The Crafter - Trends 2016

​Whimsical Monster Yarn Bombed Chair by KnitsForLife

Inspired.. I drank my morning coffee and observed the creative buzz from the LA convention hall I found myself in. Attendees and retailers from the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show piled into the auditorium waiting for the speakers to start. CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show  showcases the latest in crafting trends, and maker innovations that will influence our creative industry in the coming year.  Everyone there was waiting to learn more from the key note speaker, Philip Fimmano,  who was about to address the audience.  Fimmano is a well respected, contemporary fashion and design specialist, who provides strategic guidance to international brands on all upcoming trends. He is a contributor to Trend Union and Bloom Magazine, and the co-curator of Edelkoort Exhibitions. He gave a presentation on, “A World Of Craft”  where he discussed trends in fashion, décor and art for 2016. He reviewed his trend forecast for the future styles, colors, materials and techniques that you will see impact the craft and DIY market .

Our society has changed and you will see this reflected in the life style trends influencing us daily. For example, you may have noticed that your audience's age bracket is not necessarily your personal age anymore. We are in an era of a no age mentality, from Millennials to the elderly,  we are experiencing more and more creative freedoms.  Rules are now meant to be broken! The family dynamic has also noticeably changed how and what we think of  as "family".  Gone is the stay at home mother, working  father, plus two kids and picket fence. It now includes your pets and extended family.  Men are also more involved with parenting. Roles are being reversed. Men are staying at home and taking on newer more sensitive roles within the family. Our society is becoming more  community oriented.  We are sharing information, skills and technique and passing it along freely to others.  We are now more computer savvy because of our understanding and fascination with technology. We are seeing makers mixing materials in new ways . The sense of touch and tactile surfaces are becoming significant to consumers as they grow more interested in how things are done. Consumers are now wanting to be involved in the process, from the ethical treatment of animals to the organic processes in which products are made.  Customers are interested in what is handmade,  unique and what can be personalized just for them.. 

Mohair dress tunic top hand knit and OOAK by GBDesign

Here are the eight archetypes described by Fimmano that you will expect to see in 2016. The Crafter, The Urbanite, The Archivist, The Ecologist, The Romantic, The Cultural, The Surrealist, and The Nostalgist.
The first archetype to be discussed in today's blog post and on Pinterest is the Crafter.

      Archetype: The Crafter

• Expressing creativity in free way. Embracing new techniques.
• Textile art and culture of craft focusing on handmade process throughout ages.
• Weaving revival - hand loom weaving.
• Embroidery and textile art.
• Design - coiling and wrapping using yarn and colored string.
• Over sized yarn use - inspired by doll house furniture.
• Polka dots and big round shapes .  
• Exploring our folklore - learning and applying techniques from past.
• Being thrifty and transforming remnants .  
• Yarn - wool and mohair - or harder to find fiber like yak, goat.
• Knowing where and how animals are  treated and the origins of ingredient used
• Dyes and creative makeup and hair.
• Stenciling 
• Color sophisticated - monochrome or natural dyed colors. Less primary.
• Revival of basket weaving with wire construction indoors/outdoors.
• Focusing on shades and colors found in nature
• Roller painting  and playing with color..
• Leaving edges unfinished  - as beautiful as finished. 

Hand Loomed Girl's Dress by SugarcaneSF

Spotting Trends: 
Be ahead of your consumer needs. Where does a maker start to look for new trends? Trade shows, Pinterest, Instagram, and your community are a great place to start. Trends can change quickly so be vigilant. Cut through all the noise you see and  be aware of all the fads.. Be true to your brand and be relevant to your customer as you do your research and make decisions.  Take risks but trust in your gut instinct because you can't always be sure. Timing is crucial - think.. is it an emerging or a mature trend? Remember, always take the time to listen to your customers and understand what they are asking for.

Lisa Spinella
@TickleAndSmash

​The Crafter Trend 2016 Pinterest Board 
Knits ForLife Etsy Shop 
GBDesign Etsy Shop
SugarCaneSF Etsy Shop 
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