Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

26 Life’s rich tapestry Featured on the cover of this issue, Just Nippin’ Out is available from Bothy Threads. We caught up with managing director Kate Hoyle to find out what’s coming up for the popular cross stitch supplier How was 2019 for Bothy Threads? It was a great year for the company. We finally moved into our new purpose-built bothy, which means more room for our kits. We also launched almost 100 new designs spread across our four seasonal collections. This year, our spring range of 30 kits will be released at CHSI Stitches. It will feature new designs in the Margaret Sherry collection, and I’ve really enjoyed working with Helen, Margaret’s daughter to develop these. What can we expect from Bothy Threads at CHSI Stitches? Our collection of Wrendale Designs continues to be popular. This year we will expand the range using different backgrounds and image sizes. At CHSI Stitches visitors will be able to see the first few designs using the turquoise bubble background. The tapestry versions of these kits are also very popular. Each product is beautifully printed on 10-count Zweigart canvas with Anchor tapestry wools. What else is new? This year will also see the introduction of many more card kits. Each counted cross stitch design includes triple fold cards in cream, vintage brown, red or green. There are several new examples by Margaret Sherry and others on the way. The lovable Bebunni continues to be very popular and is joined by a new range of Elly kits. This thoroughly modern elephant can be found driving a camper van and partying at festivals. Visitors to our stand at CHSI can also find Elly on the beach enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. Our new Blooms collection was inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock prints, reflecting a sense of style and the beauty of nature. There will be two new designs at Stitches. We have also produced our first Bothy long stitch designs. These four funky cats are worked on 14-count canvas with the outline printed on, in Anchor tapestry wools. Sequins and felt details are added to finish off. All our kits are found on our website where there is a trade portal. Orders received before 2pm are nearly always shipped the same day. What’s in the pipeline for 2020? After exhibiting at CHSI Stitches and H+H Cologne, we plan to launch more counted cross stitch and tapestry kits and hope to explore some new techniques. We also have some exciting artwork that we’re looking forward to converting into stitch form. Our younger daughter Iona has joined us in the business and is eager to meet all our customers and suppliers. She last attended CHSI Stitches 22 years ago in a baby bouncer! +44 (0)1900 828 844 bothythreads.com