U-handblog: October 2011

YOU READ ABOUT IT HERE 1ST! THIS IS A FABRIC EXCLUSIVE!!!!

Its time for the big reveal: Mr Butler (yes that's right, Amy Butler's husband) is finally doing fabric, and boy, the fabric is simply divine! It will be hitting the stores later this winter/fall.

As some of you might already now I was lucky enough to spend a blissful weekend in their home last May. It was during that time that I got to see paper prints of David's first fabric collection. So you see I've known about this (and wanted to get my mitts on some) for months! You are going to love it!

For those of you who haven't heard of David before, the chances are that you're already quite familiar with some of his work. David is responsible for Amy's luscious lifestyle product photography and he also designs the beautiful graphics that adorn Amy's site, books and other products. In fact Amy & David have been a close-knit creative team for years. Not only do they collaborate brilliantly togther, they are obviously big-time in love with each other and are very protective cat parents!

So, before we get a sneaky peek of David's fabrics I asked him a few questions about his new collection:

Lisa: "In the past I've found it impossible to find stylish fabrics to make things for the men in my life. I can see that people are going to LOVE using your fabric to make items for their men (Al has already put orders in for some bags, and he's very choosy!). Who do you think your collection is likely to appeal to ?"

David: "I'm hoping these designs will appeal to anyone looking for somewhat sophisticated basics. Prints and colors that cross genders & can find a home either in urban clothing style or richly muted quilts. Hip Amish? Maybe? ha ha. I see them lining denim cuffs, as bandannas, pocket quilts, rucksacks, pillows, simple work shirts, modern quilts and throws. Ascots and ties even. Everything."

"Your first collection looks very accomplished, there isn't a collection like it out there. I think it's 'very you'. How did you find the fabric design process? Was it quite different from your other design work?"

"It is different from my other design work because I have to think not only in repeat, but in collaboration of textures and forms. Fortunately I've been watching and learning from Amy for the last 10 years so that's a pretty heavy head start. As it seems new you gotta realize that I've really been in the industry for years working with Amy on the brand and looking over her shoulder. I'm glad you think it's very "me" - that really does mean a lot. I feel that Amy's work really does represent her personality and I want mine to have that same fine art character. It needs to have a voice to stand apart."

"We know that Mrs Butler is a keen gardener who is very inspired by nature. Some of us know that besides your graphic design and photography work you are also singer in a rock ban d and a (crazy) mountain biker. When designing your fabric where are you likely draw your inspiration from?"

"You know I spend a great deal of time out in nature as well. In the woods. As a mountain biker and snowboarder I do find a great deal of inspiration in the textures and patterns of outdoor life. That's where Curious Nature comes about. I often feel like a modern man in a prehistorical realm when I'm out in the woods, and that's a bit of the story behind these designs. I think the rock and roll aspect of it comes through only inasmuch as the prints and colors reflect personal expression, like the music. Combinations of notes that make a song. That sounds pretty pompous, but I just made it up. I swear it! I do think these designs will make killer rock scarves to hang from my mic stand. Ha ha."

Thanks for your answers David, now lets have a look at the good stuff:

Here is a promo spread of David's first fabric collection: 'Curious Nature' Ohh boy when fabric looks this tasty in print form one can only image how yummy it's going to be in real-life!

David showed me his mood board that was inspiration for his collection. Gorgeous vases and beautiful earthy colours, apparently it's as simple as that!

David laid out his fabric sheets on the table for me to photograph. These paper prints are the 'working prototypes' of what will eventually become the stuff we all crave: FABRIC!!!

I love his geometric patterns and I just love the colours. To me the whole look is 'classy, bold and expensive', don't you agree?

Hello sweet Pip! The Butler kitties regularly pad in and out of Amy & David's studios (and I bet they always stop what they are doing and play with the kitties!) Amy & David have separate studios in the basement of their home. I love how individual both their studios are.

Al is a big fan of the blue and the charcol grey colour ways. He's already put orders in for a messenger bag and a laptop cosy (join the queue darling!)

...I'm a big fan of the charcoal grey myself! You can just about see yellow sticky notes on the sheets, those notes are my requests for sample yardage. Mwah ha ha! If you don't ask...

Stunning bone colourway.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

Rich opulent colours for the home dec weight collection. I need the basket weave and trees prints in my life and on my sewing machine!

These 5 prints are David's faves....

...and these 2 prints are what David thinks will make a great bag. Well David, get that sample yardage sent over to the UK and we can talk about getting you a bag sorted! ;)

Now lets have a nosy around David's studio:

Do you have a thing about stationary too? I love checking out other people's desks and pen pots. The cymbal cleaning polish is probably there cos David is also a rock drummer!