Prime Publishing LLC

Prime Publishing Hosts Sixth Annual Shawls for Charity Drive

Northbrook, IL – AllFreeCrochet and AllFreeKnitting proudly partnered with Rush University Medical Center and JourneyCare Hospice during November 2022 for the sixth annual Shawls for Charity Drive. With the help of our generous readers, we collected approximately 200 handmade knit and crochet shawls for those in need.

The shawls were donated to families on JourneyCare’s inpatient hospice unit in Chicago, IL. JourneyCare also partners with local hospitals such as Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL, and more.

“Our patients, families and we greatly appreciate them. At times, there are no appropriate or adequate words one can say…and the prayer shawls speak volumes as evidenced by the smiles, tears, and snuggles,” says Timothy Lankford, MAPS, BCC, JourneyCare Chaplain.

“Hundreds of our patients will be comforted by these lovingly made gifts!,” says Katie Kirby, Volunteer Services Coordinator at JourneyCare.

To learn more about JourneyCare, and the impact the donations have on their recipients, be sure to check out our insightful and inspiring interview with Timothy Lankford, MAPS, BCC, JourneyCare Chaplain.

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

Learn more about JourneyCare here.

Prime Publishing Raises Money for UNICEF

Northbrook, IL – From February 20-February 27, 2023, Prime Publishing raised money for UNICEF through its quarterly Clicks for a Cause program.

UNICEF has a presence in over 190 countries and territories, working to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected. They are currently on the ground responding to the needs of thousands of families and children impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on February 6th. UNICEF health and nutrition teams are providing urgently needed care for children via their mobile clinics.

We shared popular charity-themed DIYs and comforting recipes with our readers to help raise awareness for UNICEF’s mission. Featured craft tutorials included this Spread the Love Granny Square, a Comforting Hug Prayer Shawl, and a Beautiful Butterfly Quilt Pattern. Featured recipes included this Classic Baklava, a Turkish Eggs Breakfast, and Turkish Tahini Sweet Rolls.

Learn more about UNICEF here and how you can help.

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

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. 

Prime Publishing Raises Money for ASPCA

Northbrook, IL – From August 22-August 29, 2022, Prime Publishing raised money for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) through its quarterly Clicks for a Cause program. 

ASPCA has worked tirelessly to put an end to animal abuse and neglect for over 150 years. They are a national leader in animal rescue, protection, and placement. The organization also focuses on passing humane laws and shares resources with shelters nationwide.

We shared popular pet-themed DIYs with our readers to help raise awareness for the ASPCA’s mission. Featured craft tutorials included this Homemade Catnip Toy, a Crochet Dog Potholder, a DIY Rescue Dog Blanket, and a DIY Cat Bed.

Learn more about the ASPCA here and how you can help.

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

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)

Discover How Prime Publishing Got its Start!

Northbrook, IL — Prime Publishing was recently featured on Starter Story. Starter Story is the home of over 3,000 business success stories designed to teach and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs.

Read the full feature and learn:

• – How we built our first website, including a peek at our very first site design
• – SEO and email marketing strategies we use to grow and engage our audience
• – Our CEO’s favorite business advice
• – What Prime Publishing is looking forward to in the future

We’re proud to share our story and to be featured alongside many other innovators!

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. 

Prime Publishing Celebrates American Heart Month

Northbrook, IL – From February 21-February 28, 2022, Prime Publishing raised money for the American Heart Association through its quarterly Clicks for a Cause program.  

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women, and February is American Heart Month. In support of American Heart Month, the Clicks for a Cause effort benefited the American Heart Association, which builds public awareness, improves healthy behavior habits, and ensures research is inclusive for heart disease and stroke.

We shared heart-healthy recipes and red DIY projects with our readers to celebrate American Heart Month, such as the Red Knit Cowl pattern, Heart Healthy Chili, and more. 

Learn more about the American Heart Association here and how you can donate.

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