Originally published in 2010, a few years after Natalie’s acclaimed Alabama Stitch Book, Alabama Studio Style expanded on the philosophies and skills taught in the first book. More importantly, though, Alabama Studio Style was an invitation into Natalie’s home. Stories and recipes for an “Autumn Brunch,” “Alabama Studio Celebration,” and “Pickling Party” fill the pages. The much-loved Angie’s Fall stencil motif was featured prominently on home goods and garments. The (then) newly released Tank Dress pattern provided inspiration and instruction for our makers, and home projects like doilies, pillows, placemats, market bags, canning-jar covers, and friendship chairs fill the pages.
Sadly, Alabama Studio Style is retired and no longer printed.
Find all of our Studio Books (and patterns) here.
As always, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your support of Alabama Chanin and The School of Making over the years and through this journey sustainability, creativity, and education.
P.S.: While we’re sad to see Alabama Studio Style retired, we’re over-the-moon to announce that we’ll be publishing a new book in Fall 2022, Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making. You can pre-order the new title here.
My absolute favorite book! I re-read it, cover to cover, on a hot summer day every year ever since I bought it. (It was my introduction to Alabama Chanin.) It is almost falling apart now, but I’ll have it forever, like a dear friend!
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Eva, and for your kind words. We deeply appreciate your support of Alabama Chanin.
I just acquired this book along with 3 others. I discovered Alabama Chanin a month ago. I was on Instagram and Bluprint featured the “Geometry of Hand Sewing” and bought it on the fly. I’m now obsessed with the “slow design” and purchased several kits and yards of fabric. I’m currently working on the t-shirt kit. Can’t wait to get it finished.
I hope you will enjoy working on your new DIY Kit, Julie.
I love this book! It’s a little different from the others, but always felt more personal; if I put up tomatoes the AC way or made one of the pillows to give away, then that was a connection with a long line of women, far distant and yet very close. I hope people can grab a copy if they haven’t one already.
Thank you, Annemarie!
A valued part of my library. Grab one.
So glad that you enjoy it, Jacquelyn.
Can’t wait for your new book. As someone who may never get to Alabama Chanin USA I lap up your sharing of knowledge. My library one day last year gave me the book that is being discontinued … they were turning over their resources. I returned the book then sat down to read something else when normally I would just go home. About ten minutes later the librarian came to ask me if I wanted that book and if I would make use of it. I had borrowed a few of Natalie’s books over and over again. I said of course! It came with the patterns and stencils in tact. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful work for us to replicate at home. It is really awesome fun to create designer pieces at home. I ponder over all photos of original Alabama Chanin designs all the time – the way certain embroideries go onto certain shapes of fabrics….everything. One day if you make a digital library of your swatches that would be so cool.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for the suggestion about the digital swatch library. We are always striving to educate and inspire our makers.
I lent all of my 4 Alabama Chanin books to a young woman who is studying design at a college in nyc – she had never heard of AC, nor was she aware of the style/techniques. she flipped and had her mom buy her 2 of the books for her xmas present. I will treasure my books forever and will someday pass them on to my grand daughters whom I am teaching to appliqué AC style. have enjoyed seeing the evolution of AC style, and so look forward to the new book, I have been obsessed since the moment I saw my first Alabama Chanin. you remain so unique and quite fabulous!
Thank you for your support of Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, Sherry. It is wonderful to hear that the art of hand-sewing is being passed to the next generation.
Years ago, I checked Alabama Studio Style out of the library. Reading it made me so happy kept it for six weeks. When it became available again, I checked it out for another six weeks. Then, I bought my own copy. I made a tank top for my daughter. The book was my escape from this sometimes ugly, frightening world. I have recently given all my Natalie books to my great niece due to my failing health. Thanks for the beautiful book.
Thank you for your kind words, Nancy, and we wish you all the best on your health journey. I hope your great-niece is enjoying the books.
Wow. I second the idea that all Alabama Chanin patterns and stencils be digitally archived and maybe be made available to consumers on a rotating basis. ( Whatever reasonable business model works. ) I adore seeing pictures of your design work.
Good luck with the new book!
That you for your kind words and support, Lara!