Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

BOTHY THREADS “We found it to be a really good show,” says John Golby of Bothy Threads. “For the first two days we were very busy and there was a definite buzz in the air.” This was a key event for the company, which exhibited Derwentwater Designs’ kits for the first time, as well as its own spring collection. “The new products were enthusiastically received,” continues John. “I was also excited to be able to introduce two new artists’ work to cross stitch: Sarah Reilly’s countryside designs and Lavinia Stamps’ magical fairies.” It was something of a personal milestone for the company too. “We brought our daughter to our very first CHSI Stitches in her baby bouncer, and this year she is 21,” adds John. “Now that we are on stand A01 we can’t stop coming or we might lose out on our prime position.” bothythreads.com what the industry thought We spoke to some of this year’s top exhibitors to find out about their show highlights CORINNE LAPIERRE Corinne Lapierre produces a range of quirky and contemporary felt kits. “The show was very successful,” she says. “It was lovely to catch up with our existing customers and show them our new products. It was also exciting to meet so many new retailers. Furthermore, 70 per cent of our orders were from new customers and we also met an agent who will be representing us in Japan.” The response to Corinne’s product range was encouraging, too. “It is always so much easier when customers can see the range and feel the quality of the felt,” she explains. “They loved the eco- friendly packaging and it was great to hear their stories, where their shops are and what kind of customers they have. Direct human contact is such an important part of our business.” corinnelapierre.com CRAFT BUDDY “We were in a celebratory mood at Stitches this year,” says Gary Wadhwani from Craft Buddy. “Not only was it the first anniversary of our Dawn Bibby Creations brand, we were also able to show off our fabulous new collection of crystal crafts.” The company’s crystal card and art kits were one of the show’s standout performers, and new innovations for 2018 include art motifs and clocks. craftbuddyltd.co.uk CREATIVE PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTION “The show was a great success for us and our new products were very well received,” says Mark Wilson from Creative Products Distribution. “Our new 3D toppers were our star performer.” The company also showcased its range of Beacon Adhesives slime this year, making lots of samples on the stand. creative-distribution.co.uk HAWTHORN HANDMADE “This was our fifth CHSI Stitiches. We started out in the Bright Sparks area and then moved to a larger stand,” says Stephanie Carswell, creative director at Hawthorn Handmade. “From a business perspective we had some very exciting meetings with companies that we feel will be a great match. Getting up to speed on what everyone else is up to and the latest trends is also particularly helpful.” hawthornhandmade.com craftfocus 37 CHSI Stitches