Craft Business Awards

The Winners' Ceremony

Some of the best and brightest companies in the craft industry attended the special Craft Business Awards ceremony at the NEC in Birmingham. The awards were presented at CHSI Stitches, the UK's trade show for the creative craft industry, on Monday, February 17. Celebrity judges Debbie Bliss MBE, Julie Peasgood and Sarah Cressall were present to announce the results.

The awards, organised by Craft Business magazine, are the biggest and most well-respected in the crafting industry, celebrating everyone from small startups to the giants of papercraft, knitting, stitching, haberdashery, beading, jewellery and creative stationery.

see winners

Resin8 Craft Supplies

“Resin8 is an inspiring and innovative business. Their eco credentials are excellent, in terms of both sourcing their supplies and recycling packaging. I enjoyed reading their pitch which is well written, honest and humorous. Their passion and enthusiasm shines through, especially their commitment to creating happy customers (as they obviously do, judging by the wealth of glowing feedback they have received). I have never worked with Resin before, but I am now superkeen to experiment. Their workshops sound welcoming and supportive, and the website is attractive, friendly and easy to navigate. An exciting, ethical and outstanding company, in my opinion they are worthy winners.”

Julie Peasgood Renowned Actress, Presenter and Contributing Editor for Cruise International magazine

Cool Crafting for Luna Lapin and Friends

“I am not surprised to learn that Luna Lapin and Friends have a whole community of crafters following them. I fell in love with them myself, the woodland creatures are beautifully designed and have a fantastic stylish wardrobe that would be the envy of any fashionista. I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail on the clothes and there are even instructions for an armchair should Luna need to put her feet up. The sewing patterns in the accompanying books are simple and easy to follow.”

Debbie Bliss MBE Knitwear Designer

Knitted Animal Friends by Louise Crowther

“This was a hard decision, but I was totally drawn to my winner, Louise Crowther’s Knitted Animal Friends. Louise has created real characters which look cool, fun and robust. Expert knitters will romp through this book and less practiced will love the clear instructions and the satisfaction of creating something memorable. Obviously children will love them, but if you are a big kid like me, one of Louise’s friends sitting in my home would make me smile every day.”

Anthea Turner Television Presenter

KNITPRO

“I love KNITPRO for many reasons, but I chose them as my winner because of the way they support women and the community where their factory is based in India.”

Sarah Cressall The Creation Station Founder and Sponsor of the Craft Business Awards 2020

Really Maria

“An impressive growth and success story of an independent business that shows that flourishing in a tricky retail climate is achievable. A truly entrepreneurial spirit was very apparent, especially with the launch of the shops' range of own-branded items, among other initiatives. Efforts to give back to the local community was very commendable, and an investment in upskilling and training staff demonstrates that the business owner is invested in the future of the business, as well as the development of employee skills.”

James Fell Head of Content for Global Franchise and What Franchise

Sew Confident

“The UK’s only sewing tuition franchise, Sew Confident is trendsetting, dynamic and bold. I admire the vision of founder Jenny, and her drive and determination to create her business is inspirational. I would happily sign up for a Sew Confident Retreat in the ‘gorgeous, Scottish middle of nowhere’ and their website is fun, well designed and user friendly.”