When the sun comes out to play, it's a perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy a bit of a summer break with family and friends. To get you in the spirit (whatever the weather!) we've taken inspiration from around the globe to create our July issue.

Felicity Hall's tropical birds (left) look like they've flown in from a desert Island. Look at their colourful feathers!

Talking of exotic, Lucie Heaton has crossed the Indian Ocean to take inspiration from rich African fabrics to create a stunning elephant gift set (below, right).

Plus, your free gift this month includes everything you need to stitch a trio of oh-so-bright flower cards! CrossStitcher's July issue - on sale now.

Welcome to the glorious month of May, well almost. In issue 265, we're heralding the return of spring as our gardens start to fill with zesty blooms. Pay homage to the iconic floral cluster with Lucie Heaton's pretty roses bag, perfect for storing your stitching stash.

Talking of your stash, we've been inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee - and their delightfully organised sewing tables. Have you been watching it? Get your own crafty space organised with our colourful tiled book cover and cute trio of pincushions...

CrossStitcher's May issue - on sale 16th April. Buy from our online shop or in the iTunes app store.

With January in full-swing (we're missing the Quality Streets already!) it's time to get stuck onto some new year inspiration. Look no further than our latest CrossStitcher video from Commissioning Editor Charlie, as she shares her favourite projects from our January issue...

Taking down the tinsel in the New Year can only mean one thing. It's time to make a fresh start and begin some exciting new stitching adventures! Lucky for you, our January issue hits the shops today and is packed with heaps of ideas to kick-start 2013.

You're free gift is a collectable 56 page Rustic Style book, which has 35 designs for you to stitch and make - all with a beautiful rustic theme. Don't miss it!

Get organised by stitching yourself a stylish diary cover or get add a contemporary flourish of colour to your home with one of our cushions inspired by nature. Happy New Year stitchers!

Find all this and more in CrossStitcher's January issue, on sale now! Buy your copy from our online shop where you'll also find links to our snazzy digital editions - with fully interactive content for your iPad. Enjoy!