New Amy Butler

I'm not shy about professing my love for all things Amy Butler. Her work is amazing and it truly inspires me. I love her aesthetic and that her work is attainable and affordable. And she's done it again -- she created a new line for Rowan Fabrics that is truly gorgeous. Here's what she has to say about her new line "Midwest Modern" (due out in April) and a sneak peek.

"I'm so excited to introduce my brand new collection of quilting weight fabrics for Rowan! This line is inspired by the vintage modern spirit of my lifestyle book Midwest Modern. With luscious palettes called Ohio Sky and Pink and Orange Dahlias, the colors for this group come from beautiful summer days in my Ohio garden. The mix of organic prints are perfect for fashion, quilting and home dec projects, everything you need to create your own Midwest Modern style!"

My favorites:

And on a side note, Craft-O-Rama has just added a new sewing class based on Amy's "lotus tunic and cami" pattern. I think the tunic is adorable -- I could live in those all summer! The classes are in February and are two-parts (3 hrs each). Go here for more information.

I-Heart-Midwest Modern

I was so excited to see "Midwest Modern" designer Amy Butler in the latest issue of Blueprint Magazine. If you aren't familiar with her already, Amy Butler designs fabrics, stationery, paper crafts, sewing patterns, and has written books on how to create her Midwest Modern aesthetic. Her fabrics and designs are simply gorgeous. The way she uses color and pattern is unlike any one else.

In the picture above (photo is cropped so I wouldn't spoil it for any Blueprint readers) Amy has presents wrapped in her fabric. At first I thought "that would be some expensive gift wrap," however, and as the article suggests, wrapping presents in fabric is a great gift idea for someone who likes to sew (hello?!). They can reuse the fabric for their own sewing projects or reuse it to wrap another gift (thus saving paper). Amy Butler's and similar designer fabrics are quite reasonable in cost ($9/yd. avg), but you don't need a full yard for most gifts. A "fat quarter " (avg size 18x22) would probably cover most gifts and is a great size for small projects, like coasters or a pin cushion.


Amy Butler in her studio. Photo taken from her website.

Got some new fabric yesterday...

Can't wait to start making pretty things!