Rag Tag Box is a monthly paper crafts and cross stitch subscription from Spot Colors. Each box includes a mini cross stitch kit with a movie, sci fi, funny, or scary theme, as well as paper goods, handmade items, and more.
Rag Tag Box kindly provided us with a complimentary box for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Rag Tag Box
The Cost: $15 (US); $20 (Canada); or, choose downloadable patterns only for $4/month
COUPON: For a limited time, save 15% off any subscription with code MAYBOXFUN
The Products: One exclusive mini cross stitch kit including everything (except scissors) you will need to complete the design, plus a selection of handmade goods, paper goods, jewelry, hair ties, stickers, and more.
Ships to: US and Canada for free
Check out the Craft Subscription Box Directory for more great craft and DIY subscriptions and make sure to add Rag Tag Box to your subscription list or wishlist!
The box lid had an information card taped to it with a list of items in the box. (I thought the black baggie was packaging so it didn’t make it into any of my box photos. Sorry about that.) This is the second box in about a day that I got that was decorated with washi tape (something I had never seen before).
Cross Stitch Patterns (symbols and colored blocks) and Instructions
I have been stitching for 20 years so I didn’t need the instructions, but if you are thinking about gifting this subscription to a new cross-stitcher, there is some good basic information here. And the patterns are pretty simple so they are great for those just starting out. (I prefer patterns with symbols but I like that you get the choice.)
“Free Hugs” Alien Cross Stitch Kit
Here are the materials you need to complete the cross stitch kit, including black Aida fabric, a hoop, a needle, thread (including your choice of white or glow in the dark), and an image of what the completed project should look like.
Assorted Stationery and Paper Goods
This is kind of a random collection of items and includes Alien-themed stickers and cards, a pen, a mini clothespin, and a packet of confetti. Some of it looks handmade. I figure this is all basically just bonus stuff and will be popular with fans of the movie Alien. (FYI, if you have the first 3 movies on DVD, watch the special features about the making of the movies. All the infighting and sniping and talk about director switching is quite entertaining. Also H.R. Giger is creepy when he gives interviews.)
This week was crazy. Mr. Kitty had to go to the vet, it was my husband’s birthday, and we had the house painted. So, I didn’t get very far with the project yet…
Verdict: I did not try to calculate a value for this month’s Rag Tag Box. Some of their past kits are retailing online for $18, and they seem to all be about the same size, so you are getting your money’s worth with the kit and the rest is just extra.
One thing that concerns me is that I don’t think the movie tie-ins are officially licensed. This probably won’t have much of an impact on the subscriber, but it could be an issue for Spot Colors down the road. (I work at an intellectual property law firm so I notice these things.)
I did think this box was quirky and fun (and it helps that my husband showed me the first two Alien movies while we were dating). The projects are small and you should be able to complete them in a month. I think this subscription could definitely appeal to younger stitchers, especially (though I noticed there is a little bit of salty language in some of the patterns in the Spot Colors Shop, so proceed with caution).
What do you think of the May 2016 Rag Tag Box?
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