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Casa Beta: Amy Butler's Free Birdie the Cat Pillow Pattern

casasugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:00:18 -0800

Since it's almost Christmas, and since he doesn't read my site anyway, I thought it would be safe to show you the pillow I made for my little brother Forrest, who's 6. Forrest is a major cat lover and a cuddle bug, so I thought he'd like this Birdie the Cat pillow.

The pillow is from Amy Butler's online free downloadable PDF patterns. It calls for one yard of flannel, felt for the kitty's face, more felt for the eyes and mouth, fusible interfacing, and poly-fill stuffing. I took some liberties with the materials, which added a bit more work for me. For instance, I used corduroy for the cat's face and velvet for its eyes, which meant that I needed to hem each of these pieces. Not a big deal, but this step added at least 10 minutes to the project.

Instead of poly-fill, I also decided to use down. I love the heft and feel of down-stuffed pillows, and while this was a bit messy, it wasn't too bad, and I think the results were well worth it.

To hear more of my thoughts about this pattern, and to see the finished product,

DIY: Amy Butler Snow Mum Pillow

casasugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:00:54 -0800

I've been contemplating making Amy Butler's Snow Mum Pillow for a while now, so when I found this review of the pattern from Peacock Chic, I figured it was a sign that I try it out myself! And, of course, I wanted to pass along all of the directions to you as well. This winter-white wonderland of a pillow would be a great holiday gift. All you need to do is download the Amy Butler Snow Mum Pillow Pattern and follow the directions.

Before you get started though, you might want to know what potential sewing pitfalls await you. To hear a review of this pattern,

Casa Quickie: Free Downloadable Gift Tags

casasugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:00:26 -0800

If you want to add a special touch to your holiday gifts, Amy Butler has you covered. You can download a variety of adorable gift tags in PDF form at her site. Then, just print out the patterns on heavy card stock and you're set to go (and give). How's that for a little holiday cheer? Source

Coveted Crib: Amy Butler's Studio

casasugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:00:03 -0800

While I've been a fan of Amy Butler's fabric, products, and patterns for some time, now I'm also in love with her studio space. Take the tour with me, and you'll be wishing for an Ohio fabric studio as well! Source

Do You Dress Your Table?

casasugar — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:30:13 -0800

Since I inherited a dining table from my mother-in-law that I could never afford otherwise (thank you Linda!), I try to be extra careful with it by using coasters, tablecloths, and place mats before anything gets set down on its burnished wood surface. Which doesn't prevent accidents entirely: Last week I put a pizza box down on the table for a moment, and its surface fogged up for 10 minutes! Luckily, there was no permanent damage, but I was worried! Source

Do You Dress Your Table?

Yes, and I do it in part to preserve my table's surface.

Only for guests or special dinners.

No, I never do.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

DIY: The Lotus Brick Path Quilt

casasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:15:49 -0700

Craftster member Lizap just finished this beautiful quilt. She says, "I finally finished my first quilt. The pattern is Amy Butler's Lotus Brick Path and I used mostly scrap fabrics from my stash. I'm really pleased with how it came out."

I can't think of much anything that's cozier than a handmade quilt, which makes this project perfect for house warming month.

Want to find out how to make your own? Then

Nice and New: Amy Butler China For Mikasa

casasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:30:05 -0700

Artist and designer Amy Butler, whom many of you know for her textiles, has decided to delve into the world of ceramics, partnering with Mikasa to introduce Vintage Botanica, a unique china pattern in her signature style. Vintage Botanica is a clean-lined collection with curved silhouettes and fresh, colorful florals and in some cases, a stylish peacock. The dinnerware certainly has that Midwest Modern vibe with vintage and organic elements, and is versatile enough for casual or formal dining, depending on how you style your table setting. The collection is available from Mikasa or Amy Butler.

Etsy Find: Ottoman Empire

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Etsy seller Spruce Home, a design studio based in Austin, TX, has upholstered this ornate, wooden-based ottoman in Amy Butler's Nigella Primrose fabric, giving it a vibrant, modern update. The Ottoman Empire ($425) stands 14 inches high with a 30-inch diameter, the perfect size to use as a round coffee table, or set with a tray or some shelter books on top. Not only do I adore the aqua and cool green fabric used, but it looks like it'd be super comfortable used as a stool, foot rest, or even a dog bed! If this ottoman isn't for you, Spruce has a handful of other beautifully upholstered pieces available in their shop. Need a cane back chair? A striped sofa? A set of modular Herman Miller chairs? See what else they've got in store when you

Nice and New: Amy Butler August Fields Collection

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:00:27 -0700

Amy Butler has introduced a new home décor fabric collection for Rowan, called August Fields. The collection features four diverse color stories inspired by gardens and wild fields in "high season." Their natural prints and modern textures are easy to mix and match . . . which is good because you'll want to get your hands on every one of them. I'm particularly drawn to the pared-down, shell-shaped tile repeat pattern (top, second from left). But honestly, I just love how they all look together. The collection is available at Purl SoHo. To see more of the fabrics,

Nice and New: Amy Butler Eco Giftwrap and Tableware

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:00:51 -0700

Sometimes, when you're hosting a large party, there's little choice but to go with paper. Luckily, Amy Butler has been working with the Gift Wrap Company to come up with an ecological alternative to gift-giving and paper partyware. She has just released a new line called "Giftwrap Green," including gift wrap, bags, and gift-card boxes made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled materials, printed with her beautiful designs. In addition to the gift wrap and bags, she has also developed an ecologically-friendly line of paper tableware, "Eco Tableware," including coordinating plates, napkins, and towels. The plates and napkins are printed with 100 percent soy ink and the plates use a water-soluble coating so that they can be rinsed and recycled, too. So, whether you're going to a party (gift giving) or throwing one, you can be green and chic in Amy Butler style.

Steal of the Day: Amy Butler's In Stitches

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:30:00 -0700

If you're an avid Casa reader, I'm sure you've heard of Amy Butler, whose textiles are all the rage these days. Aside from designing beautiful fabrics, Butler is also the author of Midwest Modern and Found Style, which I've told you about in the past. Her book, In Stitches ($12.48, reduced from $24.95), a collection of 25 sewing projects ranging from floor cushions to handbags, which includes inspiring photographs, easy-to-use pattern sheets, and how-to illustrations, along with descriptive text, is on sale at Kate's Paperie. I've heard that for those who've already purchased Butler's patterns, this read is a bit repetitive, but her facile instructions make it a great buy for a beginner sewer. Considering that her sewing patterns alone can cost $12.95, I think it's an awesome deal.

Home Library: Found Style

casasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:30:10 -0700

Sometimes I like to revisit books that may be oldies but are definitely goodies, like Amy and David Butler's Found Style, published back in 2003. Since it's also prime season for antiquing and garage sales, it seemed only appropriate to introduce you all to a book that offers sensible, inspired advice on integrating "found" objects into your home. Amy Butler, whose fabric designs I love, brilliantly combines garage sale $1 finds with midcentury furniture, Pottery Barn accessories, and practical, Ikea pieces in this book.

Using simple guidelines, such as buying pieces that serve a purpose, taking your time to integrate your new finds, and focusing your design on your personality and needs for your home, Butler, along with her husband, document rooms in various houses (and gardens) that are both elegant and practical. With full-color photographs by Colin McGuire, the book is absolute eye candy for design junkies, and with the Butlers' sensible advice woven throughout the text, rather guilt-free candy at that.

Source

Etsy Find: Made-to-Order Fabric Shower Curtain

casasugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:00:08 -0700

If you're not happy with the shower curtain patterns available in your local stores or over the Internet then you can turn to Etsy seller Mintagehome, who'll send you a made-to order-fabric shower curtain in just two to three weeks. For your own Shower Me Pretty ($125), just select from the fabric in Mintagehome's store and she'll whip it up on her sewing machine for you. While the standard curtain size is 72 inches square, custom sizes are also available. I'm personally in love with the fabric shown, but it looks like Mintagehome also has many other Amy Butler fabric choices as well.

Nice and New: Amy Butler Nigella Pillow Collection

casasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:01 -0700

Textile doll Amy Butler, who never ceases to impress, has introduced new Reversible Horizon and Boxy Pillows ($62-$82) made from her Nigella fabric line. The reversible pillows feature one stylish fabric on either side in a few fabric options (green and pink color palettes), which will perk up a simple sofa or armchair, or can be piled as floor pillows to give your home ultimate lounge appeal. Another plus, the pillow forms are made with sustainable materials! I must say I'm delighted to see more Amy Butler pillows for sale, because as much as I love to see her fabrics used for DIY projects, I haven't gotten around to sewing anything myself. What do you think? Love 'em?

Nice and New: Amy Butler Spring Collection

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:00:18 -0800

Amy Butler has just introduced her new collection of quilting weight fabric for Westminster & Rowan, which will be available in April, and I have Spring fever already! She says, "The line is inspired by the vintage-modern spirit of my lifestyle book Midwest Modern," (which, I might add was inspired by her own designs). Her palettes titled Orange Dahlia, Ohio Sky, and Pink Dahlia, renew many of her previous designs with a splash of Spring color. They can be used for fashion, quilting, or home-decorating projects, "everything you need," she says, "to create your own Midwest Modern style!"

To see two more of her palettes,

Home Library: Midwest Modern

casasugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:02:24 -0800

I'm a huge fan of Amy Butler, from her fabric designs to her products to her free online patterns. Now I have to add books to that list. Amy's book Midwest Modern ($35) proves that cool design can come from the middle of the country, not just the East and West Coast. This book successfully explores fashion, gardening, and interiors with gorgeous photographs (taken by Amy's husband, David) and a fun, breezy narrating voice courtesy of Ms. Butler. Amy's style and philosophy emphasizes simplicity and integrity of craft, and she draws on such ideas as using vintage looks, recycled materials, and organic elements in her designs and home. This gorgeous book is a definite must-have for any design maven's home library.

And the Winner Is . . .

casasugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:00:37 -0800

Alig! Congratulations to Alig, who won two Amy Butler Jade Horizon Pillows ($37 each).

Congratulations to our winner!

Source

Win Two Amy Butler Throw Pillows!

casasugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:42:15 -0800

Curling up on the couch during Hibernation month? Amy Butler, my beloved go-to textile designer, has sent us two of her Jade Horizon Pillows ($37 each) for you to have and to hold from this day forward. The total value of the prize is $74. We're giving these two lovely green throw pillows to one lucky CasaSugar reader (click here for official rules)!

This contest will end on Friday, November 30th, at 5 p.m. PST. To enter to win, just comment below!

Sale Alert: Amy Butler (Plus a Cool Contest!)

casasugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:53:23 -0700

I love Amy Butler. Her fabrics have a cool retro flair that I find irresistible, and her books show that sewing can be both accessible and cool. And now, to celebrate the successful launch of the web store, all of Amy's first collection of exclusively manufactured handbags, pillows, and fabric journals are 40% off. All you have to is enter the word SALE as the promotion code in the shopping cart, and you'll get a great deal on some great goods. You can check out some of my favorite selections after the break.

To find out how you can win two Horizon Pillows, a Diana Sling handbag, and a notebook. (a retail value of $304), just