Our stitchable snowflake garland kit from issue 257 has certainly proved a hit with you guys - we've had countless emails and messages asking how you can get your hands on more!

Unfortunately the stars aren't available to buy, but it's easy to make your own. Choose some plain card that's not too thick, then follow our step-by-step guide to making it stitchable.

Step one: Begin with a scrap of aida  - use 11 count for as close a fit to our original template as possible. Using your chart and a sharp pencil, draw crosses over each block to be stitched.

If we had to choose one illustrated duo to stitch, it would have to be Belle & Boo.

Mandy Sutcliffe's adorable illustrations have been on our must-stitch list for ages so we're super excited to share with you this brand new series! We've picked our fabvourties and lovingly transformed them into four cross stitch patterns for you to collect and enjoy.

Start your collection with Windy Day (left) which you'll find in our Christmas issue 257, on sale now! Next up, in our November issue (259) we'll be bringing you Release, a pretty white dove design that's perfect for Christmas.

To start the New Year you'll find a bright and cheery Poppy's Puddles design in our January issue (261), followed by Feed the Chicks in our March edition (263). Ooh - which will you choose?

Visit www.belleandboo.com to find out more or buy CrossStitcher 257 and start your collection today.

Like us, many of our readers enjoy the occasional spot of knitting - you're a talented, multi-crafting bunch, after all! So, we thought you might like to hear the exciting news about the current issue of our sister magazine, Simply Knitting (issue 98).

In our celebratory Christmas issue (on sale until 2nd Oct) you'll find this botanical leaf cushion by Anette Eriksson, perfectly capturing Autumn's beauty.

What's best, the rich shades of mulberry and lime mean it will look just as striking displayed in the summer months. Forget fancy homeware and stitch your own set of contemporay cushions instead!

You'll find the whole pattern on page 83 of our latest issue, but to get you started here's two bonus leaf charts to download.

Why not stitch them on their own and create a set of leafy napkins or placemats for your dining room.
We think the fabric shop is calling...

Send a splash of fluro to your friends this Christmas with a set of contemporary snowflake cards.

We love how the neon threads really stand out stitched on the rustic fabric. They're so hot right now, your fashion-forward friends are going to love them.

You'll find these four designs (left) on page 57 of our latest issue, but to get you started here's an additional design you can download for FREE!

Find more brigh and cheery designs in our special celebrary Christmas issue - on sale now.

Our bumper Christmas issue is hitting the shops TODAY, and to celebrate we've got an extra special competition lined up for you. 12 lucky readers will win a set of three stitchable Zweigart table cloths in three different colours, plus a book full of charts to start decorating them with.

We've also offering you the chance to win Madeira goodies by filling out our crossword.

To enter either of our competitions, simply click on the links below:

Zweigart competition

Prize crossword

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*

This month we’re giving the busy crafters amongst you a helping hand with some shortcuts from the experts. All firm favourites in the office, these titles provide clever project ideas you can easily fit in around your work. Plus, there's lots of thrifty tips to help you create fabulous results without busting your budget.

Go on, have a peek. After all a stitch in time, saves nine... right?

Have you picked up your September issue of CrossStitcher yet? If so, you're sure to have fallen in love with our beautiful beetle design. Stitched in dazzling shades of green and gold and framed in a turquoise hoop, it's inspired by the current trend for antique taxidermy and is guaranteed to give your home a touch of Victoriana style - minus the creepiness!

We cornered designer Genevieve Brading - AKA Floss & Mischief - for a chat about her love of creepy crawlies...

How did your interest in taxidermy come about?

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.