Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 67)

craft focus 11 industry news BROTHER SCOOPS PRIZE AT IF DESIGN AWARDS Brother Sewing has picked up a prize for its machines at this year’s iF Design Awards. The brand’s CV3000 Cover Stitch series, used by both beginner and professional dressmakers, was singled out for its innovative design and functionality. Now in its 65 th year, the iF Design Awards is the world’s largest competition of its kind, and attracts thousands of product entries from 50 countries around the globe. The prizes are judged by a panel of 63 experts, who look specifically at performance, innovation, environmental responsibility and aesthetics. Both machines in the range provide cover hem functionality for a professional finish, allowing the user to hem and topstitch garments. There’s a user-friendly threading system and each model can be used on all types and weights of fabric. “We’re constantly investing in our technology so it’s good to be recognised in such a prestigious awards programme,” says Stuart Stamp from Brother’s marketing team. “For me, this accolade just confirms the fact we’re leading on product development in the sector, and that we’re the best choice out there for both uses and dealers.” For details, visit the website at coverstitch.brothersewingnews.eu BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION LAUNCHES THE BIG STITCH Health charity The British Heart Foundation is calling on crafters to help fight heart disease by joining The Big Stitch campaign. Launching between 1 st and 15 th July, shoppers are encouraged to put their creativity and sewing skills to the test by adding their own personal stamp to an item they find in one of the charity’s shops. Stitchers can then tag BHF and upload their entries to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram before a winner is chosen. To find out more, go to bhf.org.uk/thebigstitch RETAIL FOOTFALL DECLINED IN APRIL Retail intelligence expert Springboard has released its UK footfall figures for the month of April. Year-on-year, footfall decreased by 3.3 per cent, a significant decline compared to the positive rate of 1.6 per cent seen in April 2017. There was also a -3.3 drop in April, following on from -6 per cent in March, resulting in an unprecedented drop of -4.8 per cent over the two months. Footfall decreased by an enormous -9 per cent over the first half of the month, only recovering slightly to 1.5 per cent in the second half. Springboard blames this fall on bad weather and estimates that the figures over March and April have not declined to such a degree since the recession of 2009. For more details, go to spring-board.info