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 summery theme for August was Tropical Paradise!
There were also some promo codes for fabric and thread from FatQuarterShop.com, and a cute 'sew what?' sticker.
Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics Reef Fat Eighth Bundle – Value $17.98
This bundle features ten reef-themed prints in vibrant colors. These are perfect for summer – I love the little sea horses!
50wt Aurifil Teal Spotted Variegated Thread – Value $3.98 (Listed Value $5.40)
Sew Sampler posted this item as a spoiler on Instagram, so I was looking forward to getting it in the box. This beautiful Egyptian cotton thread was easy to work with.
The Daylight Company Yoyo Magnifier –Value $17.98 (Listed Value $19.99)
This is so neat! It's an LED magnifier that folds up. This little light has so much personality; I half expected it to bounce around Pixar-style. I did have to provide a battery, although you can still use the magnifier without the built-in light.
G Easy Ruler Stickers – Value $7.24 (Listed Value $7.95)
This is one of those things I never knew I needed, but I've used them a lot since getting the box. They're little arrows for temporarily marking lines on rulers. I usually use washi tape, so this is a step up. They included three sheets with a total of 192 stickers in all. The stickers can be repositioned for multiple uses.
With Love Woven Quilt Labels – $5.38 (Listed Value $7.98)
These have hearts on one side and 'hand made' on the reverse. I like that they're woven rather than printed, and that they come in different colors to match your projects.
Chuckles Quilt Pattern – Listed Value $8.98
This is an exclusive pattern designed by Elizabeth Hartman for Sew Sampler. The pattern includes instructions to make the full quilt.
Basket Block #5 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.' I decided to use this as my sample this month.
The first step was to cut out all the pieces. This is only my second time making a quilt square, after last month's jelly roll pattern that didn't require much cutting. This time, I had to measure and cut out all the little pieces myself, which was harder.
Next, I sewed the triangles together to make squares. The fabric was easy to sew.
Here's what it looked like with all the triangles sewn into squares.
Next, I joined up the pieces. The pattern had a chart that showed what to join first.
Finished! I hemmed it badly and obviously made some mistakes in accuracy. However, it was fun and I'm sure I'll get better with practice. I found the pattern intimidating at first, but now that I've done it, I'd feel more comfortable making more.
Verdict: This box has a value of $63.02, which is much higher than the box price of $29.90 shipped. I did notice that prices were sometimes marked higher on the card than the shop prices, but the value is still great. I loved the bold fabric and thread selections for this month, and the magnifier was a nice inclusion. This box is a great value and the items they send are really useful for sewers.
What do you think of August's Sew Sampler? Have you sewn any tropically themed projects this summer?
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