August. Whirlwind Month. 
(And we’re only halfway through.)
A note from Natalie.

I hope this finds you all well. I’m writing from my kitchen, back doors flung open to a cool(er) morning—foreshadowing the change of seasons. I spent the morning making lists, updating my calendar, reminiscing on the last week, and looking forward what lies ahead. 

First off, last Friday in Nashville we hosted our One-Day Embroidery Workshop—highlighting The Geometry of Hand-Sewing— with Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne at MDK. Teaching about this favorite of my books (if a mom can choose a favorite) also gave me a chance to brush up on my own embroidery skills and catch up with some favorite makers. 

I also wound up purchasing knitting needles and yarn—which may be shocking to some who’ve heard me declare, “I’m not a knitter, thank you.” Appreciation goes out to Kay and Ann for giving me the knitting tip, “You need to loosen up.” My new motto for life.

You may see me embroidering my knitting one day soon. Explore all of our upcoming in-person and virtual workshops here and join the party. 

Following Nashville, Arkansas. 

It was an inspiring weekend getaway to the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, and the Sunken Lands Songwriters Circle with Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal, Sarah Jarosz, and Rodney Crowell. Save the date for April 6-8, 2024, for the Great North American Eclipse, and the Arkansas Roots Music Festival in Dyess. Learn more about the Historic Dyess Colony here.

(Thank you to Kay for Eleanor Roosevelt’s memories of Dyess. The piece can be found by searching Dyess here.)

The newest color in our 100% Organic Cotton Jersey has arrived, and we started shipping out Midnight this week. The winning color during our Color Vote, limited quantities are available of Midnight here. Look for a new Color Vote coming soon.

For the first time in a very long time, we’re offering limited-edition Solid DIY Kits. These solid color kits are also available in Midnight (while it lasts) and a range of our most beloved colors.

On Thursday of this week, I had the opportunity to travel to the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy in Alberta, Alabama. Thank you to Kim V. Kelly, Mary McCarthy, and all the wonderful people involved in this important project. I hope you find time to immerse yourself in their work, save the date, and reserve a spot for the Airing of the Quilts Festival in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, on Saturday, October 7, 2023. I’ll see you there. 

(Thank you to Scott Peacock for riding shotgun and for the delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no biscuits included. Think Alabama Cornbread Experience.)

And save the date for the 2024 Project Threadways Symposium at The Factory. Entitled, “The Future” we’ll be serving up lots of good—from April 18th to 21st. 

As we end the week, we’re phasing out our Indigo Summer program. Snag a piece (or two) of the collection and an array of fabrics and DIY Kits. Limited production available and shipping in September. Thank you to everyone who supported this work. We’re looking forward to resting the vats to gear up for another season very soon.

I’m over-the-moon to announce that I’ll be traveling to Boston and Salem next week to gather with the team at the Peabody Essex Museum—more on this soon. I’m looking forward to exploring Gu Wenda: United Nations and Gio Swaby: Fresh Up exhibitions and so much more.

Finally, in the coming weeks we’ll be launching a new collection for Fall, and heading to Paris to present our Spring collection for press and wholesale sales. For more information on these collections, reach out to Jess:  studio@alabamachanin.com. 

Looking forward to all the next adventures,

Natalie