The July issue of Cross Stitch Collection hits the shops today, jam-packed with super-summery designs to stitch!

Lesley Teare's vintage-style bouquet of pink and yellow roses makes a perfectly pretty cushion for your home, while you won't be able to resist Jayne Netley Mayhew's adorable Jack Russell design. Plus, you're sure to love our idyllic harbour scene, new baby sampler and fun fish bathroom accessories. As well as all that, find out how you can improve your stitching skills and learn new ones all from the comfort of your own home, and master the art of silk shading.

These cute pooch cards from our June issue (266) are perfect for dog lovers or simply anyone who is animal crackers! To help you achieve a professional finish, we've even designed this printable backing paper.

The amazing May issue of Cross Stitch Collection is on sale today! Its pages are crammed with gorgeous designs and inspirational ideas. Get part one in our fab new Edwardian garden party series, and create a family heirloom with our Chart of the Month from The Historical Sampler Company.

If you’re after a small project, you’ll love Lesley Teare’s pretty pink flower, which accompanies her colourful peacock design in this issue. Download it for free here.

These whimsical teddy cards from our April issue (264) are perfect for any little ones's birthdays on the horizon. To help you achieve a professional finish, we've even designed this printable backing paper.

To complete the set, here's an additional birthday card design you can get start stitching on today! Find the rest of the designs above in CrossStitcher issue 264, on sale now. Click here to subscribe and get every issue of CrossStitcher delivered directly to your door...

Immerse yourself in all things crafty at Sewing for Pleasure, Hobbycrafts, and Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch at the NEC, Birmingham, on 21-24 March.

With more than 300 exhibitors offering inspirational demos, workshops, advice and gorgeous things to buy, the event will encompass three shows in one and promises something for everyone!

For knitting, cross stitch, dressmaking and stitching fans, Sewing for Pleasure will offer the latest innovations, ideas and supplies, as well as demonstrations, activities and expert advice - including a sewing machine clinic.

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if your mum loves cross stitch too, what better way to show just how much you care than by treating her to a subscription to your favourite magazine?

• Save up to 40% off the cover price
• A perfect Mother's Day gift that can be enjoyed throughout the year
• Convenient and direct home delivery every month, often with special free gifts

Hurry! Offer ends 10 March 2013

Simply click here to take advantage of this fantastic offer. Or you can call 0844 848 2852 and quote order code 'Mother13' (lines are open Monday-Friday 8am-9.30pm and Saturday 8am-4pm).

Now the New Year has arrived, it's time to say thank you for all those lovely gifts and heartfelt dinners we've enjoyed over the festive holiday. In CrossStitcher's January issue you'll find this cuddly set of greetings cards, which we think are perfect for doing just that!

To get you started, here's an extra design for you to download. Find the rest in our January issue (261).

There's still time to save up to 40% on annual subscriptions to your favourite craft magazines!*

To take advantage of this fabulous money-saving offer and give a loved one (or yourself) a Christmas gift that keeps on giving throughout the year, visit: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/ZC09/

Alternatively you can call 0844 848 2852 and quote ZC09 over the phone to qualify for this offer.

*Offer ends 31 January 2013

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.

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?