Sew Sampler Subscription Box Review – July 2017

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!

A glossy fold-out listed details of the items in this box, which had a theme of Vintage Chic.

They also included a cute sticker and a promo code for 15% off Moda fabrics on FatQuarterShop.com.

3.5" Aqua Dots on White Embroidery Scissors – Value $3.48

Cherry Pie Scissor Sheath – Value $2.48

These adorable little scissors were the first thing that caught my attention when I opened the box. I used them a lot when making the quilting sample and they are very sharp right through to the tip. They came with a floral red sheath that fit perfectly.

Clover 20 Piece Mini Wonder Clips Red and Blue – Value $11.74

I have these clips in the regular size but wasn't aware of the mini version. These are so useful! They work better than pins when sewing slippery fabric like silk velvet, and they don't leave a mark. They are very sturdy  – they'll last a long time if you can manage not to lose them.

Gypsy Quilter Rip It Away Seam Ripper – Value $4.48

I loved the style of this seam ripper, and I especially liked the rubbery end that is made to whisk away wisps of thread. Unfortunately, it just didn't work well. Although the packaging says that it 'only cuts thread and not fabric,' I found it to be rough on fabric even if it didn't cut through. It was a neat thing to try out, but I'll stick with my regular seam ripper.

Moda Fabrics Snowberry Junior Jelly Roll – Value $19.98

I love Moda Fabrics and was happy to see this jelly roll in the box! A jelly roll is a collection of long fabric strips in coordinating patterns. Having the fabric precut makes it easier to cut out narrow rectangles or small squares. As you can see in the photo, it did shed a surprising amount of lint at first, but I didn't have issues with unraveling when sewing.

Basket Block #4 Recipe Card – Listed Value $1.48

Each box includes a block pattern: 'Sew along with us each month as we create these charming basket blocks featuring Confetti Cotton solids by Riley Blake Designs.'

Waterford Table Runner Pattern – Listed Value $8.98

This pattern is exclusive to Sew Sampler! This table runner doesn't go with my decor, but it does fit the 'vintage chic' theme.

Cutting the fabric was easy since it was already cut into strips.

Once the pieces were cut, each rectangle was matched with a square and marked with a diagonal line for sewing.

I've always wondered what the trick is for sewing these tiny squares, and now I know! You sew it diagonally as a square and then cut away the excess.

When you turn the pieces right side out, it makes a perfect diagonal join. Once the rectangles are made, it's easy to sew them together.

This is my finished sample. I'm an experienced sewer but have never tried quilting before, so I'll need more practice to get the shapes to line up perfectly. The completed table runner would have four of these panels. The pattern lists the fabric needed to complete the backing and binding, but you have to purchase those supplies separately.

Verdict: This box has a retail value of $52.62, which is well above the box price of $29.90 shipped. The pattern and fabrics fit the 'vintage chic' theme nicely; it's obvious that a lot of care goes into the curation. This was a fun box to open, and I enjoyed trying quilting for the first time. My favorite items were the scissors and the mini clips since they are versatile enough to use in any kind of sewing.

What do you think of July's Sew Sampler? Have any tips for a new quilter?