As Zoe tells us every issue, a waste knot is one of the easiest ways to start off your stitching but some artists in Milan, Italy have taken the idea to the extreme!

I've just come back from holiday in Italy and when I was there we went on a guided tour of the city of Milan. One of the things they pointed out was a huge piece of artwork that has been placed in one of the squares.

It's a giant threaded needle with the thread running under the road and coming up the other side in a huge waste knot!

I was really impressed but couldn't quite get a good enough picture of it from where I was, so when I got back I searched to see if anyone else had managed to capture the bizarre sight and found a picture here

Let me know if there are any more giant stitching tributes around the world – I'd love to see hear about them!

Sally, production editor

We've discovered a slight mistake in the key for your free wardrobe kit with the June issue of Stitch&Craft. The key says that the cross stitch is in two strands, but all cross stitch should actually be done in one strand.

We're very sorry for any problems this has caused – do let us know at quickandeasy@futurenet.co.uk if you've already started it in two strands!

Rhian Drinkwater, Production Editor, Quick&Easy Stitch&Craft

Yesterday we received a phone call from a reader desperate to get in contact with a designer she loves. Unable to help, we said we would ask Cross Stitcher blog users if they could shed any light on the matter...

"I'm trying to make contact with Elizabeth Anderson to try to purchase silk gauze in very fine 112 count.  I placed an order way back in February, but have not heard from Liz.  I have tried telephone, e-mail and letter to contact her (on numerous occasions) to no avail. 

I'm now desperate to hear from her as I am trying to commence a project commissioned by Hearing Dogs For Deaf People – creating a very limited edition of dolls house items featuring my micro embroidery. 

Cross Stitcher issue 187 is on sale now!

The issue is packed with projects to get your creative juices flowing and give you inspiration at your fingertips!

Here are just some of the projects you'll find...

Stitch Andree Langhorn's beautiful bear to give a soft feminine touch to any room

For a big project to tackle over the summer try Maria Diaz's Seafarer's Globe. It'll take you around the world as you stitch!

If you're looking for quick gifts you can stitch in minutes Debbie Cripps has just the thing with these floral gifts embellished with buttons