CHSI stitches is a trade show for the craft industry, so craft suppliers sell to the shops & online stores that we, the public, all buy our goodies from. Many of them also have their own websites to sell directly to the public too.
The whole thing is just a feast of lovely stuff, all so tempting, and I came away with my head full of ideas for things I'd like to try.
The bloggers brunch was hosted by ICHF Events with a workshop from DMC - great food, great company and a lovely goody bag of DMC products to try and take away.
Luckily I wore my comfy shoes, there was a lot to see! Some of the stall holders had produced some amazing eye catching displays.
I got to meet the lady from Cygnet Yarns who made this fantastic tree and a stand full of yarn based loveliness.
This great big gorgeous fella was just chilling on the Creative World of Crafts Stand.
Viridian Yarns had this cute sheep guarding their yarns and knitting accessories.
Caron Simply Soft yarn is shown off beautiful in this rainbow display, also on the Creative World of Craft stand. They even had knitted shoes!
Kaffe Fassett had been at the show given a talk on Sunday apparently so I missed that, but there was evidence of his most recent book and vibrant fabric all over the place.
These fabric are from his collections for Free Spirit Fabrics.
Arne and Carlos were there and showing off their new design line for the 'one ball = two identical patterned socks' yarn, Pairfect. I'm not a sock maker (yet) but apparently it's widely available. You just knit the socks and the pattern appears, sounds like wizardry to me!
I loved this beautiful flamingo quilt displayed on the Patchwork Promotions stand.
The biggest trend I noticed was the kits. There were so many with just the cutest thing to make and the loveliest packaging. I love kits, I think they are such a great way to try a new craft and when they are so nicely presented they make great gifts too.
Everything you need to make something in a cute box or bag - what's not to like!
These were some of my favourites:
These felt embroidered beauties from Corinne Lapierre.
Fancy making a bow tie or trying your hand at paper piecing? The New Craft House have it covered.
Everyone must know someone who needs a felt flamingo in their life, and these kits to make mobiles come in a box that looks like a house - how cute is that? All from The Crafty Kit Company.
These cross stitch and printed embroidery hoops from The Make Arcade really bring embroidery up to date. They also have kits referencing Prosecco, gin and tea so all the bases are covered!
More pretty felt kits in the cutest carry boxes from Kitty Kay.
Rag rug making is something I've always wanted to try, so I'm thinking these kits in a bag from Ragged Life as just brilliant. Not just rugs either, they have cushions, bags and more.
Famous for their knicker making kits, Flo-Jo actually do much more besides. These apron and tote bag kits have a lovely modern vintage vibe.
Edwards Imaginarium from Toft was a hard stand to walk past without doing a double take. The giant versions of their crochet kits were amazing, and apparently have traveled all over the world.
Mindful colouring but in embroidery form - I was so inspired by this beautiful embroidery idea from Solo Crafts. They call the range Zenbroidery and you can find a list of stockists on their website. These photos don't do it justice, in real life the colours and effect with threads and beads was just exquisite.
These knit mugs from Debbie Bliss Home collection really caught my eye. A coming together of 2 of my favourite things - hot drinks and knitting.
DMC is a company most crafters are familiar with. For a company that's been around for over 250 years (and which produces 1 million skeins of embroidery thread every DAY) they are certainly moving with the times. As well as lots of traditional designs and kits they have some really modern and on trend stuff going on in all sorts of craft mediums.
I particularly love the cushions on the right, two very different styles but equally beautiful.
Phew, that's it, my CHSI stitches show highlights.
Of course the biggest highlight of all was getting to meet a load of lovely like minded people, all interested in creative crafts and encouraging others to enjoy crafts too. It would seem the craft industry is vibrant, thriving and full of so many different things - there really must be something for everyone.
Lots of inspiration. It looks like you had a great day out!
ReplyDeleteIt's was lovely thanks Caroline, and yes, almost overwhelming with inspiration and ideas - my head is still buzzing!
DeleteBeautiful stuff, just wish it was available in South Africa too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing it, I am quite jealous, wish I could have been there!
My hands are itching to make something now!
That's what happens isn't it Magda, you see lovely things and just want to make it all!
DeleteI think some companies might offer international shipping if you need "need" to treat yourself!
Thank you for sharing the enjoyment you obviously had at this show .. is it one that the general public can attend, or is it trade only? Sometimes it is nice to attend different events, one hopefully sees other traders and gather loads of ideas!
ReplyDeleteThis one is a trade show but later in the spring there is an 'open to the public' show at the NEC by the same organisers. It's several shows in one, sewing, crafts, cake decorating & fashion. I went last year & loved it. Quite a few of the independent stands at this show were there selling to the public. More info here: http://www.sewingshow.co.uk
DeleteIt looks like you came away with so much inspiration! That should keep you going for the next years' projects!! x
ReplyDeleteOh yes, my head is buzzing and my note book is bulging!
DeleteLooks like a fun event. Loads of inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty .We would like to see you again next week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sahana, it was a fun event.
DeleteSo many lovely things to see and to admire. That tree is amazing, it looks like you had a great time!! Thanks for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteThe tree was great, and I think even better in real life that my photos show. the nicest surprise about that was when I spoke to the lady sitting on the stand and asked her who made it. I imagined a whole team but she said "Oh, I did!"
Deleteooo, loving the Kaffe pics, the zenbroidery and the Debbie Bliss mugs. Such a shame you missed hearing Kaffe speak, he's always so inspiring. Lots of eye candy :D #handmademonday
ReplyDeleteI had a tapestry book by him when I was a teenager, I thought the colours and designs were the best thing ever. It would have been amazing to meet him or even see him across a busy exhibition hall but it was not to be! Never mind.
DeleteNot been to the CHSI for years, not good with crowds so tend to avoid now. Must admit seeing all the trade stands were inspirational and looks as if you had a good time
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty busy and those NEC halls are enormous! It was great to see so much lovely stuff in real life but I think with a laptop, sitting on your sofa with a cuppa, nowadays you can see quite a lot of what is available if crowds are not for you.
DeleteThere were definitely a lot of kits around and quite a few aimed at Kids which was nice to see too. Jo x
ReplyDeleteKits were how I got into making things as a kid so it's nice to see so many up to date and tempting things available.
DeleteIt's somewhere I'd love to go so really enjoyed reading your account of the day. Looks like it was a great day out.
ReplyDeleteIt's was a great day for any craft lover, and SO nice to meet in real life other craft bloggers and people from the industry.
DeleteWow, it looks like an amazing event I wish I could have gone, but the bank manager would have had kittens! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pictures xx
ReplyDeleteLuckily Josie, it's a trade show so you can't actually buy anything. It's all about shops and suppliers placing their big orders. It was a great place for window shopping though and the goodie bag made it nice to not be going home empty handed!
DeleteLoooks so fun! I went to cover it for my blog too (hapinesswherever.com) but unfortunately wasn't invited for the bloggers brunch :P Hope to get to see you at other craft blogging events :)
ReplyDelete#StitchyENVY!
ReplyDelete;-}