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Guest Corner is a space for you to find out all about what the Sewing World’s designers, authors, quilters, dressmakers, print makers, softie sewers and bag decorators are all up to! Get the very latest in info and gossip about all your favourites right here.
If you have a favourite Sewer you would like to see profiled, or if you are interested in being profiled yourself, please send Sarah an email at sarah@sewn.net.au
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When everyone at Sewn saw Amy Butler’s latest line of beautiful patchwork and home dec fabrics, Love, we decided we just had to love it up and throw the Sewn Love-In to celebrate.
Amy Butler burst onto the patchwork scene in 2003 with her stunning first fabric line, Gypsy Caravan (which is actually my personal favourite!). In a patchwork scene dominated by reproduction fabrics and darks or pastels, Amy’s retro, modern fabrics stood out like a beacon. I remember vividly coming across them for the first time in Patchwork on Central Park in Melbourne and being so thrilled I spent my housekeeping money on a set of fat quarters! (This was before I had a patchwork budget girls!) Since that time she has gone on to create quite an empire, which now emcompasses patchwork, home dec and laminated fabrics, books, linen, stationery, homewares, handbags and more. Her wonderful sense of colour, beautiful taste and open, friendly personality make her a favourite of quilters and crafters the world over.
Here Amy tells us in her own words about her business, her passion and her latest line of fabric.
I've never given a second thought to being an artist. It's really who I am, and what I enjoy. I'm inspired by my surroundings, my friends, my family, nature, and the rich textures of everyday life. I was never much on following trends. I like to remove myself from the cultural influences and design from a very intimate point of view. I collect vintage fabrics and use them in all of my work. I love the hunt, I love flea markets and shops and traveling abroad to find inspiration.
I started making small passport sized bags while living in Kansas City in the late 80's. There was a great energy about it. I sold to small boutique shops around the country, basically by hand-picking stores that I loved and making personal introductions. David and I moved back to Ohio (my home) in 1992 and started our little Art of the Midwest studio with two cats and about $1,200. Time was spent chopping wood for the 150-year-old cabin/house that we had rented on 190 acres of rural farmland, tending chores, and making art. I started creating surface designs for a friend who went into business as a design rep. in NYC. This I did at night mostly. We loved it.
After years of hard work fixing up two houses, and having been a contributing editor for Country Living magazine, I started thinking about those little bags that I had made less than 10 years ago. I wanted to create that feeling again so I started my sewing pattern business. My company, my brand, is really just a great vehicle to share my work. I love meeting other artists and trading notes. I love the process. Everybody has a personal story, and a personal creative voice. I just want to help my "friends" realize it.
  
Here at the studio, we firmly believe that you only get out of life what you put into it. Being generous, fair, and honest in business and in life rewards you with grace and it's own success. Giving back to your community is sewing what you reap (sharing the love). It comes back to you in the form of a healthier local economy, enriched lives and dignity provided. We donate time, materials, and funds to our regional food pantry and Women's shelter. We also support a local educational program for middle and high school kids in Granville for sustainable gardening and environmental science. Know that a goodly portion of your proceeds are going back into the life stream that takes care of people. We feel that it is a privilege to be an American small business, not a right, and with privilege comes responsibility to help. Care for YOUR community and it will take care of you.
  
I couldn't be more excited about LOVE! My newest fabric collection for Rowan has me reeling. I've gone over-the-top with prints and color to make a luscious and yet "bite-sized" collection of 26 quilting/fashion weight fabrics and 12 Home Dec weight fabrics. A marriage by design coming from a love affair of rich, soulful, organic florals and architectural prints passionately inspired by my recent trips to Indonesia and England. Rich tropical colors with ethnic imprints, and elegance found in over the top florals like full roses and exploding peony blossoms join together in an optimistic celebration of print and color.
~ Enjoy! XO Amy
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