Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

41 CHSI STITCHES THE CRAFTY KIT COMPANY The Crafty Kit Company has exhibited at CHSI Stitches for the past seven years. “We’ve come a long way since then – our first show was booked only two weeks beforehand and we arrived with a small selection of sewing and crochet kits,” says managing director Jo Lochhead. “Stitches is the highlight of our calendar, offering a brilliant opportunity to build relationships with new and existing leads and customers. It’s the only UK trade fair we attend that’s solely dedicated to craft, so we know that visitors are in the market for our products. This year was undoubtedly our best yet – our range of needle felting kits has really hit the spot and we suddenly find ourselves with the wonderful problem of running out of space!” The company regularly appears on Create & Craft TV and is constantly developing new products. “Our British bird kits were particularly popular,” adds Jo. “We’ve followed these up with an Atlantic puffin and jenny wren, both available now.” +44 (0)1620 860 907 craftykitcompany.co.uk CORINNE LAPIERRE “The event is always bursting with inspiration and innovation and this year did not disappoint,” says designer Corinne Lapierre. “The quality and diversity of products was really outstanding. Our embroidery range was very popular, especially our needle case felt kit. We took lots of orders for spring and Easter-themed designs, and our little bunny in his carrot bed did especially well.” The company has been exhibiting at the NEC for the past three years. “There is a great sense of excitement when we meet customers,” continues Corinne. “Watching them walk to our stand with a big smile as they meet our felt creatures is priceless. Expanding into new markets is always a buzz and once again, CHSI was a great place to meet foreign buyers.” +44 (0)113 246 0403 corinnelapierre.com BOTHY THREADS Show stalwart Bothy Threads has been attending CHSI for more than two decades. “This year we launched our 2019 spring collection with 20 original designs,” says John Golby. “The show was a bit busier than in the last few years, with many new customers and old friends visiting our stand. Our latest designs were well received, especially the Wrendale animals, which are available as both counted cross stitch and tapestry. Orders have exceeded expectations.” +44 (0)1900 828 844 bothythreads.com JONES BUTTONS Button supplier Jones has exhibited at CHSI Stitches since 2003. “We had a tremendous reaction to all our offers, which fell into three categories,” says chairman John Ashley. “The first is our general range of stock buttons which can be taken individually, with wholesale prices ranging from £1 per 100 through to nearly £20 each. Secondly, we offer mixes in weights from 100g to kilo bags, jars and bumper packs. Thirdly, we showcase the amazing range of Dress It Up novelty buttons, with Disney designs proving ever-popular. Our emoji nylon- mix shapes were displayed loose and in the form of a face – we found this really drew people onto the stand.” +44 (0)115 978 1263 jones-buttons.com HAWTHORN HANDMADE Hawthorn Handmade launched new hedgehog, peacock and oak embroidery kits at the show, as well as its innovative Go Stitch designs. “These had an amazing reception and people really liked how unusual they are,” says creative director Stephanie Carswell. Featuring wooden discs with pre- punched holes, Go Stitch is ideal for beginners, making it easy to master cross stitch, back stitch and other basic techniques. +44 (0)1258 863 873 hawthornhandmade.co.uk MOUSELOFT “This year’s CHSI was one of our most successful, and we’ve done 28 of them,” says company founder Roger Hart. “The first day broke all our records with a 50 per cent increase in sales. It seems cross stitch is having a revival – not that it ever went away. There are fewer stitching suppliers than there used to be, but we have never had a reason to stop. We enjoy meeting old and new customers each year.” mouseloft.co.uk