I talked with Amy Butler and asked her give us a bit of show and tell…sneak peek and all.  Lots of good things happening at her studio—including some positive changes in the guidelines on how to use Amy Butler fabric!  So please take a look at Amy’s new patterns (4 new ones in the works!) and designs…and the free downloadable quilt pattern—made with her “Lotus” line--will be posted on her site soon.

I have been most impressed with Amy’s sincere desire to communicate to us about the way she designs and creates fabric, the use of her fabric, etc. She is willing to make clear the unclear, fix mistakes and listen to her audience and the customers who buy her products. Her “e-mail” door is open and she responds. 

I think the blog forum is powerful vehicle to deliver such communication …to have readers ask questions, make comments, share likes and dislikes and have discussions and to be able to get honest and timely answers, advice and support.

 I have posted Amy’s letter, in its entirety, which addresses the use of her fabrics (it is all good for us!) and answers some of the frequently asked questions.

Here is Amy: 

“We just finished shooting some images of Lotus for QuiltersBuzz. It's a rare occasion to see sunshine in Ohio in December.

I have been busy making samples with Lotus, I just got my advance yardage so we are all sewing away trying to get some fun things ready to post on our web site for inspiration.

I'm also moving full steam ahead with the production of four new patterns for Spring! Many of the projects have been previewed on my site and the response has been so great that I have to turn them into patterns. It's fun getting a thumbs up from the sewers that visit my site.

 Below is Amy’s letter addressing the use of her fabric. 

"I hope my note finds everyone well, I wanted to write in hopes of clearing up a lot of misunderstanding. Thanks for taking time out to read my letter. 

I have some positive changes on my web site faqs that I'm very happy to share! These changes have been in place for a few weeks but I don't think a lot of folks know about it yet. First, I'd like to say how thankful I am that open forums like this exist where we can all talk to each other. 

I know there has been a lot of continued concern about the use of my fabrics. I've received several emails and I want you to know that I care deeply about what my studio does and how it affects other people. It's been step by step, but I feel like we have finally landed in the place we need to be.

 I apologize that it's not been clear cut which is the unfortunate result of our trying to figure things out. Our previous "Frequently Asked Questions" (faqs) were about trying to keep the fabrics special for niche retailers and sewers. This was not decided with the fabric companies for financial gain, in actuality, a lot less fabric was sold.

We were trying to prevent over-saturation in the market place among larger manufacturers. In the end these efforts proved to be too complicated. It's been a very significant and difficult learning process and I'm sorry that we did not respond faster.

I regret that our faqs have caused so much disruption and I am truly sorry for the difficulties this has caused. It was never my intention to harm anyone's business, and I mean this very sincerely. We try our best to make the right decisions, yet sometimes the best solutions remain elusive until you can see the whole picture.

 Moving forward the good news is my fabrics are now completely available in any form that makes sense for you, and that includes being able to buy my fabrics wholesale for manufacturing. 

I know the selvedge on my fabrics reads "for Non- Commercial Use Only", but that will be removed in future printings of my material. The "For Non Commercial Use Only?" is not in effect, so it's totally ok to use those fabrics at any time. Please visit my web site www.amybutlerdesign.com to read the full faqs and if we've left any questions un-answered, please let me know, it's very important. 

I also wanted to share my fabric design process and I've added a link from here at Quilter's Buzz so you can read all about it.http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/2006/11/post_77.html

Please know that I want everyone to be successful and enjoy what they are doing. I'm continually flattered and humbled by the interest and enthusiasm in people working with the fabrics I design! There are no more roadblocks for any of us, and here's to moving forward in peace and doing what we all do best. 

I wish everyone the greatest joy in their creative endeavors and business!

If I can answer any other questions for you, please write to me.

 All My Best,

Amy

 amy@amybutlerdesign.com

www.amybutlerdesign.com

 Here are some quick bullet point facts:

 *My fabrics are totally available in any way that makes sense to you and that includes the fabrics are available wholesale to all manufacturers. I'll look forward to seeing what everyone makes!

*My fabrics are totally available to all other quilt and fabric designers for use in their books or patterns. I've never said otherwise, but a rumor has spread that I don't allow this. (I’m sorry to those of you who heard this) I try to connect other designers directly with Westminster to get on their designer list so they can obtain some complimentary yardage for their projects. This benefits everyone. I just ask that designers give a little mention about where the fabric comes from that's all. 

*I design vintage inspired fabric and I've added a link to my post here on quilter's buzz that gives insight into my process.http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/2006/11/post_77.html

*My sewing patterns are protected by copyright law and are intended for personal use. I think you will find all sewing patterns have a copyright statement and each company states it a little differently.

 My Current FAQS

Questions about Amy's fabrics:

Can I use Amy's fabrics to make projects to sell or use in manufacturing finished goods?

YES.

Why does it say "For Non-Commercial Use" on Amy's fabrics?

This formerly applied to large manufacturers but we have since lifted our licensing requirements. Anyone is free to use the fabrics however they wish. It will be removed in future printings of fabrics.

Why did that stipulation change?

We tried to keep the designs exclusive for the small and independent retailers and manufacturers but it caused more confusion than help. We are opening the line usage to everyone. So large manufacturers and small can now use the fabrics whether or not they buy it wholesale or retail.

(Great photos  and graphics thanks to Mr. Butler and good lighting on a sunny Ohio winter day.)

Photo captions:

 Lotus Dress :This is a dress we made up for my wardrobe at Quilt Market. The prints are from Lotus palette 2, Faded China

Free Quilt Pattern: This is my Lotus quilt and it will be a FREE PATTERN soon on my web site and Rowan's. Most of the prints are from Palette 1, Damask Rose and Palette 3, Tea Box. 

Apron photo: This is an apron we made from my sewing pattern in my book, "In Stitches" The two prints look very happy together. The fabrics are from Palette 2, Faded China.