Churchill Weavers introduces Cricket Hollow line
by Tanya K. Merritte -- Kids Today, 10/1/2004
Berea, Ken. — Churchill Weavers previewed its Cricket Hollow collection, a line of quilts, infant comforters and blankets, at the ABC Expo last month.
The collection is based on a story idea created by Tara Bellando, accounts manager at Churchill Weavers, based here, and features the company's first original character-based pieces. The line chronicles the adventures of the fiddler Cricket and his band of friends who come out at night in a place called Cricket Hollow.
"We're really excited about the potential development of this enchanting and educational new product line inspired by local folklore and legend from the hollow in the foothills of the oldest mountain range in the world," Bellando said. "In keeping with current trends in children's room design, we've used more contemporary colors — soft pastels and brights and 100% cotton, acrylic-cotton blends and ultra-soft polyester fabrications for these new infant soft goods."
The collection includes eight hand-stitched embroidered quilts made of 100% cotton that depict the lives of the characters. They can double as wall hangings. The quilts retail between $117 and $130 and will be available in December.
The Cricket Hollow line also includes two infant comforters and companion blankets in seven styles and 27 colors. Three styles are hand-crocheted from yarn that is 55% acrylic/45% cotton; the other blankets are made of 100% polyester. Retail prices are between $22 and $60.
Churchill Weavers plans to introduce the full line at the New York International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in February 2005. Lila Bellando, president of the company, said the collection will be sold in high-end baby specialty shops and departments stores. She also said it's possible some items could eventually be sold in zoo and museum gift shops.
The company is also working with an educational consultant on a book series to accompany the textile line, Lila Bellando said. The first book will be aimed at children ages 3 to 5 and is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of next year. Books aimed at older children as well as a line of toys could follow.
The line depicts the adventures of the fiddler Cricket and his friends who come out at night in a place called Cricket Hollow.
