This week, we feature another in our series of posts from makers we admire highlighting Alabama Chanin garments—specially tailored for the wearer, using techniques outlined in Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns. Previous posts from Amy Herzog and Heather Ross reveal what we really already know: we are not defined by our garment fit issues and owning something that truly fits your own body can enhance your confidence.

Today we are delighted to post kind words from Amy Butler. Amy is a designer whose fabric prints are instantly identifiable; her sewing patterns (we love her unique bags) are exciting and feel fresh. Over the years, Amy has created a signature line of home goods that include lush looking rugs, covetable wallpaper, and lovely wall art and stationery. Make time to browse her website—I guarantee you will end up with a wish list a mile long.

In the past, Amy has had varying degrees of success finding the right garment length, so we tailored our Classic Coat pattern to fall at exactly the right place for her height. View Chapter 2: Fit + Customization, pages 112-115 in Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns for more suggestions on how to best alter your garment’s length to your own measurements.

Look for more posts from some of our favorite makers in the coming months. And now, from Amy:

Like me, many of you have fallen in love with the enchanting handmade garments from Natalie Chanin. As a fan and passionate follower I have collected all of her beautiful sewing books including her newest book “Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns“ where Natalie guides us step by step through the process of customizing a hand-stitched wardrobe that fits our unique body shapes. The book is filled with techniques for tailoring, which guides you through the process of creating a truly one of a kind garment! The book also includes a CD with new projects and ALL of the patterns from her first 3 books (what a treasure!) including inspiring details showing how to create her signature beaded and embroidered embellishments.

I was gifted the opportunity to intimately experience her brilliance and impeccable style by having a custom garment created for me! Each of Natalie’s garments are constructed with 100% organic cotton and made completely by hand! Her garments are a gorgeous example of true couture made with integrity and care. I selected her Classic Coat silhouette with reverse appliqué using her New Leaves pattern. You can follow the embellishing process on pg. 151 and check out the customizing options for the coat on pg. 31. Being a tall girl, Natalie’s studio made a few minor adjustments in the length for the body and the sleeves. I have to tell you, when I opened the package with my coat from Natalie’s studio I gasped out loud and then screamed with joy! I realized I had received an heirloom treasure made just for me that I will enjoy forever. It feels amazing to connect with Natalie’s ethos and brand through this garment and by traveling through her books. She graciously invites us to be a part of her creation experience and style, empowering us with knowledge and inspiration to recreate her vision in our sewing studios around the globe! Natalie has created a community and tribe, and it’s amazing to connect with her world. She celebrates the art of sewing, and the investment of time in making something from the heart as she encourages us to “Make What We Love”. Come join my visual journey and be sure to explore Natalie’s studio. Lots of Love! XO Amy

AMY’S DESIGN CHOICES

Garment Design – Classic Coat
Fit Customization – Lengthen coat body 10”—for a finished length of 48”
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight organic cotton jersey
Fabric color for top layer – Pewter
Fabric color for bottom layer – Black
Fabric color for band – Really Red
Technique – Backstitch reverse appliqué
Button Craft thread – Slate #26
Embroidery floss – Dark Grey
Textile paint color – Black Gold
Stencil – New Leaves
Knots – Inside
Seams – Inside felled
Binding stitch – Cretan