Sew Sampler Box August 2018 Sneak Peek! - The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog

Fat Quarter Shop, Sew Sampler Box, Sew Sampler Box

Sew Sampler Box August 2018 Sneak Peek!

153 Comments
Relax and sink into the cool and calming colors in our August Sew Sampler box. Can anyone guess what we might have included this month? I bet a few of you can! Leave us a comment and tell us what you think it could be.

If you are not yet subscribed, and want to join in on the fun, be sure to do so quickly because boxes ship out around August 20th!

Be sure to follow us for more box reveals and future sneak peeks on all social media outlets by using #SEWSAMPLER

153 comments

  3. Don’t have a clue but, The colors are beautiful and I’m sure it will be something amazing! 🙂

  4. Yay! Elizabeth Hartman’s Arctic fabric, and hopefully an animal pattern by her. Loved making the Chuckles quilt last year.

    1. I think you are definitely spot-on about the Arctic fabric! And what I would not give to have a penguin pattern to go with it. I just started her Awesome Ocean pattern and her Lisa the Unicorn pattern. Getting excited for August!

  5. It is definitely the Arctic fabric. I may have to go ahead and subscribe again. I must admit, I was thankful I did not get last month’s box. No offense to anyone! That one was just not for me.

    1. Same here. Last month was the first one I haven’t received since Sew Sampler started but I might need the August box!

    2. Too funny, it was one of my favorite boxes yet! Of course August could out do it if it really is the Arctic fabric AND an Elizabeth Hartman pattern!

    3. I wasn’t sure I’d like it either, but I put it together and it was adorable!!!! Can’t wait to get it quilted!!!

  6. I’m excited! I loved the July box but am ready for new colors. I’m really ready for new colors. The last 2 or 3 have been red and aqua and pink and yellow. If the fabric colorway this time is anything like the picture I will be happy!

  8. I’m thinking with the rope and the apparent jelly roll that maybe the project will involve making jelly roll mat/rug.

  9. Beach bag maybe? Perhaps I’m thrown off by the colors and the rope and the hot sun outside, though!

  10. I hope it’s Elizabeth Hartman’s Arctic fabric? I just received the pattern recently :-)!

  11. I’m thinking Arctic also. It would be awesome to have new colors in the box. Hurry Hurry! I’m excited!

  12. I think it will be something beachy, end of summer theme!
    Love getting the sew sampler box!

  14. I gave away most of the july box.Hope Aug will be better. only thing I really look forward to is the barn block pattern lately.items not adding up to be such a great deal latey it seems.

  15. Love the blues this month! Maybe a beach tote ? because of the rope, that’s why. A girl can never have too many totes ;-D

    1. I agree, I loved June’s box but July’s was not that great. I gave everything away except the barn block, and the needles

    1. I agree. Loved last months box. Everything and I do mean everything in the box will be used!!!!

  17. Elizabeth Hartmann Arctic precuts, hooray! Hope there’s matching thread and a pattern by her.

  18. Looks beachy, soothing, and relaxing – right up my alley. Can’t wait! It’s like Christmas every month.

  20. Love Elizabeth Hartmann! If it’s her goodies we will be receiving it’s going to be another awesome box. Can’t wait! Maybe a totebag pattern?! Whatever the treats you have tucked inside our next box, I know it will be wonderful!

  24. I think it’s a cruise to maybe Alaska, Arctic Fabric, a boat landing (rope and deck) but the succulent confuses me.

  27. I can’t believe all the negative comments on the July box. All they asked was if you could guess the one for August. July was my first box and I thought it was amazing! Everything for Fat Quarter Shop is great. I have no idea about August’s box, but I’m sure I will love it.

    1. I agree! I cant believe people dare say anything negative! Ive gotten these boxes for over a year, and have loved them. I love trying out new items, patterns and fabrics.

    2. I loved putting the July quilt together. I did do raw edge appliqué centers and did a narrowtop stitch for the petals instead of appliqué. Cut the ric rac stems 10 or 10 1/2 inches!!

      3. Really? How “dare” anyone not like something and then actually say they don’t like it. The nerve. Smh.

      4. I wish I had seen this before! I made my first flower last night and found my flower short because I cut the ric rac as stated in the pattern. Now I have to make all my flowers short. But wow! I have loved everything in the July box (just not a fan of the same colorway lately). My first time doing Dresden and using ric rac! Having a blast with this box!

    3. I agree. Sometimes I’m not a fan of the quilt pattern or maybe even the color choices but you can always find something to do with all of it.

    4. I totally agree with you! Part of the fun is being surprised and opening yourself up to something that’s out of your box (pun intended). I have really enjoyed the program, have enjoyed fabric that is different from what I usually buy, have donated some things that I didn’t use, and can’t wait to see what’s next! xoxo

    5. I loved the July box. I couldn’t wait to get into making the cute little dresden flowers. The aquas and reds are “in” right now. I had fun making it and I can’t wait to get it quilted.

  34. I think it may have to do with some sailing??? ⛵️ ⛵️ and waves maybe!😊

  35. I hope for a cute pattern and maybe ruler, the colours of the shown fabrics aren‘t my favourites though. Do not like blues at all. As for the often mentioned July box, it wasn‘t my most favourite but lovely…

  36. I think we are going make a patchwork tote bag with that naitical looking fabric. The rope will be for the handles.

  41. Hottest month of the year, so it must Elizabeth Hartman’s Arctic and maybe a Penguin pattern, I hope!

  43. July was my first box and I was very pleased! I like the idea of a beach tote! I told my husband this was my birthday gifts for the Year!!

  44. This will be my fifth box and have NEVER been unhappy with any of them. I’m sure I will love this one as much. I get excited when I see it has shipped! Can’t wait to see what you have for us this month.

  48. Yay finally some blues! Getting tired of all of the pinks and reds. Glad I decided to stay! I also was not thrilled with July. I hardly ever use jelly rolls.

    1. Careful now, being honest and saying you disliked something is perceived as negative here. You can only have an opinion if it’s positive.

  49. Love the blue fabric especially the plaids! Always excited to receive the Sew Sampler each month. Agree with IR- if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. (I sound like my mother!)

  50. I canceled after the July box. I loved getting the boxes (although I admit I thought the July box was a stinker), but I can’t keep adding a new project to my list every month! So I will take a break. I started the Barn Blocks, so will probably have to buy the pattern. But I am already itching to re-join after this teaser. I was getting tired of the teal-red-pink combos (3 so far this year). The blues look very soothing.

  51. P.S.
    The FQS survey for the sew sampler is the place to share your positive/negative opinions. I do believe they listen hence the many different boxes received. The blog is a fun forum for people to guess what is in the next sampler. Let’s keep it light ladies!

      1. That’s for being the blog police. I have always heard about quilt police thanks for showing me what that means

  55. i am thinking maybe something blue. possibly beach colors. its always so much fun to open the box for the surprise.

  56. This will be my first ever sampler box, so I have no clue as I’m just learning quilting.

  57. I agree with IR. Folks are getting criticized for saying what they thought about one box or another. Sure there is a survey and hopefully most use it but, it isn’t wrong to plainly comment if you felt like last month was a dud. Honestly, I did too but, that’s ok. It’s fair for subscribers to know it’s not always perfect for everyone. Kind of like Amazon reviews and comments And I’m not trying to be condescending of anyone’s opinion with scolding either. So, yes Deb, I agree, you do sound like your mother and keep it light now.

    1. Wonderfully put, Paisley! You took the words right out of my mouth (keyboard). People are allowed to state that they did not like last month, etc. and they hope this month is better. I have said it before..the title is “Comments,” not “Praise or Good Thoughts Only.” I think everyone that has not liked the previous boxes stated so in a polite way. Unless people are being rude or snarky about other people, I think the atmosphere is being kept light and friendly. Quilting forum posters have a right to disagree! 🙂 (And yes, I am hoping this month has more things to my liking than last month. Please, please, please throw in a penguin pattern if it is Arctic.)

  59. This will be my first box! I’m so excited and can’t wait to receive! Move over StitchFix!

  60. Personally, I have loved all the boxes I have received, January being the first one. I have made things I I never would have because of the different fabrics, etc. included. Be willing to try something new! I have surprised even myself with the results. Please, people, no more negative comments! The box is a surprise; you’re not supposed to know what’s in it. If you don’t like them you don’t have to purchase them, but don’t ruin everyone else’s fun…just my opinion….

  61. It reminds me of a cool beautiful winter day! Bet it’s a winters themeto cool is off after the hot hot summer!

  63. I am not sure – but July’s was the best! Loved it so much! It is still all together – I just keep looking at it! Thank you so much! I am waiting with fingers crossed for something with a penguin? Happy crafting!

  67. It must be something to help survive the hot weather we have all experienced this summer. Looking forward to the breezy feel coming this way.

  68. Looking forward to something that will take me away from the hot and humid and transport me to a cooler locale.

  71. I dont know, but Im not liking the fabric in this sneak peak, hope this box isnt lame like most have been lately , last months was nice though

  72. Something with a bag…I loved July’s box….I am looking to buy a camper, and this little number will have a home in it!! I loved the fabric,,,,might have to get yardage, as the trailers got lost in the cutting!! Happy camper here with each new box!!

  74. If you want penguins try the Antarctic! We have ño penguins here in the Arctic!I love penguins too so bring them on.All the boxes have had useful items. There have been things that I wouldn’t have bought that I have found I can’t live without now. LOVE THE SURPRISES EVERY MONTH!

  75. Many of the sew sampler boxes have been good to great, some not so…..but you can’t please everyone all the time and I am OK with that. Anyone who expects more is delusional or have unrealistic expectations.

  77. Why are people getting so “upset” at someone saying they didn’t like last months box? Why does it bother you if you liked it and someone else says they didn’t. Everyone has a right to express their like or dislike for something, no one is demanding for you to feel the same way. If you like the box, good for you. If you don’t like it, well then you wasted money and that’s what sometimes stinks about mystery boxes. But to be mad at someone for not having the same opinion that you do is ludicrous. Get over yourselves.

      1. But if we keep saying we love peach aqua red we keep getting more. Feedback helps them see what people honestly want.
        We can always use or donate stuff but nice to feel your comments helps to improve the process

  78. Artic suggest polar bears and snow capped mountains, how do you think it would be beach? \

  82. I looked up the Arctic fabric and it doesn’t come out til Sept. so not that. I have been looking, but have no clue. I love blues, and the rope would make a good handle, so I am going with a tote bag.

  83. Woohoo! Definitely “Arctic” by Elizabeth Hartman..! I’m so in love with her fabric lines. And like many of you, I’m ready for a fresh color palette. Guess we’re getting it before it comes out to the general public. SQUEE!

  86. Could it be one of those baskets you make with clothesline and a jelly roll to wrap around the cord???

    Or, the cord may just be the handles of some little bag, like the time we got clothespins that came in their own muslin bag.

  88. Okay, ladies and gents..just received my box at 9:30am today, and could not wait any longer. Gonna keep my comments tremendously generic so I do not give anything away. But, some of you were correct on your guesses! I must say though, some of the hints in the image above do not make sense when I look at the box. We will need to discuss once more people get theirs.

    HINT – There is one thing in there that many people have been asking for over the last few months, so that was very fun to see.

    Also, very exciting…I am in love with the coupons this month. I usually just toss them because they are either not for things I would buy online or just not a good enough savings for me. But, this month, HELLO COUPONS! Thanks, FQS. I am already excited to see next month’s box.

    1. It is a fun box again, They are trying to give us a hint, after all, so if it all doesn’t ‘make sense’, I think it keeps the mystery going😉.

    2. I have to know…penguins? Jelly roll or layer cake? Suspense is killing me! Mine is scheduled for Friday.

  89. Received my box today it was nice to have a change of color.enjoyed the 2 new tools not going to give it away for those that hasn’t received there box yet. Still not my colors but thanks for the change of colors. Lol

  91. Well I’m thrilled with this month’s box! I won’t give it away, but definitely an item I’ve heard people wishing for in the past, is in the box. This was $25 well spent!

  92. I like the ruler. Something I never would have bought but already used. Love thread and the roll of fabric. Pattern ok but can switch up. Now I have 4 rotary cutters. Lol! Think this box is great. Did Quilty box for a few months and this one so much better

  93. I like the ruler, but I have a ruler/measuring set to get a 1/4. I was not happy with this box. BooHoo. The fabric was not my style, The pattern actually looks like a modern representation of a chair! I have enough rotary cutters and I prefer ones that are more friendly to my wrist. This is one that will not be kept. If modern is the theme, or holiday is the theme., please let us know in advance. The peak comes 2 days AFTER I get my boxes. From now on, I will not pay until I see the peak!

  96. Got my box yesterday day! Love rotary cutter can never have to many. Layer cake much better than jelly roll. The other two notions are good to.

  97. Got my box yesterday day! Love rotary cutter can never have to many. Fabric ok can always use thread. Need directions on the many uses of ruler.

    1. I agree! I love it all! Might make the lap quilt with a lighter background. I hope Kimberly has a tutorial on the ruler. Used the coupons already on my wish list items! Love FQS and Sew Sampler! Thank you FQS!!!

  99. So… not the best month, I thought beach theme with the anchor and shells, it wasn’t. Ruler have tons of, Rotary cutter have tons of those too, thread seems to be in every other months box, pattern is of a chair NOT my happy place. Total let down. Sorry, I look forward to my box every month, and if you don’t know we’re disappointed you don’t know to fix it.

    1. Oh Shelly, it is too soon to spill the contents whether you like it or not. So sad to break the surprise for so many.

      1. I’m just really curious where shells, anchor, and beach theme came to Shelly’s mind. Good imagination!

        1. Izzy…it had nothing to do with Shelly’s imagination. The beach theme is literally all over the promotional documents in the box. On the insert, there are sand dollars, a starfish, and a conch shell. On the backside, with the coupons, it states “Sail into Savings.” with a sail boat. There is even some coral, more shells and sand dollars. And on the information card, there is an anchor.

          Shelly…I was also disappointed. I know some others will be thrilled and some will also be disappointed. I think they may have been trying to be cute with the theme. That is all I can think of, when I look at the theme and try to relate it to the contents. Looking at the names of some items, “oyster” and “splash,” I think that may be where they are pairing it with the theme. Also, the colorway of the fabric may be considered “beachy” (I do not see it, but others may see it as beachy). We all know that not everything will stay with the theme, but that is all I can think of to match any of the contents to the theme. Cheers to next box! 😉

      2. Honestly, a few weeks after the blog hint or once you get the email to pay for the box through PayPal, etc., it is time to stop looking at blog comments until you get your box. That way, you will not have the mystery unveiled for you.
        It is like complaining that you snuck into mommy and daddy’s closet and looked at all your Christmas presents the week before Christmas, but now are not surprised when “Santa” comes.
        Once the third week of the month comes, don’t read the comments and stay away from You Tube.

        1. so agree, Sean…if you don’t want to know what’s in the box until you get it, stop reading this thread on the 20th …as soon as one person gets their box, it is time to share…

  101. I’m really disappointed with this box. It’s my first, and maybe last. The fabric is cute, though it has nothing to do with the theme, but the pattern is really dissapointing. Definitely not a pattern I’ll ever use. Not worth my $32.

    1. Jennifer…I would say to give it one more month and then decide. 🙂 I have been a subscriber since the beginning and there will be some truly awesome boxes and some not so hot boxes. And of course, everything is so subjective. This one was also not a win for me.
      I can see this month being very divided. Some people will love it and others will hate it. I always said that if I did not get my value out of the box for more than one month, I would quit. So far, this is the first month where I did not see the value of $30 in it for me (after donating the stuff I did not need/will not use).

  102. I got the August box and just love everything that was in there. The fabrics are great and all the other goodies as well.

  103. This is my first month subscribing for the boxes. I have not received it yet, but I am looking forward to it despite all the naysayers. I just like getting fabric and notions. I may not be able to use any of it, but it is nice to get something in the mail. And… that is worth the cost. It is a physical tangible object not like the subscriptions to software companies charging anything from 19.99 a month to 49.99 a month. There is only so much reading one wants to do on the Internet such as the The Great Courses, etc.

    Reminds me when I was little girl, and I would eagerly wait for the Reader’s Digest magazine in the mail. I used to send off for all sorts of samples when I was little. I would write careful letters and mail them off to the various companies. Yes, it was the 1960s … way before the Internet of Things.

  104. This box was great. Thank you FQS for another fun box. It feels like Christmas every time the box arrives.

  105. I like the box. Maybe not my favorite pattern. I guess I was hoping for something else based on some of the comments but I do like this pattern anyway. Just bought background fabric for the lap size which is more than I’ve done for some of the others so I’ll definitely be making it. I liked the other items too and even though others have already discussed what they are I won’t in case someone reads my comment and hasn’t read the others.

  106. Extremely disappointed with this box. The thread was nice. Nothing else that I liked or needed. May be time to cancel.

  107. I loved this box! Something came that I was hoping would come one day. Today it came in my box and I nearly jumped with joy! I love this box! Is everything “perfect” or items I necessarily need or would buy for myself? No. But that is why I subscribe to Sew Sampler. Each box is a surprise and comes with things I might not ever get around to buying myself or items that are on my wish list but never get around to buying! Sometimes the fabric isn’t my favorite in terms of color or prints, but over all I just love getting fabric, notions and patterns and all as a surprise just for me!

  108. Loved this box! Finally some blues! Always love the rulers and what quilter won’t use another rotary cutter? This box was a hit for me and convinced me to stay. Thank you!

  109. I’ve been getting the SS box for a couple years. Normally I’m very happy with most of what’s in the box. However, this month is pretty bad. The thread and the Olfa rotary cutter are the only things I like. The fabric, chair pattern, and the ruler don’t go with the beach theme. Something has really changed in how FQS selects the products for the monthly box. It’s like the fun and excitement has been sucked right out of it.

    1. I agree. I am on the verge of canceling, just not feeling the love anymore. This one was probably the most discouraging. I’d rather a beach themed fabric than the one we received – and where are the polar bears mentioned in the fabric line? That might have improved it for me. As much fun as it is to receive a surprise in the mail, I’d rather spend the $30/month on things I will enjoy using. Oh well, you can’t please everyone all the time. I’m an older quilter, and don’t always like the newer colors/designs in today’s fabrics. The fabric styles in the boxes need to be switched out – homespuns, 30’s prints, seasonal designs, historical. I’m glad that others did enjoy the latest box; it was just not for me.

      1. I think maybe the ones who have had the box the longest may be the ones getting disappointed (me included). I assume there starts to be repeats, and common themes after awhile. But, I agree…I would like to see the fabrics switched up more. And I would love to see a “Holiday Sewing Sampler” subscription as another subscription box, for those of us that simply love holidays. That would be very fun. I am assuming they try to avoid the holidays in the main box, to avoid some people that do not do holiday fabric, but there are a lot of people that do not do some of the fabric they put in the boxes now. I would absolutely love to see some Halloween fabric and a nice pattern next month.

  110. I had not received the August box yet yesterday when I read some of the comments of disappointment. This morning my box arrived and I was excited to open the “sorta” surprise, as usual.
    To my way of thinking this subscription is a surprise you sign up for. Maybe some of the items are not what you would buy or not of interest to you, but these people are not your personal shopper or mind readers, they are offering an opportunity to try something new or broaden your horizons. That’s why I’m happy with my monthly surprise, whatever it is.

    Suggestion- If you absolutely have no use or interest in items donate them or end your subscription and hire a personal shopper to buy customized surprises.

  111. I am watching the “Behind the Seams” live YouTube video with Kimberly from FQS and she stated that they just break even with the Sewing Sampler boxes, and make no profit. I never really thought about it, but that is good to know. 🙂

    1. …of course they don’t make money…they are giving us way more than the cost of the box! people forget that…some people here want $60 worth of goods for $25 plus shipping…

  112. Bonjour
    Je suis française
    1er commande et je suis impatiente…
    C est l
    Loin chez vous et il me faut plus de patience pour découvrir mes cadeaux
    Si c est bleu j ai de la chance c est ma couleur préféré
    Plein de bisous de France 😚😚😚😚😚😚.

  113. I really like August’s box, one of the items has been on my wish list. I hope there will be a tutorial for the measuring tool, please! I could sure picture the pattern with a small print floral fabric for a ladies lap quilt, cute pattern! Getting a sampler of fabric I would not buy, will stretch my imagination!

    I love reading the comments as long as there is no bullying, and comments are not purposely made that make a person feel bad. I love hearing what is liked, not liked and opinions of the box, ideas for future boxes. I generally enjoy the banter and check comments during the exciting Sneak Peak, delivery time, reveal, several times a day. I feel I am getting my money’s worth in entertainment, anticipation, and well thought out surprise products. Thank you ladies for enhancing the box experience with your comments!

  114. Wow! This month’s box was spot on! I LOVE the fabric! And a new rotary cutter?! Yes ma’am! Thank you!
    Y’all ignore the trolls. They only want attention. I don’t see anything wrong with liking or disliking box comments. I find them both helpful. Regardless, I’m going to enjoy my August box.