M’Liss Rae Hawley of Freeland, an internationally known sewing expert, is the newest creative partner of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

Hawley is traveling to Daphne, Ala. this month for the opening of a new Hancock Fabric store. She will display some of her designs, and demonstrate and lecture on the finer points of sewing.

Hawley will also introduce her newest exclusive Hancock Fabric collections: “Wrapped in Love,” which is inspired by some of her favorite Christmas memories, and “Garden Breeze,” a dynamic collection of flannel prints, inspired by the outdoors and Hawley’s love of the environment.

“We’ve admired M’Liss’s work for many years and appreciate both her skill and creativity,” said Jane Aggers, president and CEO of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. “We believe she’s the perfect connection for our customers — the majority of whom are passionate and highly creative artists themselves.”

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. currently operates 264 retail stores in 37 states and an Internet store at www.hancockfabrics.com.