In this project-based sewing book, Amy Butler teaches what she does best: sewing, quilting, and pattern making. From lampshades to pillows, quilts to statement jewelry, Piece Keeping is the perfect go-to for the crafty. With clear sections on traditional sewing themes, tools, and methods, this book will appeal to Amy's core fans as well as those simply drawn to beautiful fabrics and DIY projects. The 20 inspiring projects include dozens of how-to diagrams, plus 9 downloadable patterns. Piece Keeping is both a practical guide and a source for stylish home décor and fashion inspiration, brimming throughout with Amy's unique color sense and eye-catching textile designs.

Offering a fresh, spirited take on American style, this volume by a rising star in home decor expresses her personal vision across home, fashion, and lifestyle, and addresses the practical side through information on budgets, shopping resources, and time. Full color.

Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England in this “richly and thoughtfully written” story (Publishers Weekly). “Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted Lucy ever since she was shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. But on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing along—and she is swept into darkness. When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England. Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion… Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic.

“You’ll finish [Greenfield’s] book with new respect for color, especially for red. With A Perfect Red, she does for it what Mark Kurlansky in Salt did for that common commodity.”—Houston Chronicle Interweaving mystery, empire, and adventure, Amy Butler Greenfield’s masterful popular history offers a window onto a world far different from our own: a world in which the color red was rare and precious—a source of wealth and power for those who could unlock its secrets. And in this world nothing was more prized than cochineal, a red dye that produced the brightest, strongest red the Old World had ever seen. A Perfect Red recounts the story of this legendary red dye, from its cultivation by the ancient Mexicans and discovery by 16th-century Spanish conquistadors to the European pirates, explorers, alchemists, scientists, and spies who joined in the chase to unlock its secrets, a chase that lasted more than three centuries. It evokes with style and verve this history of a grand obsession, of intrigue, empire, and adventure in pursuit of the most desirable color on earth.

An egotistical royal cat and his dung beetle sidekick track a jewelry thief in this hilarious new series set in ancient Egypt. Nominated for an Edgar Award! Can a lazy cat and a dung-obsessed beetle really crack a mystery? Ra relishes his role as the Pharaoh's beloved—and spoiled—cat. So when an amulet goes missing from the palace, Ra plans to keep enjoying his snacks and nap in the sun. But Ra's friend Khepri, a wise and industrious scarab beetle, insists on investigating in order to save the young servant girl who has been framed for the crime. Once Ra gets going, he decides that being a Great Detective isn't so bad; in fact, he doesn't mind being hailed as “Protector of the Weak and Defender of Justice.” The comically mismatched duo is on the case! Wacky illustrations with fun historical details bring these oddball characters to life. Includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, and detailed author's note. “An ingenious mystery full of entertaining details for fans of ancient Egypt.”—Paula Harrison, author of the Rescue Princesses series

Fun, stylish projects from a top fabric designer, with inspiring photos and thoroughly detailed sewing instructions. Celebrated designer Amy Butler brings her fresh, modern style to the timeless craft of sewing in this lavishly illustrated collection of patterns. She presents more than twenty-five charming projects—ranging from cushy floor cushions to smart aprons to stylish handbags. Lush photographs inspire, while how-to illustrations and straightforward text (minus the confusing sewing lingo) make it a cinch to achieve beautifully finished projects. In addition, Amy offers thoughtful tips on finding and treating new or vintage fabrics, an easy-to-navigate techniques section, and a glossary and resource guide. Whether it’s chic placemats and napkins for the kitchen, a luxurious kimono-style robe for the bath, or handy organizer baskets for the home office, Amy Butler’s In Stitches makes it easy to create beautiful accessories for every room and every mood.

In this illustrated sewing guide, the celebrated designer shares twelve new patterns with loads of variations for stylish bags of all kinds. With the patterns in Amy Butler’s Style Stitches, you can create everything from chic clutches and delicate wristlets to pretty hobo bags and handy coin purses. Each project is designed with Butler’s fresh, modern style and attention to detail. She also includes easy-to-follow instructions for altering dimensions, straps, and embellishments so you can make each piece truly your own. This ebook includes illustrated step-by-step directions, a comprehensive techniques section, and instructions for how to print the patterns themselves, making an essential and fashionable addition to every sewer’s digital library.