Yes! Spring is on here and we couldn't be happier.

As well as looking forward to brighter days (for stitching in natural light!), we're planning on crafting a whole heap of bold designs to brighten up our decor, such as Rebecca Tuffnell's proud peacock cushion in its electric blue, coral and gold colour pallette.

We can't wait to get started on Felicity Hall's bold stencil-style butterfly cushion either - its colourburst of shades and guaranteed to make a statement. Then there's a sweet little button-adorned purse and cool wooden keyring kit (your FREE GIFT this month) to get started on too. It comes with everything you need to stitch a vintage rose design directly onto a specially designed wooden pendant. How clever is that?

Find more spring stitching ideas in CrossStitcher's April issue, on sale 20th March. You can buy your copy from our online shop or click here to subscribe and get it delivered directly to your door.

With Mother's Day and Easter the next big events on our stitching calendars, we've been cramming our March issue (263) with as many glorious spring-themed designs as possible.

There's a bold retro flower cushion to stitch for your home, adorable bunnies to celebrate Easter, pretty kitty gift ideas and the last design in our EXCLUSIVE Belle & Boo series (below, left).

Your free gift is a cute Kokeshi doll card kit, which comes with everything you need to stitch and send for Mother's Day. There's even a bow for her hair!

Find more spring stitching ideas in CrossStitcher's March issue, on sale 20th February. Buy your copy from our online shop or click here to subscribe.

It may be gloomy outside, but you can dream of sunshine to come thanks to Lesley Teare's blooming daffodils in Cross Stitch Collection's February issue (on sale 18 January).

With their yellow petals and trumpet-shaped centre, nothing signals that the gloomy days of winter are finally over quite like these beauties.

If you're after a quick stitch or something small to brighten up a simple project, this single flower is just what you need.

Download it for FREE here.

We hope you're enjoying issue 214 of Cross Stitch Collection (on sale until 27 September 2012). There are some really exciting projects for you to get your teeth stuck into, from Joan Elliott's enchanting Dragonfly Fairy, to this fun Scandinavian folk-inspired deer cushion from Lesley Teare. We loved the deer cushion so much, in fact, that we couldn't resist giving you a couple of little floral motifs from the design to use as you please!

The team at our sister magazine, Cross Stitch Collection, have certainly been getting in the mood for spring with their latest issue. Check out these gorgeous little floral bookmarks by Lesley Teare - aren't they sweet?

As a special treat to our online readers, you can download an extra Pansy bookmark for FREE! 

Why not stitch it in time for Mother's Day on 18th March? We think any Mums would love to receive this little hand-stitched treat. It only used whole cross stitches, so it shouldn't take you very long to complete either.

You'll find the rest of the bookmark designs in Cross Stitch Collection issue 206, on sale 18th January.

This month's free download from sister magazine Cross Stitch Collection, is a pretty Crocus clutch from their Saffron Shopper feature by Lesley Teare.

They've finished theirs as a handy tote bag (and matching purse) - perfect for carrying around all your cross stitching magazines!

Why not download this FREE design and make pretty thank-you cards in the new year?

You'll find the rest of the design in Cross Stitch Collection issue 205, on sale 21 December.

This Pansy cushion by Angela Poole is featured in Cross Stitch Collection issue 202 (on sale right now!) but if you can't wait to get your hands on a copy,  click here to download 3 small Pansies for FREE!

You could use these versitile charts to whip-up a quick birthday card or make a lavendar sachet.

Or, you could even use soluble canvas and stitch one straight onto a felt keyring!

You'll find the rest of the full chart in Cross Stitch Collection issue 202, on sale until 25 October 2011.