Blog Post 1 – Log Cabin Block
Hello! My name is Harley, but you can call me That Crafty Dafty (@thatcraftydafty). I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked to be a contributor for the lovely folks over at Little Miss Sew ‘n’ Sew, with my focus being on the Patchwork and Quilting option of their My Guilty Pleasure Subscription Service. So, let’s dive in and I’ll give you my two cents on not only this service they’re offering, but the community and support aspect that accompanies it.
Now, this is my first fabric subscription service – which given that I’ve been sewing for nearly 4.5 years now, is quite surprising – and I really didn’t know what to expect. Other than a box of fabric, of course. However, it’s so much more than a simple box of fabric. The parcel itself is very sturdy and securely packaged, but one thing to note that I quite like is that it’s still slim enough to go through your letter box. For those of us who may be a little stretched with our rotas, we’re not always able to remain indoors and wait for the post carrier. So, this puts my mind at ease that each month, regardless of what I may have going on, the fabric will reach me. The attention to detail is another thing worth noting with regards to the parcel, too: the fabric is wrapped carefully in tissue paper, with their signature branding of colour and stickers, giving it a real personal touch.
Inside the box I received the following:
x 4 Fat Eighths of a new Lewis & Irene collection
x 1 Fat Quarter of a background
Fully printed instructions for the Block of the Month, complete with helpful illustrations
x 1 spool of thread, in a coordinating colour
x 1 surprise! (I believe each one is different, but it’s a nice touch!)
The Patchwork and Quilting option for the My Guilty Pleasure Subscription Service is designed to have you make a block each month, and by the end of the twelfth month you will have enough blocks to make a sampler quilt. The first Block of the Month is the Log Cabin Block.
Believe it or not, I haven’t made this block before. I’ve drawn and designed many quilt tops and wall hangings using this block, but they’ve just never came to fruition. Now, however, I can finally cross it off my list. The pattern included in the box gives you very clear instructions about cutting, as well as fabric placement and assembly. As a visual learner I really appreciated the diagrams in the pattern as I find that easier to compute than written instructions alone. Also included are two variations of the same block that give you a slightly different overall design, so some experimentation is encouraged to see just what else you could make.
The community aspect behind the My Guilty Pleasure Subscription Service is something that I didn’t expect from such a service. Once I signed up, I received an invitation to a private Facebook group for all those using the same subscription option and it’s a great way to stay in touch with others, as well as check on everyone’s progress on the block of the month. It’s also a great place for general fellowship and support with anything quilty; just the other day I was able to offer help to someone seeking advice on a walking foot. We all know how invaluable the first-hand experience of others can be with regards to quilting and sewing notions. So, if you’re someone that loves sewing along on a project with others, this service offers you a means by which to do so.
On the Little Miss Sew ‘n’ Sew website there is also a great page dedicated to tutorials and support for whichever service you sign up for. For my Patchwork and Quilting option, I was able to view video tutorials hosted by Victoria Peat that gave me a primary overview of the subscription, what I should expect to receive each month, and some useful tips and pointers.
Overall, my experience with the My Guilty Pleasure Subscription Service has been hugely positive. It’s clear that a great amount care and attention has gone into making this service as smooth and enjoyable as possible, as well as providing great value for money. As always there is someone on hand at Little Miss Sew ‘n’ Sew should you have any questions or need any help with anything. So, if you’re tempted by the notion of receiving a box of cool goodies each month, why not drop them a message of visit their website to find out more. We all deserve a little treat now and then.
I hope you’ve found this blog entry useful and informative. I’ll be providing monthly updates on my progress via the Little Miss Sew ‘n’ Sew blogs on their website, but you can check out little sewing updates via my Instagram account: @thatcraftydafty. Hope to see you there.
Thanks for sticking around,
H.