Don't you just love when the season starts to turn at the end of winter, looking towards spring? There's only so much grey, cold rain we can deal with, even with the promise of hiding inside with our crochet hook. At least rain in spring means colourful flowers and the smell of freshly cut grass! Of course, it also means celebrating Mother's Day and Easter too, and if you want to give a gift that's not chocolate-related (or perhaps, along with your chocolate) then we have some great ideas for you this issue.

Use just one-ball of yarn to make fabulous accessories for yourself or loved ones this month, starting with the Rhapsody in BloomScarf and then get your hands on some new-season Stylecraft yarn to make the Spring Up Beanie to warm you on those inevitably chilled days we still have to look forward to. Or if you want to impress in no time at all, make a blanket in as little as a weekend with Cygnet's new seriously chunky yarn with wool!

Decorate your home with Jayne Price's beautiful Meadows in Spring Wreath to celebrate the season's festivities, and welcome in the Easter Bunny with our adorable amigurumi from Beardie & Blondie! There is so much to choose from - one of our favourites has to be Liz Salazar's gorgeous kimono-style cardigan, that duck egg shade just shouts spring, plus it's so flattering and so easy to wear!

We hope you will enjoy your two exclusive pattern books that you've received with this issue. We had so much fun working on the RSPB collection with the designer, and we are pleased to be donating a portion of each sale of the magazine to the RSPB! You will also be spoilt for choice for fun spring makes in the home with our pretty collection from the team at Lily Sugar 'n Cream! We can't wait to see what you make this month.

Issue 53 is available to buy from your local supermarket, newsagent and craft store from Thursday 27th February but if you can't wait, order your copy online now, grab yours from Deramores, or why not treat yourself to a subscription and never miss an issue again?