Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects by Amy Butler Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
Book Review: Cute, but lacking
Summary: 2 Stars
Some of the projects in here are adorable, but the instructions and diagrams make me want to pull my hair out.
I do not claim to be an expert, but I am far from novice. Her techniques gave me a headache and her diagrams were erratic (one every three to four steps; never one when I needed one, and always there when I didn't.) I ended up using her steps very loosely and finishing the projects in my own way.
It's a good book for ideas, but plan on doing them your own way.
Book Review: Cute, but...
Summary: 3 Stars
Cute book with some nice ideas and designs. The fabric is gorgeous which of course makes a huge difference. There are projects for the living room (Patchwork throw, floor cushion, kitty tunnel, and the cushions on the book cover), kitchen - placemats and napkins, recipe card bags, apron and pot holder, Bedroom - patchwork duvet cover, bedside organizer (very clever idea), lounge pants, and sleep mask, Bathroom - bathrobe, hanging toiletry basked, laundry bag and decorative towels, Office - organisers, document duvet(huh?!), checkbook clutch... and personal style... a beaded sash which is a bit of a filler (free pattern on her site too), simple leather handled shoulder bag (which is so simple it shouldn't even be there - it feels like another filler - and personally I would never make or use a bag like this except for stashing yarn), and a patchwork handbag and clutch bag. I actually bought the book for the last two, as I love making bags and like her patterns. The checkbook clutch was a bonus as I had no idea it was there. Very cute.
The reason for the three stars is because the office projects intro mentions a business card holder - something I would find really useful - and the pattern isn't there, neither are any instructions. I wrote to her site to ask why, and was told that they couldn't fit all the projects in the book and thank you for pointing it out. When you consider how much space in this book is taken up with repeating instructions (for instance, every project that uses a certain interfacing has details on what it is and how to wash it - why not just have this in the techniques section?)
At the very least this should be included as a free pattern on her site.
Book Review: Difficult to use and disappointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Given that Amy Butler is a talented designer, I'm disappointed that the design of the book itself is so weak. This book shows a disregard for the reader. The book is set in ridiculously small, hard to read type. And the illustrations are even tinier. I'm baffled by why the illustrations were even further scaled down and set on patterned backgrounds. It's as if the publisher decided to "pretty up" the book at the expense of anyone who actually wanted to make a project from it.
Why bother with the high production values and a nice stay-open spiral binding if it has such lousy page design and typography. Come on Chronicle, you can do much better than this.
This one is definitely getting sent back.
Book Review: Disappointed
Summary: 3 Stars
When I buy craft books, I tend to stick them in 3 categories. 1) Books chock full of technical information, like Elizabeth Zimmermann's knitting how-to "Knitting Without Tears". 2) Pattern books, like the plethora of Japanese craft books that are available online and in Asian bookstores. 3) Books that are pretty to look at, and inspire me to create.
Unfortunately, "In Stitches" tends to fall into the last category.
The patterns are simple (sometimes to the point of asking if a pattern is even needed) and the how-to information is nothing you won't find in any other sewing book. As a big fan of Ms. Butler's fabrics, I was hoping she'd come up with some innovative patterns for me to test out. Unfortunately, barring the kitty tunnel (which I'd never use her beautiful - but expensive - fabrics for) and the patchwork handbag, there isn't really anything that I haven't seen for free online or tried myself, sans pattern. (Do you really need a pattern to make a sash with fringe?) With Ms. Butler's success as a fabric designer, you'd think she'd be able to hire better pattern designers!
But, that said, it is a beautiful book, and when I look through it, I immediately want to boot up the sewing machine. Perhaps my high expectations for the book are what disappointed me - after all, it does make a perfectly lovely inspiration book.
Book Review: Don't waste your money on this book
Summary: 1 Stars
I thought this book was terrible. The projects are useless (a cat tunnel?) or so simplistic you wouldn't even need a pattern (napkins?).
I am an experienced seamstress and found the instructions and diagrams lacking. The patterns do no follow standard sewing basics - such as a 5/8" seam allowance for garments - which I believe will confuse a beginner as they explore other projects, esp. garments. Stick to the rules Amy!
Amy Butler's fabrics are beautiful, but this book stinks!