Two needlework publishers bring smocking forward

Two of our favorite publishers are joining forces! Check out this announcement from F+W Media:

F+W Media, Inc. (www.fwmedia.com) and Country Bumpkin Publications (http://www.countrybumpkin.com.au/) have formed a partnership to create a range of digital and physical products for distribution in the U.S. and Canada. The products, expected to release in late 2013, are based on the sought-after patterns from the deep archives of the popular Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine.

“We are excited to announce that the two leading heirloom sewing publishers, Country Bumpkin Publications and F+W are working together to take Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine to a whole new level,” said Fiona Fagan, Director Country Bumpkin Publications. “The result of our partnership ensures the wealth of knowledge and wonderful history of designs, patterns and smocking plates from Australian Smocking & Embroidery will be available for future generations.”

Said Sara Domville, President, F+W Media, “I am delighted to have an opportunity to partner with Country Bumpkin and see this as a first step in an exciting partnership. Through this collaboration we will extend the range and reach the very best smocking patterns.” F+W Media, the world’s largest craft and art media entity, is parent company to heirloom sewing leader The Martha Pullen Company and its charter publication Sew Beautiful.

“This relationship between Country Bumpkin and The Martha Pullen Company will dramatically increase the amount of world-class Smocking content that’s available in the U.S. and Canadian sewing marketplace,” said John Bolton, Senior Vice President.

“We are excited to be working with F+W on this project and trust it will be the first of many. Together we will be working to nurture the popularity of smocking and heirloom sewing by increasing the exposure and accessibility to a worldwide audience,” Fagan added.