Amy Butler's Midwest Modern: A Fresh Design Spirit for the Modern Lifestyle

by Amy Butler, David Butler (Photographer)

abrams publishing amy butlers midwest modern brings the many aspects of her vision into focus from re imagining the home as a retreat for relaxation to picturing the body as a canvas for creating personal style. this vibrantly illustrated book underscores designs practical side with information on budgeting money and time a shopping resources list and how to projects in every chapter hardcover 224 pages. made in usa.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Design, Quilting, Art, Adult

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Holly Booms Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I love Amy Butler's fabric designs and patterns, I think a coffee table book full of pictures of herself, home, cats, and design theory/musings was rather grandiose and would have been better suited for a magazine article. Her house is just too-too artsy and full of awesome thrift finds, perfectly adorable, but it didn't inspire me much. I'd recommend her actual sewing pattern book In Stitches over this if you are at all inclined to want to emulate the look. I was happy to give it a quick browse from the library, but thank heavens I didn't ask for it for Christmas, or even worse, actually pay $30 to buy it.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just flipped through, love her garden!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Midwest" part of the title really grabbed me - being that I'm from the Midwest and had never heard of "Midwest Modern". I was surprised how much I loved this book. It was a practical guide on finding your inner artist and the things Amy draws from for her own inspiration to design her fabrics and patterns (which are very pricey!).
The only thing that I didn't like was that she doesn't have any kids (only cats) and so I think some of her ideas might not apply very well to a house of children.
But overall, this was a very inspiring read for my 'inner artist' and it made me want to go flea market shopping for useless antiques that would sit around gathering dust and inspiring my heart out! lol!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good grief I have a weekness for design books filled with glossy photos.

I love how this book's chapters are sectioned off--clothing, work spaces, private spaces, gardens, etc.

After reading this book and pouring over the pages I was inspired to make more pillows for my famly room--particularly ones that don't match. I'm done with my matchy-matchy days. After seeing Amy's living room with completely unmatched pillows and accesories I was inspired to do the same.

And now I feel inspired to buy vintage clothing and reinvent it for my own use. I'm making a tunic now similar to the one on page 143. So lovely!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her epilogue, Amy says that this book isn't meant to leave us in awe of her life and work -- but to inspire us. Well for me, she did both. I'm awed by the palette presented here, the lively designs, how she communicates her graciousness, and that the book has an integrated deliciousness. Hey, I just thought of this: Amy's like Martha's nicer little sister. I need the patchwork duster, skull cap, and that purple poppy.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know Amy Butler is the final word in style for many people. She designs incredible fabric and may be single-handedly responsible for changing quilting from country to cool. Of course I had to read her book. And, if all that wasn't reason enough, just look at that hat on the cover.

I found this book to be interesting and visually compelling. Her style is a little too modern for me, but I found so much inspiration here.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with some of the other reviewers - this book is full of pretty pictures. I loved looking through it but there aren't any real patterns or directions for making anything. I am, however, looking at slipcovers in a whole new light. This is more of a coffee table book than a "how-to" book - unfortunately, the photographs leave you wanting to know 'how-to' make just about everything in it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delightfully surprised by the similarities between Amy Butler's style and my own when I picked up this book. Now I can justify my rock, pine cone, birds nest, shell, and tree nut collections, and my slightly '60s flower prints to my fiance. Flea market finds can be included tastefully and look modern if done the right way--and Butler shows you how to do it. Visual candy fun!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look to this book for inspiration on a regular basis. I love Butler's patterns and designs. In the store, I tend to gravitate towards her fabric more than any other designer. Does that make me a Amy Butler snob?

This book is filled with beautiful pictures of her fabrics incorporated within her home as well as wonderful thrift store finds.

Would I recommend? Yes.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty but it still felt like an artist just bragging about how beautiful and open and creative their lives are. most of the things in the book were not applicable to my own life, and just made me frustrated. it might provide a few cute and small decorating ideas for us average...uncool people.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Butler lets us peek into her world of creativity, as an artist and fabric designer. Her work is largely inspired by nature.

As a quilter, I am most fascinated with the process of fabric creation.

This book is packed with photos, bright colorful fabrics, along with decor and clothing ideas.

A breath of fresh air!

[Amy]

A look into Amy Butler's studio. She and her husband have created a fabulous home and studio in the country. Some of her tastes are a bit too eclectic for me, but the book is full of inspiring photos and ideas.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I've been a fan of Amy Butler for a while. Her designs are so pretty. The book is beautiful. I found it very inspiring; I have ideas for so many more sewing projects now.

And don't forget that "a little black cat goes with everything."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous! I looooove Amy Butler's fabric designs and this shows off a bunch of them in home decorating, sewing projects, and with what inspired them, like specific gardens and flowers. No patterns in the book, though.

[Handmade Detroit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't really a crafty book per se, but it is an inspiring look into Amy Butler's work and home.

Particularly loved the way Amy and her husband have decorated their studios. A gurney for a desk? Awesomely unexpected in such an otherwise sweetly decorated place.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye candy at its best. This book is essentially a grown-up picture book - it's all about the aspirational glossy photos. It was a perfect little bit of escapism into Ms. Butler's colorful, stylish and well edited world.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love her fabric patterns and I thought this was a fun peek into her style. It was just a fun thing to flip through, as it basically reads like a magazine (loads of pictures with a couple of little blurps about this or that).

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would have been different than it was. It was all photo's of Amy's house and less of her actual designs. Still good eye candy!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Butler has the most amazing fabrics and designs, she makes me wish I could sew!

[Ali Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

love her style. love the photos. nice big display book.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful things to look at.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful to look at!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Amy's fabrics, and this book was full of gorgeous inspirational photography. I enjoyed reading about her creative process as well.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to get out of your own head and into Amy's studio for some color therapy. Especially if you "work" from home and your office is your playroom, study, breakfast room and den.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring.

[Kalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and so inspiring!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really much to read but lots of pretty pictures to admire. I love Amy Butler's fabric and she makes such beautiful things for it shown off in the book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictures but way to ego-centric. The whole books was nothing but "look how great my house looks".

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of pretty pictures. Just what you'd expect from Amy!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but would have enjoyed more project ideas and less chatter about the author's life.