Ta-da!

     I did it– I completely used up my box! This box would have been a win for me even if I hadn’t already made up my mind to make it. I love Lori Holt and got a sample of her new Calico fabric line. I used every scrap of the two charm packs with the Vintage Kite foundation paper. I also used up about a yard of stash fabric for a thin border, backing fabric, and binding. 

     Using only the fabric provided in the box forced me out of my usual color picks. I have a beautifully finished table runner ready for gifting in a colorway I would never have tried if left to my own devices!

    I loved the pattern this month. “Wheelbarrow.” I was somewhat puzzled by the name, but if you look closely, the kites form a wheel between them. The plusses looked a bit involved for me, so I neatly stowed the pattern with the leftover foundation papers– there are plenty left, and I am eyeing other charm packs I own for the “Wheelbarrow” project. Charm packs are my favorite precut, so I already have plenty of options to use up even more stash fabric.

     The pincushion was my next favorite item. I have been enamored of magnetic pin dishes for a couple of years. Then, my pin dish leaped out of my hands and crashed to the garage floor one day– I’m not sure why I was carrying it out there, but oh, well! The pins went everywhere– into all the filthy corners, and I didn’t even pick most of them up. So I’m switching back to the old fashioned pin cushion– this item comes at just the right time. It does have a strap to attach it to your wrist. As addicted as I am to this sport, I draw the line at attaching quilting tools to my body, so I’m going to just cut the piece of elastic off and use it normally.

     I’m not sure I need a letter opener, but I’m keeping it by my desk. Heck, it’s shaped like a sewing machine.

    The readers– this item caused the most agita to box subscribers this month. A personal item in a mass produced mystery box that not everyone loves and can use– HOW DARE YOU??? Maybe if some of these people just tried them on– they’d realize they needed them. I already have my +250.00 pair, so I’ll just donate these.

    The Bliss Quilt Along– I usually don’t partake of these– a block pattern for a yearly quilt each month. I’m saving up all of mine to sell. The “Sew Sampler Swap” Facebook page is a great place to sell unwanted items, or pick up a box you liked if you’re not subscribed.

     I did use my coupon– it was $5 off yet another charm pack.

    Is it saving $5 if you spend $7? Rhetorical questions like this don’t interest me, people!

   I tried to think up a fun way to show the empty boxes each month– throw them in the fireplace, crush them up, stomp on them– but the boxes are very sturdy– you can even turn them inside out to get a cuter box. I’m going to keep mine and use it to store the extra fabrics and half square triangles from my Barn Star Sampler quilt. There’s a lot of wasted fabric in this stitch along– I have a feeling I could end up with a nice throw at the end of the year.

   February’s box has not yet arrived, but my attitude has totally changed. I usually watch a YouTube Spoiler video to see what’s coming. When the box comes, I open it, do a quick look through for a couple of minutes and stack it with the others. This time, I can’t WAIT to get my box and think up a new project for it!

    One final tip for those of you who stick around till the end of my blog posts <3. If you are a Sew Sampler member, just post a picture of something from the box on Instagram or Facebook. 

“Share with the hashtag #JanuarySewSampler and tag @SewSamplerBox for a chance to win.”

    You will be entered into a drawing for $50 gift certificate. I’m following this hashtag, and it seems like no one is entering. I’d say we all have a good chance of winning!

One down, eleven to go! Thanks for joining me.