Full of the joys of summer, our July/August issue comes with a very special opportunity: the chance to win an embroidery holiday. We’ve teamed up with Creative Experiences to offer one lucky winner a choice of three luxurious retreats, in either the UK or Madeira, where you’ll learn new skills from embroidery experts, socialise with like-minded travellers and see the local sights. The winner will be drawn at random and will need proof of purchase of the July/August issue.

Our cover image comes courtesy of Darren Ball whose nostalgic brand of art is based on skilful reinterpretations of images from his collection of vintage Stitchcraft magazines.

Previews that make interesting reading feature the Festival of Quilts where we meet a former NASA spacecraft-designer-turned-quilter; an intimate exhibition at the Willow Gallery, Oswestry; and the Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, in partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, at the Whitworth.

We also bring you the bold blooms of @kateinthenest, the ‘trashmenterie’ of Helena Doyle, the cute critters of Annie Montgomerie, the European sewn souvenirs of Maria Tuncyurek and news of Anne Kelly’s latest exhibition and her open call for postcards. We also delve into the remarkable world textiles of the Karun Thakar collection, on display at three National Trust properties.

There’s much more to enjoy, from news and reviews to books and what’s on. It’s a magazine full of inspiration which we hope will lead to a summer packed with creative possibilities.