StitchyBox Subscription Box Review + Coupon- July/August 2016

StitchyBox is a themed, bi-monthly subscription box for cross stitch and counted thread supplies.

This is a review of the “Big Picture Box.”

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

The Subscription Box: StitchyBox

The Cost: $36.50/box for the “Big Picture Box” (contains one cut of 14-16 count Aida and one cut of 28-32 count linen or evenweave) or $38.50/box for the “Detail-Oriented Box” (contains one cut of 32-36 count linen and one cut of 40 count linen).

Note: StitchyBox has introduced some add-ons to the bimonthly subscription. 

• “Bling It Up” (beads and crystals for $7.50 one-time purchase or $7.13 as a bimonthly add on)
• “Buttoned Up” (hand dyed buttons for $10 one-time purchase or $9.50 as a bimonthly add on)
• “Stitch It Up” (small pattern charts for $6.50 one-time purchase or $6.18 as a bimonthly add on). 
• You can also subscribe to “Just the Threads” to get a selection of threads and fibers each month (this is $22.99 for a one-time purchase or $21.84 for a bimonthly subscription; this is not an add-on but a separate subscription).

COUPON: Save 10% off your first box with code SURB1

The Products: Over $40 worth of stitching goodies including two cuts of stitching fabric and a variety of threads and embellishments. (Note: patterns and instructions are typically not included.  However, the StitchyBox blog has some project ideas. And you can choose one larger piece of fabric instead of the two smaller ones when you sign up.)

Good to know: You can buy extras of supplies you liked from this box from the StitchyBox shop (while they last). I’ve taken most of the values listed below from the StitchyBox shop when I could.

Ships to: US for free, $6 international.

Check out all of our StitchyBox reviews and the Craft Subscription Box Directory for more great craft and DIY subscriptions!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

This month’s StitchyBox came with a card detailing the theme for the box. This box’s theme is “The Royal Academy.”

32 Count Evenweave Antique White w/Silver Sparkles from Fabric Flair – Value $11

The sparkles in this are present, but super small and subtle, so it is pretty much impossible to see them in this picture. I actually think this would work well for something winter-themed, if I can just find the right design. (Please note: prices for most items here are from the StitchyBox shop. Also, apparently this manufacturer produces fabric in non-standard sizes.)

16 Count Aida in “Aerial” from Picture This Plus – Value $9.50

I *think* you get fat eighths with the Big Picture Box, which is the variation I have, so that is the price I have listed here. This could work well for either something with lots of sky in it, or for something aquatic.

First, I want to apologize for the poor color in this photo. I sometimes have to take my pictures really late at night, when the light is not good. Unfortunately, the pretty colors of this floss didn’t show up as much as I’d like. I stitched some sample squares (picture below) which do give a better idea of the colors here.

Florimell Silk Floss by Gloriana in Leaf Green (5 yards) – Value $7.25

I found this easier to work with than other silk I’ve used. This one is a little bit variegated but that is captured better in real life.

The Gentle Art Simply Wool in Blue Spruce (10 yards) – Value $3.35

I’ve never worked with wool for embroidery before. Turns out, it is pretty easy to use.

The Gentle Art Sampler Thread in Spiked Punch – Value $2.40

This is a reddish color. The tag on the floss wasn’t very descriptive, but according to the StitchyBox shop, this is cotton (probably why I liked using it…). It is also exclusive to this StitchyBox shipment!

Classic Color Works Cotton Floss in Rainy Day (5 yards) – Value $2.50

Honestly I am not sure why this is called “Rainy Day” because it is purple, but I learned to stitch with cotton floss and it is still my favorite!

Dinky Dyes Hand Dyed Silk in Stringy Bark (8 meters) – Value $4.50

I think this would work well in nature-themed patterns, either as tree bark or possibly animal fur. It wasn’t too hard to work with (for silk).

Delica 11/0 Seed Beads (DB1490, 1 gram) – Value $0.42

I really need to figure out how to use more seed beads in embroidery. I always like the result, and it would be a way to get my seed bead fix since making seed bead jewelry takes too long…

Gloriana Hand Dyed Ribbons in Gilded Pink (4 yards) – Value $6.50

Here is another item I don’t really know how to incorporate into my projects, but I want to learn. I am going to do a search on Pinterest to see what I can come up with. I think this would really add some nice texture and detail to a mostly cross-stitched piece.

Kreinik Very Fine Braid in 210 #4 (11 m) – Value $3.50

I have a love-hate relationship with regular Kreinik metallic thread. It looks beautiful but I find it difficult to work with when stitched together with cotton floss because it has a different elasticity. But, this braid is new to me and I think it has the potential to solve some of the problems I have with the finer floss, so I am excited to try it out.

Here are some 5 x 5 squares I stitched with the regular threads for the month. All are 2 strands except the wool, which is 1 strand since it was a bit thicker. From left to right: Dinky Dyes Hand Dyed Silk in Stringy Bark, Classic Color Works Cotton in Rainy Day, Spiked Punch by The Gentle Art, Gloriana’s Florimell Silk Floss in Leaf Green, Blue Spruce Wool by The Gentle Art.

Verdict: I calculated a value of about $51 for this month’s StitchyBox. That’s definitely above the cost of the subscription, though it is calculated from (for the most part) StitchyBox shop prices. What I like about this subscription is that I get to work with new materials and learn about smaller, indie producers of fabrics and threads that I would otherwise never hear about, plus I am prompted to try new techniques (e.g., with the ribbon or Kreinik braid). (For the record, I like Dimensions kits too, and usually have several going…) I am a bit of a fabric and thread (and bead) hoarder, saving things until just the right project comes along, so I don’t mind if I can’t use every single item right away. However, if you do like a little more direction, the “Stitch It Up” add-on might be a good option for you. (There is currently a wait list for the main subscription, by the way.) I loved the fabrics for this month as well as the vibrant color palette for the thread.

What do you think of the July/August 2016 StitchyBox? Would you like to see reviews of some of the new add-ons for the subscription?