inspiration: amy butler

Ms. Amy Butler has been one of my most favorite fabric designers since I first learned how to use a sewing machine eons ago. She claims and owns the Art of the Midwest with power! :) Living in a small town in Ohio, I admire the way she started her career and lived her dreams while working on a giant rural farm. I’m not an expert at her story but I do know that she seems to be a woman with simple goals, rich family desires and strong businesswoman skills.

I adore her rich textures and playful designs…..and have used her fabric in about a million different things I have sewn, including Elodie the elephant! :)

As an artist I find it 100% necessary to continue to be inspired…..either by the things around you or another successful artist. I find myself getting giddy when I walk into a fabric store and see rows and rows and blots of fabric, particularly Amy Butler patterns. It brings me back to my childhood; when I used to sit in my Mom’s sewing room and listen to each stitch she made on her machine. She would sketch out patterns, sew and dream in her little room….I’m sure that is where I get my gust for being a creative person (although she always argued that it wasn’t! :)

I am inspired by Amy because I envision her, at her in-home studio, creating and smiling. Smiling at the simple things in life and being content. Not trying to conquer the world or change the course of history (although that is admirable) but finding happiness in loving life. I believe that true happiness is when you wake up realizing that what you “wanted to be when you grow up” is really happening in real life. I love that.

I was able to meet Amy about a month ago at Crafty Planet in Minneapolis. It is always fun to meet someone that you have adored from afar…we only chatted for a few minutes, but she was everything I thought she would be. Sweet, simple and very charming….just like her designs! :) I walked away feeling excited, inspired and knowing that I can live any life I dream of. Oh, and of course, I did have a few yards of fabric in my hands! :)

And any blog post needs a photo….this is “us” and AMY at Crafty Planet! Used with the point and shoot, so don’t judge the photos! :)