Spiral-bound and with pattern pieces included, Amy Butler's book has clear instructions and colorful, fresh illustrations. You can make a basic apron, pillows, or a more complicated handbag. A must-have for Amy fans and a useful addition to your sewing library.

If you like hip, modern projects with stylish fabric potential, then you will enjoy Amy Butler's book. These projects are fun and are easy to sew. So far, I've made the bag with leather straps, though I did have a difficult time locating a retailer who sells leather straps, I had to go online to purchase the straps; nevertheless, the instructions were easy to follow. Her instructions are very detailed and they even provide visual layouts with patterns (you don't have to go to a copier center to enlarge the patterns unlike most project books). Though these projects may be advanced for the beginner, I still recommend it to the passionate crafter. I have not been sewing for many years and I was still able to sew the project within hours.

Amy continues to strive for projects that are modern and fresh. With creativity and style... anyone can produce these hip projects.

I love Amy Butler fabrics so I decided to purchase this book. I really like some of the projects, but some are really nothing to get excited about. I will say that there is quite a nice variety though.

The instructions could be slightly better as well.

I really enjoyed this book, it has such great ideas, but a lot of them aren't "new", as another reviewer has already pointed out. I don't really need one more pattern for an apron... or another purse. The real thing that sets them apart is her use of her own fabric lines - which are very swanky but also very expensive. I really found her instructions to be overwhelming and too wordy; should it really be so hard to make a patchwork quilt, seeing as it's supposed to give the impression of being put together at random?

All that being said, I do still enjoy the photography, the compilation of the ideas (as almost things to create for all aspects of your life), the diagrams and figures, and the inspiration. I definitely recommend this book, but just make sure to not fall into the trap of only buying her fabrics! They look fantastic, and I do love them, but all of your projects will cost you hundreds of dollars.

I loved this book! Nice pictures, and very informative! The patterns are great....but if you buy this, don't get "Sew it Kit" by the same author....there's only 11 out of the 15 patterns that are not found in this book.

I picked up this book after purchasing Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing book. I was torn between the two. Both had such wonderful designs. However, upon finally purchasing and getting a good read of In Stitches, I find myself exceedingly overwhelmed. I read in quite a good number of reviews that the instructions were very detailed and would be great for a beginner. I'm the epitome of a beginner in the sewing world, and I'm just baffled by a good deal of the projects in this book. Perhaps when I become more comfortable in my sewing skills, and learn the ropes a little more, I'll find the time to make most of the projects in this book. If you're a beginning seamstress, then I highly recommend Lotta's book, which, at least for me, was much easier to follow in making projects.

The pictures in this book are gorgeous, and the projects have me eager to learn how to sew better, but the instructions are just too complicated.

I like the designs in this book, and there is a wider variety of project types than I expected. So far, I haven't had any trouble following the instructions. However, I usually like to have a nice photo to refer to when I'm making a project, and the photos in this book were not good for that. They are beautiful photos, but most are taken with such a narrow depth of field that the entire project is not in focus.

There is a lot of inspiration here! I think the patterns are fairly basic (which the title indicates "simple"), but just seeing how Amy Butler put her fabrics together is worth the price of admission. Seeing the "how-tos" of making some of the projects are helpful - I could have immitated some of the patterns myself, but Butler takes out the guesswork. Fun! Modern! A great place to start creating your own personal style.

I'm a beginner sewer and had only used a sewing machine once or twice before. I found most of the projects in here to be things I will want to make. I made one of the bags with no problem at all, although I did find the instructions a bit confusing at one point. As another reviewer mentioned, the pictures in the instructions could be clearer. I did find that the projects would probably be too easy for people who have already done several projects before. Thus I would recommend going to the bookstore and flipping through the book before purchasing. If you've never used a sewing machine before and do not like the idea of improvising occasionally, I would recommend purchasing additional sewing books or having a friend handy since this is a project book and was not written to guide you through all the steps of sewing.

i love amy butler, but this book somewhat let me down. there are some confusing instructions and some projects are very similar to other projects in the book. out of all my sewing books this is the one that i haven't been interested in or able to complete any of the projects.

Amy Butler's patterns and fabrics have become very popular. Her patterns are pricey at $12.95 each - but they are cool. I bought this book hoping for some interesting projects. The projects are fine, but nothing that can't be found in you local pattern book. If you don't have a lot of patterns or are an intermediate sewer this book is one of the better sewing books out there.

I love this book. There are so many great projects both for gifts and for myself. I can't wait to get some fabric and get started!

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.

I am currently engaged in making the patchwork bag. I spent an hour cutting, quilting, and here I am with very EXPENSIVE fabric cut out and there is a very NECESSARY diagram that it says to refer to MISSING. I am so frustrated that I will have to guess my way through this pattern. I could have guessed my way on my own initially without this book. I have to say that her patterns and instructions are way too complicated. I do not find this book to be an asset in my collection of patterns. I would never recommend it to anyone unless you are just wanting a picture book. If you want that, then go to her online website for pictures. I do love her fabric. I have used it extensively in 100's of creations. I will still continue to do so but as for this pattern book it will sit on the shelf.

I probably should have looked at this one in a book store rather than buying it online. I really do not like this book. I rated it a 3 - 4 for the book's design and setup and a 2 for the projects.

I loved how the book is set up with the spiral binding, separate patterns in an envelope and easy instructions. I, however, did not enjoy the project selection and was underwhelmed by it all. I have had this book a year and have yet to make anything out of it. There are maybe one or two things that I like, but most of it is just not my style.

I must say that I like her other patterns - particuality the handbags, but really was disappointed in what she had in the book.

As everything from Amy Butler; so easy and soooo stylish!
Really love all the projects inside the book and the instructions are so easy to follow!

This is a great book of easy sewing projects! If you are a beginning sewer or just want a quick project, this book fills the bill. I found the instructions easy to understand and a great help are the full size patterns which are enclosed. I love this designers fabric and just looking at it on the pages of this book is a delight!

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!

While this isn't a "how to" book, Amy Butler's "In Stitches" has tons of good ideas and great patterns for someone who hasn't done a ton of sewing. I think that some of the patterns would probably be a little boring for a more experienced sewer, but if you are still a newbie- you can't buy this many patterns for the price! She also has some good resources listed as well as tips and other helpful info.

great pictures, very nice to look at overall, the patterns in the cover pocket are a nice touch, the best part is they're patterns i might actually use

Amy Butler designs gorgeous fabrics, no argument there. Her fabric designs are so lovely I think that's why I bought the book. All the projects just look so darned spectacular. I mean, who wouldn't want a cute kitty tunnel or a fantastic toiletries thing-a-majig to hang on the bathroom door? Oh, that's right. Me. I'd suggest looking at this book, if possible, before you buy it so you know exactly what you are getting. AB's cotton fabrics run $9.00 a yard, if you want to use them and many, if not all, of the projects can be found elsewhere, probably with clearer directions and larger pictures.

As to the included patterns --not so fast. Most of the projects are made with self drafted patterns. Grant it this is no great shakes for a square pillow, etc., and the drafting will probably be a great learning experience. I don't think any of the project patterns would be difficult to draft, just be aware that even the kimono project, only two of the pattern pieces are included, you draft the rest (rectangles and squares, no big deal). The lounge pants too you must draft the legs below the crotch. I mention this in case someone purchases on Amazon thinking they will get 25 patterns included with the book. You do not. In short I returned this book, realizing I'd been dazzled by photos of beautiful laundry bags, place-mats, checkbook covers and quilted throws. For me this book is a solid three star, mostly for the excellent photographs and the inspiration, the rest of the contents you can probably find elsewhere.

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!

I love Amy Butler's fabrics so I was excited when I found this book and loved almost all of the projects. But the book seems sort of unfinished. I was working on the pajama pants and it says to buy 2.5 yards of fabric for the trim. So I put the pants almost all together, and the instructions were great and spelled everything out step by step. Then when it comes time to put on the trim, it just says to put on the trim. There is no pattern piece for it, it doesn't tell you how much to cut out, if you should press/hem the edges....it's very strange. I also noticed that one of the projects they mention in the office section isn't actually in the book! When I buy a book, I feel entitled to at least have it be finished and well edited.

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.

I saw that there were a couple of underwhelming reviews on this book. I've had it for a few months and have made multiple items from it. I really like it, give it a chance! My favorite item is the sleep mask, I've made about 10 of them for friends and family and they've all raved about the. I also made the cat tunnel, which didn't work out as designed, my cat just lies on top of it (but he does love it!).

This book has Great Projects. It is easy to follow. I love all of Amy Butler products.

I know people love this book which is why I bought it. It was not for me. The pictures are beautiful to look at, incredible styling. But I thought the projects were pretty simplistic for the most part and I wouldn't need patterns to execute most. Once I had flipped through once I felt like I had absorbed enough. This would be great for someone wanting to get into sewing for the first time.

There is absolutely nothing in this book that hasn't been done already (and done often). The designs are ordinary and not particularly inventive. The Amy Butler fabrics are what make these projects special, plus her skill at putting them together. The style team responsible for the design and the photography did a wonderful job as well. It's a very attractive book.

But in the final analysis, it's mostly frosting and very little cake. Save your money and get this one from the public library.

This is a great book for someone who doesn't have the large sewing stash of patterns of a long time sewer. The book is lovely to look at and has a plastic binding so that it opens up fully. The pictures of the projects are detailed. The projects are varied enough to challenge even an experienced sewer and there is the added bonus of all the patterns included.

Amy Butler's eye for fabric and design is not only stylish, but her book provides several very useful projects. Some of her projects are great for beginners, but there is plenty here to keep more seasoned sewers occupied. I especially like some of the bag designs, but found the pillow designs similar to others found in other books.

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.

This book is really beautiful to look at. But the patterns are more confusing than they need to be and the flow is completely non-intuitive. You have to keep looking on a different page for the visual and there's alot of "wrong side, right and left side, right" which could be explained MUCH more simply. It's as if this book attempts to be more complicated than it is.

I can't wait to get started on Amy's sewing project's.
All projects are provided with patterns and simple, legible instructions- this book caters to the novice as well as the experienced.

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 bought this at a gift and (of course) had to take a good look at it before giving it away... everything in it is super cool. The projects aren't too advanced and look pretty managable. What really makes it though is the fabric, which is Amy's true talent. The only downside to this is that if you follow her recommendations exactly, each of these projects - even the small ones - will cost you a small fortune. Oh, and the reciever of this book loved it as well!

I purchased this book for a Christmas present for my daughter -in -law who is starting to sew. I had to pay full price for it as amazon gave me a delivery date in late FEBRAURY and its now December!
Days later, I found quite a few of these books at my local JoAnne's and used a 40% off coupon to purchase another gift for a lot less$ $$ so check around for the best price~

I viewed this carefully,, as I wasnt sure if she would be able to really understand some of the directions .
(I have sewn since I was a teen)

I would also suggest enlarging the directions, when embarking upon any given project,, as they are written quite small~
This is fine with me,, as there is a lot offered in this book, so I do not necessarily view this as a negative,,,,, but something,, rather, to be aware of before you order.

Truth be told,,, there are a lot of other books out there that are as good, if not better.
This is simply done in a format that is more trendy than anything else~and that is why I made the purchase for her , she has the ability to use any of my other books.

I compared this book to the entire series I own on home dec and clothing construction,, and found this to be lacking in many ways.

For instance ,there are directions to use something to " turn" fabric.

BUT,,,, if one would USE the recommedations ( such as scissors!) , a novice would risk piercing a hole in the fabric, thereby destroying work and cause needless frustration.

I would recommend to choose sewing books wisely, and really read them thru if you are planning on giving this as a gift~
My daughter -in- law has made straight curtains and a few pillows, so she is fine with this book.

While the intent here is good, and it appears to be a 101 sewing book,its not ~
It is definately designed for someone that has some basic sewing under their belt~

"Trendy" is the catch phrase here , its cute , and up to date, so I know my daughter- in -law will enjoy this, along with a gift card for fabric.

This is the reason for 4 stars instead of five.

This book is marketed to the brand new sewer, but it lacks a LOT of information that will guide the novice along the path to sucessful sewing projects~

I know this is necessary because I also teach knitting and got a call one day from someone who asked how they could possibly knit with an unwound skein of yarn. Well the answer is, I OVERLOOKED the fact that a novice did not know that yarn is packaged in different ways!

When one is learning, all bases need to be thouroughly covered ,and this book does not make it clear enough for the brand new sewer~

Save this one for a wee bit afterwards and you will be fine.

I purchased this book for a Christmas present for my daughter -in -law who is starting to sew. I had to pay full price for it as amazon gave me a delivery date in late FEBRAURY and its now December!
Take a closer look ,,it offers a 1-3 month delivery date here.

I viewed this carefully,, as I wasnt sure if she would be able to really understand some of the directions .
(I have sewn since I was a teen)

Truth be told,,, there are a lot of other books out there that are as good, if not better.
This is simply done in a format that is more trendy than anything else~and that is why I made the purchase for her , she has the ability to use any of my other books.

I compared this book to the entire series I own on home dec and clothing construction,, and found this to be lacking in many ways.

For instance ,there are directions to use something to " turn" fabric.

BUT,,,, if one would USE the recommedations ( such as scissors!) , a novice would risk piercing a hole in the fabric, thereby destroying work and cause needless frustration.

I would recommend to choose sewing books wisely, and really read them thru if you are planning on giving this as a gift~
My daughter -in- law has made straight curtains and a few pillows, so she is fine with this book.

While the intent here is good, and it appears to be a 101 sewing book,its not ~
It is definately designed for someone that has some basic sewing under their belt~

"Trendy" is the catch phrase here , its cute , and up to date, so I know my daughter- in -law will enjoy this, along with a gift card for fabric.

This is the reason for 4 stars instead of five.

This book is marketed to the brand new sewer, but it lacks a LOT of information that will guide the novice along the path to sucessful sewing projects~

I know this is necessary because I also teach knitting and got a call one day from someone who asked how they could possibly knit with an unwound skein of yarn. Well the answer is, I OVERLOOKED the fact that a novice did not know that yarn is packaged in different ways!

When one is learning, all bases need to be thouroughly covered ,and this book does not make it clear enough for the brand new sewer,
Save this one for a wee bit afterwards and you will be fine,,

The best format and coolest sewing book I've owned. Amy "rewrote" how to write sewing instructions for the masses and it shows here. The projects range in complexity, and the sewing pattern pocket holds actual pieces in the front! The sewers below must be very advanced, because for the young sewer these projects are modern, easy to follow, and way cool. Great gift making stuff, and the price is crazy cheap for all the instructions. I wish there was more of her cool photography, but the space is well used and easy to read for the instructions!

This book has over 20 sewing projects! The instructions are very detailed and thorough, making each item appropriate for beginners as well as advanced sewers. There are actual pattern pieces for many of the projects included in the front of the book. The projects without patterns have "how to" instructions for cutting the fabric.
For all the projects in this book, you could easily pay hundreds of dollars for individual patterns. This book is a great buy with very practical, useful projects to make for yourself or as a gift.

I really love Amy Butler's patterns and this book does not disappoint. My only complaint would be the "Simple" description in the title. Some of the projects have numerous steps for very small projects and I wish they were easier. However, I would recommend this book to any fan of Amy Butler's and I would definitely purchase it again. I even made some of the projects using other fabrics and they turned out just as cute.

Designer Amy Butler's new modern style offers an illustrated collection of patterns for projects as easy as aprons and covers. Lovely photos are accompanied by easily-followed instructions which omit the usual sewer's terminology, making it especially appealing to new sewers. From planning seam allowances and handling vintage fabrics to taking on projects for bathroom and bedroom, INSTITCHES combines very easy projects with practical applications and no-fail directions.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

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.

I, too, was avidly awaiting this book. It is underwhelming. I even thought about sending it back, but I'm sure I'll find something of value in it; the instructions are quite detailed and may be useful for designing my own projects. There are just not enough photographs! Amy Butler's fabrics are SO beautiful and fun and I was surprised that with the combination of Chronicle books and her that this book was so, well, dry. Oh well!

I love Amy Butler's fabrics and patterns, and I've been waiting for months for this book to come out. I'm afraid I was a little disappointed when I finally received it. If you have never purchased Amy Butler patterns, then you will probably enjoy this book. But for me, there was nothing new. And I felt that many of the patterns have been done a million times -- such as scarves, pillows, aprons, drawstring bags. Amy always has very clear instructions, so this would probably be good for a beginning sewer. But, the book is not as exciting as her individual patterns that can be found on her website.