As the russet leaves fall from the trees to reveal their intricate, beautiful silhouettes, Embroidery magazine dives into the run up to Christmas with an issue that is pure inspiration. Our cover feature focuses on the work of Jane Sanders @stitchin_in_the_kitchen, who captures likenesses of a host of celebrated musicians in felt, stitch and mixed media. And, yes, that is Macca on the cover, with a multitude of hearts to celebrate him as the most successful composer of love songs this country has ever had.

Elsewhere, we preview some of the stunning finalists in the Hand & Lock Prize @handandlockprize in the competition’s 25th anniversary year, and what’s coming up at Knit + Stitch Northern Ireland and Harrogate @knitandstitchshows

Our feature on eco-fashion is inspired by a group which has been taking Instagram by storm @curtainstocouture, while we also meet Elizabeth Scarlett @elizabethscarlett, head of the eponymous brand of embroidered velvet products. Elsewhere, we profile Lissie Baldwin @lissie_baldwin and discover she’s working on a project that requires a multitude of feathers.

With a focus on art dolls, we chat to two artists with widely differing styles, Ella Goodwin @missellaillustrator and Ali Pickard @theyaffingale, while we also go behind the scenes at Fine Cell Work @finecellwork, the charity and social enterprise helping prisoners out of a destructive spiral. Meanwhile, Deena Beverley describes the joy to be found in searching for vintage haberdashery and fabric and incorporating it into her work. There’s plenty more, including an artist who stitches in the silence of the forest @ericvonessen.art, a look back at the work of Winsome Douglass, a short intro to the Opus Anglicanum-inspired pieces by the irreverent Tanya Bentham @opusanglicanum, and a host of thoughtful gift ideas, plus book and exhibition reviews. Enjoy!