Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

37 CHSI STITCHES CHECKER DISTRIBUTORS “This was our second year at CHSI Stitches. The event was well- organised and it was great to meet with both our current customers and potential shop- owners in Europe,” says Jim McDonald, Checker’s business manager. “Being able to show the products we offer is always a great success for us. Retailers love to touch each fabric because good quality cottons are so important to the quilter. It’s also great for us to get the word out that working with a US distributor is affordable and saves time with our consolidated shipping programme for EU customers.” The supplier exhibited a wide range of products, including new felted wool pressing mats by The Gypsy Quarter. +1 419 893 3636 checkerdist.com VISAGE TEXTILES/ THE CRAFT COTTON COMPANY Visage Textiles showcased collaborations with leading sewing personalities including Sarah Payne, Stuart Hillard and Debbie Shore this year. “Their presence brought more than a touch of glamour to our stand, with customers keen to see new designs,” says managing director Dani Phillips. “We also launched our latest licensed character, the loveable bunny Miffy, and we were delighted with the result. The quality of enquiries and orders taken was strong.” Visitors were also able to view Miffy’s bedroom, with sample makes prepared by the company’s bloggers. +44 (0)161 832 9431 craftcotton.com Exhibitor reviews This year’s exhibitor highlights CRAFTY CUTTER Crafty Cutter made its debut at this year’s fair, showcasing a range of patterned self-adhesive and heat transfer materials. The company also held demonstrations using the Cricut and Easy Press machines. “It was a very busy event and we had an amazing time,” says director Charlotte Pemberton. “As an online business we rarely get to meet our customers, so it was lovely to catch up with everyone.” +44 (0)1772 752 855 craftycutter.co.uk GINA-B SILKWORKS “We certainly enjoyed our first CHSI Stitches,” says Gina Barrett of Gina-B Silkworks. “Being featured in the new product showcase brought visitors to see our Yorkshire button kit. The flower comb ribbon ruching range also proved very popular, both here and abroad, with interest from both fabric shops and papercrafting outlets.” +44 (0)7714 643 362 ginabsilkworks.co.uk PATTERN WEIGHTS “This was our first show,” says Darren Rice, Pattern Weights’ managing director. “Feedback and enquiries were extremely positive. We engaged with many prospective stockists and experienced industry professionals. It was a successful event and we are very much looking forward to working with our clients. My personal highlight was the friendliness of fellow exhibitors and the event’s organisers. As a newbie I felt there was a genuine sense of pride with all involved. The need to offer guidance and help others was very evident.” +44 (0)1872 571 200 patternweights.co.uk 