This is an important letter to everyone about Australian Smocking and Embroidery magazine

After careful consideration Country Bumpkin Publications has made the extremely difficult decision to discontinue publishing Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine.  The final issue of this publication will be issue 100.

For the past twenty-five years, Country Bumpkin has endeavoured to present to readers a magazine of the highest quality in both production and content. Maintaining such a standard into a niche market for more than two decades is quite an accomplishment but sadly, rising costs, economic pressures and a changing market have created conditions that make the continuation of this publication unviable.

Susan O'Connor, who is a highly respected embroiderer and expert in smocking, has done a wonderful job since taking over the reins as editor and will now concentrate on writing books for Country Bumpkin in the fields of both embroidery and smocking.

Issue 100 will be a Collector's Edition including the "Best of AS&E", a history of Country Bumpkin and articles from both Susan and Margie Bauer, Country Bumpkin's founder.

I am sure many of you are asking How does this affect my subscription? As a valued customer and loyal reader we want to make sure you are looked after. If you still have issues owing after issue 100, we have several options for you.

• You may transfer your existing AS&E subscription to Inspirations. If you have an existing subscription to Inspirations the extra issue/s will be added to your current subscription. You will also receive an additional issue to compensate for the difference in subscription price between Inspirations and AS&E. 
• You may convert the monies owing on your subscription to a shopping voucher for use in our retail store or on our website. 
• You may receive a refund that will be distributed in instalments over a maximum time frame of 6 (six) months. 
• If you are a pay per issue customer/subscriber you can purchase the next two issues through our mail order department at www.countrybumpkin.com.au.

Please email Aimee and advise which option you would like.

This decision has been made after much careful thought and consideration as we realise the important part that the magazine plays in your lives and we fully understand the disappointment that many of you will feel at the loss of the magazine. Change, although sometimes difficult, is a necessary part of all our lives and we hope that your initial disappointment will soon be forgotten as we move forward with new and exciting ideas.

We would also welcome any suggestions that you may have for future publications.

We thank you for your loyalty and support over so many years. The last year has been a joy for me meeting and exchanging emails with many of you and I look forward to our relationship continuing.