Craft Focus - April/May 2020 (Issue 78)

7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Viridian is a small independent distributor specialising in sock yarn and knitting accessories. Viridian’s superb range of sock yarn is from the original self-patterning sock yarn manufacturer – Opal – and the company’s themed ranges arrive frequently and usually consist of eight different shades of self-patterning yarn. Every year, Opal produce a Rainforest collection for their Rainforest Rescue fund. The shades in the range are based on animals and their beautiful colours. Opal has supported this project for 16 years together with Opal distributors around the world. For every kilogram sold, a donation is made to Rainforest Rescue. To date, a generous 230,000 EUR has been raised for this fantastic cause. For all future ranges of Opal Sock Yarn please refer to the website viridianyarn.com In with the new I’m really excited about my first issue of Craft Focus magazine. For the last five years, I was editor of Gift Focus – our sister title so I know many of you already. For those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I look forward to working with you. I’m sure you’ll all agree it is such a friendly industry and I have already been warmly welcomed, so thank you! This issue we provide a full report from CHSI Stitches. This includes an exclusive interview with Linda Jones, author of The Craft Report . Her research is much respected in the industry and is a great insight into what will trend in the year ahead. We have a focus on Needlecraft, Father’s Day, designs perfect for the summer months and a few pages dedicated to the best of British! As always, we have our brand spanking new feature showcasing new and exciting products on the market. During this strange and uncertain time, craft is such a positive source of entertainment, relaxation and well-being. So please, when safe, visit your local haberdasheries and stores, keep supporting the industry and keep crafting! Rachel Westall Editor Rachel x EDITOR Rachel Westall +44 (0)1376 514 000 editor@craftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SALES MANAGER Sarah Mclean +44 (0)1376 538 490 sarahm@craftfocus.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 535 618 tracyv@craftfocus.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, Sarah Young +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdmediapublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Katie Laley +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP craftfocus.com Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0900 @craftfocus @craftfocusmag @craftfocus MEDIA PUBLISHING Craft Focus is proud to be associated with and supporters of: