Hawthorn Handmade reveals expansion plans

Dorset-based craft company Hawthorn Handmade has continued its expansion with a move to larger premises. With the business going from strength-to-strength, the embroidery and felting specialist is set to move to a 3,000sq ft space near Blandford.

Inspired by its rural surroundings, Hawthorn has made a name in the craft supplies market with a range of contemporary kits featuring flower and animal designs. Founder Stephanie Carswell attributes the growth of the business to rising interest in traditional skills. “Embroidery has really emerged as a growing trend in the last few years and people are looking for something a bit different,” she explains. “We've worked hard to make our packaging really giftable and find that customers come back again and again to collect all of our designs and work through collections.”

Reimagining old skills in a contemporary way has given the brand a broad audience of both new and experienced crafters, with the recently launched Go Stitch range proving especially popular. The business has also taken wholesale orders from gift shops and museums including the V&A. Hawthorn is now planning to invest in systems to ensure that it can quickly react to consumer demand, with new appointments also planned. Go to www.hawthornhandmade.com for details.