTHY CLEE

Dorothy said: "Behind Dorothy's property is a reserve, with bush country made up of large lichen and moss-covered rocks, many trees and fallen timber. This is a haven for foxes, who find the rocky outcrops a great home. This quilt mainly used batik fabrics and raw edge applique. Detailed with thread painting."

Measures 60 x 85cm

More as soon as possible.

Stitches & Craft Show is on in Newcastle this week, though Punch with Judy will not be attending. Visit if you can. 17th to 20th August at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Traditional Quilts at Craft & Quilt Fair - Melbourne 2017

2017-08-08T22:38:00.000+10:00

Victorian Quilters Inc had several Traditional Quilts entered in their display last month in Melbourne at the Craft & Quilt Fair.

PATRICIA McDONALD

won First Place in the Traditional Amateur section for her quilt

JAPANESE DREAMING

and also won a Judge's Award

Patricia said "I attended Jan Preston's workshop at Cohuna (Japanese Kaleidoscope) made 1 block, thought table runner will be it but kept going.

Inspired by Thread Pathway by Indigo Niche Designs and made centre piece for quilt.

Hand piecing, hand embroidery, embellished centre blocks with decorative thread and beads, machine quilted on standard stationary machine."

Quilt is 163cm x 200cm

Retaining the Tradition Award

The Janet O'Dell Award

was won by

NOELENE McGUREN

for her quilt

ALEX'S JOURNEY

Noelene said "My interpretation of a design as seen in "The Fabric of Society" by Annette Gero, made by Mrs. Radin and her son Frank 1880.

Handsewn using English Paper method, hand quilted using stab method. Worked over about 16 months."

It also won Highly Commended

Traditional Professional

Quilt Measures 196cm x 228cm

RUNNER UP

Traditional Professional

was won by

KAREN TERRENS

for her quilt

"CORNFLOWER BLUE"

Karen said "Cornflower Blue is a Diamond Sawtooth quilt - a design which has traditionally been made by the Amish of Pennsylvania. Having quilted a similar customer quilt in red and white colours in 2012, I decided to make my own version using blue and white. Feathers have been quilted to fill the space. A double layer of wadding has been used to create a faux trapunto effect.

Machine pieced, machine quilted on a hand guided, stitch regulated, track mounted system."

Quilt Measures 176cm x 176cm

KAREN also won First Prize
Long Arm Quilters
for her quilt
"SNOW WHITE"

Karen said: "Snow White is a wholecloth quilt and incorporates shadow trapunto. Snow White has cut away trapunto for all the quilting motifs. A blue layer of fabric behind the top layer of batiste has created the pale blue colour. The quilt is based on traditional North Country wholecloth quilts originally made in the lat 1800 through the early 1900's, While based on traditional quilting design, all quilting motifs were re-drafted to make them suitable for machine quilting.

Quilting on a track mounted, stitch regulated, hand guided system."

Quilt Measures: 164cm x 164cm

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

and indeed to ALL who contributed their quilts to share.

You are ALL WINNERS!

This week in our National Capital, CANBERRA for the Craft & Quilt Fair

Hope you can visit sometime over Thursday to Sunday

We have FOUR fantastic educational seminars daily too.

Come and learn, get inspired, stock up on all your needs and have a great fun day outing.

BEST OF SHOW - Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne 2017

2017-08-04T00:29:00.002+10:00

Continuing with Winning Quilts from the Craft & Quilt Fair in Melbourne late last month, presented by the Victorian Quilters Inc. here are the BEST OF SHOW and RUNNER UP.

BEST OF SHOW

"COLOURFUL RETINA"

by SUGY KIM

Sugy said "The eye is the window of the human body through which it feels the beauty of the world and also the sorrow of the world. What a human eye sees is an illusion of what is real. It is the retina of the eye which converts the light into neural signals and sends these signals on to the brain for visual recognition and interpretation. My quilt is the perception of a beautiful life seeing through a colourful retina. Having a colourful retina will always see a positive, happy and bright side of human life.

Hand appliqué, hand and machine piecing, hand quilted. My own original design."

(forgive the black bar through the middle of my photo, that was the barrier prohibiting people from getting too close)

"Colourful Retina" was entered in the Innovative Quilts section,

for which it won First Place and then was awarded Best of Show.

CONGRATULATIONS SUGY KIM

Quilt measures 207cm x 207cm

RUNNER UP to BEST OF SHOW was

"CAMEO ROSE"

by ELIZABETH ALLEN

whom we all know as "Lizzy Allen"

"Cameo Rose" won First Place in the Mainly Appliqué Professional Section.

PLUS

Longarm Quilting Award

Judge's Award

Lizzy said "Vintage 1930's American Beauty Quilt pattern by Story Time Treasures. I chose to use Sharon Schamber's method of machine needleturn using water soluble appliqué paper. The appliqué fabric is Hoffman hand dye fabrics and peach homespun background. I used a khaki thread to tone down the peach and make it less peachy.

Machine appliqué. Machine quilted by myself on a track mounted, stitch regulated hand guided system."

Study the border detail

Quilt measures 244cm x 216cm

CONGRATULATIONS LIZZY

Don't forget to visit the Craft & Quilt Fair in Canberra this coming week if you are able to.

We have FOUR daily seminars and shall be also demonstrating various products on our stand too.

Special orders to be taken to the Show

need to be received by 3pm Friday 4th August, 2017 please.

PUNCH WITH JUDY STAND A02

BEST PICTORIAL QUILT - CRAFT & QUILT FAIR MELBOURNE 2017

2017-07-30T00:06:00.001+10:00

This week we are attending the CRAFT & QUILT FAIR in Melbourne so I am delighted to share with you some beautiful work presented by Victorian Quilters Inc.
Many brilliant quilts from very talented quilters are on display and I shall show you some of the winning quilts, but for this post I will share one which fascinated me as I explored every little detail.

It is no wonder that LINDA STEELE won

FIRST PLACE IN the PICTORIAL QUILT section

PLUS the Award for

EXCELLENCE IN EMBROIDERY & EMBELLISHMENT

'THE BLEACHING'

127cm x 80cm

Linda has won many awards, including some at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, so is well-known for her excellence in design and quilting. I stood in front of her masterpiece absolutely mesmerised looking at the fine detail of her embroidery. So, I took many closeups so as you may appreciate the work involved.

Linda said "Bleaching occurs when sea temperatures rise causing the coral to lose their colour and turn white. Bleached coral eventually dies and damages the entire eco-system.

Machine applique, hand and machine embroidery, painting on background, machine quilted on a standard stationary machine. My own original design."

I hope you admire Linda's beautiful handwork too.

If you get a chance, pop along to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre at South Bank on Sunday 30th July for the last day of the CRAFT & QUILT FAIR.

CONGRATULATIONS LINDA STEELE

http://www.craftfair.com.au/wp/Melbourne/

BEST OF SHOW - Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair 2017

2017-07-02T00:50:00.002+10:00

Last month at the Craft & Quilt Fair returned to the Darling Harbour Convention Centre, now known as the ICC and it was a fabulous array of displays, guests, stalls, workshops, make and take its, but the Sydney Quilt Show by Quilt NSW was outstanding. Over 400 quilts on display by members of NSW Quilt Guild. Well done everyone.

One of my very favourite quilters extraordinaire is PAM BROCKWELL and she so deservedly won the coveted prize of the BERNINA BEST OF SHOW 2017, award sponsored by Bernina Australia for her quilt STAR LINK.

Pam wandered by our stand to have a chat, prior to the big announcement, when questioned, she replied, 'yes, I won a few awards, but not sure which' and we thought how humble she was and so unassuming, since we knew/supposed whatever she entered would be stunning. She was knocked for six when the announcement was made because she had eyed off another quilt which she thought had it in the bag! (all Aussie sayings for our International readers, google such)
What a vision! Pam explained the connection between the stars and the circles and all the quilting designs surrounding each to keep it all in perspective and inter-connecting. Such thought, such planning. She told me she wasn't happy with the grey outer edges, so went back to her stash and made hundreds and hundreds of little scallops, colour coordinated them to surround the entire quilt to set it off. Pam has such an eye for fine detail. Star Link is not a normal type theme for Pam to make and she was urged by a friend to make something more contemporary with a modern flair.

JUST LOVE IT

The Awards: Bernina Best of Show 2017

First in Combined Pieced & Applique Quilt (Professional)

Excellence in Domestic Machine Quilting Award (Professional)

Star Link - Pam said: 'Foundation paper piecing and using my stash for the stars and dots and trying to show the colours changing green, yellow green to yellow and so on around the edges of the quilt. That and the circular quilting is my link in "STAR LINK", inspired by 'Stars on Mars' by Gail Stepanek & Jun Hutchinson."

First in the Pictorial Quilt (Open) was awarded to

HELEN GODDEN for her quilt 'VIVID'

Helen is another well-known quilter and always presents amazing pictorial quilts but this one is sure to be a favourite with anyone who has visited Sydney during any festival.

Vivid - Helen said: 'Capturing the colour and carnival atmosphere of Sydney's Festival of Lights. Hand painted original composition, painted with Lumiere acrylic paint and glow paint on black calico. Free motion quilting on a Sweet Sixteen'.

Second place in the Pictorial Quilt (Open) was awarded to BERNARDINE HINE for her 'DELIGHTFUL DAISIES' which also won the award for the Best Use of Dyes and Pigments.

Delightful Daisies - Bernardine said: 'I wanted to capture these daisies from a garden I visited in a painterly way, that made them look fresh and carefree in the warm sunshine.'

It also won the

JUDGE'S AWARD

First Place in the Applique Quilt - Professional Section

was awarded to

JANET TREEN for her quilt 'AMELIA'S FAMILY ALBUM'.

My apologies, but the quilt was so large, I couldn't stand back far enough to capture the entire size of it, so have missed the lower edge.

The quilt also Won the Award for Retaining the Tradition: Best Traditional Quilt - Professional.

Amelia's Family Album - Janet said: 'This quilt was made for my daughter and is in the style of a Baltimore Album Quilt. Block designs are from book by Elly Sienkiewicz apart from three of them and the border which I drew myself.'

The Long Arm Machine Quilting Award - Open was awarded to

ROBYN CUTHBERTSON for her quilt 'REFLECTIONS IN BLUE'.

Reflections in Blue - Robyn said: 'I've always been fascinated by mandala designs and thought they would make an interesting wholecloth design. This design is entirely hand guided using my A1 longarm machine and is quilted on cotton sateen using Glide Thread.' (which is available on my website)

This quilt also won

FIRST PLACE in OTHER TECHNIQUES (Professional)

and EXCELLENCE IN LONG ARM QUILTING AWARD (OPEN)

SECOND PLACE in PIECED QUILT - PROFESSIONAL

was awarded to

LYN CRUMP for her quilt LIMEBERRY TART.

LIMEBERRY TART - LYN said: 'Two years out from an '0' birthday I decided to make myself a quilt. Lime from my past, berry from the present with a drizzle of chocolate. 14,301 half inch hexagons, took almost three hours every day for 25 months to complete.' OMG !!

There were so many other wonderful quilts, winning awards and not so lucky this year, so I give you the link to see them all HERE.

I am quite sure there will be many more wonderful quilts on display at the Craft & Quit Fair in Melbourne later this month, so do try to attend. Nothing beats seeing the quilts in person, plus there are so many other features at the shows and, of course, you may visit the PUNCH WITH JUDY stand and say hello! PLUS, behind our Stand A11 - the return of our NIFTY NOTIONS demonstrations! I know you will be happy about that.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

THE AUSTRALIAN CRAFT INDUSTRY AWARDS

are being held again this year (2016 was not held)

There are so many categories that you may nominate for so here is the link,

BUT you only have until 10th July to do so,

extended from the previously advertised date of 30th June.

I would appreciate you nominating Punch with Judy for any that you feel we may deserve.

Best Of Show - Perth Craft & Quilt Fair 2017

2017-05-31T18:39:00.000+10:00

Last week we exhibited at the Craft & Quilt Fair in Perth at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. The West Australian Quilters' Association held their QuiltWest 2017. In conjunction with Expertise Events and Bernina Sewing Machines, the Bernina Best of Show was awarded to:

TRACEY BARELI for her quilt

"BIRD IS THE WORD"

This quilt also won FIRST PRIZE in the Mainly Applique Professional
and Best Longarm Machine Custom Quilting

Tracey said "The Pattern is from the Book "Applique Mastery" by Phillippa Naylor. All applique pieces have been free motion sewn, with a little machine Blanket Stitch. Free Motion quilted."

CONGRATULATIONS TRACEY

Runner Up was awarded to
MEGAN BYRNE
for her quilt
"GORGEOUS GIRL"

I apologize for not capturing the poster of details of the quilt
but you will see the detail in this image.

Besides being Runner-Up overall, " Gorgeous Girl" also won the
PICTORIAL QUILTS OPEN

PHILIPPA THOMAS
won the BEST USE OF COLOUR
for her quilt
"FLIGHT OF FANCY"

Philippa said "Inspired by Susan Carlson's

amazing animal quilts and using her glue applique technique,

this fantastical bird will make you smile".

The BERNINA ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD

was won by

ROBYN FREEMAN

for her quilt

"GLACIER STAR"

The quilt also won FIRST PRIZE

TRADITIONAL: AMATEUR

Robyn said "Foundation Pieced by machine and quilted in sections by domestic machine".

Now this entry was in the ABSTRACT section and though never won any prizes, I really was fascinated with it, so am sharing.

"PRIMORDIAL SOUP"
made by HELEN O'HARA

Helen said "3.8 billion years ago life began. Cells divided and connected together in new ways to form our most ancient ancestors. Cut and fused with soldering iron, heat distressed.

Tried to capture the side view so as you could see the three-dimensional form.
If you look again at the first photo, those centre pink circles
are the ones supported by the fabric "rods" shown in the photo above.

I hope you enjoy viewing some of the winning quilts and we congratulate everyone who had an entry or display. There were so many and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the artistry.

THE SEAMSTRESS - SCULPTURE

2017-03-05T11:30:00.001+11:00

In the past, I have often given a report on the brilliant sculptures exhibited in the Spirit of the Land Festival held locally at Lockhart and is a colourful and vibrant celebration of the land. With artistic sculptures, fine arts and photography, lively markets, boutique stalls, fabulous foods, vivid open gardens, amazing entertainments, stylish vintage vehicles and will be held again on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October 2017. Plan your year now to attend this year as it is a fantastic experience for all ages and co-incides with the Lockhart Picnic Races on Friday 6th October. Grey Nomad Wanderers, mark it on your calendar.

Many times I have shown Winners and other entrants of past Festivals, but this time I would like to share an absolutely brilliant and amazing sculpture by a local, via a friend of one of my staff, who has so generously given me permission to show images of "THE SEAMSTRESS" which was a private commission and not an entry in the Festival. I was gobsmacked and asked permission to share.

His words:

"THE SEAMSTRESS" and another large artwork were commissioned by a private collector in Sydney. They are installed in a secret garden in an industrial estate in inner Sydney. "The Seamstress" is a depiction of the buyer's mother and his 2 1/2 year old sister circa 1950. Times were hard and the child had only empty cotton reels to play with.

The tabletop is a slate slab which was once the entry step to Great Grandmother's rural homestead "Butherwah" circa 1880, the underside worn into a scalloped curve from 80 odd years of foot traffic entering and leaving the house.

The drawers of the table are cut down bronze post office mail box doors. The only original sewing machine parts are the handwheel, the treadle and name plate, which I reversed so it would face forward so people could see the word 'Singer' as they looked at the front of the sculpture. I hand-made a needle and used copper wire as thread.

The sewing machine was made using a variety of mechanical and hydraulic car jacks and odds and ends for the smaller controls. When the treadle is operated, the lady's hip, knee, ankle and foot move in the normal fashion as I made each joint articulated on that leg. (Children love making her work by moving the treadle up and down.)

Her skirt was made from a reproduction medieval chain maille long shirt by individually separating hundreds of steel rings and re-joining them to accommodate the lady's figure. This sculpture is private and is not able to be viewed by the public.

It took about 6 months to complete.

The images of her shoes were inspired by Dorothy in Wizard of OZ........her face was before the hair was added and her hands before being connected to her body.

The fabric being sewn is lead sheet off a roof and if you look closely, the buyer asked me to include a subtle butterfly which I pin pricked with a needle into the lead sheet. (You will see the butterfly in the hands image)"

Amazing beyond belief, don't you think? Keep in mind, everything made from "stuff" laying around anyone's farm virtually. Due credit to the sculptor and I sincerely thank him for allowing me to share. I hope he receives accolations from around the world - contact ANDREW WHITEHEAD SCULPTURE via his Facebook page. I have been asked not to include personal names.

A must view though is the video on his Facebook page. Several other magnificent sculptures are shown as well.

AGAIN, A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE CONCERNED FOR PERMITTING ME TO SHARE THESE IMAGES AND STORY BEHIND THE SCENES WITH YOU. I look forward to your comments.

2016-10-30T16:01:00.000+11:00

Attending the International Quilt Market at Houston, Texas, USA, 29 - 31 October, 2016.
One of the displays is by Cathy Wiggins sponsored by Olde City Quilts.

Cathy's "WESTERN ROUNDUP" is hand-quilted, machine quilted and painted, made of leather.
She said 'With this piece, I wanted to bring the look of the traditional pieced quilt into the world of quilted leather. Beginning with one-colour cowhide, I created the illusion of pieced blocks with leather dyes. I wanted to use all portions of the hide so I layered the scraps to create the irregular shape at the bottom. No part of the hide was wasted. I then went in search of the perfect western-styled conchos to embellish the design'.

"GET 'EM GIRL!" used the same techniques as above using an original sketch.
Cathy said 'Yes, girls can rope cows too. I wanted to create this image in two parts to further represent the energy behind the action. She is so close, but not quite close enough to send the rope. The organic shape of the hides adds to the rustic feel of this western art piece. Western conchos add a bit of sparkle'.

I apologize that I missed the description of Cathy's Bronco Rider but it uses the same techniques as above.

The full display of Cathy Wiggin's Leather Quilts.

These Wild West-Style Quilts are made entirely of leather. Bronco riders, ropers, cowboys and cowgirls.

THEY ARE AMAZING!

Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair Winners 2016

2016-08-13T00:04:00.004+10:00

Attending the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair this week and Canberra Quilters Inc. once again have put on an amazing display of quilts.

The BERNINA BEST OF SHOW 2016

was awarded to BRONWYN HILL

who also won 1st Place in the Art Quilt (Open) section
for her quilt "BEAUMONT"

The quilt is in three pieces measuring 231cm x 90cm overall

The close-ups show the incredible detail

2nd Place in the Art Quilt (Open) section was awarded to

KAREN TRAVIS for her quilt "HUMMER"

The quilt was also awarded the

Bernina Amateur Encouragement Award

Quilt measures 120cm x 95cm

Congratulations to both Bronwyn and Karen

ROS HANIGAN visited my stand so excited that she had won

1st Place in the Large Quilt (non professional) section

for her quilt "MY GARDEN IN AUTUMN"

Ros said it took her 12 years to hand quilt. What a feat!

Quilt measures 264cm x 213cm

Footnote:

Ros enrolled in our Westalee Online Ruler Foot Course today too!

Helen Sullivan is demonstrating the Westalee products on my stand in the absence of Leonie West who is attending the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, England. As you see, was quite popular and Helen is doing a brilliant job sharing her knowledge on the stand and at a daily seminar.

THANKS HELEN

Hope you can visit over the weekend

Punch with Judy is on Stand A02

Final Post from Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair 2016

2016-08-06T21:29:00.001+10:00

So very proud of one of our Westalee Online Students

for her quilt winning

FIRST PLACE in the Victorian Quilters Inc section

for TRADITIONAL TWO PERSON AMATEUR & PROFESSIONAL

THERESE PARRY

"POPPIES FOR GRANDPA"

Therese was so excited when she told me and said she used her Westalee products to make the quilt.
Our other students will be delighted to see this, as I was.

I've shown you a large closeup of the poppies as they were done superbly.

Therese said "Poppy applique original design. Traditional blocks. Block layout design inspired by 'Summer Still Life' by Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting in American Patchwork and Quilting, August, 2013." Quilted by Leanne Kaufmann.

Quilt Measures 199cm x 199cm

Another feature at the show warmed my heart and they deserve some recognition.

During the past 12 months, Victorian Quilters, through the Wrapped in Love Auxiliary at the Royal Children's Hospital, has distributed 1870 quilts to children with a life threatening illness. (how comforting) They have many, many sponsors, too many to list here, but are thankful for them all.

Marie Lee, VSQ Coordinator kindly gave me some more information.

The Very Snuggly Quilt Program has been operating for the past 15 years. As mentioned above, the amazing number of quilts given to the children in the last 12 months alone, with all fabrics and batting donated.

At the Craft & Quilt Fair, Expertise Events provided them space, Bernina Australia loaned them a Bernina 720 and two Bernina 570QE for use during the show. Horn Australia also provided a cabinet for the 720 so as volunteers may actually quilt the quilts at the show, as well as a Horn cutting table for their use.

WELL DONE VICTORIAN QUILTERS and your wonderful volunteers.

Next up is the CRAFT & QUILT FAIR in CANBERRA

SEE YOU THERE - STAND A02

More Winners from Melbourne's Craft & Quilt Fair

2016-08-03T23:21:00.000+10:00

There certainly were some talented quilters showing their quilts in the Victorian Quilters Showcase at last week's Craft & Quilt Fair in Melbourne.
ROBYN COOTS won the award for Excellence in Domestic Machine Quilting, Professional as well as Runner-Up for Mainly Applique, Professional for her quilt 'SCARLET SURPRISE'.

Robyn said "This quilt is an original design. The applique is all hand stitched. Other elements include piecing and trapunto. The flowers are embellished with little black beads and knots embroidered with black silk to represent stamen/seeds."

I hope you can see enough of the detail of the applique.

The finishing of the borders amazed me.

Seemed to me to be a fine piping curved around, was definitely inserted.

Just look at the quilting designs too!

Quilt Measures 196cm x 196cm

"REFLECTIONS IN BLUE"

by ROBYN CUTHBERTSON

was Runner Up in the Long Arm Quilters One Person Section

Robyn said "I have long been fascinated by Mandala's and so with this quilt, I used illustrator to reflect design elements, to create a large Mandala design. The fabric is cotton sateen and glide thread was used." (Punch with Judy sells Glide Thread by Fil-Tec, by the way)

Quilt Measures 145cm x 145cm

First Place in the ART QUILTS

PLUS the Westalee Best Original Design Award

was won by JOCELYNE LEATH

for her quilt "FLUTTER BY - LIFE"

Truly an incredible work of art. Jocelyne said "Our travels along the journey of Life, has its continuous ups and downs, with all forms of emotions experience. The whole picture appears fractured, as we ease from one heightened emotion to another."

Quilt Measures 150cm x 120cm overall

Note the detailed quilting designs

Hope you enjoy viewing these. Of course, there were MANY more.

Our next Show is at Canberra next week, hope to catch up with you there.

Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne - Winners

2016-07-30T00:04:00.003+10:00

Punch with Judy is attending the Craft & Quilt Fair this week at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre and thought you may like to see some of the winning quilts.
The Victorian Quilters Inc. have again excelled in a wonderful display of inspirational quilting by many talented quilters.

Best of Show was awarded to RAMONA RESURRECTION

for her "BELLA ROUGE" quilt.

Ramona said she designed the quilt using digitised patterns and applied free motion quilting for the fillers, with the aid of rulers. Trapunto was applied with wool through the backing. Copper beads were stitched on top of the background fillers. The borders were enhanced with scalloped lace and cord.

Measures 154cm x 137cm - Also won First Prize in the Longarm Quilter section.

RUNNER UP TO BEST OF SHOW

was awarded to LINDA STEELE

who also won FIRST PLACE in Excellence in Embroidery and Embellishment

for her quilt "A TIME FOR ALL SEASONS"

Linda said "Time marches on and the seasons change, but sometimes we are too busy to notice how beautiful nature is. Hand appliqued, hand embroidered and quilted on a standard stationary machine".

Quilt measures 191cm x 191cm

Small Quilts Amateur Winner was ROBYN CUTHBERTSON

for her quilt "BLUE MEDLEY"

Quilt Measures 90cm x 90cm

Robyn said "In creating this design, I began with Karen McTavish's 'Excalibur' motif and then used illustrator to edit and reflect elements of the design, creating an entirely new design.

Try to visit the Craft & Quilt Fair over the weekend,

You won't be disappointed.

We are on Stand A11

SEW much to see!

Christmas Lights

2015-12-06T14:40:00.002+11:00

Many people decorate their house and garden with Christmas Lights each year and it is a real treat to drive around viewing amazing fantasies. Many Councils actually publish a suggested guide tour. We spent last night at Howlong NSW on the Murray River, not far from Albury, visiting Rowan, our Son and Grandson, Hunter. After dinner he took us to see an absolutely amazing home which would delight any child or grown-up children like us. If you live in that area, it is worth a drive to 108 Bank Street, Howlong. The Crump Family are to be commended for their contribution every year and this year is a Christmas Fairyland. I believe that Peter Crump takes 3 weeks off work just to set all this up. We thank you for taking that time, it is very much appreciated by everyone who visits! I asked Margaret Crump permission to share with you and she said that they both enjoyed giving something back to the community and the Donation Box of appreciation is given to local charities.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS!

It is a long blog, but I didn't know which photos to leave out,

just couldn't, so showed most I took.

Welcome to our Christmas Fairyland!

The Pathway Entrance

Along the Pathway

A little taste of Australiana

A moving See-Saw, actually up and down!

Another Pathway through the centre of their garden

Most of the lights flash on and off, very pretty

Tri-fold sparkling Santa

All their trees were decorated

Note all the leads, everything was connected and flashing

Going to the North Pole?

The front of their House with the family sitting outside

Their Garage included a snow-making machine. See children playing in front of it getting covered in "snow" to their delight - a rarity in Australia

Santa stuck in the Chimney

Animated Santa with music too

Another animated Santa

The side window of the house was a real treat - inside their home

The front window of their house with truly amazing Christmas beauties - true royalty

Another view through the window

I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED

KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS A SMALL COUNTRY TOWN

I am quite sure their are others, equally as wonderful, but wanted to share this.

Photos don't do it justice, lights are hard to capture, particularly when they are flashing or moving.

In real life, it was magic!

Ideas using Emu Feathers

2015-12-04T01:25:00.000+11:00

A few months ago, a fellow Exhibitor on the Show Circuit we attend, asked John for some emu feathers; as you may know, we have an Emu Farm. Andy is staying overnight on the way to a show in Sydney and presented me today with four boxes. Upon opening I found the most beautifully presented Sun Catchers.

Andy's wife, Marie, steam cleans the emu feathers, dyes them and makes these treasures to sell. They even make their own boxes, embellished with a beaded flower.

If you are interested, they retail for $15.00 plus p/h and may be ordered from Marie by email - gemstonesiam@hotmail.com
Below were the original samples given to me, showing dyed and natural colouring emu feathers being used.

My little 7 year old Great Grandniece is making Sun Catchers for extra pocket money, only $2.50 each. You may order some by emailing me and I shall forward your request on. Maybe I should give Zahli some emu feathers to add?

One of my customers, Kim, is a Milliner and has used emu feathers in several of her hats. She loves using them in various ways.

A very high up Army Officer makes Plumes for the Army hats, using our emu feathers. He grades them by length and colour, groups them together with a piece of leather sewn to the base. He visits us every February to pick up his supplies.

I have some framed fairies, dressed in emu feathers.

Today we said farewell to some good friends who have been camping on our Motel Site out the back for the last 5 weeks. To Glenys and Graham, safe travelling, thanks for all your help, return again soon. Great set up they have as their home, don't you think?

Glenys has her own sewing section within and made me a couple of pressies whilst here. A mug rug and a cute bits & pieces holder, made from a Hexie Potholder pattern I brought back from Houston Quilt Festival which I gave her to test-run. It uses eight hexagon fabric shapes, folded in half and stacked around clockwise with one flat hexagon base, sewn around the perimeter then turned inside out. Cute hey?

Next visitors arrive Tuesday - see what I mean by our Motel Site?

WESTALEE RULER FOOT BLOCK CHALLENGE

2015-12-01T06:37:00.001+11:00

As you may know, Punch with Judy has conducted Online Classes for the WESTALEE RULER FOOT, winner of the Best New Product for 2015, voted for by the public. Our first course has finished and the second course has commenced. New students are welcome to join up until Christmas.

The course runs for 7 months with Lessons via Videos and support through our Westalee Yahoo Group. A very comprehensive course and we have a lot of fun whilst educating and inspiring students both as raw beginners and some more experienced. I invite you to join us.

At the close of the first course, when students were completing their Quilt-As-You-Go Quilt, Bill West of Westalee Design challenged the students to design a 12" Block using the 7 templates used in the course. Bill and Leonie West were looking for individuality in creating a design showing that they'd learnt the concept of free-motion quilting using the Westalee Ruler Foot and associated templates - all on a domestic sewing machine.
The prize to be a GOLD Ruler Foot, well, gold-plated, not solid gold! Leonie West, the inventor of the Westalee Ruler Foot, wears hers on a gold chain as a necklace.

I received many Challenge Blocks and am very proud to have helped teach so many (hundreds and hundreds of students) the new art of free-motion quilting. It has been such a rewarding year all round and I am indeed thankful for the support students have given all year. We had challenges ourselves, but we had fun on a great learning curve.

The winning block has been chosen and I'm pleased to add that two Runner-Ups were chosen as well, though everyone deserved recognition.

LYNETTE (Bub) CURRAN from Hughendon, outback Qld.

was selected by the judges panel with her "Spider Web Block".

CONGRATULATIONS Bub, a GOLD WESTALEE RULER FOOT for your Bernina will be sent to you as your prize, compliments of Westalee Design Rulers. (I may add too that Bub's Bernina is not one of the new series, but actually, in machine terms, quite old)

Bub said she used the double spine, both clamshells, spinning wheel and the spin-e-fex (all from the Student's Template Pack exclusive for Students) for this gumnut and leaves with the spider web block.

Leonie said she chose Bub's Block as the winning entry because of its originality, great use of the templates showing excellent creativity of thinking outside the square. Completely different to any of the lesson blocks, confirming that Bub had grasped the concept of free-motion quilting submitting something other than variations of Leonie's own blocks.

Little add-lib: Bub had to leave emailing me because she had to make lunch for her Flying Doctor Clinic the next day. For our International readers, ask Mrs.Google about the Flying Doctor Service in Australia. A National Icon!

Bub also finished her lessons' quilt during the course, so thought I would share it with you.

There can only ever be ONE Winner, but many students finished their quilts and submitted beautiful work during the year showing they had also mastered the art of quilting with the Ruler Foot and Templates on a domestic sewing machine. A few of the Challenge Blocks submitted were superbly sewn and very inspirational. Judging was tough!

So, we chose TWO Runner-Ups, both of whom will receive a NEW Template, from Leonie's designing talents, not yet released to the public - so they will feel very honoured. Amazingly coincidental, they both also sew on a Bernina.

LIZ AITKEN from Sydney, NSW, take a bow, your work all year has been exceptional and the assistance you've offered to other students has been very generous.

Liz said "I used the Circles on Quilts Spinning Wheel 22 for the centre, representing a flower as the living heart of the family, the Spin-e-fex Curly Q 11.5 for the tendrils representing all the people connected to the family. I used the straight edge of the 12 inch arc for the central rays of the flower."

Here is Liz's finished quilt from the course as well.

JUDITH KENNEDY from Virginia, USA had been playing around with Zentangles and said that she "was mesmerized by the love of these designs and this was certainly reflected in my block".

Judith said "The zentangles were done with the straight side of the 12" arc ruler (comes with the Ruler Foot package); needle down on one line with ruler against the foot, place the ruler edge on the line at the next intersection and that gives a 1/4" space. Repeat until you get dizzy or have completed a zentangle. Then stitch over the curve created by the lines to get out of the maze. These were just squares and triangles, I want to try doing it in curvy areas."

Judith is another student who has been very helpful to others during the year whilst making her own quilt shown here. I will add that the reverse side is bright orange and looks superb too.

I hope that I have encouraged many to maybe consider joining our Online Course because if these girls can do so well, then you can too! Keep in mind that all these students had never done free motion quilting before using templates on their domestic sewing machine. I shall show more finished work by students in my next Blog.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE ABOVE

plus all the others who submitted a Challenge Block, decisions are always hard.

Miniatures, Dolls, Gypsies and Delectable Meals Displays at Houston

2015-11-04T00:29:00.001+11:00

Always a great attraction at any Show and the regular feature at The International Houston Festival is no exception. The US National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts offer fun and friendship as the oldest and largest organization of miniatures in the world. Everyone enjoys the display each year, including me, amazed with the patience and detail given in every aspect.

You may click on each photo to see an enlarged view.

Mad Hatter's Cafe

On the Road Again

Cowboy Western Room

Aren't they great?

Celebration of the Doll and the Gypsy Challenge.

Another display I bee-line to as I enjoy so much.

John has always said he'd love to make a "doll-house", he is a cabinet maker by trade. This first photo is HIM to a tee (minus the hat), though his dog is a miniature fox terrier. Charlie is always at John's side even when he's in his chair having a Nanny Nap.

Now, for Grandma who is a quilter!

There was also a Gypsy Challenge

So many great ones but I am only showing you a few.

Another amazing display was the range of three-dimensional placemats. Such humour too. You will need to click on these to enlargen to appreciate the detail and reality as they were truly "alive".

Edgewater Oysters and Soft Shelled Crab

Dinner by the Shore

Celebration Dinner

Keep in mind every part was all 3-D, made with such imagination .

HUNGRY?

MAGNA CARTA - Houston Quilt Festival

2015-10-30T17:35:00.003+11:00

There is a brilliant special display of eight quilts created to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the MAGNA CARTA at Runnymede, England on June 15, 2015. Of course, we were all taught about the Magna Carta in 1215 during our history lessons at school, but seeing these quilts depicting scenes at the time is very moving as it is so much a part of our "rights" as human beings.
Brilliant white glove volunteer overseeing the display gave me a history lesson which I shan't even begin to relay but you can "google" for such. A little different to my usual blog, just photos of this magnificent tribute as I wanted you to see the entire display. ENJOY.

Study the famous people shown and see how many you recognize.

You may be interested to know that TERIAL MAGIC SPRAY was used for all the thread painting. Fabric was treated with Terial to make the stitching easier and more uniform. Terial stiffens the fabric, but it is not a starch. It is one of our best sellers and may be used in lieu of stabilizer for certain projects. Read about the making of the Magna Carta quilts HERE, it is so very interesting and quite amazing.

"We love your Terial Magic product, and it has become an integral part of making our thread-painted portraits of Human Rights heros and heroines on the four Legacy Quilts in the series." - Paula Doyle of Magna Carta Quilt Association.

Best of Show International Quilt Festival at Houston

2015-10-29T18:49:00.000+11:00

JANET STONE from Kansas USA has won the BEST OF SHOW awarded by Handi Quilter and receives a cheque for $10,000.00 for her entry "EWE ARE MY SUNSHINE". We all congratulate Janet for her original design.

Janet said "A collection of red fabrics and alphabet ribbons inspired this design. The title came quickly after designing the layout. Of course, there have to be sheep, the alphabet and a few embellishments. This is the fifteenth quilt in my ongoing "Alphabet" series".

PETER HAYWARD from Spain won the $5,000.00 Koala Studios Master Award for Innovative Artistry with his entry "WHITE HOLES". It was in the Art-Abstract, Small Category, A World of Beauty Section.

Peter said "I wanted to take the basic concept behind op art quilts to a new level by adding colour graduation and concentric lines as a way of enhancing the three-dimensional effect." Original design inspired by the book Op-Art Quilts by Marilyn Doheny.

Yesterday, I announced via my Facebook Page an Australian Quilter who won a First Prize worth $7,500.00 because I had just finished my Blog for the day. So, if you'd like to see and read about GILLIAN SHEARER'S wonderful quilt "EAGER TO LEARN - AFGHANISTAN", please read by BLOG. We are very proud of Gillian from Tweed Heads West, NSW.

In the Digital Imagery category for Quilts: A World of Beauty, FLORA JOY entered her "MAGICAL TOYS" which is a 3-N-1 quilt with different views from the front, the right and the left hand sides. Flora said these views are images of those whimsical ceramic toys by popular Ukraine artists Anya Stasenki and Slave Leontyev. Four related curriculum questions for kiddies are stitched at the corners."

Fascinating, don't you agree?

Excited about a new range of patterns I will be stock from KwiltArt as seen here. Aren't they great? Some are strip quilted, some are paper-pieced. Shall let you know via my Newsletter when in stock.

As you know, Sandra Chandler from Just Curves (Curve Master Presser Foot) is my very good friend and often is a guest on my stands in Australia, so snapped some photos of her stand this evening before opening for the special preview from 5pm to 7pm after which the public were allowed entry up to 10pm. BIG day expected tomorrow.

Later in the evening, many were watching Sandy demonstrate her Curve Master.

Keep tuned!

HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL QUILT MARKET

2015-10-28T18:01:00.000+11:00

For the past few days I have been attending the International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas, USA.

The above is only a section of the 400 some trading booths.

I have been posting daily on my Facebook Page, so I invite you to visit HERE.

The Sew Steady booth demonstrating their portable table extensions and the famous Westalee Ruler Foot and associated products. The lecture and hands-on class were very well attended and applauded by all. Janet (my roommate) and Leonie West, the inventor, in the middle of the photo with Mindy and Jerry to the right, the US Distributors. Remember, our very successful ONLINE COURSE for the Westalee Ruler Foot has just recommenced and you may join now.

Best of Show and all others are being chosen this evening so will be announced tomorrow. In the meantime, I have chosen a few to share with you.

In the Section "Wild Fabrications" there were some fascinating entries from extremely clever quilters.

Jennifer Day from New Mexico USA made "NO WORRIES" and has it available for purchase.

She said "the silverback gorilla certainly sums up his thoughts about the day by relaxing and sticking his tongue out at a passerby. He does not have a care in the world. With his cocky attitude, this guy brings joy to all who view him."

A photograph was printed on canvas fabric then thread painted.

Just appreciate the detail and the work involved.

"Blind As A Bat - Not Quite"

Made by Holly Altman also from New Mexico USA

Holly said "Fruit bats, with wingspans up to nearly six feet, are the world's largest bats. Home is Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. They search out fruit and flowers using smell rather than echolocation. Our mythical bat here adores Elton John, hence the red shades. Blind? Definitely not."

Holly's bat is a wire and fabric sculpture, appliqued, stencilled, burned fabric, eco-dyed.

Little bit of fun, don't you think?

Another entry from Jennifer Day for this amazing portrait in the Balancing Act Section.

JUDY is from a photograph printed on fabric, thread-painted and free-motion quilted.

Jennifer said "I met Judy one day in the checkout line at a grocery store. She is the epitome of a woman balancing her life. Is she working because she enjoys people or because the state of her finances does not meet her needs? I was immediately drawn to the stories that her countenance tells. Her wrinkles are many, but also are graceful and emblematic of her fabulous personality."

********************

There were many quilts using similar techniques to the above and so many art quilts, modern quilts, traditional quilts and novelty quilts. I shall bring you a selection for the benefit of those who never get to visit Houston for this inspirational event. I hope you enjoy, admire, get inspired and appreciate how clever many quilters are.

********************

On another note, next show for Punch with Judy will be at Adelaide next week. I will fly straight from Houston to that show and hope to catch up with many of you there. Leonie and Bill West from Westalee Design will be my guests too!

21 YEARS AT BRISBANE CRAFT & QUILT FAIR

2015-10-18T11:24:00.000+11:00

Last week the CRAFT & QUILT FAIR celebrated its 21st Birthday at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. (BCEC)

Cake Cutting Ceremony was held during the show for all visitors to participate in. Delicious Chocolate Mud Cake was enjoyed, thanks to one of my staff who brought some back to our stand for us to share.

We were surprised and delighted that Gary Fitz-Roy of Expertise Events (Show Organizers) and the General Manager, Robert O'Keefe, of the BCEC gave a lovely presentation to SEVEN Exhibitors who had attended every single one of those 25 C&QF. Three Sewing Machine Companies and four others were offered a huge thank you and recognized as special Exhibitors receiving some lovely gifts. Enjoy! I thank many of our customers too who may have attended each and everyone of those 25 C&QF and hope they continue from strength to strength.

Bernina Sewing Machines, Pfaff Sewing Machine & Singer Sewing Machines

PLUS: Creative Craft Cottage, Punch with Judy, The Quilter's Store & World of Lace.

Congratulations to all the other Exhibitors.

What a wonderful array of goodies too.

In the balloon covered box was a set of 4 Wine Glasses.

Our Show Stand

New Patterns Offered

Our Tips & Tools Workshop behind our Stand

Remember that the next Craft & Quilt Fair is at

ADELAIDE EVENT & EXHIBITION CENTRE

WAYVILLE (Showground) GOYDER PAVILION

5 - 8 November from 10.00 am to 4.30pm daily

Visit us on Stand A07

Tips & Tools diagonally opposite our Stand

FREE demonstrations every 30 mins on NEW products

If you would like a special order brought to the show for collection from our stand, please order prior to Wednesday 28th October. NO orders after that date accepted.

I will be attending Houston International Quilt Shows and fly directly to the Adelaide Show from there, so need to be considerate to my staff who pack your orders.

Smaller stand than other States, so I shan't be bringing threads, books, bag patterns and some other items that I normally regard as regulars. Don't be disappointed, order early.

Craft & Quilt Fair 2015 - Glebe Island Sydney

2015-06-28T15:15:00.001+10:00

What a way to go to work each day! Ferry trip across the magnificent Sydney Harbour to Glebe Island from Darling Harbour daily to attend the CRAFT & QUILT FAIR. Shame the weather was not kind for that week, however, it did produce a fabulous rainbow over the City of Sydney as seen from Glebe Island venue. A BIG Thank You to Expertise Events, the show organizers, for providing such and, indeed, for another wonderful Show, bigger and better than ever.

I appreciate my friend, Kate, for allowing me to use her great photograph, as I was still inside restocking stands ready for the next day when this occurred. So strategically placed, Mother Nature at her best.
Each morning we ferried across and another friend, Dan, captured the Sydney Harbour Bridge, seemingly on fire with the sun rising behind it.

A few of my own as we travelled in the dreary wet weather. A big THANK YOU to all who braved visiting the Show. Would you believe that Monday, after the Show finished, was a magnificent sunny day? Murphy's Law! We returned on Monday to load our van and trailer and the Harbour virtually glistened in the beautiful sunshine. Couldn't believe it.

I did say the mornings were very gloomy, but look at the cloud formations.

The venue itself with Anzac Bridge in the background.

KJ in the foreground, one of our staff.

We return to Darling Harbour venue in 2017, so thought you may like to see how the new building is progressing.

Saturday night on Darling Harbour - fireworks at 8.30pm each Saturday. Always a delight.

At the show itself, it was great to have the TREASURE CHEST this year shared amongst three lucky winners rather than ALL the donated products from Exhibitors going to just one person. Well done Organizers for listening to our suggestion.
Didn't hear who the winners were but I'm sure these wonderful products will be well received. If you spent $50 at any participating Exhibitor who donated, then you received one ticket for the Lucky Draw.

Last but not least, YES the ACIA 2015 Awards were announced and I sincerely thank everyone who voted - announcements and winners on my Newsletter. Do you subscribe?

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

Here is one teaser.............

OUR STAND - DURING SETUP

Plus our Tips & Tools Stand opposite this one.

Quilts from the West - Craft & Quilt Fair Perth 2015

2015-06-07T00:13:00.001+10:00

The Craft & Quilt Fair last month in Perth was a resounding success yet again and all Exhibitors thank those from the west in supporting us venturing over that huge distance for our once a year get together. Of course, there were local Exhibitors too. Without the public attending the show we would not be able to justify the expense of travelling far west, so a big thank you.

Yes, we were there!! Karen and Helen seen here smiling, ready for the opening.

Thanks must also go to the show organizers, Expertise Events, for staging another superb event. There was an increase of groups and buses visiting by around 20% and plenty of exposure on several TV Shows and Radio during the show including many interviews each day of the Fair. An increase in the number of workshops offered, more guild displays and featured artists, a Christmas Workshop and the amazing quilt displays! Hope you didn't miss such an event, it was fabulous.

Enormous interest in Leonie West's NEW Ruler Foot demonstrations and daily seminars. Leonie from Westalee Design, was a guest on our stand with her husband Bill and she wowed them with quilting on a domestic sewing machine using the Ruler Foot and Templates - just like longarm quilters enjoy, BUT, on your own regular sewing machine. Many signed up for our Online Course for such too - by far the biggest, most successful Online Course I've organized.

Our Tips & Tools demonstrations were held behind our stand with Helen and myself holding the educational 30 min segments all day.

There was so much to inspire us all from the displays of the 2015 QuiltWest Exhibitions. 140 quilts by WAQA Members and other displays including the WAQA Annual Quilt Challenge 'Vessels' and Works of Guest Artist, Marjorie Coleman and visiting judge, Jane Gibson were on show.

QuiltWest had a beautiful quilt being raffled (which I didn't win) with funds raised going to Breast Cancer Care WA. Fancy making this and giving it away! Still, for a great cause.

It is difficult for me to share winning quilt images from shows these days as it is now a 'must' that I contact each individual quilter to request permission to share such with you here. Time consuming and often a real challenge finding them. The ones following have kindly acknowledged my requests and are happy for me to share with you. THANKS GIRLS.

One of the sections Punch with Judy sponsored was won by ANN HEINRICH for her quilt 'Ella's Quilt', made with love for her granddaughter who is 12 years old. Ann said she made Ella this quilt for the future so she will always have a reminder of how much she loved her. Made me feel very guilty since I have 4 beautiful granddaughters too!

Ann won the BEST AMATEUR HAND QUILTER as well as Second Prize for 'Mainly Applique: Amateur'. WELL DONE ANN! The look on Ella's face says it all!

This next quilt grabbed my attention because of all the intricate folds in the design, look at the closeup I took.

'EMILIA' by REBECCA STEWART-BARTELL

won 2nd Prize in the Small Quilts: Professional Section.

Modern Quilts are the flavour of the month, as the saying goes, to the extent that they have their own exhibitions, magazines, guilds etc.

FIRST PRIZE in the MODERN QUILT SECTION was awarded to TRACEY BARELI for her quilt 'JAZZ'.

It may be a Modern Quilt, but have a peep at the intricate quilting, which I don't see on many of the Modern Quilts. Amazing, well done Tracey.

There were several other quilts I photographed to share with you but am unable to until I hear from the individual quilters, so if you know any of these wonderful artists, please ask them to email me.

The Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair is just around the corner, so I hope you can attend the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island between Wednesday 17th June and Sunday 21st June. FREE Ferry journeys to and fro the show from Darling Harbour makes it a breeze to get too and well worth the beautiful scenery on Sydney's magnificent harbour. So many reasons why you MUST attend. Read all about such HERE. This year's Fair will be even bigger and better than last year's huge success. I have special guests on my stand, Leonie & Bill West from Westalee Designs and Sandra Chandler from Just Curves (Curve Master) USA. More later!

MOST IMPORTANT!

You have only until 8TH JUNE to cast your votes for the

AUSTRALASIAN CRAFT INDUSTRY AWARDS for 2015

READ MY LATEST NEWSLETTER FOR MORE INFORMATION

We would all appreciate you voting.

Thank you for nominating Punch with Judy in all FOUR Categories

including the NEW Westalee Ruler Foot as the Best Craft Product.

Name my new Rooster!

2015-05-30T13:16:00.003+10:00

Catching up on a little Farm News:

My dear Rooster died and for the next few days, my hens wouldn't even come out of the hen house, so something needed to be done. A local farmer friend of John's so kindly gave me a young 12 week old Rhode Island Red and he settled in very quickly and now I have a happy hen house again. He made a miserable effort of crowing at first, but now look at him! Crowing superbly too. In just a month he is the proud king of the roost. He has no name though. Any ideas please?

They roam freely during the day, much to John's disgust as they like his garden! Caught them picking this morning and when they saw me came running, thinking it was feed time. I love my chooks. I was born in the year of the Rooster and have over 40 items featuring Roosters and Chooks in my kitchen, to the delight of my eldest Granddaughter who takes great pleasure in counting them each visit to see if I've added. No more please!

Before I got my new Rooster, my cousin who was visiting, took pity upon me and placed a ceramic rooster in the chookshed as a joke. I moved such to the back verandah. Thanks Jeff and Joan!

My other great love is any lamb I have had to bottlefeed.
Midge has just had another set of twins and because Midge runs to me (for food) when I go walking, the little twins followed yesterday and didn't seem to worry about me being so close. Suppose as long as they were with Mum, they felt safe. Such beautiful lambs, don't you think?
Midge has often been featured in previous Blogs. She stands still to have a body massage, the antics of which are very funny, Of course, she delights in a slice of bread or a biscuit.

There have been some beautiful sunsets over The Rock Hill this month.

Is that The Rock becoming a volcano? Looks like it, doesn't it?

Yesterday The Rock township had dense fog, though none on the hill where we live, but the sight was so beautiful from my front garden.

Next Blog will be some reports from the Craft & Quilt Fair in Perth which we've just arrived home from. Perth is always a friendly atmosphere with so many customers seeing us just once a year - thank you.
Next Show is at Glebe Island, Sydney, for the Craft & Quilt Fair from 17 - 21 June, 2015.

Don't forget to vote for whomever in the ACIA 2015 Awards!

Now closing 8th June, 2015.

Punch with Judy has been nominated in all four categories available for public voting, three are straight forward, the Best New Product is the NEW Westalee Ruler Foot, which we are demonstrating at all shows and hold an Online Course for. Well deserved to be nominated.