WWW.CRAFTFOCUS.COM MAKE YOURS A handmade Easter PLUS! Craft tools Best of British Sewing & stitching IN BLOOM Delicate, spring fabrics PANTONE 2026: Cloud Dancer Featuring
3 CONTENTS In this issue... REGULARS 9 Industry news What’s happening within the craft and hobby market 15 Brand spanking new Brand spanking new products 68 Bookstand The latest book releases February/ March 2026 37 FEATURES 29 Sewing and stitching Sewing projects to keep customers coming back for more 37 Brighter days on the horizon Spring and Easter crafts 45 Floating into the future Meet Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 53 On home ground Companies based in Britain 60 A helping hand Craft tools 65 Stitching into spring Spring fabrics 45 15
4 BUSINESS 71 Retailer interview Sparkinity is sparking a new era for independent retail – Founders Swati Sharma and Rohit Kumar tell us more 74 Combating craft fakes with AI Michael Stausholm of SproutWorld explains how his company has saved a huge amount of money and time using an AI based tool to fight fakes. 76 Indie Power! Charlotte Broadbent, UK general manager at Faire looks at how independent retailers will shape the high street in 2026 79 Beyond consultation From voices to action, Dids Macdonald OBE., Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy for ACID, looks at designing the future together 78 Creating change Tina McKenzie, FSB Policy Chair’s, looks at how the wider system needs to change for small creative firms to allow their way of working to flourish SHOWS 23 Shows, news & events Stay up to date with what’s happening in your industry 26 Inspired by crafts, built for business h+h cologne is presenting its modernised brand identity and placing the spotlight on the community. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming trade show FOCUS ON 34 h+h americas Darrin Stern, President and Managing Director KM Inc., Show Director h+h americas talks to Craft Focus 42 Justcrafts(Wholesale) Ltd Richard Cook, Director at Justcrafts (Wholesale) Ltd chats to Craft Focus about supplying the retail and manufacturing trade with needlecraft and haberdashery since 1983 50 The Betts Group Founded in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter in 1760, The Betts Group has grown alongside the craft of jewellery and metalworking. Here, Charlie Betts, Managing Director tells us more... 56 Exacompta Clairefontaine This Q&A with Amelia Gallichan, Sales and Marketing Assistant at Exacompta Clairefontaine, explores the company’s transformation from Tollit & Harvey to Exaclair Ltd 68 29 65
Bosal ... The brand name that quality built. Bosal foam and Fiber, producers of quality stabilisers, battings, wadding, interfacings for all your crafting and sewing projects. Available online and instore in the UK www.bosalfoam.com for details Come and see what's new at H+H Cologne, Booth K-034 Hall 11.2. We have new products and new collaborations with designers.
Est. 1979 Manchester LARGEST SELECTION OF WIPE CLEAN TABLE COVERING TABLE PROTECTERS GLASS CLEAR PVC LEATHERETTES FLOOR COVERINGS LACE TABLE CLOTHS DISPLAY STANDS info@davidmather.com • Stanley Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8GF www.davidmather.com 3 easy ways to order: • via website • via phone • via email See real time stock levels Price points for everyone All products, ex-stock and orders despatched within 24 hours of receipt. Catalogue available on request Come and talk about our 8 roll and display stand starter packs. £250.00 + VAT Free delivery
7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover This elegant black mixed media paper, in the new Hahnemühle Black Bookmark Pad is more than just a painting surface – it’s an invitation to experiment. The deep black background allows colours to shine in full brilliance and turns every motif into a little masterpiece. Bright motifs such as Koi Carp are extremely impressive: in shiny red, gold or silver, they glide through the deep black water like living jewels, while metallic watercolours create soft light reflections. Visit the website: www.hahnemuehle.co.uk Welcoming a bright new year in craft Welcome to our first issue of 2026! We hope you enjoyed a fantastic ‘golden quarter’ and are feeling positive and inspired for the year ahead in retail. In this jam-packed edition, we look ahead to brighter days with our spring and Easter craft guide, alongside our spring fabrics feature. You’ll find plenty of uplifting projects your customers will love, paired with a fresh, cheerful colour palette to help chase away those January blues. We also showcase a variety of exciting sewing projects, including new cross stitch kits from Bothy Threads, as well as Bamboline Dolls – a wonderful new addition to Creative Solutions. Elsewhere, we take a deep dive into the upcoming h+h cologne trade fair and catch up with its sister show, h+h americas, featuring a Q&A with Darrin Stern, President and Managing Director of KM Inc. Pantone has unveiled Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year, inspiring our round-up of soft, billowy white products that are sure to delight. We also round up the latest show and industry news. As always, we’d love to hear from you. Do keep in touch with your latest products and industry news – we’re just a phone call away! Happy reading, Louise Prance Editor Rachel DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@craftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@craftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@craftfocus.com Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0900 @craftfocus @craftfocusmag @craftfocus Craft Focus is proud to be associated with and supporters of: ADVERTISING Account Manager Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 538 555 tracy.voice@craftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Rachel Westall +44 (0)1376 514 000 editor@craftfocus.com Creative Solutions Lavinia Stamps
Wellbeing Australia’s leading natural health magazine that focuses on organic living, alternative therapies, environmental issues and natural living. Textile Fibre Forum The Australian magazine for fibre arts that showcases talent and individuality through its in-depth look at artists and exhibitions. PATCHWORK & QUILTING TEXTILES & MIXED MEDIA WELLBEING & MINDFULNESS Quilters Companion Showcasing quilts from world-renowned quilters, pictured in beautiful settings, with step-by-step guides to creating your own quilted masterpiece. Yarn An inspiring collection of ideas from emerging Australian designers to knit, crochet, felt, spin and weave. KNITTING & CROCHET Embellish This mixed media publication fuses fashion, fantasy and art to create gifts and homeware. EMBELLISHMENT Felt Each issue features comprehensive, unique wet and dry felting projects to suit a wide range of skill levels. FELTING INDULGE YOUR PASSION WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF CRAFT MAGAZINES... You will love our extensive range of craft magazines, order your magazine subscriptions now! Manor House Magazines is the sole UK and European importer and distributor of these fantastic Australian magazines MANOR HOUSE MAGAZINES 92 Plains Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7AU | 01672 514 288 | info@manorhousemagazines.co.uk | www.manorhousemagazines.co.uk CRAFT RETAILER? Increase Footfall & Sales Ask About Our Trade Discounts PATCHWORK, QUILTING & STITCH CRAFT HAND EMBROIDERY Classic Inspirations The world’s most beautiful embroidery magazine. Each issue contains unique projects for beginners to advanced stitchers, detailed instructions and full-size, tear out pattern sheets. Homespun Award-winning magazine combining classic crafting with a more modern approach to textile crafts. Projects include sewing, quilting, embroidery, patchwork, knitting, crochet and appliqué BEST SELLER! BEST SELLER!
9 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news Latest news from the craft industry The GA announces membership of the British Retail Consortium The Giftware Association (GA) is delighted to announce it has officially joined the British Retail Consortium (BRC), strengthening its commitment to championing and supporting businesses across the UK gift and home sector. The move marks a significant step in aligning the GA and its members with the UK’s leading retail body, renowned for shaping policy, elevating retail standards, and supporting organisations across the evolving retail landscape. The BRC is widely recognised as the go-to trade association for the UK retail industry, offering its members a powerful collective voice, extensive policy insight, and access to specialist communities, data, and industry intelligence. Its mission is to make a positive difference to retail and its customers by influencing change, providing strategic knowledge, and empowering its network to navigate regulatory and market challenges confidently. By joining the BRC, The GA and its nationwide membership will benefit from access to this influential platform strengthening advocacy efforts, unlocking new learning opportunities, and enhancing visibility within the wider retail ecosystem. The membership will enable to GA to have, which will in turn benefit its members: • A stronger voice in policy and regulation, helping ensure the interests of gift, home, and lifestyle businesses are heard at the highest levels. • Access to market intelligence and benchmarking tools, supporting better-informed decisions in an ever-changing retail environment. • Participation in BRC communities and networks, fostering collaboration across industries, sectors, and retail disciplines. This membership underlines the GA’s commitment to evolving with and for its members, ensuring that businesses of all sizes from independent makers to national brands can access worldclass resources, guidance, and industry connections. Find out more: www.giftwareassociation.org UK Hand Knitting is thrilled to announce its very first Crochet and Knit Along, launching 7th April 2026! The team have joined forces with two designers, Claire Montgomerie and Jeanette Sloan, who have each created an exclusive floral-themed project to celebrate the beauty of the seasons. Blossom Crochet Along by Claire Montgomerie is a joyful exploration of texture and technique, Blossom bursts with intricate stitches inspired by the delicate petals of spring. Bloom Knit Along by Jeanette Sloan captures the lush, luxurious feel of high summer with dramatic flowers, sparkling beads, and clever slip-stitch details. To make the experience even more special, exclusive yarn packs are available from your favourite local premium yarn shops, supplied by UK Hand Knitting members Cygnet, James C Brett, King Cole, Rico, Stylecraft, and West Yorkshire Spinners. Choose your favourite brand, visit your local shop, or discover participating stockists from the UK Hand Knitting website. UK Hand Knitting reveals first crochet and knit along Bloom Knit Along by Jeanette Sloan
10 The Greeting Card Association launches initiative to inspire next generation of card senders The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has launched a new, free initiative – Card Club – inviting children aged four to 11 to explore the joy of card making, writing, and sending cards. The initiative has been created in collaboration with a qualified teacher, who has trialled it in their classroom and had highly positive feedback from teachers and pupils alike. This exciting project encourages children to connect with friends and family while developing literacy, handwriting, and emotional communication skills. The GCA has launched a toolkit for the Card Club, which provides a simple, structured way for teachers and club organisers to engage children in meaningful activities. With lesson plans and creative ideas included, the toolkit ensures participation is easy, fun, and rewarding. Card sending helps keep a cherished British tradition alive - Brits sends more cards than any other nation on earth. Cards offer a tangible way to stay in touch and creates a strong emotional connection between the person that sends a card and the person that receives it. By launching Card Club, children can learn empathy, express their feelings and understand the value of doing something special for others which is why this initiative is so important. “There’s no need for a special occasion to send a card – sometimes a simple ‘Hello’, ‘Thinking of You’ or similar message can brighten someone’s day,” said GCA chief executive officer Amanda Fergusson. “The Card Club is a wonderful way to inspire children to make, write, connect, and spread joy, while also enhancing their literacy skills.” On Monday 24th November, GCA member Rebecca Green co-founder of card designer Raspberry Blossom set up two card club sessions at her children’s local school, aimed at year five students. The session involved creating hand-made Christmas cards with special messages for loved ones. Rebecca from Raspberry Blossom said: “It was such a heart-warming experience visiting Milverton Primary School to support the Card Club with two year five sessions. The children loved talking about who they send cards to and all the different occasions they celebrate.” Visit: www.gca.cards Stabilo launches the ‘Cute Edition’ range stationery brand, STABILO, has launched the ‘Cute Edition’ product range, aimed at sparking creativity amongst children through design and emotion.Heritage stationery brand, STABILO, is kicking off the new year with a product range extension – introducing The Cute Edition – Animal Vibes, the perfect pencil case refresh for school children. The Cute Edition range comprises of new designs for BOSS mini, point 88 & Pen 68 and Trio thick, all of which have been designed based on animal characters, each representing a specific emotion. Featuring characters including the Sleepy Sloth and Curious Meerkat, the range has been designed to create excitement for children but also to engage with emotions that are easy to recognise. By incorporating emotions and characters, STABILO is encouraging a way for children to interact with their emotions, whilst making the creative experience fun and educational. STABILO’s product ranges usually target six- to nine-yearolds through its functional products, but more recently, there has been a demand for engaging and emotive products, with children naturally being drawn to designs that are tailored to their interests. Through market research with InnoLab, with more than 200 children participating, STABILO found that animal themed products were a firm favourite amongst a mixed gender target group. The affordable products have been priced accordingly with children’s pocket money in mind and are available from Amazon, Ryman’s and other stationery retailers. Shahbaz Khan, marketing director UK/Ireland said: “Our design team are always looking at ways we can create a functional product, with a creative twist and they have achieved just that. We hope that children enjoy using this new range to be creative through design.” For more information, visit: www.stabilo.com/uk
Alan Provisor ONLINE Fabulous range of braids tassels and cords in amazing colours. Check out the website or call me www.4trimmings.com 01204 465233 | sales@alanprovisor.com Discover premium Craft & Card Making Supplies to spark your creativity! From clear craft stamps, cutting dies, scrapbook papers, printable stamps, junk journals, clipart & SVG files to MDF blanks & wood shapes, we’ve got everything you need for handmade cards, scrapbooking, mixed media and DIY crafting. Unique, inspiring designs, top-quality materials & worldwide shipping – your next crafty obsession starts here! 07537 133 469 www.polkadoodles.co.uk We ship UPS daily Colors Included: Blue, Red, Orange, White, Black, Mauve, Pink, Yellow, Peach, Light Blue, Emerald Green, Brown Available in 2 other variations Class Pack Classic 1lb Colored Sand Assortment Sandtastik Products Ltd. 1-58 Prosperity Ave. Port Colborne, ON L3K5X9 1-905-734-7340 | info@sandtastik.com | sandtastik.com
12 Hobbycraft achieves robust Christmas results Hobbycraft, owned by Modella Capital, reports strong performance, with sales of its Christmas products up +21.6 percent. Top sellers included Ceramic Baubles, Wooden DIY Advents, Colour-in Cardboard Houses, Artificial Garlands, Dried Floral Wreaths and Velvet Ribbon, reflecting continued demand for DIY festive décor, handmade gifts and kids’ activities. Total revenue over the past six weeks grew by +6.3 percent, with e-commerce up by +13.8 percent, highlighting the ongoing importance of Hobbycraft’s digital platforms in inspiring creativity across the UK. The festive season saw strong growth for Hobbies and Collectables, with sales for this category increasing by +52.6 percent. Model Making Kits led the way in this space, with sales increasing by +61.1 percent, demonstrating a new generation of modellers and a hobby brought further into the mainstream spotlight by actor Danny Dyer, who has spoken openly about his love of model-making. From 3D model tanks, cars, motorbikes, ships and soldiers; best-selling brands include Transformers, Airfix, Gunpla, Warhammer and Revell. Popular collectable character figures come from franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel and Dragon Ball. Other popular hobbies during this period included knitting and crochet, boosted by the ‘Tom Daley Effect’, which first gained traction when Daley was spotted knitting in the Olympic stands in 2020. Since then, he has helped challenge the traditional image of needlework, making it feel cool, inclusive and accessible to a younger, more diverse audience, including men. Building on this momentum, and ahead of his appearance on The Traitors and the launch of his TV show Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter in November, Daley introduced Made with Love by Tom Daley: beginner-friendly crochet and embroidery kits sold exclusively at Hobbycraft. Designed to inspire newcomers to pick up needlework, sales of the kits rose by +32 percent, making them a popular seasonal gift choice for budding craft enthusiasts. The seasonal surge was further fuelled by DIY gifting and festive downtime. In the six weeks leading up to Christmas, the retailer sold more than half a million balls of wool, while sales of knitting accessories and knitting yarn increased by +11 percent and +12.8 percent, respectively. Sewing continued to rise in popularity among consumers in the lead-up to Christmas, boosted by shows such as The Great British Sewing Bee, which attracted 4.5 million viewers for the final. For hobbyists, sewing machines proved to be the perfect Christmas gift: the 12S Beginner Sewing Machine saw sales increase by +72 percent, while the 19S Sewing Machine and Sewing Kit Bundle surged by +155 percent. Meanwhile, the Haberdashery category grew by +14.4 percent, including small sewing items such as buttons, ribbons and fabric, which were used to create personalised festive decorations and gifts. This year, Hobbycraft saw growing demand for handmade gifts and DIY seasonal decorations, driven in part by viral social media trends such as the ‘velvet ribbon chain garland’ craze on TikTok which propelled ribbon to the top of shoppers’ decorating wish lists, with sales of Hobbycraft’s velvet ribbon increasing by +206 percent. The handmade trend has also been influenced by festive crafting content on national TV, such as Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas inspiring viewers to get creative at home from personalised gifts to decorative wreaths. Sales of the plain artificial fir Christmas wreath rose by +65 percent as more customers opted to create their own. DIY Framing proved popular for thoughtful DIY gifts, with sales of this category up +11 percent. This craft involves customising blank frames using paint, embellishments and meaningful keepsakes, offering shoppers a way to give truly original presents. Workshops were a particularly popular seasonal activity, with Traditional Wreath Making the most popular option. Kids’ festive workshops were up by +38 percent - examples included ceramic ornament making and advent calendar crafting. All sessions gave customers the opportunity to craft in-store or online with expert guidance. Separately, sales of Hobbycraft’s Christmas gift card grew by +37 percent, showcasing that people were giving the gift of craft. Ancient Wisdom launches new dropshipping website Ancient Wisdom has been supporting retailers with dropshipping since 2009, long before it became the mainstream business model it is today. This year marks a major step forward: a new dropshipping website built from the ground up with modern integrations, faster navigation, and a far more intuitive setup for busy retailers. Retailers can now connect Shopify, WooCommerce, and eBay directly to the new platform, making product syncing and order automation effortless. More integrations are already in development, giving sellers even more flexibility over where and how they trade. The updated site brings the full AW Dropship catalogue into a cleaner and stronger digital space. Users get transparent stock visibility, improved search and filtering, and the ability to instantly import product descriptions and imagery. Customer orders flow straight to the AW UK warehouse team, who pick, pack, and dispatch letting retailers expand their offering without holding a single box of inventory. The new platform also introduces a broader selection of dropship-friendly ranges, including curated gift sets, trenddriven collections, home fragrance, crystals, and handmade artisan goods sourced from India, Indonesia, and beyond. With better tools, better data, and smoother automation, retailers can update their online shops in minutes rather than hours. For sellers looking to scale without the overheads, this launch signals a stronger, smarter way to work. Ancient Wisdom has taken 15+ years of dropshipping experience and turned it into a platform built for modern retail - faster, cleaner, and ready for whatever comes next. Visit: www.ancientwisdom.biz or www.aw-dropship.com
The Wholesaler UK is open 24/7/365 for retailers looking for suppliers. www.thewholesaler.co.uk sue@thewholesaler.co.uk 01608 662 298 Trade shows are back, but we never closed! Visit our website or contact us to find out how to book your “virtual” stand and take advantage of our trial listings. 1000s of product photos Detailed at-a-glance information on suppliers. Save your favourite suppliers for future visits The directory is still free to use - no registration. All listings are thoroughly vetted. We only list UK-based wholesalers What’s New? What’s Not New? HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW COLLECTIONS? Founded in 1834, we are Manchester’s oldest textile company. With 190 successful years trading at the forefront of the textile industry, we’re a business that you can trust. We have been supplying into all areas of the wholesale and retail markets ever since the industrial revolution, never comprising integrity. As our customer, you gain access to an international sourcing and distribution network. This is supported by our market expertise, significant experience and sound technical knowledge. BOOK YOUR VIEWING SOON Call: 0161 872 1444 WWW.BEHRENS.CO.UK
www.cygnetyarns.com 12-14 Adelaide Street | Bradford | BD5 0EA T: 01274 743374 | E: sales@cygnetyarns.com Add a touch of warmth this Winter with our cosy, high-quality yarns and free pattern support. Our knitting yarns are designed to inspire and excite our community of crafters at an affordable price.
15 BRAND SPANKING NEW Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market HAWTHORN HANDMADE Hawthorn Handmade’s new Millstream Mini Embroidery Kit is a great kit for beginners wanting to learn satin stitch. The additional guide has illustrations, photos and video to help you master this technique, and the ’stitch by numbers’ style pattern included is super easy to follow. info@hawthornhandmade.co.uk www.hawthornhandmadewholesale.co.uk BOTHY THREADS Bothy Threads has started working with wonderful artist Angie Spurgeon in their spring 2026 collection. For Angie, it’s all about raising a smile and putting some joy and colour back into the world. If her designs also inspire others to enjoy creating and making with their hands, that’s wonderful and is why she’s delighted to be a Bothy Threads artist. Her first two designs are Nice Daisy and Peony The One, available from 3rd February, 2026. These counted cross stitch kits are worked on 14 count Zweigart Aida with pre-sorted stranded cottons. They use cross stitch and back stitch. The finished designs measure 17cm by 23cm. The RRP is £27.99 per kit. info@bothythreads.com www.bothythreads.com SEARCH PRESS The essential beginner’s guide to macramé, with eight simple, inspiring projects from macramé teacher and bestselling author Isabella Strambio (@_twome). This fully illustrated, explain-all guide to macramé contains all the necessary knots and techniques you need, whether you’re a complete beginner or simply looking for fresh ideas. In this complete course, popular macramé artist Isabella Strambio starts with the complete basics, covering everything you need to get going: discover the essential tools and materials, learn how to hold and tension your strings, and discover how to set up a good working space. The eight projects are carefully chosen by Isabella so that you can build up your confidence through practice. Each of the stunning projects will teach you new knots and techniques, and will gradually develop your skills as you work through the book. +44 (0)1892 510 850 www.searchpress.com
16 HERITAGE CRAFTS Faye is the latest Elegance design – JLFA1957. This kit is available as a full kit on 14ct aida or 27ct evenweave. The RRP is £54.95. sales@hcrafts.com www.hcrafts.com LETISTITCH Letistitch is releasing the Luna’s Garden Diamond Painting kit in a square shape resin, with special AB resin and fairy dust crystals. The size of the design is 42.2cm x 42.2cm. From the category of Diamond Painting kits, DIY kits, under the new brand name DAZZLE DOTS, there are some lovely new designs. The kits contain: high quality colour printed fabric; superior quality diamonds pre-sorted by shade; diamonds craft tray; stylus with soft grip & wax caddy; complete pictorial instructions. Featured here is: LT08 Soulbond. +44 (0)7780 122 430 +44 (0)7469 364 150 letistitch@gmail.com www.letistitch.com ACORN FABRICS Nelson Plain Claret is a refined 100 percent cotton shirting fabric designed for durability, comfort, and everyday versatility. Woven from 1/40’s yarns, which are slightly thicker than standard poplin yarns, this fabric has a subtly heavier hand feel that improves body and reduces opacity while preserving the smooth, crisp finish poplin is known for. The rich claret colour adds depth and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for shirts that need to balance a professional appearance with practical performance. Breathable and comfortable against the skin, Nelson Plain Claret is well suited to uniforms, workwear, and everyday shirts where reliability and polish are essential. Produced in accordance with OEKOTEX® Standard 100, this fabric delivers dependable quality and environmental peace of mind, combined with the timeless appeal of a classic plain-weave cotton. sales@acornfabrics.co.uk www.acornfabrics.com
CICO Books is distributed by Search Press and GMC For sales queries email: sales@rps.co.uk View our latest catalogue: issuu.com/rylandpeters A Beginner’s Guide to Hand-Printing Discover the flourishing craft of hand-printing with a variety of technqiues plus beautiful projects for stylish and practical homewares and bags. £14.99 9781800655782 Granny Square Crochet: Quilt Blocks by Laura Strutt Featuring classic quilt blocks such as the Half Square Triangle, Eight-Point Star and Log Cabin, plus inspiring projects to make with them. £14.99 9781800655928 E: office@viridianltd.co.uk T: 0117 300 5244 www.viridianyarn.com TRADE ENQUIRIES: New craft books from Batsford is distributed by Abrams & Chronicle Books info@abramsandchronicle.co.uk View our latest catalogue: www.batsfordbooks.com/catalogues
18 VIRIDIAN Viridian is pleased to introduce the new range of Opal selfpatterning 4ply sock yarn Yoga available in eight fabulous shades. Opal is the home of limited edition self-pattering sock yarn made of 75 percent virgin wool and 25 percent polyamide it’s hard wearing yet gentle to delicate skin, perfect for both little ones and the more mature skin. Opal wool is machine washable at 40 degrees for your convenience. Don’t forget that Opal is perfect for not only socks but also makes beautiful baby garments. office@viridianltd.co.uk https://viridianyarn.com HERBERT PRESS Quilling Round the Year is by author Rachel Warrillow. Quilling is the enjoyable art of curling strips of coloured paper and glueing them on-edge to create decorative designs. If you’re new to the craft, these season themed tutorials will teach you the basics and help you refine your skills. Inspired by nature, wildlife, weather and more, the designs and advice will help you become confident in basic quilling techniques, with each season containing one quick and easy project, two intermediate options, and one longer and more involved piece. Sketch, A Project Guide to Drawing with Confidence by Sam Marshall is an inspiring and practical guide to give you the confidence to draw like you. The book starts with a series of warmup exercises and then leads into a set of challenges divided into chapters that increase in complexity from drawing at home and in green spaces to drawing from paintings. It concludes with a series of more advanced exercises including collage as a means of drawing and working on larger imaginative pieces. HerbertPress@bloomsbury.com www.bloomsbury.com/herbertpress CRAFT COTTON COMPANY Ready for Christmas 2026 is Yuletide Burrow by Susan Wheeler. This selection of eight Christmas designs, features rabbits, robins and Christmas foliage on printed cotton. enquiries@visagetextiles.com www.visagetextiles.com
MADEINGREATBRITAIN back to school must-haves sketchbooks & notebooks that inspire creativity and last all year shop now ORDINARY TO ORIGINAL! Décopatch brings paper, colour, and creativity together to transform everyday objects into decorative pieces with personality and style. Perfect for refreshing interiors as the seasons change, it adds pattern and softness to familiar forms, creating expressive pieces ready to be displayed. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.EXACLAIRLIMITED.COM OR CALL 01553 696600 SIMPLE TECHNIQUE!
20 HAHNEMÜHLE This elegant black mixed media paper, in the new Hahnemühle Black Bookmark Pad is more than just a painting surface – it’s an invitation to experiment. The deep black background allows colours to shine in full brilliance and turns every motif into a little masterpiece. Bright motifs such as Koi Carp are extremely impressive: in shiny red, gold or silver, they glide through the deep black water like living jewels, while metallic watercolours create soft light reflections. Delicate lotus blossoms in pink and white, abstract waves in acrylic or fine lines with acrylic markers – every technique unfolds with incomparable intensity on this paper. The slim, elegant 5.5cm x 20 cm format inspires special projects: hand-painted bookmarks, brightly elegant gift tags or place cards can be created on this mixed media paper. With a thickness of 250 gsm, the paper effortlessly supports any idea – whether with coloured pencils, gouache, acrylic, or metallic paints. 20 sheets are waiting to transform light, movement, and colour into a play of depth and brilliance. The Black Bookmark Pad is vegan and acid-free. hello@hahnemuehle.com www.hahnemuehle.co.uk BOSAL FOAM & FIBER This felt carrier solution for storage is perfect for storing yarn, blankets, and car storage. It comes with handles making it easy to carry. The felt can be machine embroidered, appliqued and personalised. There’s no sewing required for assembly. office@bosalfoam.com www.bosalfoam.com HARDICRAFT Whether exploring coral reefs or playing in the sand, Marleen Crab is ready to star in countless underwater adventures. Pair her with Stephen Seagull and Ophelia Oyster for a perfect seaside trio. This kit includes a pattern, quality 100 percent organic cotton yarn and all the haberdashery needed to get started (excluding crochet hook). Marleen measures approx. 9cm high and is made with a crochet hook 2.5 mm. info@hardicraft.com www.hardicraft.com/en
Koseli Handmade Beautiful items to welcome Spring. Handmade in Nepal by talented women working under fair trade conditions. Koseli is proud to be a member of BAFTS info@koselihandmade.co.uk 07812 161 168 www.koselihandmade.co.uk Calling all architects, product designers and ,model makers... Introducing Craftfoam! Lightweight and strong, Craftfoam is a versatile Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) material, ideal for all your crafting needs. Craftfoam is available in White, Mint Green or Grey with a range of sizes and thicknesses on offer. Craftfoam is available to order online today: www.panelsystems.co.uk/products/modelling-foam For more information and to place an order, call our expert sales staff on 01909 774 914. Alternatively, submit a request for Craftfoam to sales@panelsystems.co.uk. 0203 745 2565 • hello@fabdabdo.co.uk www.facebook.com/FabDabDo • www.instagram.com/fabdabdo_/ www.fabdabdo.co.uk Inspire kids’ creativity this festive season with our complete T-shirt painting kits! Each set comes with a T-shirt, stencil, mess-free fabric paint dabbers (also sold separately), and a booklet full of fun design ideas. Our new seasonal kits feature delightful designs like Snow Globes, Funny Baubles, Gnomes, Pixie Fairies, and the all-time favourites Unicorns, Rockets, and cute Pets. There’s something for every child! Perfect as a pre-Christmas craft activity or a fun festive gift that kids can proudly wear. CHRISTMAS TSHIRTS: THE WINNER OVER “I’M TOO HOT” JUMPERS!
Framing reframed UK Patents: GB2559609B GB2572341B US Patent: US10,588,434 EUIPO Trademark 17868192 ©Differentiate Design Limited Pop-up Frames can be assembled in a few minutes to multiple sizes with just a pair of scissors. They’re also lightweight so can easily be hung and re-hung using the supplied adhesive pad without damaging walls. They’re ideal add-ons for crafters and artists to display their 2D or 3D artworks. Pop-up Frames are flat-packed so significantly reduce the POS and storage space required. The frames and packaging are both made from 100% FSC certified and sustainable materials. All these frame formats made from the Small Pop-up Frame kit (6 sizing options: 15-30cm) Making framing easier and more sustainable
23 SHOWS & EVENTS This season’s most unmissable events Shows, news & events Koelnmesse Inc. announces leadership transition Koelnmesse Inc. has announced a planned leadership transition that strengthens long-term stability while preserving the trusted guidance exhibitors have come to rely on for h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival (FFCF). Effective 1st January, 2026, Darrin Stern will assume the role of President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc., succeeding Mette Petersen, who will retire on 30th June, 2026 after 22 years of distinguished service. Petersen will remain actively engaged through the first half of the year to ensure a smooth handoff. For exhibitors, the message is simple: stability, continuity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of our craft industry events. Darrin who built both h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival into two of the fastest-growing and most innovative shows in the North American craft landscape will continue providing direct strategic oversight, leadership, and industry guidance for these events while the search begins for the next show director. This ensures exhibitors can expect the same consistency, hands-on leadership, and momentum that have defined both shows since their inception. “The handicraft community can count on continuity. Leading h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival has been one of the great honors of my career,” said Darrin Stern, incoming President and Managing Director. “As I step into this new role, I want every exhibitor large or small, domestic or international to know that I remain fully committed to guiding these events, championing our industry, and ensuring we continue to grow together. While we begin the search for a new show director, nothing changes about our direction or our priorities. Your success remains at the center of everything we do.” A Strong Foundation, Built for Long-Term Growth Under Mette Petersen’s leadership, Koelnmesse Inc. has expanded significantly across North America, launched new flagship events, and strengthened the organisation’s reputation as a trusted partner in the global exhibition market. “Mette’s legacy is extraordinary,” Stern added. “She built a culture that values exhibitors, innovation, and service. Our job now is to build on that momentum together.” What This Means for h+h americas and FFCF Exhibitors: 1. Darrin remains at the helm. Strategic direction, industry leadership, exhibitor advocacy, partnerships, and long-term planning remain in the same hands. 2. The search for the next director is underway but not rushed. Koelnmesse will prioritise continuity, industry knowledge, and culture fit to ensure a seamless fit for the future. 3. Both shows continue full speed ahead. All development, marketing, sales, partnership, education, and floorplan planning remain on track. 4. Exhibitors can expect business as usual. The growth trajectory and stability of both shows remain unchanged. In fact, this transition positions them for even stronger long-term investment and expansion. Looking Forward: Strength, Stability, and Opportunity Koelnmesse Inc. intends to continue expanding the North American craft event portfolio and deepen international partnerships. This includes: • Continued multi-year growth plans for h+h americas • Expansion of the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival presented by Synchrony • Enhanced USA pavilions and international connections • New opportunities to drive exhibitor ROI, buyer engagement, and community impact • As Koelnmesse approaches its next century, the organisation’s commitment to the craft sector remains stronger than ever. Diary dates h+h cologne 20th – 22nd March, 2026 Cologne, Germany www.hh-cologne.com Artisan Made UK 7th – 8th March, 2026 Skipton Auction Mart www.artisanmadeuk.com h+h americas 6th – 8th May, 2026 Rosemont, USA www.hh-americas.com London Stationery Show 12th – 13th May, 2026 Business Design Centre www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
24 London International Stationery Show open for registration Visitor registration is officially open for London International Stationery Show 2026, set to take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th May. With hundreds of brands showcasing thousands of products and collections, the event is a must-visit for stationery retailers of all sizes and specialisms, promising another record breaking show in terms of content. Plans are now well under way for the 2026 edition of the show, which attracts the biggest UK and international brands, through to exciting new designers and innovative start-ups, all under one roof giving visitors the chance to explore an exciting edit of new products and names alongside recognised bestsellers. “Last year we welcomed just over 150 exhibitors to the show and 2026 is going to be even bigger!” enthused Chantelle White, event manager for London International Stationery Show. “We’ve had so much interest from exhibitors that we’ve had to expand the Boutique Collection, which now takes up the entire ground floor when you walk in and we’ve opened up even more space on the galleries. We’re aiming to have about 180 exhibitors for 2026. We’ve still got space, but it is selling fast, so if you want to know more about exhibiting, make sure you get in touch!” Having had a few years’ break, Artline returned this year and will be back in 2026 “bigger, better, and bolder than ever,” according to Jessica Plunkett, marketing coordinator at Shachihata EU. “After the success of our return to the show this year, we’re absolutely delighted to announce Artline’s return for the 2026 event. London International Stationery Show is always such an inspiring event, being surrounded by the best in the business, connecting with industries, and celebrating creativity and innovation in the stationery world. For Artline, it’s an unmissable opportunity to connect directly with retailers, designers, and stationery enthusiasts from far and wide, who share our same passion for quality, colour, and self-expression.” Mann Inc is returning to the show this year, with director Kim Mann commenting: “We had a fantastic experience at the 2025 London International Stationery Show. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with both new and long-standing customers, as well as discover the incredible creativity and innovation happening across the industry. We’re already looking forward to returning for the 2026 show. It’s always a highlight in our calendar.” Don’t miss the chance to explore the latest launches from leading global brands, innovative startups, and fresh new designs. Attendees will also have access to insightful talks and workshops led by industry experts, offering actionable advice to elevate your stationery retail sales. Entry is free for buyers, retailers, dealers and other resellers of stationery. Consumer news! ICHF Events announces exciting lineup of craft and food shows for 2026 ICHF Events has announced its lineup for 2026. The year promises to be an inspiring one for craft enthusiasts, hobbyists, and makers of all kinds, with events spanning the UK. Key events in 2026 include Crafting Live 27th – 28th February 2026 at Sandown Park Racecourse. Crafting Live is a must-attend event for crafters of all skill levels. Featuring a wide range of workshops, live demonstrations, and suppliers, this event is the perfect opportunity to discover new techniques and materials. At the SEC, Glasgow, 5th – 7th March 2026 is the Creative Craft Show and Scottish Quilting Show - an unmissable event for quilting enthusiasts. With expert advice, inspiring displays, and a variety of quilting supplies, visitors can explore all things quilting-related. The show offers a broad spectrum of crafts, from card making and scrapbooking to knitting and textiles. Workshop opportunities and live demonstrations will inspire every visitor. Other shows, to name a few include Weald of Kent Country Craft & Food Show in May; Makers Central at the NEC in May; not to mention the Creative Craft Show, The Stitching Show and Simply Christmas in Glasgow on 22nd – 25th October 2026. Jane Bolsover, Head of Show Features for the Creative Craft Shows said: “At our Creative Craft Shows visitors can indulge in a stunning showcase of exhibitors, each bringing their own flair and expertise to a diverse range of hobbies, from cutting-edge card-making supplies to the latest crafting innovations.” Jane added: “Our goal is to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all our visitors. We have worked hard to ensure that the Creative Craft Shows for 2026 provides something for every craft enthusiast, from beginners to experienced crafters. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store.” For more information on the full list of events and to book tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.ichfevents.co.uk
25 SHOWS & EVENTS Latest from h+h cologne 2026 From March 20th to 22nd 2026, h+h cologne will open its doors and once again set new standards as the leading trade fair for the textile handicraft industry. With an almost sold-out exhibition center, a community-driven professional program, and creative offerings, the leading trade fair is an indispensable event for the industry. In addition to internationally established brands, numerous newcomers, smaller exhibitors, and specialised service providers shape the picture, a mix that offers the industry a multifaceted environment for ordering, exchange, and development. Event areas with a clear structure: knowledge and creativity within easy reach The central event area at h+h cologne 2026 is located in Hall 11.2 and offers trade visitors a concentrated structure that seamlessly combines knowledge transfer, creativity, and networking. The Talk Zone is the hub for the exchange of specialist knowledge. On all three days of the fair, Leonie Koch will moderate a varied program here, ranging from panel discussions and keynotes to interviews and masterclasses, covering topics such as: ‘Innovation & Technology’, ‘Sustainability & Business Strategy’, and ‘Community, Commerce & Customer Experience’. Directly adjacent to this is the Trend Zone, which offers hands-on inspiration. Here, trade visitors can experience the international color trend for 2026 – the Pantone Color of the Year PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer – up close. The curated trends inspire and can even be taken home in the form of material samples. Creative energy literally unfolds in the Creative Zone, which offers free workshops on a first-come, first-served basis without registration. In a relaxed atmosphere, techniques such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, and crafting are taught to promote active engagement within the community. With this concentration of event areas, h+h cologne creates short distances and a trade fair experience that combines efficiency, exchange, and inspiration. “We are making the program more intuitive and seamlessly integrating knowledge transfer into everyday trade fair life,” explains Katrin Schön, Director of h+h cologne. Visible, focused, connected In 2026, exhibitors will benefit from even greater visibility, while trade visitors will benefit from clear themes, compact knowledge, and directly related in-depth information. The Creator Zone in the East Press Center offers parallel workspaces, opportunities to connect, and a perfectly balanced infrastructure for professional content production related to the trade fair. Further details about the program and the main topics will be announced at: www.hh-cologne.com Record attendance at Harrogate Christmas & Gift The year 2026 began on a sparkling high as festive and gift buyers flocked to Harrogate for the UK’s only dedicated Christmas trade show, Harrogate Christmas & Gift. Taking place in early January, the event welcomed a record number of buyers, with attendance up 12 percent on the 2025 show, underlining the continued strength and relevance of the sector’s flagship event. Featuring an impressive line-up of exhibitors – from established industry names to exciting new brands entering the market – the show delivered a vibrant and commercially focused platform for Christmas and gift buying. Across nine packed halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre, visitors discovered an inspiring and diverse showcase of festive and gift products, with many exhibitors reporting exceptionally strong trading. According to the majority of exhibitors, the show attracted an excellent calibre of buyers, alongside a significant number of new customers, with several brands describing 2026 as their best show to date. Show director Simon Anslow commented: "Harrogate Christmas & Gift has grown in popularity year on year for the past decade, but this year was truly exceptional. The halls were buzzing throughout the event, with exhibitors' stands consistently busy and the vast majority reporting an outstandingly successful show." Simon Anslow and the Harrogate Christmas & Gift team would like to thank all exhibitors and visitors for making the 2026 show truly unforgettable and look forward to welcoming everyone back from Sunday 10th to Wednesday 13th January 2027.
26 Inspired by crafts. h+h cologne is presenting its modernised brand identity and placing the spotlight on the community. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming trade show From 20th to 22th March 2026, Cologne will once again become the pulsating heart of the world of textile handicrafts. h+h cologne is inviting trade visitors, creative and industry experts from all over the globe to discover trends, experience innovations and shape the future of handicrafts together. Under the new motto, ‘Inspired by Crafts. Built for Business.’, the leading international trade fair is presenting its modernised brand identity and is placing a clear focus on what makes it unique - its vibrant community. h+h cologne 2026 is taking off with fresh impetus and a revised brand image. The trade fair is thus underlining the creative and economic power of the textile handicrafts industry – and how crucial community, knowledge transfer and a collaborative exchange are for its success. Spread over two compact, most likely fully-booked hall levels, h+h cologne will offer an inspiring trade fair experience that focuses on clarity, personal encounters and added business value. NEW BRAND IDENTITY - INSPIRED BY HANDICRAFTS, DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE The revamped appearance of h+h cologne reflects the creative energy and diversity of the industry. The new design, characterised by patterns and structures reminiscent of stitching and embroidery motifs, builds a bridge between handicraft tradition and international business. The slogan, ‘Inspired by Crafts. Built for Business.’ sums up what the trade fair stands for: the connection between creativity, competence and commercial success. Built for business
27 H+H COLOGNE “Our goal is to continuously further develop h+h cologne as the leading global trade fair and position it for the future. The new look also expresses this: Modern, fresh, creative – with the handicraft techniques as an essential basis,” explained Katrin Schön, Director of h+h cologne. COMMUNITY AS SUCCESS FACTOR – H+H COLOGNE 2026 The centrepiece of the trade fair is the community itself. Committed exhibitors, dealers, designers and experts contribute their knowledge, creativity and experiences to drive the industry forward together. Solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow are developed in interactive formats, practical workshops and inspiring masterclasses – always with the goal of strengthening the specialised trade sustainably and making it future-proof. Whereby, h+h cologne doesn’t purely see itself as an austere platform, but more as a lively creative space where new ideas arise, synergies grow and genuine partnerships are fostered. The active participation of the community transforms the trade fair into a place where innovation, tradition and economic efficiency go hand in hand. SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW AND BECOME PART OF THE MOVEMENT Those who want to co-shape the textile handicrafts industry, discover new business opportunities and experience the power of the community, should save the date in March 2026 in their diary. Tickets for h+h cologne 2026 are available now here. NEXT EVENTS: h+h cologne – March 20 - 22, 2026 – Cologne, Germany Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival – May 1 - 3, 2026 – Chicago, USA h+h americas – May 5 - 8, 2026 – Chicago, USA KOELNMESSE - TRADE FAIRS FOR THE HANDICRAFT INDUSTRY As an organiser of innovative and important trade fairs worldwide Koelnmesse is the global market leader in the handicraft & hobby sector. h+h cologne is the leading trade fair for textile handicrafts and the industry’s largest international inspiration and order platform. Koelnmesse also supports companies in reaching international markets, which is why it has expanded its fibre arts portfolio in the USA: h+h americas, a platform for the North American knitting, sewing, textile and craft industries, uses pioneering formats and online solutions to put the industry’s products and services centre stage. The hybrid trade show in Rosemont, Illinois, offers both digital and on-site experiences to maximise reach and impact. The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, is a new consumer trade show that brings together crafters, creatives, and innovators for education and to showcase the latest trends, products, and techniques in knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, felting, sewing, quilting, and cosplay.
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