Next in our “year in review” series is a look at 2018 for Bldg. 14, Alabama Chanin’s Design & Manufacturing division.

Bldg. 14 began the year developing and making machine-sewn styles for the Alabama Chanin Collection—a practice that has been in effect since its inception in 2013. The team in Bldg. 14 worked to develop our Clean Tee program which launched at the beginning of May to celebrate five years of Bldg. 14. It was a huge accomplishment for us in recreating the textile industry that was once such a viatal part of our community.  With unisex styles in a range of fabrications and prices, the program has proven popular for our customers and collaborators alike. Since May, we’ve worked with Rosanne Cash to benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, Grammy-nominated artist Cedric Burnside, and a new charity bringing awareness to Type One Diabetes called One to None. Look for other collaborations in the year to come.

Bldg. 14 became a greater part of manufacturing in our region as it expanded and took on projects for others. We partnered with friend and designer Elizabeth Suzann, Burt’s Bees Baby, and projects for Jamie + the Jones, Hotel Noelle, and a range of other great companies who care about sustainability. Alabama Chanin’s zero waste collaboration with Patagonia was made in Bldg. 14 and sold out in record time.

We continued our work with the non-profit group Nest, and together we are (currently) raising money for a Gerber digital pattern maker. This technology would not just be used by Alabama Chanin and Bldg. 14, but would also be available to Nest’s other artisans worldwide—over 450 makers. (You can contribute to this effort by donating here.)

From creating partnerships to creating designs, Bldg. 14 hit its stride this year and has put a mark on the Alabama Chanin brand by growing our manufacturing initiative—not only for us, but for the global textile industry. We are humbled and proud of its support and accomplishments and look forward to what’s to come in 2019.

Look for The Year in Review from The Factory Store + Café tomorrow.