If you're not familiar with Inspirations Magazine published by Country Bumpkin, you are missing one of the greatest needlework publications ever! I really LOVE their magazine! It is one of the few superfluous indulgences I allow myself. It is, admittedly, rather pricey, but each issue is really such a joy to read, browse through, and linger over. So I do subscribe to Inspirations. If you can't afford the subscribe to the magazine, though, they do have some nice little offerings on their website. Read on, and I'll tell you about them!

Before I venture too far in singing the glories of this Pinnacle of Embroidery Perfection that I tend to think Inspirations is, I should note (in case you're suspicious of my motives!) that I'm not at all affiliated with Country Bumpkin, except for being a loyal customer for many years! I get such pleasure out of the magazine, that I can't help telling other people about it...

Anyway, on with it...

Country Bumpkin is always trying to improve their website and build a really excellent resource for hand embroiderers and smockers. Working towards this goal, they've recently added some free "e-books" to their website.

E-books are electronic books that you download in PDF format. Country Bumpkin is presently offering two free e-books: one on Bullion Roses and one on Picture Smocking for Beginners. The hitch is, you have to become a member - but membership is free. And as a member, you can participate in their forum, where you can find inspiration and advice from other stitchers, and you can receive notification of sales and events. You can also go to their My Designs page and download several free embroidery designs created by expert needlework designers. So all in all, it's a really good deal!!

If you're passionate about embroidery, I think you'll find at least a few things on the Country Bumpkin website that please you. And if you'd like a taste of Country Bumpkin quality, but are hesitant to swallow the price tag of their publications, do at least take advantage of their free offerings. As their site expands and they continue in their endeavors to create and maintain this wonderful online resource, I bet they'll probably be offering more good stuff!

Enjoy!

Labels: embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns, Inspirations Magazine, online needlework books