It seems unbelievable to me that 2011 is coming to a close.  The Alabama Chanin journal has covered so many topics over the 2011 year and we have been so grateful for the opportunity to share our thoughts, travels, milestones and inspirations with you. As the year’s end approaches, we thought we would recap some of the favorite topics of the year.

First of all, let me thank you for your excitement about our upcoming book, Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. As you know, writing the book was a struggle at times, as I tried to focus on the book, while remaining present at home and in the studio. In retrospect, the strain that I felt seems like a distant memory.  I have watched the book grow from a mere notion into a fully-conceived physical thing. It is something that I am proud of and something that I hope that you will love, too.

Secondly, thank you for the support that you lent as I revealed some of my more personal thoughts and turning points. The 2011 year marked the 10^th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy. This moment was truly a shared experience for those in our country and around the world. Each person has their own remembrances of that time; it seems that as each of us tells our unique story, we allow ourselves to heal a little bit more. Though it hasn’t always been easy, I have continued my commitment to Peacebuilding:  to complaining less, lifting up those around me, and seeking wisdom. Thank you for sharing your own stories and memories. I see us continuing to repair our spirits together.

And THANK YOU to each of you who wished me well as I begin my 50^th year. I think that, as my father said, it will be the best decade of my life. So far, it has been miraculous. My approach to this year – and every year to come – has been and will be one of thankfulness, magic, and joy. If I continue to plant a tree for each year of my life (and of Maggie’s), with any luck, we will have a grand forest to enjoy.

Perhaps the most surprising responses that I received this year resulted from documenting my detox program. I can say that this undertaking was both incredibly difficult and immensely rewarding. I’m grateful to each of you who shared your own experiences or simply cheered me on. I’ve continued to integrate quite a few of the practices that I learned during the detox process into my daily routines. And for those of you who are considering embarking on your own detox – take my advice: It is easier when you have a friend to join and support you. And it does get easier.

For years, I have been advocating the use and production of organic cotton. We use cotton to clothe our bodies, to decorate our homes, to make oils for processed foods and animal feeds. I believe that if consumers put more thought into the products that they purchase and consume and the consequences of those actions, our people and our world would be a healthier place to live. We asked that you consider the effects of traditional cotton on your families and your health; you responded in multitudes. We at Alabama Chanin hope that you will remain mindful as you plan your purchases for 2012 and beyond. We will be right beside you in the journey.

Finally, I have been proud to share with you some of the gifted and beautiful people who are part of the Alabama Chanin family in our series, The Heart. We are blessed with so many talented individuals and I feel honored to have built relationships with each and every one of them. Every member of the Alabama Chanin team plays an essential role in our success. We will continue to highlight our artisans and family and hope that you will come to love each of them as much as we do.

We wish all of you a happy and healthy 2012. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We look forward to spending the New Year with you!

xoNatalie