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DIY NATION
Listed under: One Voice
Published: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
With consumers tightening their purse strings more than ever before, Prick Your Finger's Rachael Matthews believes 2009 will see the craft market thrive.
Last year presented some of the most challenging times for retailers in years. The downturn, and its many associated consequences, saw a number of seemingly successful businesses close their doors for the last time as the economic difficulties finally took their toll and heralded the end for many struggling companies. However, amongst all the doom and gloom, there were a number of reasons for businesses within the craft sector to celebrate. Interest in dressmaking, jewellery and DIY reached new heights as increased media exposure raised awareness of the financial benefits of crafting. With a new home décor show starring Kirstie Allsopp set to hit our screens later this year, 2009 could well see crafts move into the mainstream and appeal to a wider group of people than ever before.
“Mainstream fashion has become so disposible that the population is no longer enjoying and bonding with the textiles and designs that surround them,” explains designer Rachael Matthews from London-based craft shop Prick Your Finger. “With high street fashions turning over so fast, garments are becoming increasingly uncomfortable and no longer made to last . Consumers are recognising that spending time designing and making a garment ensures that it fits well, suits their character, and on completion, has a very long life, potentially becoming an heirloom. Any maker will tell you that when they have successfully completed a garment, they want it to last forever.
“The social side of fashion has also really taken off over the past year, and I love the fact that consumers are showing a greater interest in the items they are wearing,” she continues. “Swapping clothes and experimenting with customization shows ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill, all feel-good qualities that will ultimately guide consumers through the recession. The craft market needs to keep an open dialogue with its customers and react to their changing needs.
“The industry is likely to remain strong,” she adds. “After all, a good craftsman will not blink at buying good tools and materials as they know that the value of their unique work is priceless. The sector is continually growing and I believe with hard work and continued exposure we can sail through any crisis.”
“Mainstream fashion has become so disposible that the population is no longer enjoying and bonding with the textiles and designs that surround them,” explains designer Rachael Matthews from London-based craft shop Prick Your Finger. “With high street fashions turning over so fast, garments are becoming increasingly uncomfortable and no longer made to last . Consumers are recognising that spending time designing and making a garment ensures that it fits well, suits their character, and on completion, has a very long life, potentially becoming an heirloom. Any maker will tell you that when they have successfully completed a garment, they want it to last forever.
“The social side of fashion has also really taken off over the past year, and I love the fact that consumers are showing a greater interest in the items they are wearing,” she continues. “Swapping clothes and experimenting with customization shows ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill, all feel-good qualities that will ultimately guide consumers through the recession. The craft market needs to keep an open dialogue with its customers and react to their changing needs.
“The industry is likely to remain strong,” she adds. “After all, a good craftsman will not blink at buying good tools and materials as they know that the value of their unique work is priceless. The sector is continually growing and I believe with hard work and continued exposure we can sail through any crisis.”
I completely agree with everything Rachael says. I know that we can barely keep up with demand and we’re planning expansion in 2009.
Vive la craft!
Cheers,
Jennifer
THE MAKE LOUNGE
Meet people. Make stuff.
Contemporary craft workshops with a stylish, social twist.
Plus hen events, birthday parties, corporate gatherings and more!
49-51 Barnsbury Street
London N1 1TP
020 7609 0275
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Academic research (Hull University 2005)into the Craft Supplies Industry on both sides of the ‘pond’ shows that historically as recession bites there has always been a marked increase in craft participation motivated by money saving, job replacement and time-fill needs.
Results at our store reflect this as our growth outstrips all predictions. Talking to others there is a general buzz and excitement running throughout the industry with regard to this growth pattern. However, realistically, I do feel there will be a thinning out of some stores run by ‘hobbyists’ during this period and suppliers should be far more concious of the late or unpaid accounts that will appear on their books.
Val Lawson
Daisy Crafts
Whitby
01947 605891
Ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill are all factors that give crafting the longevity and integrity it deserves. Community is such a key factor, and communicating with the crafters who make it happen is essential to our business. It’s an exciting time for craft and our chance to show the world how everyone can benefit - as Jennifer at The Make Lounge says - Vive le craft!
Jenny Fox-Proverbs
Commissioning Editor, Craft
David & Charles, an F+W Media, Inc. Company
http://www.davidandcharles.co.uk
http://www.fwmedia.com
http://www.rucraft.co.uk
Recently I’ve been meeting more and more crafters, especially women. They are everywhere, from all background, ages and cultures - they all love to make and learn new skills. (Infact some are ‘crafty’ but don’t even know it!)
Adult education colleges are also benefiting from the new found increase in craft hobbies and the uptake on craft courses has increased hugely in recent months.
However although it’s good news for craft retailers, it’s still a difficult time for professional crafters trying to sell there work. I have a stall at Greenwich Market in SE London, well respected for it’s arts and crafts, however the last three months have been really slow for the majority of stall holders and the Christmas period was especially bad.
Yes more people are becoming interested in buying unique, handmade, one off pieces but there are still many who can only afford mass produced, cheaper alternatives. So let’s not forget about the maker/designers who are struggling to make ends meet at the moment! Most crafts are after all ‘luxury’ items, and they aren’t on the consumer’s priority list.
Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Freelance Writer and Crafts Expert
Website: http://www.momtazbh.co.uk
Blog: http://www.thecraftcafe.co.uk