Craft Gossip

The largest independent craft review site since 2007

Giveaway 4 Tickets to Circus of Illusion on the Gold Coast!

by


The critically acclaimed CIRCUS OF ILLUSION opening on the Gold Coast starring world’s best performers!

Winner is Kate Boddington. Congratulations! We have sent you an email.

We have 4 tickets to giveaway for this show to one lucky CraftGossip family.

For your chance to win – Leave a comment below letting us know why you want to win these!

Winners get tickets for the 7:30 PM show on 23rd of Jun. Competition drawn on the 21st of June.

Now you see me, now you don’t!!! GOLD COAST – June 23 to July 9

You won’t believe your eyes! Or will you??

The critically acclaimed Circus of Illusion is about to brings its talented troupe of world-class performers from across the globe to the Gold Coast for almost three weeks of spectacular and mind-blowing performances under the big top!! Described as an other-worldly fantasy, the show fuses circus and illusion into a two-hour experience of whimsical wonder, mystery and pure dramatic spectacle!

This colourful parade of top circus artists, clowns, jugglers, mimes, magicians and illusionists will perform under the Big Top at Mitchell Park, Southport from June 23 through to July 9 with TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

New York ringmaster Ebon Grayman (former Cirque Du Soleil) heads the show and masterfully commands 100 per cent of the audience’s attention with ease – his character eccentric, funny and brilliantly created by a truly celebrated artist.

Spanish visual comic, clown and renowned circus artist Duban Nickol merges classic-clowning with deft, clever antics – a LOL, modern day jester.

French mime artiste, the brilliant Stephan Le Forestier, who studied with the legendary Marcel Marceau, will ignite imaginations with acts of stunning magic, mime and elegant artistry.

Internationally acclaimed Illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd, presents brand new acts of death-defying escapes, incredible levitating ladies and ingenuous heart-stopping illusions never before seen in this country!

Circus of Illusion is captivating and enthralling entertainment for adults and kids of all ages! Presented in a fully seated, heated big top with walkup magical experiences a Museum of Magical Arts and Magic Workshops where kids can learn magic.

Incredible, mind-blowing entertainment for the whole family–Weekend Notes

A definite activity to add to the school holiday to do list or as a fun date night– GLAM Adelaide

Tickets on sale site: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CIRCUSIL17

Web site: http://www.circusofillusion.com.au

Read These Next

Have you read?

Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Beginners: Your No-Stress Buying Guide

beginner's-quilting-sewing-machine-guide

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

  • Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
  • Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
  • Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

  • Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
  • Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
  • LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

  • Why Beginners Love It:
    • 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
    • Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
    • Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
  • Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

  • Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
    • 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
    • One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
    • Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

  • The “Grow With You” Pick
    • Professional-grade straight stitches
    • Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
    • Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

  • $1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
  • Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

  • Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
  • Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.