Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

12 craft focus industry news CRAFTIVIST COLLECTIVE AND MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND COME TOGETHER TO SEND A POSITIVE MESSAGE TO MPS Craftivist Collective and mental health charity Mind have come together to launch a craft kit aiming to encourage MPs to help improve the lives of people with mental health problems. ‘A Positive Note’ is a DIY craft kit with a one of-a-kind fabric envelope for you to stitch and a notecard for you to write a message to your local MP, asking them to raise the bar for everyone with mental health problems. The collaboration is part of a wider movement, ‘Craftivism’ (craft and activism combined), a form of gentle activism that encourages quiet, reflective crafting. By buying one of the kits, people can help deliver an encouraging message to their MP to show their support for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem each year. The kits have been developed by Craftivist Collective, founder Sarah Corbett. Each kit is made ethically in the UK and costs £12 with all profits going to Mind to help them provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The kits can be purchased directly from mind.org.uk/crafternoon or craftivist-collective.com/mind-crafternoon-kit BRINGING CUSTOMERS A REAL SEWING EXPERIENCE OTTOBRE design has been busy over the summer working on its next kids issue, constructing a new website and planning a new addition family magazine, which will be published for the first time in November. The latest kids issue, winter 6/2017, is packed full of fabulous fashion photos and winter patterns, just the thing to inspire customers to get their sewing machine out. With a wide range of patterns included in the magazine from simple long-sleeved T-shirts to warm winter coats to everyday casual wear to chic party clothes, there’s something for everyone. From toddler to teen, they’ve got you covered with patterns for clothes that kids actually want to wear. The bright new website makes it easier than ever to leaf through all the magazines for inspiration, download content recaps and fun YouTube videos that accompany each magazine launch. It also provides useful sewing tips and free patterns. The new OTTOBRE design family issue is a response to customer demand. It will complete the range providing patterns for men and young adults, and is impatiently awaited by its loyal fan base. Browse the online magazine catalogue at ottobredesign.com or contact the company at ottobre.retailers@ottobredesign.com for further information about becoming an OTTOBRE design retailer. NEW SHOW MANAGER FOR CAKE INTERNATIONAL The UK’s leading lifestyle, craft and cake events organiser, ICHF Events, has announced a new show manager for Cake international. Shannon Fisher takes on the management of this hugely successful cake show following her rapid rise through the company since joining two years ago. Shannon, in her role as Senior Lifestyle Portfolio Executive, also manages the Country Homes and Interiors shows as well as being involved in the development of new shows. Shannon said: “Cake International is an iconic show with an international reputation. It’s a huge honour to be managing this and I’m excited to continue to develop the show and build on the momentum. I’m looking forward to working with a new group of exhibitors and contributors and sharing ideas to grow the show further.” Shannon will be responsible for exhibitor liaison, sales, floor plans and content. ICHF Events Managing Director, Simon Burns, said, “Shannon is one of our rapidly rising stars and has proven herself time and time again since joining the team. Cake International is a vitally important show for us and has seen huge growth and success. We’re determined to build on this and are delighted that Shannon will be leading on this development.” ICHF events organises more than 25 shows in the UK each year. For full details of all ICHF shows visit ichfevents.co.uk MADEIRA APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF CONSUMER DIVISION Madeira UK has revealed the appointment of Duncan Yarnall, as the Head of Consumer Division, covering all aspects of retail sales for the brand. Duncan has more than 20 years experience within the thread sales community and brings a depth of knowledge to the already greatly experienced organisation. Duncan states “Madeira has a global brand name that is hard to beat within the trade. The product range is extensive and has a history of being at the forefront of innovation for the thread market. I am delighted to head up this division and continue the Madeira success story.” Madeira is looking to expand its customer portfolio and feel the timing and personality involved are perfect. Duncan will be working closely with customers and distributors to maintain a high level of service and support new and existing products in the market. Get in contact with Duncan, duncan.yarnall@madeira.co.uk APPOINTMENTS, VACANCIES AND CELEBRATIONS