Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 67)

16 cra ftfocus brand spanking new Dyed in the wool Available from 15 th June, King Cole is kicking off the summer with its new Big Value DK 50g yarn, which has been split into two collections. Adult yarns will include 34 shades and eight patterns, while the baby collection will feature 10 pastels and four patterns. As with the company’s Big Value DK 100g, the product is premium acrylic and soft to touch, while the wide selection of colours and neat ball size makes it ideal for crocheters. King Cole also has more exciting launches planned for late summer this year. +44 (0)1756 703 670 kingcole.com Fresh inspiration The new collection of Diamond Dotz has arrived in the UK, with more than 50 sparkling designs to choose from. The range includes pre- finished cushion kits, featuring eight colourful images, such as dancing fish and pretty butterflies. Each set contains a cushion cover with a sticky printed image and all the materials needed to complete the project. The kits have a retail price of £35.99 and are sold in the UK by Solocrafts. The distributor also has new cross stitch kits available. Featuring a collaboration between Luca-S and artist Gail Elizabeth McCormack, the latest designs are adorned with lifelike blooms and teacups. Each is available on 16-count pale blue Aida in two different sizes. The retail price is £45.99. +44 (0)161 464 7313 solocrafts.com Smart solutions Published by Taunton, Smart Fitting Solutions by Kenneth D. King shows stitchers how to ensure perfect-fitting garments every time. In this comprehensive guide, the author demonstrates how to understand shape and fitting options, as well as identifying bad fit by reading the wrinkles in clothing. Along the way, Kenneth draws on more than 30 years of patternmaking and couturier experience to help home sewers understand proportion, wearing ease, measurements, fitting and alteration methods and how to make a muslin – the gold standard of test garments. The book also reveals a wealth of useful tips and inspiration. It has a cover price of £21.99. +44 (0)1273 402 873 gmcdistribution.com Blowing bubbles Ideal for crafts, mixed media and DIY, Bubbalux is a creative board that can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. It’s a low-density foam PVC that can be die-cut, embossed, painted, glued, cut, heat- formed, shaped, stamped, waxed, inked, screen-printed and curled. It is durable, lightweight, and resilient to scratches and impact abrasions. It comes in six eye-catching colours, and freestanding merchandise units are also available. +44 (0)1787 375 241 personalimpressions.com