Prime Publishing LLC

Prime Publishing Hosts Annual Shawl Drive for Charity

Northbrook, IL —  AllFreeCrochet and AllFreeKnitting are proudly partnering with Rush University Medical Center and JourneyCare during November 2022 for the Shawls for Charity Drive . Together, with the help of our readers, we are collecting homemade knit and crochet shawls for those in need now through November 30, 2022. 

This is our sixth year running this shawl drive on behalf of JourneyCare. The shawls will be donated to families on JourneyCare’s inpatient Chicago hospice unit. JourneyCare partners with local organizations including Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Ill., Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Ill, and more. 

“We received more than 200 shawl donations during our last shawl drive,” says Jenny Bowden, managing editor at Prime Publishing. “I am always blown away by the support, kindness, and compassion of our readers. We can’t wait to see how many donations are received this year!” 

“The prayer shawls are appreciated every day by our patients,” says Timothy Lankford, Chaplain at JourneyCare. 

For free shawl patterns and inspirations, visit AllFreeCrochet.com and AllFreeKnitting.com. 

The Shawls for Charity Drive runs November 1 through November 30, 2022. To learn more about how to donate, visit us here. 

Learn more about JourneyCare here. 

Top 5 Trends Spotted at h+h americas 2022

Northbrook, 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. 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.”
4. 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! 
5. 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)

Prime Publishing Co-Hosts VIP Networking Event at h+h americas

Northbrook, IL — Together with Koelnmesse Inc., Prime Publishing proudly co-hosted a VIP Networking Event at the first-ever h+h americas trade show in Rosemont, IL on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. 

h+h americas is a new platform for the North American Handicraft Industry. It is an all-inclusive industry event uniting all types of handicrafts, and is open to anyone who makes a living in fiber arts, no matter what background or industry sector. The trade show was open June 22-24, 2022 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont.

Prime Publishing helped kick off the trade show with an exclusive networking event that took place directly on the exhibit show floor. 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 event offered free drinks, appetizers, and plenty of room and time to network in a friendly and relaxed setting.

“The H+H Americas trade show provided excellent opportunities to connect with old and new colleagues in person and online. I look forward to attending in the future.” – Heidi Gustad, HandsOccupied.com

“This was such a fun event! I left feeling inspired with a renewed love of all things textile and sewing.” –Rebecca George, purpleandlime.com

“The most recent HHA show in Chicago was absolutely amazing!  I enjoyed it so much, I have already scheduled to attend it next year.  Hope to see you there, as it’s a show you don’t want to miss!” –Laura Coia, youtube.com/SewVeryEasy

After the show, Prime Publishing will host an “America’s Best” contest for influencers to design and submit original projects using the Sponsor products they receive at the show. 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. 

Stay tuned for two post-show look books featuring products from Networking Event sponsors to be published later this year on FaveCrafts.com.

This year’s sponsors included Clothworks, Harbor Sales/ViviLux, James Dillehay, M Creative J, Prym, Universal Yarns, and Prime Publishing.

Prime Publishing Raises Money for World Central Kitchen

Northbrook, IL – From March 21-March 28, 2022, Prime Publishing raised money for the World Central Kitchen through its quarterly Clicks for a Cause program.  

WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. During March 2022, WCK served thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country. We are proud to have supported their efforts at this time.

We shared Ukrainian-themed DIYs and popular Ukrainian recipes with our readers to help raise awareness and celebrate our friends in Ukraine. Featured recipes and tutorials included this Ukrainian Borscht recipe (the national dish of Ukraine), Peace for Ukraine Sunflower Quilt Pattern, and the Crochet Ukrainian Heart Pattern. 

Learn more about the World Central Kitchen here and how you can help.

Learn more about Prime Publishing’s Clicks for a Cause program here. 

h+h americas finalizes partnership with Prime Publishing

Northbrook, Illinois —

• Together we are expanding industry outreach, connecting with our community.
• First international offspring of the world’s leading trade fair “h+h cologne.”
• We are uniting the soft crafts industries In North America.
• More than 100 exhibitors signed up.
 

Excitement is building around the launch of h+h americas, which will take place from June 22-24, 2022, in Rosemont, Illinois. With seven months to go, the organizer reports strong interest among the US and international soft craft manufacturers and already has over 100 contracts. 

Today the organizer announced a new partnership with Prime Publishing LLC, a leading online platform and publisher for the fiber and fabric community with 3 million followers. Prime will use its vast online reach to draw awareness to the h+h americas opportunity, where it will organize networking events and pre-show introduction of top influencers, bloggers & designers to selected sponsors. Prime will also offer an “America’s Best Contest” featuring project designs and the award winners will be announced following h+h americas. 

Says Stuart Hochwert, President of Prime: “We think that h+h americas will provide some great opportunities for buyers and sellers in the soft craft industry. We are committed to assisting this event via five of our sites including FaveCrafts.com; AllFreeSewing.com; FaveQuilts.com; AllFreeKnitting.com & AllFreeCrochet.com that comprise some of Prime’s free crafting, fiber and fabric online resources for consumers in beads, crochet, knitting, and sewing. Our team of editors will be onsite to cover the launch of this event. We are very excited to enter this partnership.”

“Having Prime Publishing as a partner on our side gives us another powerful channel to reach the soft-craft buying community. We are confident this partnership will be valuable in our effort to deliver a high-quality and diverse trade show, design competition, and educational program. We look forward to this co-operation,” says Mette Petersen, President and Managing Director of Chicago-based Koelnmesse Inc.

h+h americas, the sister event of its German namesake, is slated to become the leading U.S. industry event for buyers of home textiles, tapestry, sewing, knitting, crocheting, haberdashery, quilting, needlepoint, and business software and marketing solutions. It will be held in partnership with the Craft Industry Alliance, a membership organization that has served the craft professionals community since 2015.

For more information contact:
Darrin Stern
North American Show Manager
h+h americas
773-326-9925
www.hh-americas.com
www.instagram.com/hhamericas
www.linkedin.com/showcase/hhamericas
www.facebook.com/hhamericas

About Prime Publishing LLC:
Since 2009, a women’s lifestyle content publisher focused on DIY, Craft & Recipe sites, newsletters, magazines, and social media. Fiber (Knit & Crochet) and Fabric (Sewists & Quilters) consumers find project ideas, inspiration, new product information and engaging content on Prime’s sites, seven sewing & quilting newsletters & 9 crochet & knitting newsletters and several social media channels on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube. To request more information about how Prime can promote your brand to Fiber & Fabric consumers send an email to Chris Wright.

About Koelnmesse GmbH:
Koelnmesse is the number 1 trade fair location for numerous industries with some 1,000 employees and representatives worldwide. Cologne, Germany is centrally located in Europe and the Koelnmesse fairgrounds with 400,000 square meters ranks in the top 3 within Germany and top 10 worldwide. Every year, Koelnmesse organizes and conducts more than 80 trade fairs, exhibitions, guest events and special events in Cologne and in the world’s most important markets connecting 54,000 exhibitors from 122 countries with more than 3 million visitors from 200 countries. Koelnmesse has earmarked 700 million Euro towards the expansion of its fairgrounds which should be completed by 2030.

Koelnmesse Picture Material:
https://www.koelnmesse.de/news/bilddatenbank/bilddatenbank.php 

Koelnmesse in Social Media:
www.linkedin.com/company/koelnmesse-gmbh
www.instagram.com/koelnmesse 
www.facebook.com/Koelnmesse
www.twitter.com/Koelnmesse 

Koelnmesse Inc. located in Chicago, IL for the past 19 years is the North American subsidiary and marketing arm of the Koelnmesse Group, one of the world’s leading organizers of international trade shows. Their experienced team of marketing and sales professionals organizes trade shows and events in North America as well as North American Pavilions for US, Canadian and Mexican companies at more than 25 trade shows around the world. 
https://koelnmessenafta.com
https://twitter.com/koelnmesseinc
https://www.linkedin.com/company/koelnmesseinc
https://www.facebook.com/KoelnmesseInc

FaveCrafts Studio Live Sees Continued Success with Virtual Events

Northbrook, IL — Attendance records were shattered last month for FaveCrafts Studio Live. During January, more than 5,000 crafters came together in the virtual crafting studio to learn how to knit and crochet. 

On January 7, FaveCrafts and I Like Knitting proudly partnered with the famous knitting designer, Marly Bird for another successful virtual knitting class. Together, more than 2,602 participants attended the ‘Learn to Knit’ webinar on January 7, held online via Zoom. This was a new attendance record since FaveCrafts Studio Live launched in October 2020. 

Just a few weeks later, another 2,439 joined FaveCrafts and I Like Crochet for our ‘Learn to Crochet’ webinar led by crochet enthusiast, Tamara Kelly of Moogly blog. 

Both of these free, one-hour classes provided a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters to learn a new hobby from industry experts from the comfort of their own home. Viewer questions were answered in real time, and attendees received expert advice for troubleshooting common problems. 

Recordings of both classes were also made available for those that were not able to attend in real time. This also provided attendees the opportunity to re-watch the class on their own time and practice their skills. You can watch the Learn to Knit with Marly Bird video here, and the Learn to Crochet with Moogly video here.

FaveCrafts also launched a series of paid advanced knitting classes during January, as well, offering consumers the opportunity to expand their skills with three new classes: Cable Knitting, Intro to Lace Knit, and Brioche Knit Stitch. Over 65% signed up for all three classes. All classes were also recorded and emailed to participants after the event giving them the opportunity to learn and practice skills, techniques and specific areas of interest.

Our next series of advanced crochet classes begin in February. Check them out here and reserve your spot today — seats are limited!

Prime Publishing Rises to Challenges of 2020

Northbrook, IL

Prime Publishing had an incredibly busy 2020, rising to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and engaging its readers in exciting and unprecedented ways.

When the pandemic hit in March, the Editorial Department worked quickly to meet readers’ needs, creating new craft content, resources, and projects immediately. These pages quickly became incredibly popular; the top sewing face mask and crochet face mask pages on AllFreeSewing.com and AllFreeCrochet.com have collectively received more than 600,000 pageviews to date since March.

Prime also launched a series of online crafting classes this year. With more people at home due to the pandemic, there was an opportunity to engage new and experienced crafters alike with Learn to Knit and Learn to Crochet classes taught by Marly Bird and hosted via Zoom. More than 4,500 participants signed up for these two classes, which were offered for free and sponsored by I Like Knitting and I Like Crochet.  

Another exciting area of growth in 2020 was launching new email newsletters. This year Prime introduced four new titles to its craft catalogue: Pet Projects from FaveCrafts, Quilt Block Club from FaveQuilts, Simply No-Sew from AllFreeSewing, and Easy Breezy Crochet from AllFreeCrochet, which have a combined subscriber base of 189,000 and growing.

Also in 2020, Prime launched two special edition newsletters at the beginning of the pandemic, which have since grown to a circulation of more than 1.2 million engaged readers. These bi-weekly mailings compile the top recipes and crafts from across Prime’s websites, with a focus on fun and safe activities at home, as well as cheap and easy at-home dinner ideas. In the last nine months, these special edition mailings have received nearly 11 million clicks.

Another accomplishment of 2020 was the redesign of one of Prime’s ‘all free’ websites. The Audience Development Team revamped all aspects of AllFreeJewelryMaking.com for an improved user experience on both desktop and mobile, and the new design will soon roll out to Prime’s other sites in 2021.

As always, Prime hosted a handful of large promotions in 2020, most notably National Sewing Month in September and AllFreeCrochet’s 10^th Birthday Celebration in June. National Sewing Month featured five giveaways (including a sewing machine worth more than $3,000) and 30 pages of reader-favorite sewing content. This year saw a 49.45% increase in engagement over last year, with pageviews reaching 280,794 and giveaway entries totaling 71,149. AllFreeCrochet’s 10^th Birthday Celebration was a first of its kind promotion featuring new patterns and giveaways for the entire month of June. It generated more than 271,000 pageviews.

2020 was a challenging year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Prime rose to the challenges of this unprecedented year, engaging its audience with new and timely content via its websites, email newsletters, online classes, giveaway promotions, and more.

FaveCrafts Hosts Successful Virtual Crochet Class

Northbrook, IL — FaveCrafts and I Like Crochet successfully hosted a virtual crochet class with the famous crochet designer, Marly Bird. 

Together, more than 2,500 participants signed up to attend the virtual Learn to Crochet class, held online via Zoom. 

The free, one-hour class provided a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced crocheters to learn from the one and only Marly Bird. She answered viewer questions in real time, gave expert advice for troubleshooting common problems, and shared time-saving tips and techniques for completing any crochet project. The event was a great 

refresher course on all things crochet, and allowed attendees to brush up on their skills, or learn a brand new hobby.

A recording of the class was also made available for those that were not able to attend the class in real time. This also provided attendees the opportunity to re-watch the class and practice their skills. Within 48 hours, more than 6,700 additional consumers watched the recording on Facebook, YouTube and FaveCrafts. You can watch the video here.

FaveCrafts.com is your one-stop shop for all things quick and crafty. Our website features thousands of free craft projects, home decor ideas, DIY tips, and more. We add new projects every single day, including user submissions. Check us out today and get inspired!

I Like Crochet digital magazine features some of the best crochet patterns available. As a member, you’ll receive six NEW issues each year and will get instant access to 700+ crochet patterns in our pattern library. No advertising and every pattern is tech edited for accuracy. That’s practically pennies for each pattern! Learn more here and sign up today!

Stay tuned for additional virtual crafting classes in 2021 from FaveCrafts.

FaveCrafts Hosts Successful Online Knitting Class

Northbrook, IL — FaveCrafts and I Like Knitting proudly partnered with the famous knitting designer, Marly Bird last month for our first-ever virtual knitting class. Together, more than 2,000 participants signed up for the Knitting 101 webinar, held online via Zoom. 

The free, one-hour class provided a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced knitters to learn from the one and only Marly Bird. She answered viewer questions in real time, gave expert advice for troubleshooting common problems, and shared time-saving tips and techniques for completing any knitting project. The event was a great refresher on basic knitting stitches including knit stitch, bind off, and weaving in your ends. 

A recording of the class was also made available for those that were not able to attend the class in real time. This also provided attendees the opportunity to re-watch the class and practice their skills. Within 48 hours over 5,000 additional consumers watched the recording on Facebook, YouTube and FaveCrafts. You can watch the video here.

Virtual crafting classes are a great opportunity for consumers to polish a favorite technique, build confidence, or maybe try something entirely new. With many consumers spending more time at home this year due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time for consumers to attend our virtual crafting classes!

Our next class, Learn to Crochet with Marly Bird, takes place Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Sponsored by our friends at I Like Crochet, this free one-hour class is a great refresher course on all things crochet. Brush up on your stitches, build your confidence, or try a brand new hobby.

Be sure to reserve your spot today — seats are limited!

FaveCrafts Launches Online Crafting Classes

Northbrook, IL — FaveCrafts is excited to announce the launch of their virtual crafting classes, FaveCrafts Studio Live. This new venture allows for crafters of all skill levels to hone their skills, learn a new technique, or pick up a new hobby altogether — all from the comfort of their home, where they always have a front row seat.

These one-hour classes are hosted online via Zoom and are taught by various crafting experts in the industry. Classes range in topics and have included a DIY Christmas Wreath, Painted Mason Jar Vase, Crochet 101 and Knitting 101.

With so many of us spending more time at home this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these online courses are not only a great way to spend your time, but also provide a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles. 

It may even help your overall health — both mentally and physically. “Crafting can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or chronic pain,” experts say, according to a CNN study. “It may also ease stress, increase happiness and protect the brain from damage caused by aging.” 

Our next class, Learn to Crochet with Marly Bird, takes place Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Sponsored by our friends at I Like Crochet, this free one-hour class is a great refresher course on all things crochet. Brush up on your stitches, build your confidence, or try a brand new hobby.

Be sure to reserve your spot today — seats are limited!