HBL Analysis: Sewing machines get smart

Tuesday 17 May 2011

The Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond, one of a new breed of 'smart' machines


A recent article by Anjali Athavaley in The Wall Street Journal reports on the technological developments of sewing machines, asserting that "new multitasking sewing machines strive to be as accessible as a smartphone".

It also reveals that Walmart is bringing cut fabrics back to its stores, and at the same time expanding its line of haberdashery wares - while one of the leading sewing machine brands, Brother International, has reported a sales increases of 22% in the US market between 2009 and 2010. Read the full article here.

Meanwhile, in London's Evening Standard last night, interiors journalist Barbara Chandler wrote about the resurgence of cross-stitch, highlighting contemporary websites such as Mr X Stitch as leaders of the revival. Read the article online here, and our blog post on the same topic here. Additionally, subscribers can read our trend report, The New Embroidery.