Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects

I love the projects in this book, and appreciate that there is a variety of things to make from pillows, to office items, to cat tunnels, to aprons. The patterns are simple and the instructions are clear and easy to follow, with diagrams and pattern pieces included. This is an asset to any sewer's library.

There are plenty of reviews expressing disappointment with the book, so I feel compelled to add what I liked about it. Amy Butler's fabrics are gorgeous and I can spend a lot of time just looking at pictures of her fabrics and things made out of her fabrics. The photographs in this book are beautiful. The books provides detailed explanations of the projects with legible, detailed drawings. The book also includes full size patterns in a special envelope in the book. Most other sewing books I've dealt with provide an 8 1/2" x 11" pattern that says to enlarge by a certain percentage. That either involves a copy machine or a scanner and taping together several sheets of paper- yuck. Starting with a full size pattern gets me into the project that much faster. Any craft book struggles with coming up with something new- there are only so many ideas! But, I thought her big dot pillow, pom-pom pillow, square pot holder and hanging toiletry basket were ideas that I hadn't seen before or better versions of ones I had seen. That said, I wish it had more personal information from Amy-- what inspires her, how she comes up with fabric designs, how she got interested in art and sewing, etc. I think the book is worth it, but I can justify any book that provides at least one new project idea or at least one hour of pleasure perusing it. I wouldn't recommend the projects to a beginning sewer, as the explanations assume you have some sewing experience. But the book just might inspire you to gain some experience!

The book is beautifully illustrated and the instructions are clear. The projects are up to date with the times and I want to make everyone of them! The book is spiral bound so it will lay flat while you are trying to sew and read.

I too, was eagerly awaiting this book. I've made a few other Amy Butler items and find her patterns simple and yet, creative. I am very pleased with the book. I am a very experienced sewer and even though the items in her book aren't complicated, they're very creative and useful. Already I have a million ideas of how to emellish and put together fabrics/notions etc. Just in time for christmas gifts, I find these patterns simple enough that I CAN actually make gifts this year and actually get them done. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. I would definately recommend this book to others-from beginner to advanced sewers.

I don't understand why the previous reviews are so negative toward this book, sure it is not for the avid sewer, but it has some fun ideas that are inspiring and exciting. Included in the book is a beautiful throw and an amazing robe that anybody would want... Well worth the money.