Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

38 SEARCH PRESS “One is never quite sure in advance how a show is going to go, so it’s always a thrill to report another successful event,” says Mary Ellingham, publicity manager at Search Press. “In terms of orders taken and accounts opened, we had our best ever Stitches.” There was an enthusiastic response to the new Kraft-tex product range from C&T Publishing, while the Build-a-Bag series’ wipe-clean reusable templates also proved popular. “Our ‘win your order’ offer is always exciting and this year was scooped by the Really Maria haberdashery shop in London,” adds Mary. “It’s so nice to have the opportunity to meet our lovely customers and see them enthuse about our new and bestselling books.” +44 (0)1892 510 850 searchpress.com VIRIDIAN Viridian has attended the show for the last 10 years, with a well-established spot in hall 12. “We had particular success this time with the launch of two new Opal ranges, Cotton Premium and Ice Cream in four-ply sock yarn,” says David Husbands, director. “As we hurtle towards spring, people are on the lookout for a comfortable product to keep their feet cool and this one seems to have hit the spot.” +44 (0)117 300 5244 viridianyarn.com STYLETECH CRAFT “The overall quality of interactions was very good, as were the contacts with potential distributors within the UK,” says Sean Phillips from Styletech Craft. “Our glitter films are always popular, as are the opal films, which seem to be loved no matter where we show them. Both products were very successful in their exposure. We also had a new line of film that was demonstrated by our designer Jenni. It was incredibly well-received.” +1 800 433 0541 styletechcraft.com DANNELLS LTD This was the sixth year of exhibiting for lampshade specialist Dannells. “We always use Stitches as a testing ground for new products and this year we debuted a system that can be used to make double-sided lampshades with wallpaper on the inside and fabric on the outside. This was a big hit for us and will be added first as a workshop and manufacturing pack and then as a ready-to-retail kit later this year,” says James Dannell, director. +44 (0)1992 700 311 dannells.com KING COLE CHSI Stitches has been a major launchpad for yarn manufacturer King Cole for a number of years. “The show is the only one of its kind in the UK for retailers to come and see us and our new products,” says sales manager Jo Humberstone. “We unveiled a yarn called Beaches DK, a beautiful premium acrylic and polyamide mix in six pastel colours. The range also includes six patterns for ladies and children.” In addition, the company featured a giant knitted alpaca on its stand, with visitors invited to name the life- sized woollen creation. +44 (0)1756 703 670 kingcole.com