40 Above all else, there’s the ongoing need for customers to get real value for money from their purchases as everyone’s disposable funds become even more depleted. Strong knowledge and skills behind the products that demonstrate the expertise on offer is vital, and adding extra value such as video tutorials or unexpected add-ons can all help boost the perception of value without adding too much to the cost. Within the ranges we work with, we’re seeing a really strong interest in needle felting. After over 10 years of making needle felting kits, I’d say it has now fully hit the mainstream and doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all. Smaller, achievable projects are the best-sellers. And for us, the quality of the contents has become a key issue for customers who are looking for the best their money can buy. We’re seeing a slowing down on embroidery after a hectic few years for the craft, though as above, the smaller quicker (and lower priced) projects are still proving to be popular. The same can be said for cross stitch, where the competition of PDF patterns vs kits is noticeable whilst people are being careful with their spending money. Stephanie Carswell, Creative Director www.hawthornhandmade.com Any craft is sustainable by ethos, but we’re seeing more and more craftspeople using discarded materials, so I believe we’re going to be seeing more of an upsurge in upcycling materials, lessening the carbon footprint of waste on the planet. There will be an opportunity to see some of these creations at Craftworks which takes place between 15th and 17th May 2024, in Shoreditch Town Hall. Jay Blades, television personality https://craftworks.show The world of fibre crafting is changing in 2024, with many exciting trends in knitting, needlepoint, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and Cosplay. While sustainability is still important, the focus is on creating personalised items and creations. Crafters immerse themselves in handcrafting, adding individuality to every stitch and loop. Personalisation is critical, with fibre enthusiasts exploring new ways to make their creations more tailored. Knitters make custom garments, quilters sew personalised blankets, and crochet enthusiasts weave intricate designs into every piece. The resurgence of sewing and quilting signifies a return to creating timeless, handmade textiles, each with a personal touch. We’re seeing makers take traditional quilt blocks and use them as motifs for polymer clay earrings. for example. Crochet granny square designs are showing up as beaded earrings. This interplay is exciting and presents new opportunities for makers to look to other crafts for inspiration. Sustainability continues to be a strong trend in craft. Consumers now expect eco-friendly packaging, for example, and are looking for ways to upcycle and embellish thrifted finds. Embroidery on knitwear is a strong trend allowing makers to create oneof-a-kind pieces quickly and easily. Visible mending on jeans is also a strong trend, using Sashiko stitching to infuse new life, and customization, into existing pieces. At the same time, there’s a desire to return to, and revive, heritage crafts. Broom making is suddenly popping up everywhere, as is shoe and sandal making. Most recently, we’ve noticed the revival of passementerie, a craft that was popular in the 1500s that’s now seeing a revival with new book out by Elizabeth Ashdown for Schiffer Craft. The fibre arts community will evolve, offering endless opportunities for creativity, selfexpression, and community engagement. Darrin Stern, Vice President, Koelnmesse Inc. www.hh-americas.com
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