It might not be beaming rays of sunshine outside but according to the calendar, Summer has officially arrived. In our August issue, we've rounded up an extra special selection of bright and irresistible designs to kick-start the summer.

With July bookmarked as the wedding season, we've come up with some ingenious (and easy) ways to stitch-up some scrumptious treats to make your day that extra bit special. Plus, your FREE giant banner chart and cotton ribbon means you certainly won't be short on stitching inspiration...
August issue (255) - on sale now!

With the school holidays just days away, the conversations in the office are all about exotic dream holidays and trips away. Escape the hustle and bustle with a few of your own travel-inspired pieces such as our Moroccan tea tray (below, left) on-trend flamingo banner (below, centre) and patriotic red, white and blue passport cover (below, right).

Perhaps a simple day trip to the coast is more your style? Try making our trio of stylish typographical seaside frames (below, left). They're so quick to stitch and what's best, they fit inside regular IKEA Ribba frames so no need to spend a fortune getting them framed.

Or, how about a calorie free ice-cream cushion (below, right) to brighten up your garden furniture? We love the sketchy back stitch style on this one, scrumptious.

For those of you after a few quick stitches to pass the time between work and holidays, don't miss our Red Indian-inspired feathers in all their hippy-chic glory (below, left) and irresistible miniature world flags (below, right). We've stitched these flags straight onto white felt and created everything from badge pins to fridge magnets out of ours. They're a little bit addictive when you get going...

You'll find all this and more bright and cheery designs in CrossStitcher issue 255, on sale until 7th August.
Buy your copy online or find it at your local newsagent.