In conjunction with Beating Around the Bush in April 2012, Country Bumpkin will be holding a Wee Care Challenge to raise the profile of this wonderful program and inspire smockers around the world to become involved in some way.

In Australian Smocking and Embroidery issue 97 which will be available in early December, we have provided a basic bishop gown in five sizes.
Wee Care has been in existence for more than 25 years and is known by various titles but the basic intention is the same - generous needleworkers donate their time and skills to provide beautiful baby gowns, bonnets and blankets to hospitals who then donate them to bereaved parents.

We would like to invite you to become part of the Wee Care Challenge.
All you need to do is create a gown and send it to us here at Country Bumpkin (Attn: Wee Care Challenge, 916 South Road, Edwardstown, 5039 South Australia) by 1st April 2012.

Please feel free to include any other articles such as a bonnet, blanket, etc with your entry. The gowns will be on display at a Beating Around the Bush and Cotton On Creations has generously donated a pack of beautiful fabrics and laces valued at AU$500.00 for the first prize winner.

Designs do not need to be original and the gowns and accessories will be donated to hospitals once the convention is over. By entering the challenge, you can inspire others to become involved while giving a precious gift to grieving parents at such a devastating time.

To download and print out a FREE pattern of "Wee Care" from Australian Smocking and Embroidery issue 48 click this link. The pdf is approximately 2.6mb and should open in a new tab or window. Adobe Acrobat Reader is recommended for viewing this pdf.

PLEASE NOTE: These Wee Care patterns are for personal use only. To use these for commercial purposes contact Country Bumpkin as you must obtain permission in writing before you begin. Donating gowns to Wee Care Challenge and the community is not deemed a commercial purpose as they are not sold.