As winter softens into spring, the new March/April issue of @embroidery_mag is upbeat about where textile art is heading.

Helen Adams of the web and social media site @textilecurator spent years interviewing artists around the world for her recent book. But then she went one step further, arranging an exhibition at the forward-thinking @saatchi_gallery to bring these pages to life. Helen writes about her journey for us, sharing her knowledge of the stitch scene.

Other highlights include a five-page feature on @noshii @hanwriting @fiance_knowles @alicefoxartists – artists challenging themselves by stitching on to curious canvases, from wood to train tickets and sports racquets.

Celebrated embroidery fine artist @alicekettle reveals the story behind her latest exhibition in the former chapel setting of @boleegallery while @americanmuseumandgardens is the venue for a stunning exhibition of @geesbendquiltmakers

Elsewhere we uncover a revival of Elizabeth Allen’s prophetic work @compton_verney and, in complete contrast, feature the Japanese kitsch art of @yumi_hoops whose fun new book is published by @batsfordbooks

Our previews reveal what’s coming up for @prismtextiles and for @sunnybankmills

We have reviews of the richly evocative Canticle of the Birds exhibition at @agakhancentregallery and the stunning show from @zandra_rhodes_ at @holburnemuseumbath