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Top 5 Trends Spotted at h+h americas 2022
September 09 , 2022Northbrook, IL — In partnership with Koelnmesse Inc., Prime Publishing hosted an exclusive influencer networking event at the inaugural h+h americas trade show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Ill. this past June. It brought together top fiber and fabric influencers (including Heidi Gustad from HandsOccupied.com, Rebecca George from PurpleandLime.com, Laura Coia from SewVeryEasy, and more) with top fiber and fabric companies to network, mingle, and learn about their latest products.
The influencer networking event helped kick-off the h+h americas trade show, which spanned two full days. More than 195 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees came together under one roof to connect and collaborate with fellow handicraft professionals. This all-inclusive industry event united all types of handicrafts, and was open to anyone making a living in fiber arts, no matter what background or industry sector.
While walking through the exhibit hall and speaking with exhibitors, our editorial team got a sneak-peek at some of the hot new products hitting the fiber and fabric market later this year. Together, with input from our top fabric and fiber influencers, our editorial experts identified the top 5 trends at h+h americas. With more than 10 years of industry experience sharing the latest crafting industry trends with our 4.3 million subscribers, our talented editors are no strangers to trendspotting and identifying what’s hot in the crafting industry. Check out the Top 5 Trends at h+h americas here, and learn more about each one below.
- Luxurious yarn: Practically every yarn company at h+h americas had a new yarn line designed to be touched, including Mod Yarns “Touch Me” chenille yarn, Apple Fiber Studio’s plush, hand-dyed micro-brewed yarns, and Lion Brand Yarn’s “Feels Like Butta,” “Feels Like Bliss,” “Feels Like Heaven” yarns.
- Ergonomics: From hydraulic sewing chairs by Arrow Sewing to LED lights and lasers specifically designed for the crafting community by Harbor Sales Vivi Lux, and new knitting needles and crochet hooks by Prym Ergonomics that have been specifically designed to reduce hand fatigue, it’s no secret that today’s crafters are prioritizing their physical health.
- Sustainability: Many exhibitors at h+h americas were promoting a recycled product, or one that was eco-friendly. A few examples of this include Lion Brand Yarn’s “Re-Spun” line, Berroco “Renew” and Appalachian Baby Design’s new eco-washable wool. Plus, companies such as Soak were on-hand to promote their new eco-friendly wash bags and soap, which are “good for your fabrics- and for the planet.”
- Wearables: In previous years, home decor items have been the primary focus, but not anymore. Wearable designs such as knit and crochet dresses, top/skirt sets, and oversized sweaters are all the rage now, which is not surprising given how luxurious the yarn is these days!
- Pets & Animal Welfare: From bone-shaped quilted placemats by June Tailor to felted catnip toys by Fibres of Life, there was no shortage of homemade products for your four-legged friends. Additionally, many yarn companies were proudly touting that their products are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, a voluntary standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on.
Non-profit organizations such as Knit the Rainbow and The Social Justice Sewing Academy were also on-hand to help those in need and to inspire makers to become agents of social change in their community.
Check out the top five trends here, and learn more about Prime Publishing and the VIP Networking Event.
Plus, FaveCrafts is hosting an “America’s Best Craft” contest for influencers to design and submit original projects using Sponsor products received at the networking event. All projects will be permanently hosted on FaveCrafts.com and featured in our free email newsletters and social media, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 “America’s Best” projects, as voted on by readers. Check out all of the submissions here and vote for your favorites! Voting is open until 9/14, and winners will be notified on 9/15.
Future Show Dates:
h+h cologne: March 31 – April 2, 2023 – Cologne, Germany
h+h americas: June 21-23, 2023 – Rosemont, USA (now full 3-day trade show & conference from Wednesday-Friday)