Country Bumpkin will show you where you can find our expert teachers as they travel the world to take you on an inspiring needlework journey, be it via craft fairs or specialty classes. You're sure to find something that interests you, or maybe you will see a class that your friend will love. There's something for everyone... Happy stitching!!

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with news and events at Country Bumpkin.

Events on this page...
Masterclasses with Susan in Europe - January and February 2012
Beating Around the Bush, Needlework Convention 2012 click here
Classes at the Country Bumpkin Shop click here
Rising Star 2012 - International Needlework Competition click here

Masterclasses with Susan O'Connor
In Paris and Windsor from 31st January to 18th February 2012

Stitch with Susan O'Connor in Paris, at the L'Aiguille en Fete and in Windsor while creating a beautiful bishop or sampler, a stumpwork project, a cot or knee blanket, or a scissor sheath and pinball set.

Susan and Fiona will be jetting off to Europe early 2012 to attend the L'Aiguille en Fete in Paris, the leading French needlework fair which runs from the 9th to 12th of February 2012.

We have four different classes for you to choose from while in Paris, (including a smocking class where you can create a bishop or a sampler) from 31st January to 3rd February - hosted by Au Ver a Soie.

A quick jump across the channel will see Susan offering three classes in Windsor, England at The Baldwin Institute from the 16th to 18th of February.

Book online today to ensure you don't miss out!

Our classes are booked online through www.trybooking.com - click these links to book: Windsor and Paris. If you need help with bookings, please email Sally.

Click this link to download a pdf (approx 5mb) of an English brochure of all the classes with Susan in Windsor and Paris, and this link for the French version of the same brochure. Alternatively, click the thumbnails above for all classes in Windsor and Paris (one is the English version and the other is the French).

If you have any queries at all please contact Sally. For queries regarding class requirements, please contact Susan.

To find out more about L'Aiguille en Fete, click this link. We hope to see you there!

 
Click each poster to view them larger.

Beating Around the Bush
International Needlework Convention in April 2012

Join us at the Beating Around the Bush, International needlework convention for fun, friendship and stitching with the world's best.

Where : Immanuel College, Novar Gardens, South Australia
When : 14th to 20th April 2012

For more information follow these links...

This link will take you to the Articles section of the website... under "BATB" you will find news and updates for Beating Around the Bush. This area will be updated regularly.

This link will take you to a webpage where you can purchase the BATB programme for only AU$5.95 each including postage.

This link will take you to a webpage where you can download and print out pdfs of the BATB programme, booking form and accommodation form.

This link will take you to our online booking website (open on 1st September 2011).

Sign up here to receive regular updates about BATB 2012, emailed directly to your inbox.

Please note that bookings for BATB will open on 1st September 2011.

Classes at the Country Bumpkin Shop
February to April 2012

The Class Calendar for the first term of 2012 is now available. There are many wonderful classes to attend, including fortnightly, Tuesday evening classes with Anna Scott, weekly Stitch 'n' Chats with Monique Johnston, sewing for construction with Simela Constant and beginner smocking with Cathy Gunn and Heidi Reid. Visiting teachers include Margaret Lee, Carol Young and Christine Bishop... each teaching and inspiring us with their incredible talent and beautiful projects.

Click here to download the brochure for classes at the Country Bumpkin shop. The downloaded file is a PDF size of approx 2.6mb. Alternatively, click each image below to view each page of our brochure.

Don't forget... with our 'all day' classes, a fresh, scrumptious lunch is provided, so all you need to bring to class is your basic sewing kit (including at least embroidery scissors, sharp HB pencil, hoops, needles, pins and tape measure), plus your project or kit (if purchased before class) and a sewing machine (if needed, if you have one). If there are any class requirements (like a sewing machine) that you do not have, please let us know before the class and we may be able to hire one for you.

Book now to ensure you don't miss out! Phone (08) 8293 8600.

If you live interstate and would like to do the classes, but are not sure about where to stay etc, please call on (08) 8293 8600 or email us and we will be happy to help you.

Samples of Chinese or Su Embroidery by Margaret Lee

Left: Hardanger with Christine Bishop, right: Blackwork with Carol Young

All classes are held at Country Bumpkin, 916 South Road, Edwardstown, South Australia.

Bookings are essential. Phone (08) 8293 8600 for more information and to book your place.

Like us on Facebook to see sneak peeks and keep up to date with news and events at Country Bumpkin.

Rising Star 2012
International Needlework Competition

Pick up the challenge and create a piece of embroidery or smocking inspired by "Time". For many of us, everyday life can be busy and squeezing in a bit of me time to enjoy a moment of stitching can be a precious luxury. This is your ideal opportunity to make time, or take time, to do what you really love and mark your time in stitches.

All entries will be displayed at the Stitchers Village Fair at the Beating Around the Bush International needlework convention, 14 to 20 April 2012.

This Rising Star competition information for must be read in conjunction with the Rising Star competition terms and conditions. To read the terms and conditions click here.

Winners will recieve

A Grand Prize of AU$2000 will be awarded to the overall winner and AU$500 to the winner of the Young Achievers Award. Sponsored by Ristal Threads

Category Prizes
Generous prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category, the Junior Star Award and the People's Choice Award.

Runner Up Prizes
The runner up prize for each category consists of a 1 year subscription to Inspirations or Australian Smocking and Embroidery. Various sponsors

Categories

Embroidery ~ All white

Sponsored by Leutenegger

The appeal of embroidery stitched with white on white is timeless. Create your own classic or contemporary piece to display your creativity with fabric and thread, and inventive design.

Embroidery ~ Cotton and Silk

Sponsored by Ristal Threads - Finca Presencia

The variety of embroidery threads now available gives us infinite choices in colour and texture. Display your skill with clever combinations of stitches and techniques, creating an inspiring piece of embroidery.

Embroidery ~ Wool

Sponsored by Ristal Threads - Au Ver a Soie, Fine D'Aubusson

Woollen yarns are wonderfully versatile and easy to work with. Showcase your creativity and skill with a traditional or modern piece of your own design using primarily woollen yarns.

Smocking ~ Classics

Sponsored by Janome

The classic and traditional styles of smocking are loved by many. Create your own version of a timeless classic that displays your skills and ability to combine fabric, thread and inventive detail.

Smocking ~ Contemporary

Sponsored by Janome

Smocking is currently appearing in many contemporary collections. Create a garment or object that demonstrates your ability to incorporate smocking in a fresh and innovative manner.

Young Achievers Award (22 years and under)

Sponsored by Ristal Threads

We are searching for undiscovered young needlework talent! If you have a passion for excellence in the needle arts, ignite your creative spirit and design an imaginative embroidered or smocked masterpiece.

Junior Star Award (15 years and under)

Sponsored by Country Bumpkin

We wish to encourage junior stitchers who are exploring the art of stitching and sewing. Let your enthusiasm shine with a creation of your own design.

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by Country Bumpkin

This prize will be awarded as voted by attendees of the exhibition of Rising Star 2012 entries at the Stitchers Village Fair at Beating Around the Bush, April 2012.

Entry submission

Please post your completed entry form with your AU$10.00 non-refundable registration fee for each entry, including return postage if required, to:

Country Bumpkin
'Rising Star'
916 South Road
Edwardstown SA 5039
Australia

Entries sent by post must arrive on or before 1 April 2012. All other entries must be delivered to the Beating Around the Bush Registration Desk no later than 3pm on Saturday, 14 April 2012. See the terms and conditions for further information and rules of entry.