Published in 2015, Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns: A Guide to Customizing a Hand-Stitched Alabama Chanin Wardrobe is the fourth in our Studio Book series and, because our maker community has embraced the idea of sustainable customization, has become one of our most popular books. As part of our 10-year celebration of Alabama Stitch Book, we will be updating Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns with a new cover and a fresh new look.

This book came about because of a growing conversation about the state of many ready-to-wear and fast fashion selections in the marketplace – collections of clothing that didn’t really represent the reality of many people’s bodies. As a way of challenging unrealistic standards and empowering people to embrace their own silhouettes, we wanted to offer solutions for creating flexibility and help people feel truly comfortable in their own clothing. Because, while the fashion world is gradually changing, we simply cannot wait on the marketplace to make the changes we need, when we want them. We fully believe that if you want clothing that fits you well and reflects your personal style, you often have to take the power of creating those things into your own hands.

Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns introduced some new garment patterns to our list of available items and includes a CD that offers the patterns from all of our other Studio Books. To increase our accessibility and offer more options to our maker community, we are converting all of our patterns to digital and printed form, starting with the A-Line Dress.

The A-Line Dress has long been a favorite with a style and shape that flatters a wide range of body types. It is fitted in the bust with a full flare through the hip and a classic v-neckline. This shape, with larger panels, lends itself well to appliqué and embellishment or can be kept unembellished for more casual, everyday wear.

Shop the pattern here.

If you haven’t yet done so, we invite you to take the leap and explore Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns. Just as our grandmothers did, we can alter clothes we love to fit our unique bodies. We have the ability to make adjustments to our favorite pieces as styles evolve. Natalie and our team are truly proud of the changes this book made for our larger maker community. We hope that you will continue to use it to customize your style and embrace your true self.