Anna Maria Horner and I have been friends and collaborators now for about 6 years; but, she is the kind of friend you feel like you’ve known forever. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside her on more than one occasion and we created two stencil designs, Little Folks and Little Flowers, together—based on her extensive collection of fabric designs. Her books have influenced my thoughts on making; they have resulted in some beautiful projects and garments. We’ve even dedicated a section of our studio library to her publications. She has accomplished all of this while beautifully mothering six children…whew—what a woman.

This October, I’ll find myself in Nashville at Craft South, Anna Maria’s newly opened brick and mortar store, for a Two-Hour Sewing Workshop. We’ll also be hosting a book signing and trunk show. Mark your calendars now. Congratulations to Anna Maria on her new and exciting chapter at Craft South. We’re proud for The School of Making to be a part of it, and we’re over-the-moon for her kind review of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns.

Anna writes, “Instructing garment sewing from a book is tricky.  But Natalie does it in a way that investigates the basics (and also every combination of altering those basics) with just the right amount of detail and technique to make it informative, but also with just the right attitude and encouragement to make it approachable.”

I hope our instructions for garment sewing translate well to everyone who reads the book and that each of you enjoy the process of making—of building—your garment. This book was intended to help each of you customize the perfect garment with the perfect fit for YOU.

Visit Anna’s blog to read her full review here.

ANNA MARIA’S DESIGN CHOICES

Anna Maria chose the Fitted Long Sleeve T-shirt Top with Princess Seams. Its casual style is given a more feminine silhouette by tracing the princess seams for our Camisole Dress onto the T-shirt Top Pattern.

Garment Design – Fitted Long Sleeve T-shirt Top with Princess Seams
Fit Customization – Altering the bust using princess seams (page 110 of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns)
Fabric weight – 100% organic lightweight organic cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – Dark Indigo
Fabric color for inner layer – Dark Indigo
Technique – Backstitch reverse appliqué
Button Craft thread – Slate #26
Embroidery floss – Dark Grey
Textile paint color – Pearl Charcoal
Stencil – Magdalena
Knots – Inside
Seams – Inside felled
Binding stitch – Cretan

P.S.: Be sure to visit Craft South online or in person for a plethora of handmade fashions, fabrics, notions, books, workshops, and more.
xoNatalie