Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

16 CRAFTER’S COMPANION Crafter’s Companion has announced the launch of its Nature’s Garden Peony collection. Based around a single floral theme, the co-ordinating range provides endless papercraft and home décor opportunities. The series includes a delicate trellis frame and vine borders to accompany its stamps and dies, which can be used to build up stunning three-dimensional blooms with detailing and leaves. +44 (0)1388 663 251 crafterscompanion.co.uk SOLOCRAFTS Design Works Crafts has teamed up with Laurel Burch Studios to turn some of the artist’s paintings into counted cross stitch kits. There are six intricate projects available, including butterfly and cat images. All kits come with 14-count aida fabric in black, navy or white, while some contain sequins and special embellishments to create a sparkling effect. Laurel Burch was a folk artist with a knack for bold colour, remembered for her magical take on the natural world. Each design retails at £39.99. +44 (0)161 464 7313 solocrafts.com GMC GROUP New this month, Sarah Keen’s Knitted Farmyard features 25 charming projects made from readily-available DK yarn. There’s a comprehensive techniques section that makes this book suitable for beginners, with instructions for everything from animals and farm workers to bales of hay. It retails at £14.99. +44 (0)1273 402 873 thegmcgroup.com THE CRAFT COTTON COMPANY The Craft Cotton Company has launched a range of fun animal prints featuring monkeys, bugs, unicorns, dinosaurs, monsters and mermaids. The fabric supplier has also relaunched its website with a new layout, making it easier to browse the latest designs. +44 (0)161 832 9431 craftcotton.com