Sew Sampler is a subscription box from the Fat Quarter Shop that includes sewing notions, fabrics, and patterns for quilters!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Sew Sampler
The Cost: $0.99 to join, and the box is $24.95 plus $4.95 for shipping for US customers, $12.00 for shipping for Canadian customers, and $16.00 shipping for International customers.
The Products: "At least 5 specially chosen items which may include fabric, notions, patterns, thread, and anything in between." They promise that the retail value will always be more than the cost of the box.
Ships to: Worldwide
Check out all of our Sew Sampler reviews and the Craft Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
The theme for October was Nightfall Reflections. Once again, the box had a cover on the inside announcing the theme. I think it adds a nice touch to the unboxing.
There's always a shop promotion card for FatQuarterShop.com, a fold-out card explaining the items and a sticker. This month's sticker says, 'measure twice', which is advice I should probably follow more often than I do.
Mesa Valley Spirit Animal Fat Quarter Bundle – Retail Value $22.98
This bundle is exclusive to the Fat Quarter Shop, and is the largest bundle they've ever sent! I love the fabric choices, especially the sea otters in space. It has a kind of Welcome to Night Vale feel. I liked that the patterns were a little spooky without being generically Halloween-specific.
Everything Mary Zip Around Sewing Kit – Retail Value $9.99 (found on sale here for $8.98)
This sewing kit contains a lot of useful things! So far I've used the scissors, measuring tape and needles. A lot of times the scissors in sewing kits are terrible, but these cut pretty well.
Fat Quarter Shop Bitty Buddy – Retail Value $8.98
This pop-up bin is perfect for holding snips of thread and fabric. I can always use something like this when I'm sewing.
Poke-A-Dots Sticky Thimbles – Retail Value $10.50 (found on sale here for $9.48)
These are little padded stickers that you put on your finger instead of a thimble. It took a little getting used to, but I like them because sometimes they don't feel as restrictive as a thimble. That said, I think a hard thimble would work better when you need a strong push.
Mesa Valley Quilt Pattern – Listed Value $9.98
This month's exclusive pattern coordinates with this month's fabric. I like its modern look.
Basket Block #6 Recipe Card – Listed Value $1.48
Each Sew Sampler box includes a basket block pattern for a sew-along quilt that uses fabric from Riley Blake Designs. This one was designed by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet.
First I cut the fabric out and sewed it into strips. This time I took MSA readers' advice and used two squares on the triangular pieces instead of two pre-cut triangles. This helped a lot!
After that, I began sewing the pieces together. Note the scissors from the sewing kit – I used them throughout this project.
Here's my finished quilt square! The triangle edges are definitely neater than others I've done and the edges mostly lined up this time. (Of course, there's still plenty of room for improvement!)
Verdict: This box had a retail value around $64 (less with sale prices), which is great for the $29.90 cost. I liked everything this month, especially the fabric bundle. I often find items from this box to be things I will put to use right away, and this month was no exception. Also, my quilting skills are improving ever so slightly as I practice the patterns they send each month. This subscription is consistently good and I'd recommend it to sewers who enjoy quilting and trying out new fabric designs.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sign up by 11/12 to receive the November box!
Value Breakdown: At $29.90 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Mesa Valley Spirit Animal Fat Quarter Bundle: $10.75
- Everything Mary Zip Around Sewing Kit: $4.67
- Fat Quarter Shop Bitty Buddy: $4.20
- Poke-A-Dots Sticky Thimbles: $4.91
- Mesa Valley Quilt Pattern: $4.67
- Basket Block #6 Recipe Card: $0.69
What do you think of October's Sew Sampler?
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