Four Inane Questions with author/maker Amy Barickman
Photo Courtesy of Amy Barickman
Amy Barickman has spent her life stitching creativity into everything she does. The Kansas City designer, author, and entrepreneur has built a career out of blending old-school craftsmanship with modern style—and her latest book, Love You to Pieces: A Gift of Friendship, might be her most heartfelt project yet.
Inspired by vintage quilts, doll-making traditions, and the timeless stories that connect us, Love You to Pieces celebrates the beauty of friendship in every sense. It’s part art book, part love letter to the handmade—perfect for quilters, collectors, and anyone who cherishes meaningful connections.
It’s hardly Amy’s first creative triumph. The KU grad launched Indygo Junction in the ’90s, publishing thousands of sewing patterns and books, then built AmyBarickman.com and VintageModernMakers.com into go-to destinations for modern makers. Whether she’s sharing vintage inspiration or designing something brand new, Amy Barickman keeps one thread running through it all—creativity never goes out of style.
Photo Courtesy of Amy Barickman
We caught up with the maker maven at Vintage Market Days to inundate her with our insipid questionnaire. We also learned to hand-stitch several tasteful holiday outfits for our 1930s teddy bear. Bless.
The Pitch: You see yourself on the cover of a tabloid magazine. What’s the headline?
Amy Barickman: My headline? “Meet the OG of Sock Monkey Mania!”Sock monkeys are one of my all-time vintage favorites and just one of the many collections I adore. They were also my favorite characters to photograph for my book, especially when paired with a doll or teddy bear for a little extra personality.
Over the past month, while launching my book at vintage and quilt events, I’ve loved hearing people’s stories and memories of these mischievous little toys. There’s something timeless and heartwarming about them—everyone seems to have a sock monkey tale to tell!
Next up? I’m planning a series of DIY tutorials so you can craft your own sock monkey, plus a field trip to the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove, Illinois. Let the monkey madness begin!
What pop/rock song can you car-sing better than the actual singer?
“Under Pressure” by Queen/David Bowie. I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire life—starting with a business making and selling teddy bears made from thrifted coats and quilts. Right after graduating from KU, I launched a sewing pattern company and have been working for myself ever since.
Photo Courtesy of Amy Barickman
Only another entrepreneur truly understands the constant self-direction and pressure that comes with running your own business. And when I hear this song on the radio, I’m definitely that person screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs.
If you were a liquid soap fragrance, what liquid soap fragrance would you be?
Michigan Campfire. I was born in Michigan, and nothing makes me happier than spending summer days in my happy place: Northern Michigan. There’s just something magical about sitting by the fire, watching the moon’s reflection dance on the river, and hearing Kid Rock belt out his song about summertime up north.
I’m a forager at heart, so wandering through the woods to gather kindling for the campfire is one of my favorite rituals.
In the history of the English language, what’s your favorite word?
Vintage! I am an addict—of the best kind! I live it, breathe it, and absolutely love collecting and learning the history behind each treasure.
My passion centers on handmade pieces, especially quilts and charming characters like sock monkeys, teddy bears, and dolls. Curating these two one-of-a-kind vintage collections became the inspiration and heart of my new book, Love You To Pieces: A Gift of Friendship.
The book features a cheerful poem paired with delightful handmade characters and quilts—offering a little joy for our sometimes sour world. As a bonus, it includes original patterns I rediscovered for some of these vintage characters, along with fascinating lessons on quilt block history and the origins of their names.
