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simple pleasuresThe development of the craft businesshas resulted in a new business modeland assisted in the opening of many newaccounts, however the ethos of supportand partnership for mutual benefit remainsthe key focus going forward.What new trends are you expecting forautumn/winter 2012/13?As usual we’ve been following the designerfashion shows from which most high-streettrends emerge and we’re pleased to see thatmany of the new looks are perfect projectsfor dressmaking. Colours will include purples,deep blue with black and electric pink forsome zing. Looks are dramatic and daring,with emphasised waist, shoulders and taperedtrousers cropping just above ankle. Outerwearwill include capes, coats with curved shouldersand jackets with cape tendencies. Also lookout for belts to cinch in waists and tops withpeplums for waist-defining emphasis. Richornate fabrics abounded on the catwalks, manyembellished, which translates well for ourcustomers, particularly the quilted, puffed andpadded jackets.What’s hot at Simplicity right now?Now is the time to take a serious look atbecoming a Simplicity stockist! Not onlydo the consignment patterns offer greatreturns for no investment in stock, the launchof a vast new craft range offering over 1,000lines across a variety of Knit and Stitchcategories means you can get many greatproducts all from one supplier.The new craft catalogue contains one ofthe most comprehensive quilting acrylicsrange available, a selection of funky colouredaluminium knitting and crochet needles as wellas a huge choice of craft trim including somestunning bridal trims and appliqués. There isalso a range of licensed product from Disney,one of the world’s most famous brands. Thisis on top of the incredibly innovative machinesrange that is introducing big ticket sales intothe category.With the continued trend for learningto sew, Simplicity has introduced anothercollection of designs that help when fittinga pattern (few people are one standard sizeso some adjustment is often necessary). TheAmazing Fit patterns have different tissuepieces for curvy or slim fit, different bust cupsizes etc. Coupled with the multi-size patternsheets this makes creating a perfectly fittedgarment much easier.What’s your most popular product?The Deluxe Felting / Embellishing machine hasproved incredibly popular with the interest inhand embellishment soaring since the launchof Kirstie’s Handmade Britain late last year.This interest has caused people to trade upto machine embellishing and with the mostcompetitively priced machine on the market,sales have gone through the roof. The successresulted in a new hand held version beinglaunched in the summer. In patterns, Simplicitycontinues to be bang on trend with its paperpattern designs with dresses currently beingthe most popular items.What do you like most aboutworking with textiles and crafts?The best thing about working with textilesand crafts is the ability to create somethingoriginal and unique and of course, whendressmaking, something that fits perfectly! Wealso find that we constantly learn somethingnew from our customers and stockists whohave produced their own unique creationor used one of our new machines to createsomething stunning and unusual. Working withthe seasonally introduced fabulous range offabrics and notions is also fantastic. Seeing thenew colours, materials and trimmings, decidinghow to pull them together and whatto make each season is a constant joy.What are the teams’ absolute favouriteSimplicity products and ranges and why ?Well, Jeremy is incredibly excited about thenew Knitting and Crochet range as hereally believes that there are a numberof truly innovative products that will createincremental sales for retailers perhaps alreadystocking a range of needles.Naturally he hopes the aluminium needlesfrom Boye will establish themselves in themarket however the I Taught Myself kits,needles sets and starting blanks are the perfectitems for every knitting and wool retaileracross the country.What would you like Simplicityto do in the future?Exactly what it’s already doing – innovating andcreating. The US product teams are constantlydelivering new products for the major USretailers and we in the UK are in the fortunateposition of feeding from a much larger parentcompany that spends a huge sum of moneydelivering new product through research anddevelopment. Long may it continue! CFurther informationSimplicityT: +44 (0)800 214 455,E: uk.sales@btctrim.com62 craftfocus