Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

To further cement CHSI Stitches’ reputation as the destination trade show for the industry. We’re working hard to deliver an event that blends education, networking and business in a professional environment, showcasing imaginative new products and trends to retailers. What do you think would surprise people most about the craft industry? It depends who’s asking, but to someone outside of the industry I think the innovation we’re continuing to see may surprise some people. Technology has brought on some elements of crafting meaning that what individuals can achieve is more professional looking than ever before. That said there’s most certainly a growing appetite for traditional, simple and fulfilling crafts that tap into the current mindfulness trends. The clicking of knitting needles is something we’ll continue to hear more of. Do you think crafting is becoming more popular and why? Yes. Two major reasons spring to mind, the first being the huge media boost the industry’s received through high profile shows such as the Great British Sewing Bee , The Great Pottery Throw Down and The Great British Bake Off . The second and perhaps more long-term change we’ve seen is in the growing trend for people to find an antidote to screen time. The rise in social media use in a relatively short space of time has taken many by surprise when they find themselves habitually and often mindlessly, checking news feeds. People are realising that excessive use is not healthy and are looking for ways to spend time mindfully, away from screens and distractions. Craft provides the perfect antidote to this. It can also be done in groups creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction, something that’s suffered with the smart phone revolution. Apart from that, the action of creating something by hand’s a hugely rewarding and fulfilling activity that has numerous benefits for wellbeing. There are lots of new product launches at the 2018 show. What really stands out for you? It’s hard to single out particular products as there’s so much going on but what I will say is that we have some hugely exciting new launches at the show. The show is a key platform that brands use to present new products so visitors can expect to be wowed with what’s on offer and know they can be among the first to stock some of these exciting new lines. How do you see the craft industry evolving over the next year? Based on what we’ve observed in the last two years I can absolutely see the move towards mindful and creative activities continuing to increase. There’s a growing demand from a diverse audience base, from the young to older people. The benefits to wellbeing are well documented and this isn’t a trend that’s going anywhere, I believe it’ll continue to grow. The opportunities for the industry are vast. It’s a very exciting place to be right now. CHSI Stitches 2018 takes place from 18 th – 20 th February at the NEC, Birmingham. For further information about exhibiting or visiting email dominicf@ichf.co.uk or call +44 (0)1425 272 711 . new steer for flagship trade show 40 craft focus