Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

craft focus 5 Show business The craft industry has changed enormously in recent years, with the advent of TV shopping, social media marketing and the changing fortunes of the high street all impacting the way retailers do business. That’s why trade shows like CHSI Stitches, which takes place this month, are more important than ever, offering a vital opportunity for crafters to come together and share ideas and inspiration. Now in its fourth decade, the event showcases innovations frommore than 200 exhibitors across the craft, hobby and stitching categories, with more than 50 per cent of the industry’s businesses represented. If you’re looking for products and trends to delight and excite your customers, this is where you’re sure to find it. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve devoted 15 pages of this issue to our in-depth show guide. Starting on page 47, you can find everything you need to know, including a look at this year’s must-see exhibitors. We also spoke exclusively to Simon Burns, managing director at ICHF, who reveals what’s coming up for 2019, including the release of the much-anticipated second Craft Report. Don’t forget to come and see the Craft Focus team too. We’ll be exhibiting over all three days on stand G30 and we’re aiming to meet as many of you as possible. Enjoy reading. Andrea Ashfield Editor Visit us on: @craftfocus pinterest.com/craftfocus facebook.com/craftfocus instagram.com/craftfocusmag FOCUSCRAFT 3 MERRINGTON BUSINESS PARK, BOMERE HEATH, SHREWSBURY SY4 3QJ ABC Adjustaform Berisfords Crown DMC Entaco Essentials Freudenberg Gutermann Janome Jean Greenhowe John James Jones LeSuh Patons Peter Gregory Peter Pan Phoenix Prym Robin Starform Stylecraft Twilley’s UKHKA Vilene Wendy Whitecroft Wondaweb Hand Knitting Wools Craft Yarns Sewing Threads & Haberdashery 01939 291848 info.focuscraft@gmail.com www.focuscraft.co.uk Andrea On the cover The Craft Cotton Company will be launching its new Miffy collection at CHSI Stitches. Ideal for craft, patchwork, quilting and dressmaking projects, the Bedtime and Spring ranges are printed on Oeko-tex standard cotton. Visit craftcotton.com for more information. Units 5 & 6 555-557 Carlisle Street East, Tel : +44 (0) 114 2421431 email : enquiries@colourcraft-ltd.com www.colourcraftltd.com UK MANUFACTURER For dimensional effects on any surface Fabric Paints Procion Dyes Check out our New Website FABRIC DYES : ACRYLIC PAINT : SOFT HANDLE FABRIC PAINTS ANGELINA FIBRES/FUSIBLE FILM : TEXTILE ACCESSORIES HAND MADE PAPER : CRAFT PAINTS : SCREEN/BLOCK PRINTING INKS E pand IT Angelina Fibres NEW FUSIBLE COLOURS Create bursts of vibrant colour.