Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

16 cra ftfocus brand spanking new Fabric focus Hantex has a range of new dressmaking fabrics available under the Modelo brand this month. Made from polyester and viscose, there’s versatile wool-style coat fabric that’s machine washable, practical and good value. This long-lasting material offers a great choice for stitchers who want to minimise their impact on the environment. There’s also Nicky Velour, an amazing product that’s perfect for a multitude of uses where softness and warmth are required. The cotton, polyester and nylon blend offers durability that’s ideal for winter tops, dresses and kids-wear. Lastly, Modelo’s sweatshirt fabric combines the wearable softness of jersey with everyday practicality. It comes in subtle colours and contains a hint of lycra to ensure it retains its shape. +44 (0)1754 820 800 hantex.co.uk Finishing touches With an enormous stock of more than 50 million designs, Jones Buttons is constantly adding to its range. We love these recent examples, ideal for children’s garments and other light-hearted creations. +44 (0)115 978 1263 jones-buttons.com Print shop The Craft Cotton Company is launching a raft of new fabrics major industry names this February. Highlights include Lily Pad by Debbie Shore, Rainbow Etchings by Stuart Hillard and Eastern Botanicals by Sarah Payne. The supplier also has some exciting launches planned for CHSI Stitches including a collection themed around this month’s cover star, Miffy. The company’s informative blog, craftcottonblog.co.uk offers a range of free tutorials and projects to support retailers. +44 (0)161 832 9431 craftcotton.com Portrait of a lady Joining the Elegance by John Clayton collection, Harriet is a new cross stitch design available from Heritage Crafts. Each kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered cards, a needle, charts and instructions. It measures 16cm x 24.5cm and has a retail price of £38.60. +44 (0)1889 575 256 hcrafts.com A woman’s world This spring, GMC is releasing a new kind of cross stitch book. Feminist Cross-Stitch: 40 Bold and Fierce Patterns brings together a host of vintage-inspired designs. It’s written by Stephanie Rohr, better known as stephXstitch, who has been designing cross stitch for more than 10 years. The book is packed with edgy slogans and clever one-liners, with an illustrated basics section to get readers started. There’s also information on tools, materials and techniques, as well as advice on framing finished pieces. The hardback title retails at £14.99. +44 (0)1273 402 873 thegmcgroup.com