This is our favourite time of year. When the long summer months draw to a close and we can look forward to autumn walks, afternoon tea with friends and the excitement of planning our festive stitching.

Our cover project (below) is inspired by crisp and symmetrical Scandinavian design. We think it's so stylish you could easily display it all year round.

Talking of inspiration, have you seen our first ever CrossStitcher video? As a special treat this month Commissioning Editor Charlie shares what inspired her to create this cosy autumnal issue. Find it on our YouTube channel CrossStitcher TV. *excited face*

In our September issue (on sale until 4th Sep) you'll find a refreshing set of leaf designs by Maria Diaz, which would make perfect little well-wishing cards for any occasion. You'll find four designs in total, each with a thoughtful sentiment such as Dream, Hope and Love included underneath.

To get you started, heres an additional leaf design to download - for free! Find the rest of the charts and all the making-up instructions on page 82 of our latest issue.

While we're not really ones for blowing
our own trumpets, we are rather proud
of the May issue of Cross Stitch Collection.
Not only is it beautiful, and of course, a
very good read, but it also has a real sense
of celebration about it. So, we figured that
the perfect way to celebrate the new issue
would be to bring you…

…three things we love about issue 209!

Good morning cross stitchers, we've got some exciting news! Our sister magazine Cross Stitch Collection is publishing a NEW bookazine - The Ultimate Maria Diaz Cross Stitch Collection - and it goes on sale TODAY!

This limited edition publication (£7.99) is a truly gorgeous compilation of Maria Diaz most dazzling, beautiful and treasured designs. As of today, you can order your copy online at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk.

In issue 244 (on sale until 3rd October) we featured a lovely set of 'New Home' themed charts by Maria Diaz in our Stitched with Love feature.
With just a few stitches you can turn a simple gift into something really special, like this little padded tag we made to go with a cute little bird cage lantern.
 

The templates for the Easter cones project and this floral door stop by Maria Diaz are now online and ready for you to download.

Let us know how you get on – we love to see your pictures!