Retro designs a-go-go

At Sizzix we always try to develop new designs based on the current trends in fashion, as we find that these trends tend to permeate through into other areas of society like craft, interior design and associated accessories. It is the same in the home décor market, so this year where clothing shops were championing flares, sixties-inspired cuts and 70s style patterns, you could also see the retro theme sweeping through the home design market. As the year draws on, the psychedelic prints and floral accents will become more muted, but the retro theme is one that will return again and again – whether it is 60s and 70s or earlier epochs that catch our interest.

Fabrics Galore

Fabric crafts have been really popular this year with quilting, knitting, applique and stitching all playing a big role at shows and in magazine editorial. This is partly due to the rise in popularity of upcycling trend – one of the easiest ways to refresh an existing furniture item is to re-upholster it, or add fabric embellishments. Quilting in particular has experienced a revival in the past year, with a new younger audience taking up the craft and the V& A crafts council championing the art of quilting with special exhibitions. Sizzix Bigz dies are ideal for use as applique pieces for decorating quilts, or for cutting embellishment that give new life to other soft furnishing pieces around the home.

Upcycling

It may be an effect of the fiscally austere world we live in, or perhaps people simply believe older is better, but ‘upcycling’ or ‘refreshing’ has become increasingly popular of late. This method of taking an existing item and embellishing or reworking it to create something new is something that appeals to everyone from experienced crafters, to the occasional DIY-er. Paula Pascual, the latest edition to the Sizzix design team is a skilled ‘upcycler’, using Sizzix die-cut designs in fabric, paper and other materials to turn items like plain cushions into a vintage-inspired floral masterpiece, or an old frame into a bespoke notice board.

Handmade & Lovely

This is a trend that we can expect to see lasting well into next year, with the consumer’s quest for all things unique and bespoke still going strong. Whether it is die-cut stationery for the home office, embellished photo frames for the living room or handmade ornaments for this year’s Christmas tree, creating it yourself is massively popular. With the festive season just around the corner, this trend looks set to go into overdrive, as a vintage and traditional look is the way to do Christmas in 2011. We’ve anticipated this desire for the archetypal British Christmas with our latest ranges of seasonal dies in classic shapes like poinsettia, reindeer and stockings with fabulous detailing and a touch of modern luxury.

Royal Britannia

A common theme this year, and indeed one that also applies to all the previous points is the love of all things British. With Kate’s royal wedding dress made by a British designer with British lace incorporating the four national flowers, and the V&A crafts council running ‘the power of making’ exhibition to showcase all things British and handcrafted –the UK has really been experiencing a year of increased national pride. British inspired designs have definitely cropped up in the home décor market too, with union jack cushions, London landscape prints and quintessentially British floral patterns and shapes. We have included items in our latest releases to help crafters capture the essence of Britain for themselves, with vintage lace dies, London style lampposts and elegant flower shapes.