Recently the Top Drawer trade show took place in London to reveal the top emerging trends for 2012 and Danish designs dominated the displays.

Top Drawer is a trade show for all the main interior stores such as Selfridges, Lewis and Not On The High Street and it is reported that over a quarter of the exhibitors were either Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish.

The most prominent feature was retro fashion with fresh colours and geometric patterns but there was also a key children’s feature which focused solely on the trend ‘Grow Your Own’. This accounted for all kid’s products and clothing to encourage parents to become aware of the benefits of home grown produce and nurturing through food. Ulster Weavers can help you inspire the little ones to start baking and making their own food with a delightful range of kid’s aprons and chef hats!

Our canvas bags are perfect for this trend too because they are re-useable and much more eco-friendly than boring plastic carrier bags.

The Top Drawer trade show’s fashion accessories feature displayed four key trends for the upcoming autumn/winter 2012/13 season: Graphic Clash, English Heritage, Beauty Lab and Faded Grandeur.

Exhibitors across all sectors were reportedly well and truly embracing a British trend with traditional references like the London Bus and we have a number of ranges too with our ‘British Cats’ collection as well as ‘ United Jack’ and the various London 2012 ranges.

From ‘Team GB’ to ‘Queen’s Diamond Jubilee’ we have a plethora of British-themed memorabilia for you to get your hands on in 2012 including everything from cotton tea towels, tea cosies and bone china mugs.

Make sure your kitchen and home is on-trend this year with a little assistance from Ulster Weavers.

Crown Paints has unveiled its the shades for the spring/summer season of the New Year and the main colour for 2012 industry experts have predicted is grey.

The company is renowned for being at the forefront of colour forecasting and it has launched four distinctive looks in the s/s 2012 collection consisting of ‘New Direction’, ‘Modern Nostalgia’, ‘Summer Jewels’ and ‘Surreal Botanical’.

One of the concepts was to think beyond the traditional colour groupings like ‘pastels’, ‘brights’, ‘neons’ and ‘neutrals’.

Crown Paints Colour Specialist, Kathryn Lloyd, said: “Colour is our passion. It informs and drives everything we do, so we are delighted to be able to unveil our 2012 trends. The colour palettes we have created feature the tones and shades we expect to see defining the design landscape going forward.”

‘New Direction’ 

Union Jack Flag Pink Cotton Tea Towel

This features bold blends of acid neons and neutral shades, such as bubblegum pink with acidic chlorophyl brights. It reportedly captures the spirit of the post-industrial age.

Ulster Weavers Union Jack Flag Pink range coincides with this collection perfectly!

‘Modern Nostalgia’

Harrison Stripe Double Oven Glove

This collection has a more delicate and subtle palette which is shaped by the Great British seaside. It offers a sophisticated take on pastels based on vintage themes.

Our Harrison Stripe range fits this theme impeccably due to its soft blue stripes but we also have homeware products specific to the seaside.

‘Summer Jewels’

Kaleidoscope Tea Cosy

This assortment of shades has been inspired by retro Palm Springs and ties together blue tones alongside yellows and pinks to create a fresh, clean and upbeat palette.

A fresh and funky pastel design is Kaleidoscope by Ulster Weavers which is based on the spirograph drawing and therefore is bright and cheery. Install the trend into your home with the help of our tea and kitchen cosies in the Kaleidoscope range.

‘Surreal Botanical’

Countryside Cats Linen Tea Towel

The final 2012 collection is a lush mixture of emerald greens with bold bright shades to create a visual clash of the natural and the man-made.

A range that has just arrived and which is bang on trend is the Countryside Cats collection which is based on nature and greenery and the tea towels are just gorgeous.

The V&A Golden Lily range is also an on-trend floral design. 

London is welcoming 2012 and the exciting Olympics and Paralympics event with a dazzling fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

The Major of London, Boris Johnson, has confirmed plans for England’s capital to kick off the momentous year with special celebrations at the EDF Energy London Eye.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “As we begin one of the most extraordinary and exciting years in our great city’s history, the sky will light up with a dazzling display of pyrotechnic magic. 2012 will open, not with a timid whimper, but a colourful bang, a noisy clarion call to herald one amazing year.

He added: “Londoners know how to celebrate and our fireworks display will be the first in a year long celebration of all things London. From the magic of the Games, to the Diamond Jubilee, to the London 2012 Festival and our own outdoor arts festival, there will be world-class events in every corner of the capital, to create a summer like no other. 2012 will be a year to be confident and ambitious and London will welcome the world with energy and optimism.”

The fireworks display is one of the highlights of the festive season and the New Year period. Join in the festivities and celebrate the Games with Ulster Weavers Olympics homeware range.

It comprises of quality tea and kitchen cosies, aprons, bags and tea towels that are all Olympics-themed; so grab yourself a piece of British history and collate some commemorative memorabilia. 

The fashion accessory this winter is the shoulder bag.

In all high street retailers, a key trend that has emerged is bags with long shoulder straps. Invest in a chic bag to see you through this winter and take the weight off your hands by wearing it over your body.

Shoulder bags are perfect to use because they can fit all your bits and bobs in that are essential for this time of year. There is plenty of room for your hat, scarf and gloves and the crucial chap-stick to keep your lips looking luscious over winter time. British winter weather often comes complete with snowfall and rain so protect your hair with a packable umbrella that fits nicely into your bag!

Ulster Weavers has a delectable array of fantastic shoulder bags to choose from including the topical colours of neutral shades of black, cream and beige. A simple shoulder bag is not only fashionable it is also a great gift idea. Why waste your time, resources and money by using wrapping paper when you can give a present in a bag as a 2-in-1 Christmas gift?

A statement shoulder bag can make or break an outfit and is the best way to accessorise an ensemble. Show off your style with a bag that sparkles for the festive season with bright tones and jewels.

Gucci used the Shoulder Bag trend in its Autumn/Winter 2011 show and incorporated varying shades of desirable croc to numerous looks. It was worn across the body with long shoulder straps to create an elegant feminine feel.

So jump on board the band wagon and get involved and check out the dozens of designs available to that are in all different shapes and sizes.

Birdsong Canvas Shoulder Bag

V&A Strawberry Thief PVC Shoulder Bag

Team GB Black & Gold Canvas Shoulder Bag

This winter is all about pastels in the home and it is a super easy trend to follow.

From soft bedding and delicate curtains in the bedroom, to neutral vases and accessories in the living room, any domestic goddess can be bang on trend this season and install a fresh update for the home.

Being stylish doesn’t have to result in a complete décor overhaul. Ornamenting each room with small doses of pastel shades can still create a fashionable scheme but without the hefty price tag. And the kitchen is the best place to do this with pale textiles and homeware.

Updating the kitchen appliances like cutlery and tableware is a simple but effective method and the pale palette suits any home whether it is a bachelor pad in London, or a quaint village cottage in Wales. The gentle tones when co-ordinated with other furniture can look both traditional as well as edgy modern; so whatever your current style décor is there is bound to be a way to induct the trend into your home this winter.

And homeowners can inject the wishy-washy colour into the festive décor too. So when you start decorating the home for Christmas with sparkly gold and silver, mix in some shades of baby or rose pink.

Ulster Weavers Cassandra Rose table runner and placemats are just perfect to makeover the kitchen in pure prettiness. And our vast array of floral collections includes everything from tea cosies to aprons to make sure you look fashionable as well as practical.

The Victoria range is another great line with pastel pieces, so you can serve piping hot tea this winter in themed bone china mugs alongside some scrumptious cupcakes with our Victoria cake tins.

Install the trend into the living room with an Apple door stop and carry on the retro apple and pear style with Ulster’s Lola range; as the cotton tea towel is cool with fresh pastel shades.

Lola Cotton Tea Towel

Cassandra Rose Table Runner

Victoria Set of 3 Cake Tins

The autumn/winter 2011-12 catwalks were awash with colour, chic work wear and oriental fashion; so jump on board the style trend with the help of Ulster Weavers.

This season is all about the wonder ‘oneses’ and jumpsuits as the favourite party piece. Pull out your autumn coats from your wardrobe and keep yourself warm from the cold with touchable textures and bright colours. 

From sharp blazers and fitted jackets to full length maxi skirts, layer up your demure printed dresses with oversized shirts and accessories.

Emerging this fall is the Oriental fashion trend which is subtle with flowing skirts and kimonos rather than looking like a Geisha. Furthermore, pleats are a big trend which can be worn softly or with an edge as well as faux fur which returns every wintertime.

As for accessories, choker necklaces and cuff bracelets are going to be BIG this season; so make a statement with solid jewellery and stand out from the crowd.

Pop out in autumn colours with canary yellow, burnt orange and jade greens. The handbag is all about the mini, micro and satchel. Fashion experts are saying the smaller the bag, the better with long straps and plenty of room to put your chap stick in during the cold British weather front.

Ulster’s canvas shopping bags are both on-trend, stylish and practical and they come in a vast array of styles, colours and sizes so there is bound to be something to suit your taste. And its far better to use our fantastic reusable ranges, which come in both canvas and PVC bags, as opposed to plastic bags.

Check out some of our brilliant canvas bags designs below to pair with this season’s fashion trends…

Japanese Doll Shaped Packable Bag

Sorrento Canvas Shoulder Bag

Lemon Cat Medium PVC Bag

And finally, show a sense of British pride in your home this winter with Ulster’s vast array of British homeware. From British Cats and Union Jack canvas shopping bags, to our specific London 2012 Olympics range, pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen with our expert help.

RHS Etchings Table Runner

Red Cotton Hand Towel

Chambray Charcoal Peg Bag

Blue Stripe Double Oven Glove

As years go by, new trends in society flourish whether it is a new fashion trend, homeware trend or more.

At the start of 2011, the trend of ‘planking’ started to arise that involved a person mimicking a wooden plank and lying face down in an unusual or odd location.

Millions of people took part in the game and posted pictures of themselves on the internet and on social networking sites, as players competed to find the strangest location in which to play.

Participants ‘planked’ on top of roofs, in vehicles, on tables and even on top of poles! But when the craze went viral, with it came many variations which included ‘tea potting’ and ‘owling’. Tea potting consisted of simply bending the arms in the shape of a teapot; and owling involved a person squatting and crouching in a perched position and looking off into the distance, like an owl.

So jump on board the trend with the help of Ulster Weavers and our fantastic owl and tea cosies homeware!

We have some super cute owl shaped tea and egg cosies which are great for when you are finished ‘owling’ and wish to replenish your thirst with a nice hot pot of tea. Ulster Weavers has some fun owl linen tea towels and packable bags so you can install some animal craziness into the home or into your wardrobe!

And if you are a fan of social networking site Twitter, like millions of people across the world are, then you may want to buy one of our brilliant owl Twitter ranges which consists of an apron, double oven glove, gauntlet, bone china mug in a tin, pot mitt and more.

So whether you take part in the online game by ‘planking’, ‘tea potting’ or ‘owling’, make sure you follow the fad with Ulster Weavers fantastic homeware, giftware and textile ranges.

Twitter Bone China Mug In A Tin

Owls Arrived Linen Tea Towel

Owl Shaped Tea Cosy

This summer is jam-packed full of different festivals up and down the UK!

From Glastonbury, Leeds, T in the Park V, Download, Sonisphere, Oxygen and hundreds more, this season is set to be well and truly heated up in festival fever; so make sure you are looking bang on trend with the latest craze with the help of Ulster Weavers.

Look uber stylish whether the sun is shining or it is forecast for rain and take over the fields wearing wellys and hot pants and of course THE new festival fashion obsession.

It is of course the all-important headwear and festival junkies like Fearne Cotton have already jumped on the fad in a leopard print design. Some hippie-hard core types may prefer a ‘70s style daisy chain wrapped round their head but other fashionistas are turning their heads to the edgy fashionable headgear.

Some media outlets are describing it as an UGG boot for your head- which is extremely strange- but be rest assured when it is chucking it down this summertime and all you have is your tent in the middle of the field you will definitely be hatting it up in fun fur.

But make sure you rock your furry headwear with one of Ulster Weaver’s gorgeous Canvas Shopping Bags. We have some super cute “Cats in Waiting” PVC Bags in all sorts of shapes and sizes which would be ideal if you can’t fit everything into your backpack!

You can show a bit or irony wearing our “Musical Cat” bags or stamps some British style on the festival with our British Cats bags ranges. Whatever you choose to accessorise your outfit with, have fun jumping up and down to some of the world’s best headlining acts.

Cats In Waiting PVC Bag

Musical Cat PVC Shoulder Bag

British Cats Medium PVC Bag

Could there be another royal wedding on the horizons?

OK we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves but here at Ulster Weavers HQ we are super excited to hear that there may be a blossoming romance  between Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton.

The siblings of recently wed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have reportedly been meeting in secret, enjoying cosy afternoon teas together at London pubs.

HRH Prince Harry, who is dating on/off girlfriend Chelsy Davy, and Pippa, 27, are said to be good friends and were spotted enjoying an intimate chat at The Troubadour pub in Chelsea, where they spent nearly two hours drinking tea and eating muffins and jam.

A regular at the pub said: “Pippa and Harry were most certainly here last week. They sat together and had afternoon tea and cakes.

“They were alone, with no one else near to them. Everyone left them alone as this is the sort of place you can come to and escape from the rest of the world while you are inside.

“Harry has actually been here on three or four separate occasions now.

“He seems to like the place and normally enjoys a beer. But last Thursday with Pippa, they were both eating muffins and drinking tea. It was quite a quiet afternoon when they were here. Nobody bothered them.

“Harry just comes across as a normal kind of guy who likes to keep himself to himself.

“And Pippa seemed happy to be spending some time with him. Hopefully they’ll both be here again.”

So could this be the start of a new love? We’ll keep our eyes peeled and let you know but in the meantime, let’s hope they were using Tea Cosies to keep their brews warm for such a long period of time.

Ulster Weavers Kitchen Cosies come in all sorts of shapes, styles and sizes so there would definitely be one fit for the royal family’s tastes.

Union Jack Tea Cosy

Union Jack Cafetiere Cosy

Union Jack Flag Pink Tea Cosy