Search Results for: swatch of the month

July 13, 2022
INSPIRATION: JULY’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH
Clockwise: Fabric Swatch in Ballet/Ballet with Latticework Passementerie and Herringbone Stitching; Passementerie-inspired dress from the Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2015 RTW collection; “Miscellaneous Shroud Knots (Plates 69–90)” from Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work, 1939 by John Hensel and Raoul Graumont; July 2022 Swatch of the Month detail featuring Latticework Passementerie and Herringbone Stitching… Read on

October 20, 2021
INSPIRATION: SWATCH OF THE MONTH + FANCY TIGER CRAFTS
Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring Fabric Swatch in Large Polka Dot Natural/White using Whipstitch Appliqué; Fen Dress Pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts; Fancy Tiger Crafts storefront in Denver, Colorado; Embroidery Floss; Interior shot of Fancy Tiger Crafts; Left: “Untitled”; Right: “Buds”, 1959 by Agnes Martin. From Agnes Martin, 2015 edited by Frances Morris and Tiffany Bell… Read on

October 7, 2021
OCTOBER’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH
October’s Swatch of the Month highlights the Medium Polka Dot Stencil using the Negative Reverse Appliqué technique with the Feather Stitch. The neutral Sand on Sand color palette in 100% organic medium-weight jersey pairs well with projects created from the Studio Bundle #3. Left: Studio Bundle #3; right: The Wrap Top Kit in Sand Fancy Tiger Crafts, this month’s collaborator, is a beloved staple… Read on

September 29, 2021
INSPIRATION: SWATCH OF THE MONTH + HAMBIDGE
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

September 2, 2021
SEPTEMBER’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH
September’s Swatch of the Month reflects on the creative process and journey in each of us. Using the New Leaves Stencil design, natural elements come into play and call back Natalie’s monthlong residency at the Hambidge Center in the north Georgia mountains during the summer of 2018. Register for Swatch of the Month here for… Read on

August 26, 2021
MADELINETOSH: AUGUST’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH COLLABORATOR
Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring Fern Stencil artwork; Plain Cake Yarn by Madelinetosh; Grid of fabric swatches testing tonal paint with Fern Stencil, Laura Zander, CEO of Madelinetosh with Plain Cake yarn; August’s Swatch of the Month; Cake stand from Alabama Studio Style; Photograph by Robert Rausch With a focus of building community through… Read on

August 19, 2021
AUGUST’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH: Q&A + MORE WITH MADELINETOSH
Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring August’s Swatch of the Month; Plain Cake Yarn by Madelinetosh; Dyeing yarn in Madelinetosh dye studio; Plain Cake from The Factory Café; The Wrap Top Kit in Black; Madelinetosh Yarn. We first met Laura Zander (now CEO of Madelinetosh) at one of our sewing workshops hosted at The Factory in… Read on

August 5, 2021
INTRODUCING AUGUST’S SWATCH OF THE MONTH
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

June 24, 2021
JOURNEYS IN NATURAL DYEING + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
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

June 17, 2021
SWATCH OF THE MONTH INSPIRATION: A VERB FOR KEEPING WARM
Swatch of the Month Inspiration featuring Journeys in Natural Dyeing: Techniques for Creating Color at Home; Kristine Vejar: Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns from the Alabama Chanin Journal Archives; June Swatch of the Month Exclusive: Naturally Dyed Embroidery Floss; “Shearing day at Sally Fox’s farm from A Verb for Keeping Warm Blog; The Slim Scarf Kit;… Read on

May 27, 2021
ROSANNE CASH + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
From top left: May 2021 Swatch of the Month; Fabric Swatch in Magdalena Camel; Needles; Embroidery Floss; Bird on a Branch Swing Skirt Kit; Image of Rosanne Courtesy of Clay Patrick McBride a bird on the edge of a blade lost now forever my love in a sweet memory —Bird on a Blade by Rosanne Cash and Dan Rizzie Last… Read on

May 20, 2021
SWATCH OF THE MONTH INSPIRATION: ROSANNE CASH + DAN RIZZIE
From top left: May 2021 Swatch of the Month; Embroidery Floss; Bird on a Branch Swing Skirt Kit; The Studio Bundles; Bird on a Branch T-Shirt Top Kit; “this is my least favorite you who floats far above earth and stone the night that I twist on the rack is the time that I feel most… Read on

April 22, 2021
SWATCH OF THE MONTH INSPIRATION: NAMED CLOTHING + PARIS HAUTE COUTURE
From top left: Lahja Unisex Dressing Gown pattern from Named Clothing; Sewing Needles from The School of Making; Sointu Tee pattern from Named Clothing; Variegated Stripe Fabric Swatch in Camel/Natural with mixed embroidery from The Geometry of Hand-Sewing; Breaking the Pattern: A Modern Way to Sew by Saara and Laura Huhta; Color Palette Bundle… Read on

February 25, 2021
MORE MARIE LOVE + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
“Anything which is worth the effort to portray, is worth every effort to improve upon.” – Eugene Von Bruenchenhein In case you missed it, read Natalie’s personal essay about the inspiration for our Marie Stencil from the work of Eugene Von Bruenchenhein. The Marie Stencil is featured as this month’s Swatch of the Month, and we’re showing more love… Read on

February 18, 2021
SWATCH OF THE MONTH INSPIRATION: EUGENE + MARIE
From top left: Fabric Swatch in Marie Natural/Carmine with Whipstitch Appliqué; The Marie Swing Skirt Kit in White/Natural with Reverse Appliqué; Eugene Von Bruenchenhein: King of Lesser Lands by Philip March Jones; “Marie”, by Eugene Von Bruenchenhein from Eugene Von Bruenchenhein: King of Lesser Lands; Fabric Swatch in Daisy Carmine/White with Variegated Red Embroidery Floss with Whipstitch Appliqué; Fabric Swatch in Large Polka Dot Natural/White with Beaded Whipstitch Appliqué. Last week, we… Read on

January 21, 2021
SWATCH OF THE MONTH INSPIRATION: FADED DIY KITS + MATERIALS
From top left: January’s Swatch of the Month Magdalena Black/Faded colorway; Fabric Detail of Black 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey stenciled in Magdalena; Lightweight Jersey Car Coat Kit; Black Bugle Beads; The Faded Stripe Pencil Skirt Kit; The Swing Skirt Pattern in Bloomers Black/Faded Colorway What I love about watercolor is that a lot of happy accidents occur. – Jane Seymour January’s Swatch of the Month features our faded organic cotton… Read on

December 17, 2020
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: EXPLORATIONS IN EMBROIDERY
The most important thing is that you love what you are doing, and the second that you are not afraid of where your next idea will lead. – Charles Eames At The School of Making, we preserve the Living Arts through educational and open source initiatives and programs. We work at the intersection of fashion,… Read on

December 3, 2015
DECEMBER + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
December has arrived, and with it come holiday parties, family get-togethers, and plenty of reasons to cook and bake. The Factory’s calendar is a little less packed this month, simply because we all have so much to do at home and with our families. But—great news! December is National Egg Nog Month. No matter what… Read on

October 29, 2015
NOVEMBER + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
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

October 1, 2015
OCTOBER + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
October is here and—finally—we are beginning to get a reprieve from the heat of summer. By now, my house has gotten back into the school, work, homework, bedtime routine. (I think every year Maggie manages to negotiate a later bedtime, while mine gets earlier and earlier.) October is one of my favorite months, because it… Read on
September 3, 2015
SEPTEMBER + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
September comes as a bit of a relief this year, as it brings more routine, less travel, and a few moments to relax. While I’ve enjoyed my unforgettable summer with Maggie (especially our cross-country train trip), most parents will agree that there’s just the slightest feeling of liberation when your child goes back to school (albeit… Read on

July 30, 2015
AUGUST + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
The months of June and July were wonderful and hectic in lots of beautiful and fun ways. There was plenty of travel, including our trip to Blackberry Farm and the cross-country train trip that Maggie and I took to San Francisco. With August comes a welcome bit of calm, just before our house gets back… Read on

July 2, 2015
JULY + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
Summer is now officially in full swing. As adults, we rarely get to indulge in a full-scale month of vacation—as our children often do. But, in July I like to take a few extra days to enjoy summer with my family and friends. Maggie absolutely loves July (and July 4th festivities are some of her… Read on

May 7, 2015
MAY + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
I am happy to greet May, partly because April came “as advertised”—dropping buckets of rain—but also because May is filled with so many good things. So many, in fact, that I might feel differently by month’s end, but for now I am ready. There are workshops, both at home and afar. Maggie finishes school at… Read on

April 2, 2015
APRIL + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
With the arrival of April (and the announcement of our partnership with Nest), it feels as though we are finally settling into the year. April’s warmer weather is also welcomed with open arms (and horseback rides). April is a busy month. April is National Poetry Month. Poetry lovers can begin a project using our Poetry… Read on

February 26, 2015
MARCH + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
February is technically a short month, but it was so fast and furious that I had to make conscious efforts to be mindful AND productive. March looks to be just as busy, but in the best way—full of things I want to do and people I want to see. It is National Women’s History month,… Read on

January 29, 2015
FEBRUARY + SWATCH OF THE MONTH
We began our 2015 Swatch of the Month back in January but neglected to write about the swatch and share pictures here on the Journal. Many of you reached out to let us know that you missed these posts. We heard. We listened. And herewith, our February post (and the slightly late January below). Here’s… Read on

December 4, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER 2014
Our final Swatch of the Month for 2014 combines several techniques explored (and hopefully mastered) in previous months’ swatches—including appliqué, negative reverse appliqué, and eyelet beading. The design, titled Natalie’s Dream, is beautifully intricate and one of my personal favorites (hence the name). To create the swatch, begin by stenciling the design to the top… Read on

November 13, 2014
2015 SWATCH OF THE MONTH
In 2014, we were inspired by our extensive fabric library—and readers expressed interest in trying new techniques—to create our first Swatch of the Month Club. Our library of sample swatches archives over 500 techniques, embroideries, fabric treatments, and colorways that we have experimented with or used in past and upcoming Alabama Chanin collections. If you… Read on

October 30, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER 2014
The Swatch of the Month for November highlights one of my all time favorite designs, Climbing Daisy. The technique uses ribbon embroidery, which beautifully adds dimension and detail to projects and garments. The concept is simple: we use cotton ribbon rather than thread or embroidery floss to stitch the design. This technique can be applied… Read on

October 2, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER 2014
The October Swatch of the Month highlights one of our most popular embroidery treatments—Alabama Fur. The technique, first presented in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, combines our Spiral stencil with backstitch-worked embroidery floss, and incorporating exposed knots and tails. Simple, yet time consuming, the end result is a hypnotic continuation of curves that is both… Read on

September 4, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER 2014
The Swatch of the Month for September continues August’s emphasis on texture as it relates to an overall design perspective. Couching has a sculptural quality and it places significant focus on the stencil or design motif it highlights. This stencil, Anna’s Garden, works well with the couching technique, as it has lots of curved shapes… Read on

July 3, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: JULY 2014
The July Swatch of the Month demonstrates one of our popular beaded embroidery techniques, the Satin Stars design. This technique is highlighted in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, where you can view an in-depth fabric map of the embroidery. Use the Satin Stars design to add embellishment using either an allover or placement technique, as… Read on

May 29, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: JUNE 2014
The Swatch of the Month for June combines a number of embroidery techniques into a single design. This stencil, appropriately titled June’s Spring, combines both basic techniques, like backstitch embroidery and appliqué, with more elaborate treatments, like beading and Feather stitch embroidery. The combination of these elements on one swatch results in a lush, rich… Read on

May 1, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: MAY 2014
The Swatch of the Month for May demonstrates our beaded ruffle stripe technique. This is a variation of our random ruffle technique, featured in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. You can add several rows of ruffles for a more elaborate textural design or use just one if you want to highlight the technique itself. Detailed… Read on

April 3, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: APRIL 2014
The Swatch of the Month for April allows you the opportunity to experiment with a basic, traditional appliqué technique in our Anna’s Garden stencil design. Appliqué is a way of “applying” one fabric on top of another. We use appliqué for many reasons – to add color, texture, dimension, and more elaborate design work to a… Read on

March 6, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: MARCH 2014
Each month, as part of our Swatch of the Month Club, we are demonstrating some of our most popular techniques so that you might try your hand at creating new designs and embroideries. If you join the Swatch of the Month Club, you will receive a ready-to-sew package each month with the supplies needed to… Read on

February 6, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2014
February’s Swatch of the Month illustrates a variation on Alabama Chanin’s basic reverse appliqué technique in our Anna’s Garden design. With a membership in our Swatch of the Month Club, you can try out a different technique each month. You may purchase a Swatch of the Month membership at any point in the year and… Read on

January 2, 2014
SWATCH OF THE MONTH: JANUARY 2014
January’s Swatch of the Month incorporates Alabama Chanin’s basic reverse appliqué technique with our Paisley stencil. Explore our techniques and build your skills with a membership to our Swatch of the Month Club and follow along here on the Journal. The photograph above shows one of many options you can create when making your own… Read on

November 21, 2013
SWATCH OF THE MONTH CLUB
I’ve written before about our Fabric Library, a collection of sample blocks and swatches that our company has created over the years. Each swatch starts out the same way, as a basic 10” x 16” rectangle of our organic cotton jersey. Then each one is embellished with embroidery, stencils, beading, and/or appliqué. These sample blocks,… Read on

August 21, 2014
DIY SWATCH TOTE
Each month, we invite our fellow stitchers to create a favorite Alabama Chanin pattern, embellishment, or embroidery technique through our Swatch of the Month Club. As a companion to that monthly series, we are also offering DIY projects that you can create with your completed swatches. Past projects include DIY Swatch Pillows, DIY Book Covers,… Read on

June 12, 2014
DIY SWATCH WRAP
Each month, we feature a favorite Alabama Chanin embroidery technique as part of our Swatch of the Month Club. Additionally, we offer suggestions as to how you might put your completed swatches to use. Past month’s project offerings have included the DIY Clutch, DIY Book Covers, and DIY Swatch Pillows. This month – with 6… Read on

March 13, 2014
DIY SWATCH PILLOWS
Each Thursday on the Journal we post DIY projects and ideas. On Thursdays following our highlight of the Swatch of the Month, we will be creating projects made from our completed swatches as a source of inspiration for those of you following along. At Alabama Chanin, swatches start out as a design concept for new… Read on

November 17, 2022
NEW DIY KIT: ANNA’S GARDEN COUCHED LONG SKIRT
One of our favorite holiday DIY silhouettes, the Long Skirt is now available in Couched Anna’s Garden inspired by November’s Swatch of the Month. Shop the new Anna’s Garden Couched Long Skirt Kit (or give a year of swatches to the makers in your life). #MeMade Holiday: Long Skirt Highlight

June 15, 2022
JUNE INSPIRATION: FROM THE SCHOOL OF MAKING
A closer look at a few of the textiles, stitches, and silhouettes that served as inspiration in developing featured projects and materials for June. Studio Bundle #2 is the color palette and common thread that is woven through newness at The School of Making, from June’s Swatch of the Month design to newly released DIY… Read on

June 13, 2022
COLOR PALETTE INSPIRATION: STUDIO BUNDLE #2
“Untitled (S.270),” 1954–1958 by Ruth Asawa via the Whitney Museum of American Art; Fabric Swatch in Abstract Camel/Camel with Reverse Appliqué; Installation views of Todd Hido: The Poetry of Darkness for the University of Kentucky Art Museum via Institute 193; Family, 1965 by Margaret Mead and photographed by Ken Heyman; The A-Line Top + Tunic Kit in Abstract Navy/Navy; Color sample swatches from the development of Studio Bundle #2. The School of Making… Read on

March 3, 2022
EXPERIENCE THE SCHOOL OF MAKING
Led by our team of experts and skilled artisans, The School of Making workshops offer immersive, hands-on education in all things DIY and hand-sewing. Suited to specific areas of interest and experience levels, upcoming workshops range from virtual and beginner courses to highly specialized weeklong sessions. In addition to teaching skills and techniques to carry… Read on

December 29, 2021
2021: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
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

December 20, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 51/52 | 2021
In the spirit of the holiday season, we are reminded: “Live by the Word (your word, your heart, your humanity, your humility, your best self, your fear, your higher power) and keep walking.” —Alice Walker Revisit Alice Walker and Living by the Word here in this essay from Natalie. And also follow Natalie’s journey here through Alabama Chanin’s 21 Years… Read on

December 13, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 50/52 | 2021
“Much of the social history of early America has been lost to us precisely because women were expected to use needles rather than pens. Yet if textiles are in one sense an emblem of women’s oppression, they have also been an almost universal medium of female expression. If historians are to understand the lives of… Read on

December 6, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 49/52 | 2021
“Serial in production, social in philosophy, circular by design, and faithful to longevity, Natalie’s collections signalled that international fashion could break the industry’s seasonal cycle and come from anywhere, even deep in the heart of Alabama where quilt-making became a movement at Gee’s Bend one century before. Local and global while defining a contemporary version of Americana… Read on

November 15, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 46/52 | 2021
Tomorrow, we continue celebrating 21 Years, launching a collaboration with our friend and forward-thinking maker Diana Weymar of Tiny Pricks Project. The Alabama Chanin x Tiny Pricks Project is a collection of 21 one-of-a-kind jackets, each embroidered with lines from a poem titled Twenty-One Years. The poem, using words and sayings from twenty-one years of work, was written in a collaboration between… Read on

November 8, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 45/52 | 2021
“Natalie and her team lead with the heart. The passion they have for people and mother earth is palpable. It is evident in everything they do – from fabrics to food, from hospitality to home goods, from workforce development to the way they share the work of others they admire.” —Malia Mills, swimwear designer and… Read on

November 1, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 44/52 | 2021
Left: “Inspired By quilt”, 2014 by Beth Shibley, Los Alamitos, California, contributor Quilt Alliance with accompanying essay “Flags of Hope” essay, by Natalie Chanin, published in Talking Textiles, Issue 1 for New York Textile Month, September 2016 (pages 206–207). “A quilt tells a story about its maker, specific to a time and place; a quilt, quite literally, is a whole… Read on

October 25, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 43/52 | 2021
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

October 18, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 42/52 | 2021
Left: Etched dinnerware from the Alabama Chanin and Heath Ceramics Collaboration, bowls and mug from Heath Ceramics’ Coupe line, Alabama Chanin placemats and napkins with embroidery, 2011, featured in the T Magazine piece “Table Dressing,” written by Alexandra Lange “Depth of craft and beauty coupled with purpose [is Alabama Chanin’s most enduring quality]. There’s so… Read on

October 14, 2021
NEW DIY KITS: THE POLKA DOT
Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring the Fancy Tiger Top Kit; Embroidery Floss; October’s Swatch of the Month; Climbing Daisy Stencil artwork; right: Facets Stencil artwork from Alabama Studio Sewing + Design by Natalie Chanin (pages 132–133); Studio Bundle #3; The Starter Poncho Kit. “With just one polka dot, nothing can be achieved.” —Yayoi Kusama … Read on

October 11, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 41/52 | 2021
Left: “Barns of the Future” featuring The Farm Project by Mike Meiré from View on Colour: A World of Folk by Li Edelkoort, 2008, photographed by Robert Rausch; right: Indigo dyed Corset in reverse appliqué Angie’s Fall from the Alabama Chanin and Goods of Conscious collaboration, 2009, photographed and styled by Sarah Lewis Moursund Join… Read on

October 4, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 40/52 | 2021
The Alabama Chanin 21 Years celebration continues tomorrow, highlighting the years from 2004 – 2006 during which Natalie collaborates with more artists and designers, becomes a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and founds Alabama Chanin—a career milestone in 2006. This celebration marks Natalie’s legacy in sustainable design and honors our collaborators,… Read on

September 27, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 39/52 | 2021
Left: Models in Project Alabama for Prom Night show, photographed by Billy Farrell for Patrick McMullen; from left: Maxamilla, Ksenia, Camila, Jaja Tomorrow, the 21 Years Celebration continues to unfold with new entries from our archives, published articles, interviews, and essays. This week, we look at 2003—a year rife with collaborations and hear from more… Read on

September 20, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 38/52 | 2021
Left: Early hand-sewn Alabama collection “Sister Shirt”, 2001, Natalie Chanin; Right: Film still portraits from the Life Ball awareness campaign, 1999, photography direction by Sissi Farassat; Location scouting photos, photographed by Wolfgang Tschofen, Vienna,1999, photograph by Robert Rausch On September 21, 2000, Natalie “Alabama” Chanin showed her first collection, a “project” that would become Alabama… Read on

September 16, 2021
NEW DIY KITS: FEATURING NEW LEAVES
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

September 13, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 37/52 | 2021
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

September 9, 2021
NEW STUDIO BUNDLE #3
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

August 16, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 33/52 | 2021
“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

August 12, 2021
FERN + HAND-DYED YARN WITH MADELINETOSH
August 2021 Swatch of the Month inspiration featuring: Detail of The Wrap Top Kit in Sand; Embroidery Floss; The Wrap Top Kit in Sand; Plain Cake hand-dyed yarn from Madelinetosh for August’s Swatch of the Month and DIY kits; Plain Cake Tea Towel Kit; Plain Cake yarn in Madelinetosh studio. In collaboration, Madelinetosh developed an exclusive… Read on

August 9, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 32/52 | 2021
“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

August 2, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 31/52 | 2021
“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

July 26, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 30/52 | 2021
“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

July 19, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 29/52 | 2021
The Summer of Love collection highlights our Love Tee—a nod to sharing with those we love. Explore inspirations from the 1967 Summer of Love movement that reflected a longing for peace and love and represents a time unlike any other in American history: The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock & Roll — the de… Read on

July 12, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 28/52 | 2021
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

July 8, 2021
NEW DIY KITS: (BEADED) SATIN STARS
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

July 5, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 27/52 | 2021
“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” — Marc Jacobs Not only is a T-shirt the foundation of so many wardrobes, but it is a foundation of Alabama Chanin. Nearly two decades ago Natalie cut up her first T-shirt, sewed it back together, and set herself on the path towards Alabama Chanin. This summer… Read on

June 28, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 26/52 | 2021
“For the artisan, craft is an end in itself. For you, the artist, craft is the vehicle for expressing your vision. Craft is the visible edge of art.” — David Paul Bayles At Alabama Chanin, we have enlisted the craftsmanship of skilled artisans for two decades. These artisans, who are independent contractors, craft our heirloom-quality Collection garments utilizing hand-sewing skills. As we celebrate Natalie’s… Read on

June 21, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 25/52 | 2021
Each moment is just what it is. It might be the only moment of our life; it might be the only strawberry we’ll ever eat. – Pema Chödrön June brings the Summer Solstice on June 20th, and its full moon, the Strawberry Moon on June 24th—honoring the berry synonymous with summer. That summertime staple, the strawberry,… Read on

June 14, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 24/52 | 2021
Left: “Plate 110. Wall hanging, Jacquard weaving”, 1925; right: “Plate 111. Wall hanging, three-ply weave”, 1926 by Anni Albers from Anni Albers: On Weaving (New Expanded Edition) by Anni Albers with afterword by Nicholas Fox Weber and essays by Manuel Cirauqui and T’ai Smith. “Most of our lives we live closed up in ourselves, with… Read on

June 10, 2021
TRANSITIONAL EMBROIDERY (+ NEW DIY KITS)
June’s Swatch of the Month explores a new way to showcase embroidery techniques through an application we call ‘Transitional Embroidery.’ Our three new kits—The Cropped Car Jacket, The Slim Scarf Kit, and The Scarf Kit—inspired us to experiment with this application. Transitional Embroidery is a combination of embroidery techniques applied to a fabric. As we… Read on

June 7, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 23/52 | 2021
Left: “Untitled”; Right: “Buds”, 1959 by Agnes Martin. From Agnes Martin, 2015 edited by Frances Morris and Tiffany Bell (pages 50–51). “Beauty is the mystery of life. It is not in the eye, it is in the mind.” — Agnes Martin As we usher in June, we’re happy to celebrate Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community. This week… Read on

June 3, 2021
BIRD ON A BRANCH DIY KITS
Inspiration featuring from top left: “i just want a love that bends / a love that wins / an honest friend ” from Bird on a Blade by Rosanne Cash and Dan Rizzie (pages 18–19); Photograph of Rosanne Cash by Clay Patrick McBride; Maggie’s Dream Top Kit; May 2021 Swatch of the Month Detail; The Studio Bundles;… Read on

May 31, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 22/52 | 2021
“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer… one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends, and delightful doing, come as near perfection as anything can come in this world.” — from Anne’s House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery As the world starts to awaken, this summer is a time for… Read on

May 13, 2021
NEW: BIRD ON A BRANCH KITS (+ INSPIRATION)
From top left: May 2021 Swatch of the Month; Textile Paint color studies for swatch development; Stem Stitch detail from The Geometry of Hand-Sewing by Natalie Chanin; “If Jesus came from Missisippi, if tears began to rhyme, I’ll have to start at the beginning, it’s a world of strange design” from Bird on a Blade… Read on

May 5, 2021
NEW: STUDIO BUNDLE #2 (CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AND HISTORY)
From top left: May Swatch of the Month variation with Black backing layer and appliqué; Gold-Handled Embroidery Scissors; Alabama Chanin Archives Fall/Winter 2010 Collection; Brown Bugle Beads; Studio Bundle #2; Fabric Swatch in Abstract Forest/Forest with Brown Variegated Embroidery Floss Natalie writes of her return home in 2000, “Although I had been gone from Alabama… Read on

April 28, 2021
NEVER A PAL LIKE MOTHER (+ ROSANNE CASH)
As Mother’s Day approaches, we revisit one of our favorite books and a Journal post honoring mothers. Our friends at Dust-to-Digital released Never A Pal Like Mother: Vintage Songs & Photographs of the One Who’s Always True in 2011. The forward is written by friend, mother, Alabama Chanin ambassador, and master lyricist Rosanne Cash. In May of 2021, The School of Making… Read on

April 8, 2021
NEW: VARIEGATED STRIPE KITS + INSPIRATION
From top left: The Stitch Journal; Bead Sampler; The Stripe Poncho Kit; Fabric Swatch Detail in Variegated Stripe Camel/Natural with embroidery stitches from The Geometry of Hand-Sewing April’s Swatch of the Month design features the Variegated Stripe Stencil and embroidery stitches from The Geometry of Hand-Sewing which debuted in 2017. Variegated Stripe is our take on a classic stripe that provides visual interest with… Read on

April 1, 2021
NEWNESS FROM THE SCHOOL OF MAKING
Last week, we announced an update to AlabamaChanin.com. The website features a new look for The School of Making, where we introduce new maker supplies, tools, and notions from our archives. Explore each of the categories below to find DIY and making goodness. Contact orders@alabamachanin.com or call 256-760-1090 for assistance with our (new) website or for… Read on

March 18, 2021
NEW: RUFFLE KITS + INSPIRATION
“Pleated Ruffle”, 2012 from Alabama Studio Sewing + Design by Natalie Chanin (pages 108–109); The Ruffle Swing Skirt Kit in Black from The School of Making; “Galloon, Silk and metal thread”, 17th–18th century from the Metropolitan Museum of Art; “Riverside Museum”, 2011 by Zaha Hadid Architects via dezeen; The Ruffle Swing Skirt Kit in Black from The School of Making; Left: “Balenciaga’s… Read on

March 1, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 09/52 | 2021
Lead image: “The Wall #2”, 1962 by Agnes Martin from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. “I do know one thing about me: I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth.” ― Sonia Sotomayor HISTORY describes Women’s History Month as a time to “reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of… Read on

February 22, 2021
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 08/52 | 2021
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

February 11, 2021
NEW: MARIE DIY KITS + INSPIRATION
From top left: February 2021 Swatch of the Month: Marie White/Natural Fabric Swatch in Backstitch Reverse Appliqué; The Marie Swing Skirt Kit in White/Natural; Limited-Edition Variegated Embroidery Floss in Variegated Brown; Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas February’s Swatch of the Month design features the Marie Stencil, which debuted in The School of Making in 2018. The… Read on

January 14, 2021
COLOR PALETTE 2021 INSPIRATION: EARTH AND SKY
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

December 31, 2020
2020: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
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

December 25, 2020
2020 FAVORITES: STORIES FROM THE SCHOOL OF MAKING
Launched in 2006, the Alabama Chanin Journal celebrates the art of storytelling. This weekend we look back at our top Journal stories of 2020, starting today with The School of Making. This year, above all, we’ve learned from our readers about the importance of connection, inspiration, and making. Check back tomorrow for Alabama Chanin’s 2020… Read on

January 9, 2020
2020 : THE YEAR OF COLOR
It is hard for me to believe that 2020 will mark 20 years of Alabama Chanin and 20 years of defining sustainability. The School of Making programming began 12 years ago with the launch of Alabama Stitch Book, although we didn’t know or plan how the publication of that book would change the course of our business. … Read on

June 21, 2018
FANCY TIGER CRAFTS: THE FEN PATTERN
The School of Making offers a wide range of beloved sewing patterns, available in our Studio Book Series and as standalone patterns. We’ve also adapted sewing patterns from other designers using our techniques and materials with beautiful results. Some of our favorites from the past are from Merchant & Mills, DKNY, and Vogue Patterns. Our… Read on

December 1, 2016
BUILD A WARDROBE 2017
In 2016, The School of Making successfully expanded our Swatch of the Month Club and other hand-sewing programs into a larger experiment—Build a Wardrobe. This project offered our maker community the opportunity to take things they have learned from our Studio Book Series, workshops, and our Journal and create pieces they could fold seamlessly into… Read on

July 7, 2016
DIY WALKING CAPE
The third quarter of our Build a Wardrobe program has arrived, with our beloved Walking Cape pattern. The individual garment pattern, which includes instructions for selecting fabric, cutting, and constructing, can be purchased for $18 – $24 online, depending on format. This pattern is designed for use with our Studio Book Series. The Build a… Read on

March 31, 2016
DIY ALABAMA SWEATER
The fourth month of 2016 launches the second quarter of our Build a Wardrobe program and, with it, the Alabama Sweater garment pattern. Available for individual purchase for $18 – $24, depending on format. The PDF download includes the nested pattern in sizes ranging from XS to XXL and comes with tips on fabric selection,… Read on

February 4, 2016
BUILD A WARDROBE: SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-LAYERED
When joining our Build a Wardrobe program, participants make design choices for each of the four garments they create. When planning a design for any garment, the first decision you make is whether the garment will be made with a single- or double-layer of our organic cotton jersey. Some embroidery or embellishment choices will make… Read on

January 14, 2016
INSPIRATION: MAGGIE TUNIC
I assume that most folks imagine that the Maggie Top/Tunic/Dress is named after my daughter Maggie—and they would be right, in a way. What few people know is that the garment is named after an apron/smock dress that my Maggie wore and loved as a three-year-old. One day as I was dressing her and life… Read on

January 7, 2016
DIY MAGGIE DRESS
Today, we launch our Maggie Dress garment pattern—available in PDF format through our website. Part of our Build a Wardrobe programming and available for individual purchase at $18, the PDF download includes the nested pattern and comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. Our PDF patterns (more styles… Read on

January 1, 2016
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
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

December 10, 2015
BUILD A WARDROBE (JOIN THE CLUB)
Over the past two years, The School of Making has evolved into a community of creators who experiment together with a diverse range of sewing, stitching, and embroidery techniques, design concepts, dyeing methods, and a widening array of practical skills. Through our Swatch of the Month and our Host a Party programs, we’ve watched our community of makers… Read on

June 25, 2015
MERCHANT & MILLS: THE FACTORY DRESS PATTERN
In January, we added to our ongoing Makeshift series, adapting available garment patterns using Alabama Chanin techniques with a Merchant & Mills pattern for the Shirt Dress. This month, we’ve created another Merchant & Mills garment in our own style—an Alabama Chanin version of the Factory Dress (love the name). This piece is shown here without embellishment… Read on

March 9, 2015
THÉRÈSE DE DILLMONT (AND GAUGUIN)
While writing this post about March and our Swatch of the Month, I mentioned the Encyclopedia of Needlework by Thérèse de Dillmont which I am currently reading in preparation for a new book we are writing (yes, another book) on the tools of handwork. I became curious about the life of Thérèse de Dillmont who… Read on

February 19, 2015
DIY ANNA’S GARDEN LONG SKIRT KIT
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

January 15, 2015
MERCHANT & MILLS: THE DRESS SHIRT PATTERN
In our ongoing Makeshift conversation on design, craft, food, DIY, and fashion—and how they intersect—we continue to adapt open-source patterns from other designers and brands using Alabama Chanin techniques. This experiment demonstrates how open-sourced materials and collaborative works can be used in any number of ways and tailored to almost any personal style. For this… Read on

December 18, 2014
DIY MAGDALENA A-LINE DRESS
With the release of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns, we offer a DIY Sewing Kit for our A-Line Dress. This dress is part of our DIY Sewing Kit Collection. Made from our medium-weight 100% organic cotton jersey, the dress is patterned with our Magdalena Stencil and shown here worked in negative reverse appliqué; however, you may choose… Read on

August 7, 2014
INSPIRATION: KRISTINA’S ROSE
Clockwise: Studio Bundle #2 from The School of Making; Fabric Swatch in Natural/Bright White Kristina’s Rose with appliqué and beading; “Roses and Revolution” featuring the iconic Tina Modotti photograph “Roses, Mexico” (1924) from Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit; Kristina’s Rose stencil artwork; Fabric Swatch in Bright White/Natural Kristina’s Rose with appliqué and beading; Detail of… Read on

July 10, 2014
DIY STARS TUNIC
Each month of 2014, we have been demonstrating some of our favorite embroidery techniques as part of our Swatch of the Month Club. The month of July features our satin stitch-embroidered Stars design, embellished with beads and sequins. To highlight this stencil and technique – and as a way to celebrate Independence Day all summer… Read on

May 8, 2014
DIY CLUTCH
Each month, we highlight one of our favorite embroidery techniques through our Swatch of the Month Club. As a companion to that monthly series, we have also put together a selection of projects you can create with your completed swatches. This month, we have created a beaded clutch bag, which you will need one finished… Read on

April 10, 2014
DIY BOOK COVERS
In service to everyone who showed such great response to our Swatch of the Month, we are featuring a series of DIY projects that you can create with your completed swatch(es). This month’s project is a book cover adapted to fit the size of our Studio Books. It requires one swatch and four blank panels… Read on

March 27, 2014
STARTER SEWING KIT
After launching our Swatch of the Month Club in January, we received several requests for a more accessible way to sample a variety of our techniques before investing in a club membership. Our commitment to listening to your feedback and, in turn, giving better service, led us to create the Starter Sewing Kit. Our Starter… Read on

September 8, 2023
THE WEEK IN REVIEW | 09/10/23
The Winter Trees. Natalie’s Garden.Thank you. A Note from Natalie: I’m sending this note while en route to Paris with Collection #67: Natalie’s Garden in tow, headed for the spring presentations. While these forty-eight new styles travel to their unveiling at the Palais-Royal, Collection #66: The Winter Trees launched online this past Tuesday. The ever-unfolding succession of… Read on

August 21, 2023
WHAT WE ARE READING
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

March 23, 2023
THE LIST: ON WANDERLUST (AND MEASURING)
From top, left to right: Fabric swatch of the Fiorire paint design on organic canvas; menu for the Friends of the Café Dinner for Project Threadways, featuring Chef Nicole Mills; The Nieve Skirt in Wax; The Noto Bandana; A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit; Alabama Chanin Core Club in Navy and Natural…. Read on

August 12, 2022
EMBROIDERY: THREADS AND STORIES
Embroidery opens with Natalie Chanin narrating a series of moments from her life: speaking at The Moth, standing dumbstruck on a New York City street corner, dancing in Naples, swimming in Venezuela, screaming into Angry Cove, coming home to Alabama in the middle of the night. Over the course of the book, she connects these… Read on

November 23, 2021
TWENTY-ONE YEARS: A JOURNEY
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

June 18, 2020
THE UNIFORM: TONE ON TONE
From top left: Backstitch Reverse Appliqué Abstract fabric swatch from The School of Making; Malick Bodian self-portrait as directed by stylist Suzanne Koller for A.P.C; “Felt Suit,” 1970 by Joseph Beuys via Tate; Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the December 2019 issue of American Vogue wearing a dress by Balenciaga, styled by Tonne Goodman and photographed and… Read on

February 17, 2020
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 07/52 | 2020
“Alabama Chanin as a business was founded on the idea of a quilting stitch. And although it took me months to realize that I was actually quilting as I pieced together those first cut up t-shirts, the knowledge of those quilting stitches came from my most elemental childhood experiences. Growing up in the South, at… Read on

February 8, 2020
THE GENIUS LIFE AND RISING UP
Since 2012 and in January of each year, the team at Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, Building 14, and our Family of Businesses undertakes strategic planning for the year. This process was learned from our dear friend Ari at the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and ZingTrain. Over the years, our process has changed and… Read on

August 22, 2019
THE SCHOOL OF MAKING: LAST CHANCE FABRIC COLORS
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

March 4, 2019
THE FACTORY + ALABAMA CHANIN 10/52 | 2019
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” ― Coco Chanel To honor Women’s History Month, every Monday in March we will be celebrating influential women in the spheres of art, activism, and writing. For decades (more like centuries) women’s experiences had only been seen through the lenses of those who society… Read on

November 9, 2017
INTRODUCING THE TARTAN STENCIL
Featured on the Quarter 4 Design Bundle, the newly released Tartan stencil is available today through The School of Making(along with the re-released Fern). Originally released in 2012, our natured-inspired Fern stencil has been featured over the years on garments, home goods, and Swatches of the Month. This customer favorite is again available in physical and… Read on

August 17, 2017
NEW: ARMOR BEAD COLORS
While our basic, unadorned garments provide a great foundation for your wardrobe (and are quick and easy to stitch up), it’s the embellishments you add that make them truly unique and turn them into statement pieces for your growing hand-sewn wardrobe. Beads, sequins, and decorative stitches can transform a simple hand-sewn garment into an heirloom…. Read on

April 14, 2016
INSPIRATION: FLOWERS + TUNICS
“If the day and the night are such that you greet them with joy, and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs, is more elastic, more starry, more immortal — that is your success.” – Henry David Thoreau Recently, longtime friend and collaborator Kristine Vejar created fabric for us using a technique from… Read on

March 13, 2012
SAMPLE BLOCK QUILT
As we posted last Tuesday, I highly recommend that you start a library to document your design work. As you create your samples, make them the same size so that your (master) pieces can be easily stored. And even if you don’t want to keep the samples for posterity, you can work towards making a Sampler Throw like… Read on

March 6, 2012
SAMPLE BLOCKS + LIBRARY
Fabric designs are the basis of all our collections at Alabama Chanin. Each design starts as a simple 10” x 16” rectangle of our organic cotton jersey that is embellished using a variety of techniques and manipulations that may include stenciling, embroidery, beading, and/or appliqué. My decision to use a 10” x 16” rectangle was based… Read on

February 28, 2012
A ROUND BUSINESS MODEL
While working on some press and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages this last month, I came across some texts that date back across the decade of Alabama Chanin. In reading and going over some of these texts, I thought it would be a good series to share on our Sustainable Design Tuesdays. Here is one… Read on