Oh, Amy Butler . . . where to begin? I have loved Amy Butler since I discovered her a few years ago when I was getting re-energized about sewing. I think it was on ReproDepot.com where I first laid eyes on her designs, and I was hooked. When I found out she lived in my very own state of Ohio, I was doubly excited. Not only does Amy design the most gorgeous fabric and super-clever patterns, she also makes me appreciate my life in the Midwest and the beauty and pace of life here. In fact, she makes me proud to be a Midwestern girl. I was absolutely giddy the day she agreed to do a Q&A with me for Sew Retro.
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Courtesy Amy Butler
But no Q&A is complete without a giveaway! Not only am I giving away a signed copy of Sew Retro, the folks at Amy Butler have generously donated some lovely goodies, including:
-- Five half-yard cuts, all from Amy’s Midwest Modern collection

-- Five Amy Butler Midwest Modern sewing patterns: Cabo Halter, High Street Messenger Bag, Oval Patchy Pillow, Sweet Harmony Handbag  & Tote, and Reversible Sunday Sling.

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 To enter, leave a comment about how Amy has inspired you by Tuesday, November 23rd at noon EST. I’ll randomly choose a winner then.  

Now the Q&A, direct from the pages of Sew Retro . . .

Fabric designer and book author Amy Butler  has an amazing line of fabric, patterns, and stationary full of hipster florals, modern paisleys, and vintage-inspired prints. I love her fabric because it’s affordably priced and is a great blend of country chic and mid-century modern. Here, she explains how she fell in love with fabric and where she gets her ideas.  

Q: What made you become interested in fabric and pattern design? Have you always liked textiles?
Butler: My passion for fabrics and sewing has been a common thread through the span of my life. I realized I wanted to become an artist when I was a young girl and learned what the word artist meant. I was always coloring and crafting and making homemade gifts for friends and family.

My grandmother, Velma Heymann, gave me my first fabric stash at age six. She’d let me play around on her “not so nice” vintage sewing machine, where I learned the basics. It was in her attic sewing room that I first fell in love with fabric; its colors and textures gave me limitless inspiration.

As a teen, I focused my energies and enrolled in art school. There I worked hard to hone my skills without losing that sense of intrigue and passion—exploring shapes, colors, textures, and style. Surface design and fashion became my obsession. I would draw enormously tall women with impossible necks, and on them I would create lavish, layered clothing. Within those layers, I would doodle in signature florals, patterns, stripes, and modern geometrics. I found that the passionate creation of the print outweighed my love of the clothing, so I focused my efforts on surface design.

In 1997 my husband and I started producing lifestyle stories for Country Living magazine alongside our studio work. The magazine was short on space, but we needed to get instructions to our readers so they could make up the projects. I designed my first two sewing patterns for Country Living, and this is how Amy Butler Sewing Patterns began.

Q: Do you come from a family of sewers and crafty people? Did you grow up watching women around you sew or be creative in other ways?
Butler: My mom and grandmother, both self-taught artists, were huge influences on me. As a child of the seventies, I watched both of them dabble and often master every craft. They created watercolor paintings, hooked rugs, knitted, quilted, made groovy dioramas with found antique artifacts, and dried flowers—truly making our home a creative nest. My grandmother always kept me supplied with craft materials. I took my first fabric stash and glued together halter tops for my little friends in my neighborhood because I didn’t have a sewing machine at home. It was all about the fabric, and the giving. My friends tried to wear the outfits and assured me it was the thought that counted—a comment I still often get, since I love to experiment on my friends with new ideas.

Q: Where do you find your ideas for the beautiful designs you create?
Butler: My influences and inspiration change constantly, but I do have a few core influences. Broadly, all decorative arts and textiles have greatly influenced my work; I love many different time periods and genres and often tie multiple influences together with the different color palettes I use. Growing up, our home was always filled with animals, and my mother taught me a great deal about wildflowers and birds. Natural influences are a constant in my work. My grandmother was also a prolific gardener, which has been a steady influence in all of my work, and today my garden is one of my most satisfying creative outlets. My home life and my surroundings play a big part in feeding my design inspiration. They are interconnected, and one feeds the other. 

Q: What attracts you to vintage fabrics?
Butler: I grew up learning about and loving all things old. My mom and grandma always dragged me to auctions and flea markets—which I grew to love—so I’ve always made my home and dressed with vintage textiles and garments. I love vintage fabrics because the prints are so soulful and unique and one of a kind. Over the years they have become a centerpiece for my visual vocabulary.

Q: Who are some of your influences, from an artistic standpoint?
Butler: The top of my list is my husband, David. He is a massive talent. He’s a true renaissance man, as he’s a brilliant fine artist, writer, photographer, and graphic designer. His body of work is so impressive. He is true to himself and his art, and that’s what moves me the most.
 
Kaffe Fasset has always been a great inspiration to me. I admire him because he is a fine artist who eloquently shares his vision for color and design through his work with great warmth and passion. I get lost in the color combinations in his fabrics!
           
I am also a huge admirer of Harmony Susalla from Harmony Arts. Harmony is leading the way for organic printed fabrics. She is the real deal, an amazing artist, designer, and passionate supporter for the organic fabric movement. She is a visionary with an unwavering heart, and her fabrics are delicious!
 
I’m constantly inspired by Tricia Guild’s philosophy and her spirited use of color and print. Her designs are sophisticated and approachable at the same time. I love her books, they are put together so beautifully . . . a total feast for the eyes!

Q: Why do you think sewing is enjoying a resurgence in popularity among younger women?
Butler: The retail/design world is so sophisticated, and with the addition of the Internet, young women have a heightened sense of style. I think they’re coming into fabric stores and quilt shops where they can find new products, and are then introduced to the special experience of great education, service, and inspiration that’s been so successfully nurtured by these retailers. Once their creative fire has been sparked, they can’t help developing a desire for sewing! I think it’s an exciting time, with a huge influx of wonderful new designers and products hitting shops. I think we are seeing a new direction where fabric shops and quilt shops are becoming more multi-generational, appealing to their current customer base while also attracting a new, beginner seamstress.


steph mclain
11/17/2010 06:29:02 am

I never thought i could sew...i am all thumbs but your fabric is so cute i had to try and i am happy to say i have been able to make a few simple things and am inspired to learn more

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11/17/2010 06:56:04 am

I love Amy's purse patterns. I've yet to find anyone who creates such modern designs that just make your fabric shine at its very best! :)

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Staci
11/17/2010 07:02:25 am

I love the playful nature of your designs and it's contagious! Even though I don't consider myself a sewer I've made a lot of (simple) things with your fabrics and learned to have more fun with colors and worry less about the "rules" of decorating.

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11/17/2010 07:19:52 am

I love her designs and her patterns are accessible to those, like me, who only craft sew.

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11/17/2010 07:35:02 am

I adore her joyful use of color. I can recognize her fabric anywhere...it always makes me smile.

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11/17/2010 07:53:51 am

Love the projects!

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DogpackMOMMA
11/17/2010 10:18:00 am

Fun post, thanks! Amy Butler's bold use of color has inspired me to add more color to my space.

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Barbara Godfrey
11/17/2010 12:40:44 pm

I remember seeing her fabric for the first time and all things came to a stop until I found out everything I could about her work. I love her sense of color, risking it to design really large patterns and using them on smaller items. I love all things Amy Butler!

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11/17/2010 12:53:15 pm

Amy has inspired me by just looking at her gorgeous prints. They make me want to create! And isn't that what they should do??

Hugs,
gina

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11/17/2010 02:57:17 pm

Amy's prints made me look at quilting fabrics in a different way, no longer were they simply for making quilts, now they're for clothing, accessories and quilts.

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11/17/2010 08:37:24 pm

She has inspired me to play with different prints together and be more playful with colors. Thanks for the giveaway!

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Eliana Bahri
11/18/2010 12:49:15 am

I just love Amy Butler's fabric design choice. Everything looks so well together! It's the reason I wanted to learn to sew. I want to sew all her bag patterns (especially from her new book), and have my entire house decorated with her fabric! It just looks so colorful, and modern, love it!!

Thanks for this incredible giveaway!

~ Eliana ~
fun2knit@gmail.com

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Tanya
11/18/2010 01:23:42 am

Her fabric is beautiful, her books are inspiring, how could you not want to sew :)
I was thrilled to be able to go shopping in a fabric shop in the US this summer and purchase some of her fabric as I have only been able to buy online as there is nowhere in Nova Scotia that I know of who carries designer fabric.
Thanks for the chance!

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Nancy B from Many LA
11/18/2010 02:26:45 am

I love her designs - she has some great stuff!

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Laura
11/18/2010 03:32:43 am

Oh, I adore Amy Butler! I made my first article of clothing for myself (I've sewn for my kids for years, but never myself!) this past summer and the pattern was amazing! So detailed and simple! I am now 7 months pregnant and look forward to making myself some more Amy Butler items once I am no longer in maternity clothes! Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!

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11/18/2010 03:44:16 am

the combination of bold colors with bold patters is so inspiring to create... boldly! great giveaway!

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11/18/2010 05:32:27 am

Amy Butler has inspired me since I started to sew in earnest. I like adapting her fabrics to Japanese-inspired patterns.

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11/18/2010 06:42:11 am

I make children's clothes and Amy Butler has made it a bit easier to avoid the sea of carton character fabrics. Her bold, fun, modern prints are adored by all ages and translate well to many garments for boys and girls.

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11/18/2010 08:26:12 am

Definitely the colors. The big bold prints and colors just make me want to play with my sewing machine.

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11/18/2010 10:31:20 am

As a sewer and designer, I am always most inspired by the fabric. I'm the type that buys fabric that jumps out at me, and then finds something appropriate to make out of it from there. Amy Butler's fabrics ALWAYS jump out to me and sometimes I wish I could only use her fabric. Maybe someday my bank account will allow that. For now, I cherish my little splurges on her fabric.

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Darice
11/18/2010 11:37:21 am

With Amy Butler's patterns and amazing play on colors, I am making my four daughters Christmas presents this year I know they will love them!

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wendy
11/18/2010 11:07:43 pm

What a lovely interview, and such a generous giveaway! Amy Butler fabrics are so lovely - one piece can inspire me in areas other than sewing (such as color combinations for card making). Any projects made with these fabrics is guaranteed to turn out wonderful, as the patterns and colors all work so well together.

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11/19/2010 12:06:52 am

I've sewn since I was little, yet it took becoming absolutely mesmerized by Amy's patterns and fabrics to find the desire to be crafty with my sewing machine again. When I first discovered Amy, it was around the same time my best friend was expecting her first baby. I picked up Little Stitches For Little Ones and couldn't stop myself from making project after project. I absolutely adore Amy and am so grateful for the inspiration she's given me.

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deede5775
11/19/2010 12:51:19 am

I am finally learning to sew (I'm 53) after unsuccessful starts on my grandmother's treadle sewing machine when I was in elemetary school and my mother's valiant attempts at teaching me in the 6th grade!
What drew me back in was an apron pattern I saw online (Little Cherubs) designed by Amy. Thanks!

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11/19/2010 12:57:23 am

Oh, how I love Amy Butler!! Her fabrics are so pretty!! When I run low on my Amy stash, it makes me soo soo sad...I always need to have a supply ready for fun projects on my list!!

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11/19/2010 06:43:13 am

I love Amy Butler fabric! She has inspired me to mix and match fabrics...namely patterns. LOVE her stuff!

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emily i.
11/19/2010 10:53:41 am

Amy Butler fabric is one of the motivating factors that got me interested in picking up sewing again (since I was a kid in home-ec). So pretty and interesting!

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Amanda
11/19/2010 10:58:56 am

Amy Butler fabric is beautiful and is easy to make wonderful gifts with.

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Sara K.
11/19/2010 11:02:32 am

I absolutely LOVE Amy Butler's fabric, it is so pretty!! If I could I would use her fabric with every project I made!

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11/19/2010 11:03:58 am

Awesome giveaway!!! Amy Butler's fabric was the first fabric that I purchased for my first sewing projects when I was just starting to sew. Her patterns inspired me to create.

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11/19/2010 11:12:15 am

Her fabric colors/combos caught my eye on a blog (I forget the name of it). Then I went to her website and fell in love w/her bags..that was about two years ago. She woke up that spirit in me and have started sewing again. In fact, I am having 4 high school girlfriends come tomorrow and they want to learn how to sew so they can make their own Amy Butler bags....I LOVE Amy Butler!

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Becky Helwig
11/19/2010 11:13:22 am

Love,love,love the fabric!!! I grew up in the 60's so grew up with those colors and patterns. Thanks for giving us a chance to win some.

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11/19/2010 11:17:22 am

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Butler while attending the Columbus College of Art and Design. She spoke to our textiles class, but she taught so much more than her experience in the textile industry. Poised, charming, and infinitely creative, Amy illustrated to me how dedication, determination and a passion for your work lays the foundation for achieving your biggest dreams. I've never forgotten the impression she left upon me that day. This year, I took a leap of faith in myself and launched my own business. Amy Butler continues to be an inspiration for what I picture for my business's future! Thanks, Amy, for making it happen...and showing us all that dreams can truly become a reality!

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Nini
11/19/2010 11:17:41 am

Thanks for sponsoring this way-cool give-away. Amy Butler fabric designs just make me fall in love with every color in the rainbow.

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11/19/2010 11:19:54 am

I love her sense of style. She has great designs and she inspires me to try new color combinations.

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11/19/2010 11:20:35 am

Amy is so talented. I first noticed her designs when I bought a bag made out of her fabric design to carry my scrapbook goodies in.

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Carolyn
11/19/2010 11:38:06 am

I love Amy Butler's stuff. Everything!! It's inspired me to dust off my sewing machine and dare to sew again! Who wouldn't with her fantastic patterns, colours and goodies!!

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Janetta
11/19/2010 11:51:38 am

I love her bag patterns. She has a style of her own!

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lindsay
11/19/2010 11:57:06 am

I absolutely love Amy Butler! I love her use of color, and her designs just get you in the creative mood!

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11/19/2010 11:57:19 am

I'm newer to the sewing crew, self-taught and still realizing I have a LOT left to learn! Everything I've seen from Amy has been beautiful from patterns to fabric, I love it all. So far I have NOTHING I've been able to buy from her so I'd love the chance to win! Adding it to my wish list that's for sure! :)

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Lynda Taylor
11/19/2010 12:05:56 pm

I have always been more into plain colors, using maybe a couple of colors in my combos. But when I saw Amy Butler fabric I loved how she used all the colors and prints together and I now find myself using much more print and color.

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11/19/2010 12:15:53 pm

Gorgeous! She inspires me to experiment with bold colors and shapes.

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11/19/2010 12:20:55 pm

Hope this is open to us in Canada-land.

Anyway, when I first started to sew and I went looking for sewing related things online, Amy Butler was the first fabric designer I found. The first fabric that I ordered was a bundle of Amy Butler fat quarters. I realized that what I saw locally wasn't all there was in the world of fabric and I would say that Amy Butler has inspired me to seek out and use beautiful fabrics.

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11/19/2010 12:24:33 pm

Amy Butler's product line inspires me to try new things, and to grow as a seamstress. Her patterns are wonderful and make me want to try new techniques. Her fabrics are beautiful and push me to incorporate more bold prints, colors and style into my sewing.

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Kate Irwin
11/19/2010 12:27:45 pm

Amy Butler has such fantastic creativity. I hope to accomplish even a fraction of what she has done.

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11/19/2010 12:52:54 pm

I admire Amy's beautiful fabric colors and designs as well as her amazing bag patterns. She was the first designer that caught my eye when I started sewing 3 years ago.

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melanie g
11/19/2010 01:01:02 pm

I love how everything coordinates. Her patterns are great too :)

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Sarah Wilson
11/19/2010 01:04:30 pm

Amy's manufactured bags and her patterns have made me look at "matching" differently. She is so good at taking patterns that I wouldn't put together and making them look great. I'm not good at it yet, but I'm trying to try her fun approach to putting patterns together. Of course, if I actually had some of her fabric to sew with, it would be even easier!

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April voss
11/19/2010 01:13:57 pm

I feel in love with Amy Butler fabrics from the moment I saw them. I am hoping Santa brings me her new book. Her fabrics are what sparked my interest in making clothing for my daughter and now am able to offer to other children.

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Shelly
11/19/2010 01:17:05 pm

Amy definitely inspired my interest in sewing. Growing up, I sewed with my mom and grandma occasionally, but was unimpressed with all the craft store calicos they used. I had no idea there was such a thing as "designer fabric" and Amy's was the first I discovered and bought. It's been love ever since!

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11/19/2010 01:53:49 pm

Her fabrics are inspiring, but I was inspired to make myself a purse when I saw the cute bag patterns she makes.

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Megan
11/19/2010 02:29:32 pm

Amy Butler inspired a whole lot more than just me; she inspired the whole movement of gorgeous, modern prints on high quality fabrics that have made sewing so much fun over the last few years!

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11/19/2010 02:57:23 pm

I wish, I won these wonderful fabrics... I just love them. :)

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11/19/2010 04:12:10 pm

I love those fabrics, they could be used for so much. And that book really looks cool.

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KarenP
11/19/2010 04:18:01 pm

Thank you so much for the interesting Q&A and the amazing giveaway! What I love about Amy Butler's fabrics and patterns is that they somehow manage to combine vintage and modern styles without seeming neither frumpy nor wannabe-retro. She has inspired me to try different styles, experiment more with crafting, and wear more colors.

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11/19/2010 04:19:10 pm

I love her fabric & patterns they are gorgeous!
Thanks for the chance :)

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Yu Ming
11/19/2010 06:09:37 pm

Oh, her lovely fabric and patterns make me wanna learn how to sew... or get my mom to sew some of her projects for me!

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Min Sen
11/19/2010 06:12:02 pm

what lovely material!! I would love to embark on some of her projects.

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Linda
11/19/2010 08:23:40 pm

I have made several items using Amy Butler's patterns. She has inspired me to tackle sewing without a pattern by using the skills I developed while using her great patterns.

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11/19/2010 08:25:39 pm

I've enjoyed Amy's work for some time now. Her story really inspires me.

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Ann
11/19/2010 08:53:21 pm

Just love Amy Butler fabrics and patterns. Thanks so much for a chance to win!

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11/19/2010 08:56:17 pm

Greta Q&A! I love all of Amy's fabrics and patterns, but as a sewing newbie, I've yet to get into any of the more difficult ones. I'm working steadily towards her bags!

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kim
11/19/2010 09:47:09 pm

Amy's patterns inspired me to pull out my sewing machine and start sewing again.

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Suzie
11/19/2010 09:56:13 pm

Discovering Amy's fabrics inspired me to sew again. The freshness and vibrancy made sewing fun and modern.

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11/19/2010 09:56:17 pm

Amy's designs inspired me to start sewing outfits for my daughter! I never thought my sewing skills were good enough, but her patterns just BEG to be made into knot and old fashioned a-line dresses!

LOVE your book! But Mom purloined mine, so I hope I win- LOL

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Susie Kerner
11/19/2010 10:14:12 pm

I am very interested in your book. I'm gathering fabric, notions and ideas to really start in on some sewing. I'm even refinishing a table that I can use for my sewing machine. I've never had a designated space for my sewing. I look forward to making aprons, quilt tops, etc.

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Rochelle
11/19/2010 10:33:47 pm

Amy's fabric is so inspiring! The colors and patterns make my heart skip a beat. Whenever I recognize AB fabric out on the street, I have to say "HI" to the owner..."love your purse" or whatever else she has with the AB fabric. So I guess AB fabric inspires me to be friendly in addition to sewing with it!

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11/19/2010 11:04:18 pm

I'm not much of a sewer, but my mom is! We both love retro prints and patterns, and she's slowly teaching me how to sew (when she isn't losing patience with me)... Amy's fabrics are perfect, because they're high quality and beautiful - makes it easier for a beginner like me to work with, rather than attempting to work with actual vintage material!

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Kelly
11/19/2010 11:44:27 pm

Am just recently returning to sewing and have taken up quilting as well, amy very much into retro patterns so the mere thought of winning this has me excited - what a great blog and a great opportunity - thanks!

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11/19/2010 11:51:28 pm

This new book looks like it will be a real winner, for people like me who absolutely love anything RETRO or Vintage.
Amy Butler has wonderful fabrics too!
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
nettiecrain@live.com

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S Sink
11/20/2010 12:05:25 am

In the process of helping to decorate an old home here in Portland (Pittock Mansion) for the holidays. Her book and ideas are an inspiration for matching the era.

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11/20/2010 12:26:53 am

I love her fabrics! If ever I need some inspiration I pull out some and soon I come up with an idea!

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11/20/2010 12:52:33 am

I am inspired by Amy Butler's use of color...sometimes in unexpected ways and her combinations! I also love that there are so many coordinating fabrics/colors for endless creating!
evienlizzie (@) gmail (dot) com

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11/20/2010 12:52:52 am

I don't know how you could look at her fabric and NOT be inspired!

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Shannon
11/20/2010 01:02:44 am

I'm afraid I have to include some Full Moon in all of the baby quilts I make. I just find a colorway and build from there, I'll NEVER tire of those dots!

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11/20/2010 01:11:06 am

I'm always inspired by Amy's fabrics! I tend to hoard them until the *perfect* project shows up and then I enjoy the project so much. I can always tell when something is Amy Butler because of the wonderful use of colors and patterns - love! :)

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11/20/2010 01:13:57 am

Her patterns and her fabric are stylish! Using patterns are a bit old school and have to be worked with to look anything like what people see in stores. Amy Butler's are already there!

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Nancy
11/20/2010 01:27:41 am

Who doesn't love Amy Butler fabrics? They're so fresh, the color combinations are creative, and the patterns are the 'icing on the cake'. I love them for home decor and for handbags. They almost have an art nouveau style to them. Thanks for the chance. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

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Kristie
11/20/2010 01:40:47 am

I am inspired by the beautiful fabrics and easy to follow patterns. I love using Amy's fabric to create unique gifts for family and friends.

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brenna
11/20/2010 01:59:25 am

Those fabrics are so inspiring and I love the purse patterns.

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Becky Fisher
11/20/2010 02:10:04 am

After my mother died, it seemed my passion for sewing died with her -- we did many projects together over 40 years. I saw some of Amy's fabrics on a blog and was instantly smitten. Now when I sew, it feels like Mom is next to me guiding me and it doesn't seem like she's so far away.

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Shari Jensen
11/20/2010 02:25:34 am

Her fabric colors are definitely from another era and so they inspired me to rediscover what my grandmother loved sewing - aprons and skirts. The scraps look great in my crazy quilts too! Her use of color and scale is wonderful.

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11/20/2010 02:48:50 am

Who hasn't been inspired by Amy?! Her colors and bold prints make me want to make anything and everything!

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Susan Spiers
11/20/2010 02:56:15 am

Amy Butler is amazing! Her vibrant colors on Fabric to vintage looks-we can all be impressed by her & encouraged to sew!

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Hannah P.
11/20/2010 02:56:55 am

her fabric is just so beautiful and it inspires me to sew more!

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Fallon
11/20/2010 03:56:16 am

I only used to play with solids and very small patterned fabrics, but after seeing Amy Butlers fabrics, i have become more into mixing large and loud patterns!

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Lauri
11/20/2010 04:46:57 am

I love her patterns. Since the first one I bought I have been hooked!

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Christy
11/20/2010 05:12:40 am

Oh, I would just love to give this to my daughter for Christmas! She loves to make retro aprons and I'm certain she'd LOVE this book!! Thanks for the chance to win.

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11/20/2010 07:19:43 am

I LOVE Amy's fabric -- the colors never fail to put a smile on my face!

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11/20/2010 07:45:16 am

I love her because she had the guts to do what I didn't - her biography sounds so close to mine until the part about "art school."

I also love the retro modern!

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11/20/2010 08:13:32 am

I didn't realize that fabric could be works of art until I saw Amy's fabrics in a shop I had never been to before a few years ago. I couldn't get over them! I was hooked!
Angela

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11/20/2010 08:13:58 am

It was probably Amy's fabrics that inspired me to get back into sewing home decor items and accessories (especially bags). I had been going through a sewing slump for quite some time when I found a pink & brown paisley fabric that I just had to have and bought it without even knowing what I would do with it. I eventually used it to spiff up my coarkboard and desk accessories. Her fabrics always remind me of sunnier days and warmer temps no matter what month it is.

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Kristen Arland
11/20/2010 09:02:04 am

I love her patterns and fabrics! She has inspired me to be more creative and make my own stuff instead of buying it.

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Marti
11/20/2010 10:09:27 am

I think the fresh modern look of her fabrics is what inspires me the most. I recently bought one of her bag patterns because I have not been able to find the perfect handbag. I have the perfect pattern, now, and I can make it "my own" my making it myself. Isn't that what we sewing mavens all want!?

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beckysews
11/20/2010 11:22:32 am

Amy Butler has reignited my love of bold beautiful fabric patterns! Thanks for sharing the interview. And thanks for the chance to win!

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Betsy Burnett
11/20/2010 11:24:45 am

I love the look of the fabrics! They are so pretty they make me want to haul out my machine and sew!

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TRACY BREWER
11/20/2010 11:33:55 am

Love the colors.

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11/20/2010 02:24:40 pm

I adore Amy's style & her use of color and pattern inspire me.

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11/20/2010 04:47:57 pm

I am inspired by the clean lines of Amy's tunic patterns, they remind me of a bygone era (much like your Sew Retro book) as well as her cohesiveness within her fabric and paper lines and her bravery in branching out and being so diverse! Wow!! Loved roaming her site!! Thank you!!!

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sharon
11/20/2010 08:51:42 pm

I used to sew as a teenager but, gave it up when I went to college, grad school etc

but, I am back. I love amy butler fabrics and her patterns are easy to follow . I now make things that I actually use

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Georgia Fyke
11/20/2010 10:43:42 pm

I feel like Amy Butler really got me in to ogling fabrics - they are so great. I honestly haven't worked much with her patterns, but it's just because I can't afford them now!

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Jean
11/21/2010 12:13:54 am

I am a sewer and a gardener. Amy butler's pattern for a little pillow to fill with rice and herbs to place over your eyes (has a pillow case and storage case) has kept me on track to find a variety of lavender that will survive in my area so i can "grow my own). My friend said her pillow has changed/saved her life.

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11/21/2010 01:47:35 am

Before I saw Amy Butler's patterned fabrics, I thought all patterned fabric was cheap looking with cheesy designs. Now I'm hooked on her designs and enjoy looking at modern designers collections :)

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11/21/2010 02:34:00 am

As a stitcher, I found myself buying more and more of her fabrics because they really complimented my embroidery style and tastes. Lately I've more courage to be a sewer and I'm trying to tackle larger and larger projects!

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11/21/2010 03:23:09 am

Marvy book!

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11/21/2010 04:16:49 am

I discovered Amy soon after starting to sew 2 years ago. She has inspired me to be creative in my choice and combination of fabric colours. I love her work. Thanks for a great giveaway.

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Alexis Ceaglske
11/21/2010 05:03:45 am

I'm a serious sewing addict! I used to think sewing was just about making quilts and putting on buttons. I love Amy's patterns & fabrics--they're so much cooler than the fabrics from when I was younger!

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11/21/2010 05:20:39 am

I saw this adorable pair of baby booties in an Amy Butler baby book. I can't wait to make them. I also love the Sew Retro book. I randomly checked it out at the library and love it!

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Paula L.
11/21/2010 05:58:55 am

Amy Butler's patterns and fabrics inspire me to create beautiful things! Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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ryan
11/21/2010 07:48:26 am

pick me! pick me! i've been waiting for my library (ahem, seattle!) to purchase this book, but my patience is running out =)

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11/21/2010 01:41:02 pm

Amy has inspired me by her use of patterns and colors. She is able to find a great balance even with such different shapes and hues. Her fabrics and patterns are beautifully vintage looking, yet modern! Thanks for such a fabulous giveaway.

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LisaT
11/21/2010 06:55:11 pm

Thank you for this wonderful giveaway! I am somewhat new to sewing but I always recognize Amy Butler's fabrics when I am looking for new material.

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Marilynne L.Quick
11/21/2010 07:52:13 pm

There are so many different ways I view fabric differently than before I was introduced to Amy Butler's bright, large floral fabrics. I no longer feel confined to using small scale prints and can mix'n'match any types of fabrics, both style and size of fabric design. I love her purses, especially the ones that use the large scale florals...The most valuable lesson I have learned from her is that there is no one perfect way to sew something - the seamstress just has to be comfortable with the design. Marilynne in Southeast TH

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Morgan
11/21/2010 10:53:29 pm

Well the easier question would be how is Amy Butler not inspiring! Her prints, creativity, and just beauty of it all inspires me to want to create something my family can enjoy daily. Her prints make me happy just looking at them!

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Sarah
11/21/2010 11:04:13 pm

I love Amy's combination of colors and patterns. It's genius! Each design alone is fantastic but put them together and you have ART. I am still learning but using Amy's fabrics has opened my mind to more interesting possibilities.

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11/22/2010 12:04:54 am

Wow where do I start, how does Amy Butler inspire me, let me count the ways, her designs and her fabrics and even her scrapbooking is just the best of the best, I have bought her fabric and just sat and looked at it, I know it sounds silly but it is just perfect, I do know her garden inspires her colors. To top that off I read she is in Ohio and that makes me really happy I am a Ohio gal myself. I would love to have her book, great addition to having her fabrics. thanks!

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11/22/2010 01:00:26 am

I love patterns from Amy. In face several of my presents this year are from her patterns made form the rowen collection.

Thanks for the give away!

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Dana
11/22/2010 02:48:42 am

Love the Amy Butler fabrics! So excited about the giveaway! I have also been wanting to get your book as well!

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Sharon B
11/22/2010 10:43:09 pm

I took a class and made the kimberly bag from georgus Hoffman Gypsy fabric (black & gold) I got so many compliments I had to make a jacket to go with the bag

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ssk
11/24/2010 03:24:08 am

Pls enter me for this giveaway...iand my kids are so totally in love with amy fabrics would love to give it a try..Thanks

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DONNA A GRIMM
11/29/2010 11:22:35 pm

I LOVE SEWING,THANK YOU MOM FOR TEACHING

I WOULD LOVE TO READ YOUR NEW BOOK.ANN

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DONNA A GRIMM
11/29/2010 11:28:40 pm

I AM VERY SORRY AMY.I WAS IN ANOTHER SITE ALSO WITH YOUR LAST NAME SO ANN WITH IN MY THOUGHS

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