Craft Focus - Aug/Sep (Issue 68)

Chunky yarns, including one we’re particularly proud of because of its fibre content and colour selection. What trends can we expect to see in knitting and patterns over the coming season? Scandi-style and vintage-inspired knits are still taking the fashion and home décor worlds by storm. Cool, muted tones and simple Nordic designs can be found in our new Chunky yarn, and in our Scandi Knits Christmas Book 1. Reviving retro King Cole patterns is also something we’ve been working on, making sure to add modern design twists and a refreshing colour palette. Where can retailers get to see your products? As a wholesaler, we don’t sell directly to the public, but stockists can be found via our website. Retailers that are interested in carrying our yarns and patterns can also fill in a form online to find out more. What sets King Cole apart from its competitors? We’re frontrunners in pattern and yarn innovation. We keep things fresh and exciting by launching new products throughout the year, as opposed to seasonally or biannually. Our minds and yarns never stop spinning when it comes to creating the next best product. Recent examples include our incredibly successful Finesse Cotton Silk and Funny Yummy, which launched in July. We’re also the only yarn company to create in-house videos that feature our Director Mike Wilson and UK Sales Manager Jo Humberstone, who personally talk viewers through our new product launches. How are you finding the current economic climate? It is challenging but we continue to grow ourselves through product innovation, market infiltration and expansion. What’s your take on the British craft industry – would you say the sector is in good shape? The industry has never been better. With the press and NHS really getting behind the positive link between craft and mental health, we’re noticing more and more people of all ages picking up the needles and hooks in order to de-stress and enjoy a break from screens and technology. Does the company exhibit at any trade shows, either in the UK or overseas? Yes, each year in the UK we exhibit at the NEC in Birmingham. February is busy with two shows – Spring Fair and CHSI Stitches. We are back there in September for Autumn Fair, and this year we will be on stand 4B520-C53. For the overseas market we attend h+h Cologne, and in the USA we can be seen at The NeedleArts Association shows twice a year. These are all fantastic opportunities for us to meet with like-minded people and network with other companies in the industry, as well as showing off exciting new products. What’s coming up next for the business? We’re continuing to grow our social media presence, particularly in video, with the launch of our YouTube channel. This is the most popular form of online content and is easily shareable with our followers and customers, helping to gain exposure. We are working on product development and are very excited for new lines planned for autumn/winter 2019/2020. We continue to explore new markets across the world and are driving to expand our overseas distribution. King Cole +44 (0)1756 703 670 kingcole.com Pattern 5114 Pattern 9108 craft focus 73 company profile