One of my most favorite designers to show her stuff at Quilt Market was Amy Butler, an artist, textile and pattern designer who creates fresh and inspiring designs with her wild big print “vintage-flavored” fabric lines and designs. I first met Amy at market last year when I went when to a “schoolhouse” class she taught. I instantly wanted to be her “new best friend” (Naturally, I sat in the front row of her class.) and she graciously allowed me to “goo” and “gaa” over her new designs-- she even autographed a brochure! Later, I went around and checked out her display in her booth. Each time I circled around her booth, I saw a new project that interested me.. I think I may have bugged her a bit, but she kept smiling.

Amy is tall, beautiful, extremely talented and shyly sweet.  And when Amy and her husband, David, residents of Ohio, have a spare minute or two from the production of their lines (she designs the fabric and patterns… he designs the packaging, websites, logo and takes all of the photographs) they are also contributing editors for Country Living Magazine. In the current October issue of the magazine, their article on the International Quilt Market and Festival is published. Thankfully, she did not mention me or what could be perceived as “attempts at stalking a textile artist”.

The Amy Butler line of fabric “Charm” which hit the floors of independent quilt shops earlier this year, is a wonderfully big and beautiful line filled with giant flowers, paisleys, vivid stripes and swirls. Inspired by her surroundings and vintage fabrics from the past this is an incredible line, which appeals to both the traditional quilter (because of its vintage flavor and wonderful coordinates) and to the perhaps younger non-traditional quilter (because of its fabulous big designs and hip different color ways—one of the colors ways is done in pinks, greens and chocholately browns).

Amy’s bag and tote patterns are famous, and they are the catalyst that actually started her career in the industry in the late 1980’s. Amy’s tag line on her logo is “Midwest Modern”—and that really describes her look. At this years’ market, she introduced two new patterns, the “Midwest Mod Pillows” pattern and the “Weekender Travel Bag” pattern.

Amy Butler, my new best friend—well almost…

Just a couple of days ago, I interviewed Amy at market and she even remembered that we have been “new best friends” for nearly a year now. And once she looked down at my nametag, she even remembered my name. (Her dad was working in her booth this year, and I am hoping that he was not there for added security against wacky quilter ladies like me—but it had me thinking!)

More on Amy, and the interview as soon as I figure out how to listen to my recording I made from my son’s IPOD and photos are coming too-- when my husband teaches me how to download my digital photos of her and the displays in her booth. Look for my next post. What have you made with any of the Amy Butler’s lines of fabric? I am interested.