Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

craft focus 5 The future is now One of the most talked-about moments at this year’s CHSI Stitches was undoubtedly the release of The Craft Report, an in-depth industry study commissioned by ICHF Events using data gathered over a five-year period. Delivered as part of the show’s extensive seminar programme, the fascinating talk revealed a number of surprising industry trends, together with valuable advice on increasing customer spending habits. You can read all about it, together with all the buzz from the show, in our seven- page Stitches review, starting on page 27. We’re also going behind the scenes at The Royal School of Needlework with Dr Susan Kay-Williams, who shares some fascinating insights about the historic institution. The RSN is perhaps most famous for its exquisite work on the wedding dress of The Duchess of Cambridge, but there’s much more to the school than that. Dr Kay-Williams takes us on a whistle- stop tour of its long and illustrious history, and reveals what it takes to work on such a high profile Royal commission. We know you love new products, too, and we’ve got a great selection in this issue. We’ll be celebrating some of the very best of British craft design, and showing you what to stock for the summer season. We also have the latest needlework must-haves and a special look at crafts for Father’s Day. Enjoy the issue! Andrea Ashfield Editor Visit us on: @craftfocus pinterest.com/craftfocus facebook.com/craftfocus instagram.com/craftfocusmag Andrea Page 65 Page 83