We're huge fans of superstar stitcher Emily Peacock - her bold, contemporary designs never fail to raise a smile!

So we're thrilled that Emily is offering one lucky crafter the chance to win one of her scrumptious Hug needlepoint kits. Read on to find out more and enter today!

Fill your home with the cosiest cushions, blankets and more! Here are eight of our favourite knitting patterns for chilly days...

Over the years I've stitched pretty things, nifty things, impressive things...  but very rarely COOL things! I've been cross stitching since I was about 11 years old - starting off with Country Companions hedgehogs & mice, and graduating over the years to family gifts, seaside scenes & quick-stitch cards. But now I can add a project to my repetoire that is super cool - and I love the results! Here's a pic of my latest stitching project - proudly on display in the June issue of Cross Stitcher.

Wondering what to do with all those half-finished balls of yarn gathering in your stash? We've rounded up these quick knitting & crochet patterns to use up odds & ends and turn them into stylish accessories and gifts to treasure. Read on to find our 5 favourite stash busters...

Lately we're finding most of the things we make, we give away. What with new babies, weddings, christenings & anniversaries - there always seems to be an occassion to make gifts for - but it's time to KEEP some of our home grown projects! 

So if you're reading this, join us in a resolution to make more things 'just for me'. We've rounded up 10 of our favourite homemade home knitting patterns & cross stitch charts. Pick your favourite and get making.. your challenge is - to keep the results for your own living room or kitchen or hallway or bedroom!

Oh and show us a photo on Flickr or Facebook of your finished project of course...

Besides making gifts for friends and family, my favourite thing about the holiday season is when I'm given handmade gifts and cards. Nothing beats them... which is why these home-sewn scrabble tile cushions (a gift from my 'secret santa' - aka my friend Holly) are my favourite Christmas pressie. Read on to see more pics and a link to a tutorial to make your own...

As 2011 draws to an end, I can finally share with you all my favourite craft project of the year. Of all the things I've made over the past 12 months, the winner for me is a project with a very personal nature. 

When I saw this flower cushion cross stitch pattern by Maria Diaz I thought of my mum instantly, so when her birthday came around I set out to stitch it for her. 2 months later, nearly 6 weeks late (I'm always a little over ambitious when it comes to my craft-timing-estimates!), it was finished. I gave it to her just before Christmas, so I can finally show it off here on the blog!

Lately I've become a bit obsessed with queing up my next cross stitch projects - I've got about 4 on the go at the mo - a secret gift (more details later!), some plastic canvas Christmas decorations, a metallic set of Christmas cards and a 2-year-old (now nearly complete) birth sampler.

So naturally I'm already on the hunt for my next-stitch project. Luckily I've just discovered one of our designers over on The Making Spot - Annette Eriksson - has zillions of cross stitch kits & charts over on her chock-a-block site anetteeriksson.com. She's got some great shabby chic stitching projects with a vintage feel.

Here's 3 few of my favourites..

1. Stitch your own santa sacks...

Around this time of year I find it takes me longer to get from place to place on foot - as I'm a basically a massive Autumn fan who can't get enough of gazing in awe at how ace the trees look at this time of year (or I get distracted en route hunting for conkers). So I've rounded up 5 of my favourite craft projects with a woodland theme from across the craftiverse... take a look at my top 5 ideas for woodland makes... 

Top of my wish list is number 1: Autumnal card ideas - complete with a free set of downloadable woodland shape templates to help you make your own - designed by Julie Kirk for PaperCraft inspirations.