We're in love with our new sister magazine, Simply Crochet, and we think that you will love it too! A brand new monthly craft magazine, Simply Crochet is packed with inspiring patterns, gorgeous photos and helpful advice. Plus there's a FREE GIFT with every issue! If you've never tried crochet, it's a great way to learn the basics, but it's also perfect for the more advanced crocheter!

Simply Crochet is a must-buy for creative crafters looking for new things to make - or for cross stitchers looking for a new craft, come to that! With clear, easy-to-follow instructions to ensure the best possible results every time, you'll be hooked from the very first page!

We're fairly sure you will have noticed over the years, that here at Cross Stitch Collection, we're big fans of Joan Elliott's designs! They're always so detailed and thought-provoking. Which is why we're pretty sad to see her Garden Fairies series coming to end. In our December issue (217), on sale 23 November 2012, you'll see the final fantastic fairy in the series, the Snowdrop Fairy. Serenely resting in a winter wood, surrounded by a bed of delicate snowdrops and two adorable white-coated bunnies, this glamorous girl welcomes in the onset of spring in style. Adorned with delicate seed beads and metallic threads, she really is a sight to behold.

If you find that you're itching to read the next issue of your favourite craft magazines weeks before they go on sale, you'll love the new launch from CrossStitcher and Cross Stitch Collection's sister magazine, Mollie Makes.

Gathered is a NEW weekly interactive magazine, exclusively for the iPad. Packed full of craft projects, plus interviews and videos to inspire your creativity, this is the perfect quick-fix read for those of you who are just itching to begin a new crafty adventure.

In celebration of National Cupcake Week (17-23 September) we've been busily munching away on all sorts of beautiful cupcake creations. But, as is the problem with most delicious things, once they've gone, they've gone!

So, for an everlasting cupcake treat, why don't you download this free cross stitch cupcake design (as featured in CrossStitcher), courtesy of The Making Spot?
Now you really can have your cake and eat it! Available to download until 28 September.