“A spider’s—or a painter’s—fleeting stab at perfection is a negligible stitch in an unbounded fabric. Its only significance lies in our own momentary, mortal gaze as we reckon with eternity.”  — Peter Schjeldahl  It is summertime in the early aughts, late evening. I am in New York City, and I’m riding my 1971 Schwinn Stardust bike on… Read on

In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, we asked artist, photographer, and good friend Rinne Allen to share some of her favorite things to give (and receive). We’re all fans of her thoughtfully curated selections. Read on to learn more about each item and why Rinne chose it as one of her favorites. Metalworker Laurel… Read on

Longtime collaborator Rinne Allen is a skillful storyteller in that she sets the stage, creates a visual narrative, and allows you to see through her same lens – without being heavy-handed. It is her light touch that allows Rinne to present her subjects in the best, most straight-forward, and appropriate manner but allows those subjects,… Read on

Rinne Allen and Alabama Chanin first crossed paths almost a decade ago, when Rinne attended one of Natalie’s early “Alabama Adventure” weekends—which included picnics, short workshops, music and storytelling. (Those early weekends became what is now our annual company picnic + workshop weekend.) After that, it seemed that we began to cross paths more frequently—at… Read on

I received the most lovely pack of 3 x 5 photographs from Rinne in the mail a few months back. The photos were like a photo album from the last three years of my life and included our old offices, my daughter at three weeks old, and my grown son. But the loveliest of all… Read on

Photographer and artist, Rinne Allen lives and works in Athens, Georgia (though she also travels the world taking pictures. Follow her on Instagram for a glimpse.) She is deeply committed to her community, having co-founded a children’s school for creative arts and working with the University of Georgia on special arts programming. It’s an understatement… Read on

Rinne Allen, collaborator and inspiration behind our most recent capsule collection, is the creator of a series of photo essays titled “Harvest”, a number of which have been published by T Magazine, of The New York Times. The Harvest Series is a first-person look at our regional agricultural systems, examining the individuals who work in… Read on

Photographer and artist Rinne Allen’s Light Drawings were introduced at Alabama Chanin during the summer of 2015. At that time, the Alabama Chanin Collection featured Indigo textiles, and the blue cyanotypes resonated perfectly with our designs. In addition to her blue light drawings, Rinne also creates sepia-colored works of art, which are presented alongside our… Read on

One of the most fantastic things about surrounding yourself with creative people is that you are constantly inspired and challenged to look at ideas through new and ingenious lenses. Rinne Allen, a frequent collaborator, is someone who has a special skill for capturing moments—details that other people may not see. This quality has made our… Read on

Original Publication Date: October 27, 2016Updated: May 22, 2023 There is a lot you can say about Scott Peacock: James Beard Award-winning chef, engaging storyteller, collaborator and co-author to Edna Lewis, budding farmer, writer/filmmaker, experimenter with indigo, and the creator of the inspiring Alabama Biscuit Experience in Marion, Alabama. As we launch our 2023 Summer Indigo… Read on

Above: from The Quilts of Gee’s Bend by William Arnett, Alivia Wardlaw, Jane Livingston, and John Beardsley; quilts by Loretta Pettway. Photograph by Abraham Rowe. The 2023 Project Threadways Symposium will be held April 20-22 in Florence, Alabama. In-person and virtual tickets are available—purchase yours here. ORIGINS AND VOICE OF THE 2023 PROJECT THREADWAYS SYMPOSIUM… Read on

Dianna Settles was born in Los Alamitos, California in 1989. She grew up in Blue Ridge, Georgia and received her BFA from San Francisco Art Institute in 2014. Settles currently resides on an urban farm in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lives and creates in the company of a large community and co-runs Hi-Lo Press, a… Read on

Follow along on Instagram for more inspiration and stories we love. @alabamachanin Summer Nights: A new capsule collection from Alabama Chanin. Explore the hand-painted “Summer Nights” motif on organic lightweight cotton, new waffle essentials, and evergreen staples for all of summer’s adventures. Featured:  The Summer Nights Coverup | $418Sustainability + Care: 100% Organic Lightweight Cotton… Read on

This week’s installment of Stories We Love highlights our latest collaboration with Heath Ceramics (@heathceramics). Watch for more inspiration and stories from the development of the Echo collection coming up on the Journal. Natalie at Home: Photographs by Rinne Allen (@rinneallen) Alabama Chanin x Heath Ceramics etched dinnerware. @heathceramicsMuir Flatware in Tumbled by Heath Ceramics…. Read on

Continuing our new weekly inspiration series where we share the stories, works, and musings that inspire Natalie and our team each week. Follow along on Instagram @alabamachanin to see more stories that #NatalieLoves each week. (P.S.— Explore our inaugural Stories we Love post here.) InStyle: “Peek Inside Alabama Chanin Founder Natalie Chanin’s Gorgeously Curated Home.”… Read on

2021 marks the tenth year of our annual review, looking back on the highlights, and accomplishments, of the past year.   We are grateful for the opportunity to do what we love for another year—being stewards of sustainability, sharing inspiration, creating designs and experiences with our family, friends, colleagues, and guests. We recognize that many of… Read on

Twenty.one onward through the liminal wan.der.lust air and love stitches  at the edge of nature freefall  renegade we are always coming home   trails of overgrown memories home.town love the thread catch my soul  scrub me new me together return to rethread aspire homeward  crafting web embellish.life storytelling core to live  and inspire  Created in collaboration with Diana Weymar of Tiny Pricks Project, Alabama Chanin x Tiny Pricks Project is a collection of 21 one-of-a-kind jackets,… Read on

Left: Stack of serged reclaimed down jackets, 2014, photograph by Rinne Allen; right: Grace Malloy of Poco Farm wearing Reclaimed Down Scarves for Patagonia’s Truth to Materials collection lookbook, 2014, photograph by Jeff Johnson “A big part of the beauty of this project is the prior lives of the down jackets. We will never know… Read on

Left: “African Burial Ground”, 2009; right: “Meanderings of an Imaginary River”, 2020 by Valerie S. Goodwin  This Thursday: Exhibition + Opening featuring fiber artist Valerie S. Goodwin | Florence, Alabama   Valerie Goodwin is a mixed media fiber artist, architect, and educator whose fine art works are included in museums and private collections. She has received degrees… Read on

Swatch of the Month Inspiration featuring Fabric Swatch in New Leaves White/Sand; Fabric Swatches in Abstract Concrete with Metallics and Tonal Paint; View of a display in Mary’s Weave Shed highlighting “Process in Work” by Natalie Chanin and Rachel K. Garceau. Photo: Rinne Allen; Loom in Mary’s Weave Shed highlighting “Process in Work” by Natalie… Read on

Design and color inspiration featuring September’s Swatch of the Month; The Swing Skirt Kit; Studio Bundle #3; The New Leaves Corset Kit; Fabric Swatches in Abstract Concrete with Metallic and Tonal Textile Paint; New Leaves Stencil. Following our Studio Bundle #3 launch is the arrival of new DIY kits and colorways to complement September’s Swatch of the Month and… Read on

Left: The Family of Woman: A World-Wide Photographic Perception of Female Life and Being published by Jerry Mason and Ridge Press; Right: Light Drawing by Rinne Allen featured in the Permission to Wander collection “If the beautiful were not in us, how would we ever recognize it?” —Ernst Haas Enjoy light reading and inspiration—from how trees communicate with one another to tile… Read on

Studio Bundle #3 inspiration featuring a display in Mary’s Weave Shed highlighting “Process in Work” by Natalie Chanin and Rachel K. Garceau. Photo: Rinne Allen; Studio Bundle #3; September’s Swatch of the Month; Rabun Studios Weaving Sample #16 – Color 28. Photo by Rinne Allen; Fabric Swatches in Abstract Concrete with Metallic and Tonal Paint;… Read on

In the spring of 2021, the League of Outdoor Women, a local organization that helps women build a relationship with the outdoors through education, community, and awareness, hosted a class on orienteering at Wildwood Park—one of my favorite parks in our community. I grew up blocks from this park hearing stories from my grandmother about how her… Read on

Rinne Allen, longtime friend and current collaborator, adopted the phrase “permission to wander” several years ago from her friend, artist Hope Hilton and Hope’s work. As Rinne told The Bitter Southerner, “I think many of us don’t allow ourselves idle time … permission to be idle. We think we have to fill most every hour with productivity. Deciding… Read on

“Okra flower and okra” from Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks through the Seasons by Steven Satterfield.   “Let things taste of what they are.” —Alice Waters  August produces an abundance of fresh vegetables from the garden, at farmers markets, and on the menu at local eateries. Popular in our community this season are corn, tomatoes,… Read on

“Leave the door open for the unknown…” “…the door into the dark.” “That’s where the most important things come from…” “…where you yourself came from…” “…and where you will go.” —Rebecca Solnit from A Field Guide to Getting Lost Permission to Wander is a capsule collection of hand-painted designs and artisan-made objects to inspire (and… Read on

 “A word after a word after a word is power.” – Margaret Atwood  Today, National Book Lovers’ Day, celebrates a love of reading and literature. It encourages us to put down our phones and settle in with a good book. To mark this celebration, Natalie (a self-proclaimed lover of books) shares her current summer reading… Read on

“Deciding to give myself permission to wander—without a set outcome, destination, or expectation—has been a turning point in my creative process…a vital part of my seasonal rhythm.” —Rinne Allen Permission to Wander: A new capsule collection in collaboration with our friend and muse, Rinne Allen. Discover hand-painted designs and artisan-made objects to inspire (and carry… Read on

Swatch of the Month Inspiration featuring: “Alternating Stitches, Alternating Double Chevron, Damask Stitch” from The Geometry of Hand-Sewing by Natalie Chanin (pages 128–129); August’s Swatch of the Month; “Fern Light Drawing” by Rinne Allen; Fabric detail of The Wrap Top Kit in Sand; Gold-Handled Embroidery Scissors; “Assorted yarns and fibers from Judith MacKenzie” by Rinne… Read on

“Deciding to give myself permission to wander — without a set outcome, destination, or expectation — has been a turning point in my creative process and in my role as a mother of young children. It is now a vital part of my seasonal rhythm.”  – Rinne Allen for The Bitter Southerner  Rinne Allen is a… Read on

“Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon.” —C. Day Lewis  Long days and short nights, travel and adventure, rest and relaxation, summertime connects us with the natural world, inspires exploration, and delivers bountiful gardens, fresh vegetables, and our beloved tomato sandwich. Follow these links to find readings and resources for… Read on

From Beauty Everyday by Rinne Allen, Rebecca Wood, and Kristen Bach (page 117).  “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”—Henry David Thoreau  Born on this day in 1817, poet, author, philosopher, and naturalist Henry David Thoreau was an advocate of living a simple life. Today, National Simplicity Day, honors his life and… Read on

Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring (from top left): Bead Mix in Natalie’s Mix; Fabric Swatch in Large Paradise Ochre with Couching and Accent Beading; Stars Alabama Sweater Tunic Kit; “Interior detail of Natalie’s kitchen”, 2019 by Rinne Allen; July’s Swatch of the Month featuring Beaded Satin Stars in Forest; “Andrea”, 2010 by Sissi Farassat… Read on

Swatch of the Month Inspiration: Beads + Sequins; June’s Swatch of the Month featuring Transitional Embroidery; “Shade Card” from Journeys in Natural Dyeing: Techniques for Creating Color at Home by Kristine Vejar and Adrienne Rodriguez (pages 182–183); “Oaks galls used to naturally dye June’s Swatch of the Month Embroidery Floss at the Verb Studio in… Read on

Lead image from Beauty Everyday, 2013 by Rinne Allen, Kristen Bach, and Rebecca Wood (page 59)    “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ― Aesop  Winter finally made it to Alabama last week, with snow and ice blanketing The Shoals. Prioritizing our team’s safety, Alabama Chanin made the decision to close The Factory for the week. This winter… Read on

“It is no secret that I feel a commitment to my community; it is equally evident the role that growing up in Florence, Alabama, had on my development as a designer. Textiles – the growing, picking, spinning, knitting, cutting, and sewing – were a part of the vernacular of small southern towns from the late… Read on

Founded in 2019 as a 501(c)(3), Project Threadways records, studies, and explores the history of textiles. Through their work, they seek to understand the impact that textiles and their creation—from raw material to finished good—had on our local community, the region of the American south, the nation, and finally at the global level—connecting the people, places, and materials throughout… Read on

Clockwise from top left: “Magpie” from the In Flight series, 2020 by Mark Harvey; Swatch of the Month 2021 Subscription from The School of Making; Graffiti Painted Tee from the Alabama Chanin Archives; Black Bugle Beads from The School of Making; The Keyhole Dress Kit in Baby Blue from The School of Making; “Structural Constellation” by Josef Albers via “Josef Albers’ Intimate Visual Relationship… Read on

From top left: Luna Rae Top in White Gold Palm; The Willie Top in Blue Slate; Waffle Caftan in Natural; Lightweight Organic Cotton Face Mask in Black; Left and bottom right: Lee Dress, 2017; Top right: Chandler Jacket and Austin Skirt, 2018 by Natalie Chanin for Alabama Chanin from The Women who Revolutionized Fashion: 250… Read on

From top left: Suns Apron detail, Suns Tee, Suns Apron development, Suns Apron, and Suns Apron detail from Hable Construction x Alabama Chanin Collaboration; “Susan Hable painting in her studio”, 2017 by Rinne Allen “Through collaborating, great things are possible.”  At Alabama Chanin, we thrive when collaborating with others. It brings out the best in… Read on

Clockwise from top left: “Khruangbin” by Mal de Mar from Lux Aeterna: Latitudes of Reverence to an Endless Sun, 2005–2018 by Mal de Mar; Abstract Camel Fabric Swatch from The School of Making DIY Kits; hand-stitched interpretations of cliffs and Italian roof tiles from The Intentional Thread: A Guide to Drawing, Gesture, and Color in Stitch, 2019 by Susan… Read on

“Untitled”, 1947 by Ruth Asawa at Black Mountain College; Keyhole Dress Kit from The School of Making; Left: “Group IX/UW, The Dove, No. 12”; Right: “Group IX/UW, The Dove, No. 13” from The SUW/UW Series, 1915 by Hilma af Klint. Photograph from Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future, 2018 by Tracey Baskhoff for The… Read on

From left: “Homage to the Square”, 1968 by Josef Albers via the Museum of Modern Art; Color Palette Bundle #3 from The School of Making, Abstract Gold Organic Cotton Swatch from The School of Making, “Lapis Lazuli (left) and Blue Verditer (right)” from An Atlas of Rare & Familiar Colour: The Harvard Art Museums’ Forbes Pigment Collection by Kingston Trinder (pages 116–117); Button Craft… Read on

It’s hard to believe that we are more than halfway through 2020 and The School of Making’s Year of Color. Such a year, we could never have fathomed—and, in so many ways, still cannot. Contemplation, making, and gathering inspiration for the future have become a go-to coping mechanism for me—which has been expressed through adding… Read on

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow – Audrey Hepburn  Originally planted during World War I and World War II, victory gardens offered food security, reduced pressure of the food supply, and encouraged morale during wartimes. They have made a resurgence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many citizens of communities across the world going… Read on

Melanie Falick has been a friend of Alabama Chanin and The School of Making since our earliest days and, through her former imprint at Abrams Books, edited five of our Studio Books. Her dedication to crafting by hand and sharing the importance of doing so made us compatible and complementary partners throughout the years. As part of her most recent… Read on

Earth Day has arrived; and in north Alabama, we find ourselves outside more, taking neighborhood walks (socially distant, of course), and watching flowers bloom.   We have written about Earth Day before and explored its history. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and, perhaps appropriately, we are watching and learning how the Earth and its natural… Read on

On Friday, we shared a response to the Coronavirus outbreak, announcing the postponement of our events in March and April, the temporary closure of our store, and our efforts to maintain a safe and responsible workplace and supply chain for our team and guests. If you missed it, we encourage you to read it here…. Read on

“I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty, or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted, and when the… Read on

“In a world where news of inhumanity bombards our sensibilities, where grasping for things goes so far beyond our needs, where time is squandered in busyness, it is a pleasure and a privilege to pause for a look at handiwork, to see beauty amidst utility, and to know that craft traditions begun so long ago… Read on

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” —John F. Kennedy The Oxford Dictionary defines grateful as “feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness.” Being thankful is a feeling; being grateful is an action. And while they are often used interchangeably,… Read on

As the Project Threadways Symposium approaches, we are excitedly finishing up last minute details and getting the final product ready for you to view. These details include completing our exhibition, which will be on display at The Factory. Our documents and oral histories will be presented and include quotes from former textile workers like Sherri… Read on

We are constantly singing the praises of our home state—its natural beauty, its historical musical past, its food culture, and its people. Our people: Alabama’s greatest treasure. In this Travel + Leisure article, author Kevin West winds his way across the state observing our inspiration and witnessing as we try to reckon with our ghosts…. Read on

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and the world better than you found it.” ― Marian Wright Edelman The affect a teacher can have on the life of her student can be monumental. From instilling a love of learning and fostering a sense of self confidence, to encouraging… Read on

In the late 1830s, English Botanist Anna Atkins likely was not too interested in the specifics of photography. Atkins was formally trained as a botanist and, at the time, was studying algae. Through her practice, she was looking for a way to document the delicate elements of each specimen. She learned of the process of… Read on

Crop Stories is a food-based magazine, with each issue focusing on a particular ingredient. Its fourth edition highlights sweet potatoes—histories and how-tos, stories of real people who work the land, and a whole mess of delicious recipes. According to editor Andre Gallant, the magazine wanted to seek out diverse narratives and writers. “What we hope… Read on

During June 2018, Natalie took month-long respite and creative journey during her residency at The Hambidge Center in the woods of north Georgia. She reflects on her time there and shares her experience for which she is eternally grateful: In the summer of 2017, I was going through what will always be known to me… Read on

Created in 1934 by Mary Hambidge, the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences is an artist community and sustainable farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, founded in memory of artist Jay Hambidge—Mary’s partner who introduced her to her life’s work, weaving. After retiring from work as a popular vaudeville whistler (with her… Read on

The past year has been one in which we’ve continually searched for beauty and hope; undoubtedly, 2017 has been a year unlike any other. As a company, our response to this year has been to look within and search for new meaning in what we do, to seek inspiration in the work of others, and—perhaps… Read on

Going into 2017, we knew there would be a lot in store. We launched a new website, several new collections, and brand new programming (like the Alabama Chanin Core Club). Our Bldg. 14 team really brought it this year, completing production for Alabama Chanin while having other special manufacturing projects under their belts for Patagonia,… Read on

Marfa, Texas, has fascinated the American imagination since we saw James Dean cross our wide movie screens in 1956’s Giant. It can seem both stubbornly Texan and confoundingly trendy at times, but it actually holds a great deal of magic for those willing to make the journey. Liz Lambert’s El Cosmico is a campground wonderland… Read on

As part of the creative process, inspiration comes from sources both expected and unexpected. We have found that surrounding ourselves with creative and generous artists and individuals naturally motivates us to do better work. We have been lucky to build relationships with truly like-minded people with whom collaboration is easy—just natural extensions of our relationships…. Read on

Hugh Acheson is a practical man. He’s witty and inventive, too, but he has the ability to cut through nonsense like a hot knife through butter. Hugh opened his Athens, Georgia-based flagship restaurant 5 & 10 in 2000 and followed in 2007 with a second space, The National. He has since opened the Atlanta-based Empire… Read on

As we move into 2017, we want to do so cloaked in a strong sense of community. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is approaching and my mind is drawn again and again to his idea of a Beloved Community, and how each of us, in our own way, can bring people together for a common… Read on

As a female business owner, Natalie is constantly asked questions about what it is like to be a woman AND entrepreneur, what it takes to start a company from scratch, and how to “have it all.” I hope that we have been able to dispel the “having it all” myth, but even now—after a decade… Read on

We’re always on the lookout for companies and businesses that align with our values and principles—and we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to purchase domestically produced goods made with ethical, sustainable practices. Our collaborations with Patagonia and Heath Ceramics are perfect examples. This year, in support of other small businesses, we’re celebrating Independence… Read on

For as long as we’ve known about their existence, we have been in love with Heath Ceramics. Their philosophies, their processes, their intentions—all align closely with our own. Our collaboration with Heath is our longest collaboration, dating back to 2011. When we partnered for our first collection together, they worked diligently to interpret the work… Read on

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2016 was to cook more at home. And I have. I started my New Year’s Day, after a good night’s sleep, with a delicious cup of my famous Coffee Milk—an indeterminate mixture of a latte, cappuccino, and a café au lait—made with whole milk (raw when I can… Read on

If you don’t yet know The Bitter Southerner, you should. They’ve been telling good stories since 2013, strong stories; stories that make you laugh, and stories that make you cry. There is so much that I love about what they are doing, but I especially love the description below from their “About” page by editor… Read on

New Years’ Eve is a big (if quiet) night for me. It’s been a long time since I was that girl that danced until sunrise. These days I’m much more into getting up at sunrise, writing, scheming, drinking coffee, and, on some days, simply cleaning house. That being said, I’ve very often had big changes… Read on

Looking back on 2015, it’s clear that this was the year of collaboration for Alabama Chanin. We expanded upon work that we have been creating with others for many years, added major new initiatives with new partners, and built upon our partnerships across all parts of our business. Partnership has always meant growth for Alabama… Read on

In March of 2015, The School of Making launched a partnership with Nest—a non-profit that joins together with artisans across the world to bring about positive social impact through sustainable development. Nest works specifically with artisans because they are often community-based businesses or organizations; they collaborate with those artisans to provide tools, training, infrastructure, and… Read on

In his last cookbook, A New Turn in the South, Hugh Acheson won us over with his focus on community, sustainability, and organic products. We so agree with his “Message About Community” in that book that we refer to it often in conversations about our own work and how to set standards for what is… Read on

I looked down at my calendar recently and was stunned to realize: this year is almost over. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was thinking summer vacations and tomato sandwiches. Now, I have to shift gears and get into holiday mode—quickly. It seems the older I get, the more I seem to… Read on

As many of you know, artist and photographer Rinne Allen has been a friend and collaborator for years. In our recent profile of Rinne, we told a little of her personal story and highlighted her incredible light drawings. In addition to her work with chef Hugh Acheson, magazines like Selvedge, and her own site Beauty… Read on

Bon Appétit’s October issue hit the stands this past week and featured a big Alabama party—complete with a campfire, Lodge Castiron, and whiskey. Read the full story of our ‘Alabama Getaway’ and find the recipes online here. A HUGE thank you is in order to all the chefs, makers, artists, and friends who drove (and… Read on

Newsletter #33 shares our newest Collection, as well as updates to our Cook + Dine section online. Our design team is also working on new designs for our Basics line—coming soon. We have a series of upcoming events at The Factory, which include our Friends of the Café Dinner on October 24th and an On… Read on

The source of creativity can be confounding. Artists have been famously driven by mystical or divine inspiration, obsessive love, depression, or self-exploration. Some artists are prolific; Picasso supposedly produced over 13,000 paintings and 100,000 prints. Others struggle openly, like author Fran Lebowitz whose writer’s block was so famously long that she called it “writer’s blockade.”… Read on

#aroundthefactory Thank you to everyone who came out, sponsored, and supported our Friends of the Café Dinner with Rob McDaniel, benefiting the Southern Foodways Alliance. To name a few—Rob McDaniel and his amazing team from SpringHouse Restaurant, Billy Reid, the Southern Foodways Alliance, John T. Edge and Melissa Hall, Grassroots Wine, Cathead Vodka, Good People Brewing,… Read on

The Alabama Chanin, Heath Ceramics, and Boiler Room teams have been working together over the past few months in preparation for our show in San Francisco, which opens tomorrow evening. Needless to say, we are very excited. The show, Alabama on Alabama, is the fourth ever exhibition in Heath Ceramics’ new event space, the Boiler Room. Heath… Read on

Over the last five years, our work with Cathy Bailey and Robin Petravic has been some of the most productive, exciting, and meaningful work that we’ve had the opportunity to do. Robin and Cathy are husband and wife, parents to Jasper, writers of the new book, Tile Makes the Room, and the owners and operators… Read on

It’s no secret that we at Alabama Chanin have long been admirers of Heath Ceramics—their work, their approach to responsible manufacturing, and their embrace of beautiful, sustainable design sets them apart from so many companies today. We have also been honored (and excited) to collaborate with them on several projects, including a line of dinnerware,… Read on

Love this shot of the Peasant Top from our last shoot with Rinne Allen. Be on the lookout for new additions to our current collection in the coming month…  

The process of canning and preserving is just one of the “living arts” that we are thrilled to see making a comeback. This year at The Factory Café, we have set ourselves the goal to “put-up” as much of the bounty of summer as we possibly can. (Not to mention my plans for my own… Read on

Last year, we launched our Friends of the Café Dinner and Factory Chef Series, which was quickly established as part of our Makeshift initiative. As with most things here at Alabama Chanin, the idea evolved over time from an interesting idea into something bigger. In 2015, we are continuing to host Friends of the Café… Read on

This take on our Long Fitted Skirt—one of my longtime favorite go-to pieces—is available for a limited time in our DIY Sewing Kit Collection through The School of Making. I own many versions of this skirt in a range of colors and wear them throughout the year, from one season to the next. The Long… Read on

The School of Making is firmly in place. Our new collection of DIY Kits is being loved (and completed) by many. The occasional frustration of writing a book is now replaced with the joy and pride of making something new and beautiful. Now, we can hardly believe that the arrival of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns is just… Read on

When we first opened our Bldg. 14 division in July of 2013, we learned quickly that there was still SO MUCH to learn. So, with the concept of The School of Making firmly in place, we began at the beginning to work on a set of finishing examples for our Bldg. 14 machine-made division. Like… Read on

Previously, I shared the story of my first encounter with Jill Dumain of Patagonia. Meeting Jill and hearing her speak not only opened my eyes to the good work that company was going; it opened my eyes to what is possible. Years of conversation finally resulted in a collaboration between Alabama Chanin and Patagonia, as… Read on

Two years ago this week, we were picking organic Alabama cotton. Today, The New York Times – T Magazine shares that journey. Thank you (and a BIG hug) to Rinne Allen for taking this journey with us. From Rinne: “Two years ago, I found myself knee-deep in a field in rural Alabama, picking organic cotton… Read on

Alabama Chanin’s Friends of the Café Piggy Bank Dinner for Southern Foodways Alliance, featuring Ashley Christensen, was a singing success last Thursday. Not only did the ingredients sing on the plate, but our diners have adopted the habit of singing to our featured chefs. This time, Ashley Christensen was serenaded with a round of Happy… Read on

It’s no secret that we at Alabama Chanin have long been admirers of Heath Ceramics – their work, their approach to responsible manufacturing, and their embrace of beautiful, sustainable design sets them apart from so many companies today. We have also been honored (and excited) to collaborate with them on several projects, including a line… Read on

Each morning, when the rising sun (or my daughter) wakes me and I open my eyes, I begin to go over my plan for the day. This is a treasured time. Some days, I can’t wait to get going and the day’s tasks are joyous and fruitful; other days, work just feels like…work. Last summer,… Read on

I met photographer Rinne Allen years ago, through mutual friend Angie Mosier, and have adored her ever since. Her work inspires me over and over again as it is always stunning and captures intimate aspects of life that many overlook. Rinne’s love for gardening, travel, and all things handmade makes her the ideal Alabama Chanin… Read on

It’s been a busy past few months for Alabama Chanin. Shortly after our cotton picking party and field day came our biggest Black Friday sale, then the holidays, our Garage Sale, Craftsy launch, travels to Los Angeles, the Texas Playboys visit to Florence, and much more in between. All the while, we’ve been making headway… Read on

I’m going to admit something that might seem a little pedestrian to some of you, perhaps a little familiar to others: I watch a lot of television, all kinds. I’m simultaneously a television snob and a consumer of frivolous content. I’m not sure how I rationalize all of that, but to quote Whitman in a… Read on

It’s the time of year when most of us start to look back at the past year to take stock and plan for the next. As a company, Alabama Chanin is no different. With a lot of help from our friends, we’ve brought the year to a (BIG) close with our first online Garage Sale…. Read on

Our friend Rinne Allen has been photographing our work for the last few years and shot pictures for our upcoming Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. Her work is beautiful. She also just completed the cookbook A New Turn in the South with her friend Hugh Acheson – and it’s a beauty. The combination of type,… Read on

The most beautiful package came through the mail from our friend (and sometimes collaborator) Rinne Allen and (yes, idol) Susan Hable. How did they know that I have a big love for little books?

Above: Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour, edited by Michelle Tolini Finamore. Read (or listen) along with us. #AlabamaChaninBookClub(Updated August 21, 2023) Some of the links below contain affiliate links. By purchasing a book or audio recording at these links, Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways may receive a portion of the purchase… Read on

Freedom Quilt by Jessie B. Telfair (1913 – 1986). Made in 1983. Jessie was fired from her job in a school cafeteria because she registered to vote during the Civil Rights Movement. The pain of the incident stayed with her her whole life and fellow quiltmakers urged her to express her pain through her art…. Read on

As we write this post our national food and beverage industry is in free-fall. Restaurants and bars, shuttered in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, have laid off an unknown number of staff and servers across the country. We feel deeply what our friend Brooks Reitz wrote yesterday, “Uncharted waters. We have been gut punched,… Read on

“Where there is a woman, there is magic.” ― Ntozake Shange  International Women’s Day was celebrated yesterday, March 8th. In its honor, we invite you to reflect on this year’s theme, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,” and encourage you to support local and national organizations that stand behind a better and more inclusive future. We… Read on

As part of the recent School of Making update, The Starter Poncho Kit was introduced to the DIY Sewing Kit collection. Perfect for novice and advanced sewers alike, The Starter Poncho is a versatile cover-up and a great layering piece to help carry your wardrobe into the colder season. The simple placement of the stencil… Read on

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” ― Helen Keller One of The Shoals most famous residents was Helen Keller. Blind and deaf, the Tuscumbia native devoted her life to education and improving the lives of the deaf and blind.  She authored numerous books throughout her life and on September 14, 1964 (55 years… Read on

In 2008, at the launch of Alabama Stitch Book and before The School of Making was established, we began receiving questions about where to purchase organic materials and sewing supplies like the ones were using at Alabama Chanin. As some of the items were difficult to source, we began offering a small selection of our… Read on

Born in India, the now-Raleigh, North Carolina-based chef Cheetie Kumar’s life in America began in the Bronx, New York. She and her family lived in a small apartment in an immigrant neighborhood, where she began to cultivate her new Indian-American identity. Her mother began introducing Cheetie to her culinary heritage at an early age, teaching… Read on

“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how brave its warriors nor how strong their weapons.” ― Cheyenne proverb, found in the book Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog In the wake of the anti-abortion bill that was signed into law… Read on

“Bldg. 14 works to preserve [the] history and tell a new story of modern manufacturing in the United States.” ― alabamachanin.com It’s been 5 years since we opened Building 14, the machine manufacturing arm of Alabama Chanin’s Family of Businesses. In those five years, we have ushered in the Core Club and the Clean Tee,… Read on

“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” ― Mary Wollstonecraft Whether it was the right to vote, the rights to racial and gender equality, the right for control over their own bodies, or the myriad of other causes taken up by women throughout history, the activists and leaders… Read on

“The reason why we won’t face up to our problems with the environment is that we are the problem. It’s not the corporations out there, it’s not the governments, it’s us. We’re the ones telling the corporations to make more stuff, and make it as cheap and as disposable as possible. We’re not citizens anymore…. Read on

Graffiti is a form of expression, a way to state things (i.e. funny, political, or otherwise), and can be found in any place. We’re using our graffiti in defense of clean cotton, safe fashion, and a healthy environment. Wear it alone. Mix it with other graffiti. Layer it. Tie your hair back with it. Belt… Read on

“Travelling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station’.” — Lisa St. Aubin de Teran Road trips are a very sensory and immersive method of traveling. Unlike a plane, which only offers a patchwork view of the land below, road… Read on

Most of us have seen boxes of old patterns in our grandparents’ attics or at yard sales, but have you ever considered putting them to use? For those who are interested in doing just that, Vintage Patterns Wikia has posted over 84,000 out-of-print patterns from before 1990 in a searchable archive. Not all viewable patterns are… Read on

“A community is made up of intimate relationships among diversified types of individuals—a kinship group, a local group, a neighborhood, a village, a large family.” – Carroll Quigley As we prepare to host friends, family, Shoals locals, guests from afar, and our making community for The Gathering this week, we were inspired to explore our… Read on

We’ve long been admirers of Liz Pape and her team at Elizabeth Suzann. The Nashville-based company holds quality clothing and mindful consumption at its heart—paying strict attention to detail, respecting the people they work with, their company culture, and the environment. The garments that Elizabeth Suzann produces are cut and sewn locally (sound familiar?) out… Read on

“There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson You can’t beat the taste of a perfectly ripe pear. When I’m at the market, I hear Emerson in my head reminding me of the short window I have to enjoy them. However, you… Read on

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day is recognized as August 4th, though we celebrate every day around here. (They’re offered on the menu in The Factory Café Monday – Saturday.) Today we pay homage to the American dessert that has acted as temporary relief from financial woes during The Great Depression and became a symbol of… Read on

If you attended or read about any of our Makeshift events, you already know how much we respect and admire designer Maria Cornejo. She has been both conscious and vocal about fashion’s impact on the environment for many years—certainly before “sustainability” became a buzz word. Much of her design approach focuses on efficiency, and so… Read on

Sunset is the perfect balance of a bright and muted pink hue, making this color a customer favorite this summer. Introduced in our Core Essentials, Sunset is now available in our hand-embroidered Sylvan design with and without beaded details. A selection of our Collection garments is crafted entirely by hand. Some pieces feature a combination… Read on

This year’s Friends of the Café dinner series has been a gratifying success, as we once again have worked with some of the most talented and knowledgeable chefs in the South to raise funds for the Southern Foodways Alliance. Our upcoming dinner will be hosted by James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen, a longtime friend… Read on

In celebration of National Shrimp Day on May 10th, The Factory Café will serve Fried Green Tomatoes + Shrimp Remoulade made with Royal Red Gulf shrimp for lunch next week. With a recipe from the SFA Community Cookbook, this dish will be available from May 9th – 12th. Natalie and the Alabama Chanin team constantly… Read on

In the earliest years of this company, Natalie Chanin was a “design team” of one—one person to dream and research and sketch and make. While she was lucky to have a talented team to consult with (people like Diane Hall and Steven Smith), the heavy lifting was done by a single person. As Alabama Chanin… Read on

The global fashion industry is notoriously opaque, and it depends upon exploitation of workers and environmentally damaging practices. It is an issue that we’ve spoken of many times and one that drives us to do our very best to remain as transparent in our methods and materials as possible. But for us, there is also… Read on

There’s more in store this spring, as the current Collection evolves—with the introduction of new styles, a new color, Navy, and a new stencil design. We continue to love Frida, and introduce more embroidered designs in Baby Blue and Concrete colorways. With a bold floral pattern, our newest stencil design complements the delicate Frida embroidery…. Read on

In an introduction to her third book, Natalie writes, “I want to dress women like me, modern women who may not have perfect bodies or stylists to help them make wardrobe choices but who want to make their way through their busy lives with beauty and grace, who want to sustain valuable traditions and live… Read on

Historically, wedding gowns have not always been made in the traditional white color that we think of today. It wasn’t until 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a lace-trimmed, white silk gown that white was established as a bridal norm. Queen Victoria sourced regional textiles to use in her… Read on

Thank you to Mary Celeste Beall and the Blackberry Farm team for including our hand-dyed Indigo Quilts in this year’s Farmstead Catalog. In addition to our quilts, the catalog includes holiday gift items from Blackberry Farm to stock your pantry (Pickled Ramps and Farm Jams are a favorite) and decorate your home. View the catalog… Read on

This season, we’ve launched new additions to our Collections that include our recent Holiday garments; we’ve also incorporated styling rib-knit basics, socks, and scarves. Today we announce two more styles that will complete our Collection for 2016. Our Madison and Piper Dresses introduce a hand-stenciled Flora design to our form-flattering Sleeveless and Long Sleeve Rib… Read on

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens Our Walking Cape is the perfect all-weather staple, and it lives in my closet all year long. It is the ideal companion for the… Read on

When the company that became Alabama Chanin began years ago, we didn’t have (or didn’t know how to find) many kindred spirits—those who were enthusiastic about celebrating uniquely Southern craft traditions. Years later, we look around and see so many individuals and organizations who have taken up the banner for Southern craft, culture, foodways, and… Read on

With our newest collection, we are introducing garment styles new to the Alabama Chanin wardrobe. Perhaps the most notable new addition is the Half Skirt. Similar to an apron, it wraps around the body and is secured with a waist tie. The intention of the Half Skirt is to add variety to your wardrobe with… Read on

This week, we are pleased to launch Alabama Chanin Collection #29—with never before seen garment styles and stencils. Natalie has been working for many years to grow a talented design team that understands our company mission and helps advance the design story we tell with each collection. The garments are presented in four main colors—Natural,… Read on

Rinne’s Light Drawings remind me of leaves floating on the surface of still water, in shades of blue and indigo. And we’ve just added more of her ethereal drawings to our online selection.  Stop by The Factory Store in Florence, where they are on display and available for purchase. Call us with any questions: +1.256.760.1090 the… Read on

According to Wikipedia, supply chain is defined as “a system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer.” At Alabama Chanin we strive to responsibly produce quality, sustainable products—at every level of the supply chain. We believe that responsibility means transparency and understanding where each material comes from… Read on

When we opened our Bldg. 14 manufacturing facility in the summer of 2013, we knew that we had to commit to learning about the ever-changing manufacturing industry—and that the learning curve would be steep. But as we began to educate ourselves, we found that no manual or set of rules existed for us to consult…. Read on

In 1982, Ari Weinzweig and his business partner Paul Saginaw opened Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Today, that institution has evolved into a collection of food specialty businesses (known as the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, or ZCoB) that includes a bakery, mail order operation, a coffee company, candy manufacturer, a barbeque restaurant, creamery, and… Read on

Alabama Chanin will host our final “Friends of the Café” Dinner of the 2014 season next Friday evening. The creative team from Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q, including Nicholas Pikakis and Drew Robinson, will be on hand to direct the menu. I find it amazing that Jim ‘N Nick’s currently operates over 30 restaurants across… Read on

Quite a few years ago, I loaded up the car with scissors, needles, and an array of other sewing supplies and took a trip with a group of friends and fellow stitchers to a women’s prison facility (at their invitation, of course). My friend Kyes had organized this meeting in the hopes of developing a… Read on

My love for barbeque is no secret. Though I might be partial to our local fixings, I can honestly say most of the barbeque I’ve experienced throughout Alabama and the South is both distinctive and delicious. Each region and territory has its own unique recipes and tastes. One of the most well-known barbeque establishments from… Read on

Passion. It takes passion to make a difference. When you truly want something, you find a way to make it happen, naysayers be damned. In the moments when it seems your project is doomed for failure, you carry on. You learn to ask for help and to count your blessings. Our organic Alabama cotton is… Read on

One Saturday morning in the mid-1930s, Mancey Massengill, a wife and mother of two, saw people having their pictures made in a dime store photo booth in Batesville, Arkansas. According to her son Lance, “she watched close, and got the name off the camera, then wrote to the company and ordered the lens. She got… Read on

About four years ago (to my dismay), Diane Hall, our head seamstress and studio directress, turned in her five-year notice. However, as her retirement grows closer, it has become evident to all of us at the studio that we will continue to see her around The Factory after her “official” retirement. Diane has developed a… Read on

“Don’t throw anything away. Away is not far from you.” The quote above hangs in our studio as a reminder that each action we take (no matter how big or small) impacts our environment. Designed by our friend Robert Rausch a few years ago, the simple quote was stamped on an event invite as a means… Read on

Those of you who have followed Alabama Chanin for years know that this company was built around the concepts of expert craftsmanship, beauty, function, and utility. Focusing on using sustainable, organic, and local materials and labor, we have committed ourselves to producing quality products made in the USA. As we grew, the company developed a… Read on

A new favorite place to visit: Beauty Everyday for Southern Beauty, Creativity & Food