Craft Focus - Dec 2017/Jan 2018 (Issue 64)

10 craft focus industry news MAKEDO PARTNERS WITH LITTLECONCEPTS Makedo is a cardboard construction system for 21 st century thinking, making and play. Developed by designer Paul Justin in Melbourne, Makedo has been hailed as the ‘Best Toy Ever’ by Wired magazine. Children learn by doing, creating, experimenting, failing and succeeding. The creations then open the door to imaginative play. Makedo can be enjoyed by anyone from 4 years to 99 years of age. The range features two main play sets including the Toolkit 030 and the Toolset 360. There are also six add-on packs featuring extra parts and tools. The pack retails from £8.99. littleCONCEPTS launched the product at Top Drawer in London and has started working with new retailers to bring the product to new consumers around the UK and Ireland. littleCONCEPTS co-founder, Luke de la Mare is delighted to be working with the innovative brand: “We love the sustainability ethos that comes from the find, re-use and recycle element of utilising discarded cardboard to become a universally available, free and unlimited building block. We also believe a big focus in the education at the moment is Stem learning, and we’re seeing more parents looking for a Stem related product to use at home, and Makedo fits that bill!” For further information on the range visit littleconcepts.co.uk JONES CRAFT TO DISTRIBUTE THE DRESS IT UP BUTTON BRAND Jones Craft is now a UK distributor for the novelty buttons from the American Dress it Up brand, who is a leader in button embellishments. The customer can take a creative, imaginative and fun embellishment and customise their projects. The buttons come in an extensive range of novelty shapes and designs including a ladybug, ballet slippers, footballs, cupcakes, flowers, sunglasses, dogs, cats, trains, planes and automobiles. Almost every theme imaginable is included, and tastes covered. Buttons are a versatile embellishment and can be used on most craft surfaces such as fabric, paper, wood, frames, wear-ables, and jewellery and customers will fall in love with the Dress it Up range. To stock get in contact with Jones Crafts, jones-crafts.com PART OF THE FAMILY In November OTTOBRE design launched its first OTTOBRE family issue. This new edition has been published specifically in response to the growing demand for patterns for both men and older teens, and it will complete their already highly successful range of fashion and pattern magazines for kids and women. The new issue includes 10 menswear designs including jeans, trousers, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts and boxer briefs – basically all the patterns you need to sew a complete casual wardrobe, and also in wide range of sizes. OTTOBRE models include both older teens and men allowing readers to visualise the garments on wearers of all ages and with different builds. You’ll also find six fashionable patterns in smaller sizes aimed at younger women, two dress patterns for plus-sized ladies, and two versions of a chic linen bathrobe, which would make a perfect Christmas gift. As usual, there are simple patterns for beginners and more challenging pieces for the more experienced sewer. You can browse the online catalogue of magazines including the new family issue on the website below. If you’re interested in becoming an OTTOBRE design retailer email – ottobre.retailers@ottobredesign.com or to find out more about the publications visit ottobredesign.com