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Member since 7/23/07
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Posted on: 11/9/16 2:42 PM ET
While looking through FR vlogs, I discovered two FR brands that make subscription boxes specifically (?) for home seamstresses:

Craftine Box (FR): a fabric and notions store that offers a box every two months for 33.90 euros per box. You can see the previous boxes on the site. International delivery.

Greencherry.fr, specialized in boxes, every two months also for 35 euros. France only.

I've seen a couple of US ones on vlogs too but they seem to be more quilters. Thoughts?
  
Member since 6/8/16
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Posted on: 11/9/16 3:05 PM ET
In reply to lakaribane
Noticed that the Craftine fabric partners include Art Gallery, Michael Miller and Robert Kaufman. These companies make very nice quilting fabric and I bought some AG fabric for placemats yesterday. It would make nice light weight clothing as well and typically sells here for $10 - $12 a yard. Guess I was a little surprised that the companies were American but perhaps there aren't a lot of French options?
  
Member since 12/10/05
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Posted on: 11/9/16 4:25 PM ET
I've seen a couple of the quilting ones being spruiked on blogs. They don't strike me as being a good idea - I don't want to be committed to buying someone else's pick of fabric and gadgets that maybe aren't anything I would want to buy.

I haven't seen any targeted to garment makers, but I can't see it working for me. Being taller than average, I always need more fabric than specified on pattern envelopes, so if they sent out a standard amount of fabric it probably wouldn't work for me. And there probably isn't any sewing equipment that I don't already have!
  
Member since 5/28/07
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Posted on: 11/9/16 4:49 PM ET
I get email from one Aussie one once I joined the Sydney MQG I think from northern beaches area that seemed targeted to both but I was worried that I would end up with what I already had or types of notions I wouldn't buy.

I did though join fabric clubs in the past, I did 12 months with hand dyed fabric which I did end up enjoying and which forced you to consider colour you wouldn't have previously. You may consider something like that as better value
  
Member since 12/13/08
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Posted on: 11/9/16 5:55 PM ET
I've been wondering about this, too! My husband subscribes to several "nerdy" boxes (comics, etc). They are *definitely* not my thing at all all, but he loves getting a surprise in the mail every month. I think this is very much dependent on your personality. Frex, I have never bought a bundle from Fabric Mart, and was deeply skeptical when that high end menswear shop started offering shirting bundles. Everyone else seemed really excited about it, based on quality alone. But I get a little twitchy when other people make choices for me. LOL

Many years ago, I probably would really have enjoyed a monthly embroidery box. Now I have too much stash for ALL my hobbies--but it surprises me a bit that sewing hasn't hit the subscription game in a really big way.

The way the nerdy boxes work, you can go online and see what the "theme" of the next box is (it's broad things like "summer," "New York," etc) and decline a shipment you don't want. Every box has a consistent assortment of stuff--a T-shirt, a collectible action figure, a kitschy item like a dog collar from "Aliens," a cool fandom item (a flashlight pen that shines the Bat Man symbol); and a collectible charm thing. Again, not my thing at all, BUT I can see a sewing box arriving with a pattern, a cut of fabric sufficient to make the largest size, some kind of fun notion (buttons, a novelty zip, or a new type of thread), a gadget of some type, and some silly non-useful item (stickers or a lapel pin or greeting cards or whatever).
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
  
Member since 10/1/03
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Posted on: 11/9/16 6:26 PM ET
Most of the boxes I've seen are quilting related, but come with fabricss that would be useful for any small scale sewing (bags, doll clothing, etc.) and other things that can be used whatever kind of sewing you do. I think the idea is to try some things that you might not have heard of - whether that is a specific tool or a type of sewing/project.

Usually it's some fabric - as much as 2 yards (1 each of coordinating fabrics), but usually a few cuts that add up to about a yard/yard and a half. Then a bunch of notions/accessories - seam ripper, snips, thread, button(s), trim, rulers, marking pens, etc. One or more quilt patterns (either for a whole quilt or an individual block) - again, these can be incorporated into home dec or accessories. Sometimes it's a pattern for other things (adult or kids clothes, bags, home dec). And last something fun/silly - a pin that says something cute about sewing, a pouch that looks like a vintage pattern envelope, a plastic cling for your car, etc.
  
Member since 12/8/04
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Posted on: 11/10/16 8:56 AM ET
Fabric mart had a box once for a wrap dress, it wasn't a monthly subscription though. I bought one, and got to pick the fabric from several choices, but the fabric I chose was too heavy to wear as a wrap dress where I live and never made it. The fabric was nice and I still want to use it, just not in a dress where there is a double layer on me.
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height 5'2" bust 36, waist 31, hip 39.
I have way too many yards to count, and I will never use them up, but I will die trying!
  
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Posted on: 11/10/16 7:16 PM ET
What? Take all the joy out of visiting a fabric store or on line e-tailer and pick out the fabric myself? No way!! Plus they do all look a bit generic to me.
-- Edited on 11/10/16 at 7:16 PM --
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http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
  
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