FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL — October 31, 2025 — The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) and Koelnmesse are proud to announce a new collaboration that will bring enhanced visibility, resources, and programming to the global yarn and craft community at the upcoming Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival (FFCF) taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL – April 30 thru May 3, 2026.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to nurture creativity, expand access to education, and strengthen the presence of fiber arts within the broader craft industry.

“By joining forces with Koelnmesse, we are amplifying the voice of knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists worldwide,” said Jenny Bessonette, Executive Director, Craft Yarn Council. “Together, we can create a more connected and vibrant community, offering experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation.”

The collaboration will include:

• Dedicated CYC Pavilion at FFCF featuring member companies, unified branding, and a centerpiece Warm Up America! Lounge where attendees can participate in stitching sessions that support communities in need.
• Expanded Consumer Engagement through workshops and special events.
• Promotion of Yarn Standards & Certification as a foundation for teaching and professional development in specialty retail.
• Celebration of Craft Culture, highlighting the generational heritage and contemporary innovation within the yarn industry.

“Partnering with the Craft Yarn Council reflects Koelnmesse’s commitment to showcasing the diversity and passion of the craft community,” said Darrin Stern, Vice President, Koelnmesse, Inc. “We are excited to offer attendees fresh opportunities for inspiration, learning, and connection.”

Future Show Dates:

h+h Cologne – March 20 – 22, 2026 – Cologne, Germany – www.hh-cologne.com
(Friday – Sunday)

Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival – Classes start April 30th. May 1 – 3, 2026 – Rosemont, USA – www.fiberfabriccraft.com
(Friday – Sunday)

h+h americas – Classes start May 5th. May 6 – 8, 2026 – Rosemont, USA – www.hh-americas.com
(Wednesday – Friday)

For more information, contact:

Darrin Stern
Vice President & Show Director
Koelnmesse Inc./h+h americas & Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival
+1-773-326-9925
d.stern@koelnmesse.us

About Craft Yarn Council
The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) unites the leading yarn companies, manufacturers, and creators in North America. Through education, standards, and outreach, CYC inspires and supports a thriving, inclusive yarn community.

Koelnmesse – trade fairs for the handicraft industry
As an organizer of innovative and important trade fairs worldwide Koelnmesse is the global market leader in the handicraft & hobby sector. h+h cologne is the leading trade fair for textile handicrafts and the industry’s largest international inspiration and order platform. Koelnmesse also supports companies in reaching international markets, which is why it has expanded its fiber arts portfolio in the USA: h+h americas, a platform for the North American knitting, sewing, textile and craft industries, uses pioneering formats and online solutions to put the industry’s products and services center stage. The hybrid trade show in Rosemont, Illinois, offers both digital and on-site experiences to maximize reach and impact. The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, is a new consumer trade show that brings together crafters, creatives, and innovators for education and to showcase the latest trends, products, and techniques in knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, felting, sewing, quilting, and cosplay.

About Warm Up America!
Warm Up America! is a national nonprofit that distributes handmade knit and crochet items to people in need. Since 1991, its volunteers have provided warmth and comfort to thousands through donations to hospitals, shelters, and community service organizations.