I've been sewing with the M.E. Time Delivered quilting subscription box from Perfectly Pieced for a couple of years now. (You can see some of the past projects here.) I always like to create and share the latest project I made with this subscription, but the May 2024 box is a little bit more exciting because this month's project + curated fabric bundle includes my Albion fabric collection! More on that + the finished quilted bag project below.
How does the M.E. Delivered subscription work?
M.E. Time Embroidery's Perfectly Pieced quilting subscription box is a fabulous option for quilting enthusiasts with machine-embroidery capabilities on their sewing machine. Each month, subscribers receive a carefully curated selection of premium fabrics, patterns, and quilting notions, + a new quilt block and and multiple accompanying project options using that quilt block. You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions of how the subscription works here!
This month's box included:
- 1 bundle of 1 ¾+ combined yards of fabric for projects - including three prints from my Albion collection
- Full color block instructions for 2", 4", 6" and 8" blocks
- Spool of Glide polyester embroidery thread in Sunkissed Peach
- 2 leather straps
- May 2024 collectible pin
Also included with the subscription, are the digital files including:
- PDF instructions for 4 projects
- Embroidery Files for 2", 4", 6", and 8" blocks
- Embroidery Files for 2", 4", 6", and 8" blocks with custom block by block quilting
- Additional coordinating all over quilting design
How do you foundation-piece a quilt block in the hoop?
The genius of the Perfectly Pieced system is that you can foundation piece perfect quilt blocks. This is done on stabilizer inside the hoop of a sewing machine equipped with a machine embroidery arm. (I’m using the Baby Lock Altair II.)
There are two different options for building your block: simply piecing the block directly onto the stabilizer, or a quilted version where a layer of batting is included before piecing the block. Then a customized quilting design is stitched on top.
The block shapes are stitched to the stabilizer - and in this case, right on the batting - and then the pieces are added in order, just like with foundation paper-piecing.
(Batting is trimmed - see block below left - to the exact size of the block, leaving a ¼" seam allowance all the way around. This eliminates the batting bulk in the seams when piecing the blocks together.)
Only for this foundation-piecing system, you're working from the top (no flipping papers and fabric upside down) to build a perfectly-pieced quilt block.
Blocks below on the left and center are 4" blocks with batting/custom quilting. Blocks on the right are 2" blocks, pieced only (no batting or quilting.)
With a large hoop, you can also piece multiple blocks on the same piece of stabilizer without having to re-hoop.
Each month there are 4 different project and pattern ideas included with the subscription that are made using the month's featured quilt block. That gives you infinite options for playing with blocks, substituting these blocks in other projects etc.
Here's a look at the project options that are offered with this month's box:
The mini quilt/pillow in the middle made with the 2" x 2" block was designed by yours truly. 🙂
You can read more about and subscribe to receive the May 2024 box here!
The Sugar Cone quilt block
I absolutely love this month's Sugar Cone block. This is a block I've wanted to play with for years, but always felt a little intimidated piecing the angle of the triangle, etc. Being able to piece it with foundation-piecing accuracy is a game changer!
As you can see from the projects above, this block has SO may options for playing with design variations depending on fabric and color placement. Can you believe this design is made using the same block?
Quilted Bag with Pinwheel (Sugar Cone) Blocks
Seeing those leather straps included in this month's box, I knew that I wanted to make one of the bag options. I used the 4" block to create the pinwheel blocks, but made some slight changes to the color placement of the fabrics to personalize things a little bit.
I used the 4" quilted blocks to create 4 of the 8" x 8" pinwheel blocks. I think it's so cool how the custom quilting design on the single block creates a cool larger design once the blocks are pieced together.
For the backing I quilted four solid 8" x 8" blocks using the crosshatch digital quilting files also included with this month's subscription.
As you can see, I cheated a little bit (which you're totally allowed to do) and used another green print from my stash to piece the bag back..
Another very fun finish, thanks to M.E. Time and Perfectly Pieced!
How to Order the M.E. Time Perfectly Pieced Box
You can read more about and/or this month's box here as well as preview the upcoming June box!
You can read more details about the Perfectly Pieced system and how it works here. There is also an option to subscribe to the monthly digital files only. You can also put your subscription on hold at any time.
Boxes and projects from previous months are also available in the shop.
Custom Curated Fabric Bundles + Supplies
Don't have a machine with embroidery functions but interested in the fabric bundle only for this month or past months? Check out the ME Time shop for curated fabric bundles as well!
I've had a lot of fun with each of the projects I've made over the past couple of years from this ongoing subscription. I love the variety of quilt blocks, projects and options. Here are a few past projects I've made with Perfectly Pieced monthly boxes including: January ’24, November ’23, and January '23.
With an emphasis on quality materials and innovative designs, the Perfectly Pieced subscription box provides everything needed to make some new, creative quilting projects in the embroidery hoop. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this subscription offers an exciting opportunity to expand a new skill-set and create stunning, personalized quilts.
Emily Wakefield
Thanks for sharing Amy. I love the idea of the subscription box, but I don’t do embroidery sewing/quilting. Are you aware of the similar program for those of us that don’t utilize the fancy embroidery machines?
Thanks, Emily
Deb
Can I get the perfectly pieced digital download from April?
Amy
That is a great question. My assumption would be yes. Reach out to customer service here: [email protected]