It's a fact we can't deny here at CrossStitcher HQ. We love tea. It doesn't matter if it's Earl Gry, Darjeeling or just a simple Breakfast Blend, we just can't get enough of the stuff!

That's why this month we commissioned one of our favourite teatime pal Angela Poole to come up with a cross stitched version of our favourite mantra: Live Life, Love Tea.

You'll find this design in our June issue (252) on sale until 15th May, so there's still plenty of time to get your hands on this pattern.

Why not download our mini teacup design to get you started?

After all, it's a perfectly sized chart to finish on your teabreak...

It seems like only yesterday that we were packing up boxes of pretty fabrics, hoops and stitching to take to the Stitch & Craft Show in London. Of all the annual crafts shows we visit, this remains our favourite and this year we think we had the best time ever.

Not only did we get to decorate our stand with lots of red, white and blue designs (to kick-start our Jubilee celebrations of course), but we also got to meet lots of lovely readers and designers along the way. Visit our facebook page to see more behind-the-scenes photos.

Lucie Heaton joined us on the stand on Friday to showcase her portfolio, meet readers and hand out these cute Jubilee designs (left) created especially for the show. We love the mini phone box!

If you missed these at the show you'll be pleased to know you can download the Jubilee postcard for free and stitch some up for yourself. 

They weren't the only Jubilee designs we had on show. Oh no. We got to show off some new patterns coming-up, including a Jan Constantine crown design (due to appear in issue 252) and our exclusive Emma Bridgewater cushion from last months 20th birthday edition (250) shown at the top of this post.

Did you go to the show? Let us know what you thought of it or click here to see more photos on our facebook page... we love hearing your comments. 

At Cross Stitch Collection, we're really getting in the mood for Easter. In issue 208 (on sale now!) we bring you a bouncy Easter bunny cushion by Lucie Heaton, gorgeous blackwork Easter cards by Lesley Teare, loads of spring goodies, and adorable Easter egg cosies, by Angela Poole.

In fact, Angela had so much fun designing the egg cosies that she had a couple of motifs left over. So, instead of keeping them to ourselves (believe us, we were tempted!) we've decided to give you an early Easter treat by making them available for you to download. If you're not a fan of eggs and soldiers don't fret because there are multiple uses for them - we're thinking cards, gift tags, napkins... the possibilities are endless!

Cross Stitch Collection are celebrating all things British this month with the first of a new three-part series by Deb Lester and Sandy Littlejohns.

The first part of the design is featured in issue 207 (on sale right now!) and pays homage to the 1948 Austerity Games. Celebrated in the post-war economic climate, neighbours and families joined together in the streets for a good old fashioned knees-up with bunting, cakes and good old fashioned street games...