Craft Focus - Aug/Sep (Issue 68)

craft focus 5 At the time of writing, Britain is basking under clear blue skies, and autumn feels like a lifetime away. In reality, however, there’s just a few short weeks until cooler weather heralds the start of the busiest months in the retail calendar, and if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to plan your strategy for the season ahead. We’ve got lots to get you started in this issue, with 29 pages of inspirational products that shoppers will love. From the whimsical to the practical, we think we’ve got everything covered, including Halloween supplies that won’t scare your customers away, the latest wool and crochet must-haves and a look at the Christmas products that are set to fly off the shelves in the run up to this year’s big day. Also inside, we speak to some of the industry’s most creative minds, including queen of cross stitch Amanda Butler, who reveals her love of craft and shares some of her sources of inspiration. There’s sugarcraft know-how from FMM’s Siobhan Lees, while Caroline Symonds and Philippa Warford from King Cole tell us what’s coming up in yarn and patterns. We also speak to super-supplier Creative World of Crafts about the trends that will be making the headlines over the next few months. Enjoy reading Andrea Ashfield Editor Visit us on: @craftfocus pinterest.com/craftfocus facebook.com/craftfocus instagram.com/craftfocusmag www.mcourts.co.uk /mcourtsltd 31 COMMERCIAL ROAD � EDMONTON � LONDON � N18 1TP Tel: 0208 884 0999 Fax: 0208 884 4666 Email: mcourtsltd@btconnect.com — WHOLESALE HABERDASHERY SUPPLIERS — Our huge range includes: Felts, Trimmings, Lace, Buttons, Ribbon, Sequins, Diamantes, Motifs, Zips, Cords, Thread, Broderie Anglais, Feathers, Flowers, Bridal, Lingerie Accessories, Haberdashery, Cluny Lace, and much, much more... Please visit us our new website for our fantastic deals and to see our complete range of products and prices. SAME DAY DISPATCH WHEN YOU ORDER BEFORE 2PM INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE. Please contact for prices Our new guipure trimmings and stretch lace are on special offer this month. See website for details. Andrea Hello autumn Editor’s pick Cactuses are everywhere this year, and we’ve rounded up some of our favourite succulents for you in this issue, including this colourful felt pincushion kit by Corinne Lapierre. Visit corinnelapierre.com or turn to page 67 for more prickly favourites.