Our seven-year long collaboration with Heath Ceramics began in 2011 with hand-etched dinnerware ceramics. Founded in 1948 by Edith Heath, Heath Ceramics is run by Cathy Bailey and Robin Petravic, who both have a deep background in design. While our collaboration has been ongoing, it’s been a few years since we worked deeply with Heath… Read on

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca In a world where the news is filled daily with tragedies, injustices, and strife of one kind or another, we tend to forget the enormous impact that even the smallest act of kindness can have. In celebrating World… Read on

“TO VOTE IS TO EXIST” American graphic designer Milton Glaser’s 2016 “Get Out The Vote” poster More from the AIGA Design for Democracy #getoutandvote

“The attractions of ceramics lie partly in its contradictions. It is both difficult and easy, with an element beyond our control. It is both extremely fragile and durable.” ― Isamu Noguchi Founded in 1948 by Edith Heath and her husband Brian, San Francisco-based Heath Ceramics have long been creators of functional and beautiful tableware and… Read on

We had an overwhelming response to our Reclaimed Down launch yesterday. So much that we need to take a minute to evaluate our current stock of upcycled jackets and make sure we don’t sell more than what we currently have on hand to process. For this reason, our Reclaimed Down accessories are temporarily out-of-stock until… Read on

We all dream of a homemade Thanksgiving dinner, but sometimes (and these days more often than not) we get swept up in the busyness of life and find ourselves scrambling to put together a last minute meal. For our Shoals community, The Factory Café is offering Thanksgiving Pickup again this year. Our menu includes Thanksgiving… Read on

Since 2014, we have worked with Patagonia on a beautiful circular design project, the Reclaimed Down Scarf. The goal of circular design is for every product to reflect sustainability from the beginning of life as a raw material, through design, manufacturing, active life, and end-of-life processes. Garments that reach the end of their lives become… 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

“Any time one or more things are consciously put together in a way that they can accomplish something better than they could have accomplished individually, this is an act of design.” – Charles Eames Our collaborations and partnerships have spanned many years and have created deep connections with like-minded companies allowing us to grow, be… Read on

Our inaugural year of The Factory Supper Club is drawing to a close (with two more left), and it has allowed us to showcase talented, local chefs and provide a unique experience for our guests. Tickets for November’s dinner are now on sale. These are more intimate events so reserve your spots right away. In… Read on

“We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh The Leisure Collection gets an update tomorrow, so this week we explore the scientific and holistic benefits of relaxation and… Read on

Our sales team is getting ready for a busy season with pop-ups at The Factory and away. Here’s what you have to look forward to. Mark your calendars and join us. Hawks and Doves Pop-up @ The Factory The Factory is hosting Raleigh-based Hawks and Doves for a return pop-up shop October 18th through November… Read on

We are excited to announce that our upcoming Friends of the Café Dinner with Kelly English and Cameron Razavi will be hosted by two members of the Single Lock Records team: Reed Watson and Cedric Burnside. Reed and Cedric are taking over duties for Natalie, who will be unable to attend due to family commitments…. Read on

Recently, we were honored to have longtime friend Rosanne Cash approach us to collaborate on a special project. She worked with Bldg. 14 to print and produce t-shirts dedicated to her album, “The River and the Thread.” As you know, Alabama Chanin has a special relationship with this record and its message. Rosanne has served… Read on

“One of the greatest pleasures of my life has been that I have never stopped learning about Good Cooking and Good Food.” ― Edna Lewis For the past 20 years the Southern Foodways Alliance, or SFA, has “explor[ed] the diverse food cultures of the changing American South.” Their Fall Symposium, held this weekend in Oxford,… Read on

If you are a long-time reader of our Journal, you might be familiar with Phillip March Jones and Institute 193. Phillip is a friend and collaborator who founded the non-profit gallery, venue, and publishing house, Institute193 located in Lexington, Kentucky. He is also an artist, photographer, and author—and most recently opened a collaborative project space in New… Read on

Jessica Ullom is the founder and brains behind Hawks and Doves (named after her favorite Neil Young album), a fabric and leather goods company based out of North Carolina. It first began when Jessica (or Jess) started crafting goods inspired by items found at flea markets. As a collector (or “borderline hoarder”, as she describes… Read on

“Above all, don’t fear difficult moments. The best comes from them.” — Rita Levi-Montalcini, Nobel Prize-winning neurobiologist As October ushers in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are inspired to look back over the decades to the female doctors, chemists, biologists, and researchers who devoted their educations and careers to research and discoveries that have advanced… Read on

Over the years our Bridal Collection has evolved from designs intended for wedding attire to a broader collection of formal, special occasion, and evening wear. And now you’ll find a new way to get acquainted with our Bridal + Evening offerings through an updated section of our website. Everything that we create has a custom… Read on

“Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” — William Wordsworth This past Saturday, September 22nd, brought the Autumn Equinox to all of us in the northern hemisphere. Though it doesn’t quite feel like Fall here in Alabama yet (almost), the changing of the seasons has us looking forward to savory… Read on

“This ‘ethical fashion,’ this ‘sustainable fashion,’ that complies to what fashion really is, that is borne out of passion, skills, heritage, artistry, and bravery, is fashion. “ — Orsola De Castro Alabama Chanin returned to New York Fashion Week this year with a private showing at the Bowery Hotel. This return inspired us to looks… Read on

“At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source. When you are an artist, you are a healer.” — Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen Art can be as haunting as it is beautiful. It can be a reprieve from fears and traumas or the catalyst that forces you to… Read on

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” — Dolores Huerta From the right to vote to equal pay, women have never shied away from fighting for the rights inherently owed to them. Whether it’s worker safety, job protection during and after a pregnancy,… Read on

Project Threadways records, studies, and explores the history of the textile industry in The Shoals community, and the American South. Our goal is to accurately and respectfully retell the story of textiles—from farm to finished product—and the way the act of making textiles shaped the lives of the communities and the individuals of those communities…. Read on

Depending on when you were born, the turtleneck may bring to mind any number of things: 1950s chic, 1960s bohemian, 1970s women’s activists, or (record scratch) 1990s Jerry Seinfeld-era goofiness. But the wonderful thing about a turtleneck is its timelessness. This particular style in our recent round of Collection updates is inspired by Natalie’s closet… Read on

“Being creative is not so much the desire to do something as the listening to that which wants to be done: the dictation of the materials.” — Anni Albers To mark the 10th anniversary of the release of Natalie’s Alabama Stitch Book, this week we focus on exceptional women in the world of handcrafts. Thursday… Read on

“I know nothing of man’s rights, or woman’s rights; human rights are all that I recognize.” — Sarah Moore Grimké On August 18, 1920, women were granted the right to vote in the United States. This past Saturday marked the 98th anniversary of that momentous shift in American culture, politics, and society. This week we… Read on

Look for special events next week at The Factory, as we host pop-ups with Harvest Roots Ferments and Alabama Sawyer. Stop in to shop, eat, and visit with us and their teams. Alabama Sawyer will set up shop Thursday, August 23rd through Friday, August 31st. They create unique housewares from their studio in Birmingham using fallen… Read on

“Alabama Chanin has evolved into a community… a company of farmers, fabric makers, artisans and our customers who support what we do.” — Natalie Chanin from the archives: W Magazine, 2011 With the excitement of a new Collection at the forefront of our minds, this week we take a few moments to reflect on all… Read on

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai With the first day of school just a few days away here in Alabama, our minds have turned toward inspiring teachers, optimistic students, and to the opportunities provided by a quality education. This week we decided to explore some of… Read on

North Carolina-based wine importer Eric Solomon started his career in spirits as a bartender in Great Britain. The rock and roll drummer was a quick study and was sponsored by the Institute of Masters of Wine, excelling in their rigorous coursework until his UK student visa expired. Once back in the states, he found work… Read on

Our Family of Businesses includes customer service as a deep part of its mission statement and vision for business.  We strive to build relationships on trust and quality. Our interactions and bonds with our guests over the last two decades have helped us learn how to grow and adapt. After listening to your shopping questions… Read on

“Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.” — Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson Unlike relationships we are born with, like parents, siblings, and cousins, our friends are completely of our own choosing. Without any pretense or obligation, they are the people we choose to share our life… Read on

Renowned chef John Currence was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, but has become a veritable institution in his adopted hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. John currently runs City Grocery—which he opened when he was 26—and three other restaurants: the “upscale downhome” Boure, French bistro-meets-Mississippi café Snackbar, and his homage to the most important meal… Read on

“Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.” — Julia Child The bountiful harvests of summer make simple, fresh dishes, made from in-season vegetables and fruits, possible. Pair these with staple meats and seafood and summertime is sure to be delicious. In honor of this warm weather fare, this week is all about summer-eats. Blackberry Farm’s Green… Read on

I’m not one who loves to be photographed or filmed. I worked for years as a costume designer and a stylist where my role was behind the camera. I’m comfortable with this role. So, despite some reluctance on my part, in 2017 I agreed to create a collection of online classes for Craftsy that focus… 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

“I found I could say things with colors and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” — Georgia O’Keeffe Our lives are full of and, in many ways, dictated by color. We express ourselves with the color of our hair and clothing. The vibe of our home… Read on

“I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.” — Susan B. Anthony On the heels of Saudi Arabian women’s newly attained right to drive and just a few days away from the United States’ Fourth of… 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

“She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.” – Annie Dillard, The Living With summer underway and warm evenings, relaxing weekends, and long-awaited vacations offering the perfect opportunities to slow down and catch up on reading, this week we share a summer reading list—filled with classic works by native Alabamians…. Read on

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees…I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby The summer solstice (or equinox) in the northern hemisphere brings the longest day and shortest night of the entire year…. Read on

“One of the greatest gifts my father gave me—unintentionally—was witnessing the courage with which he bore adversity…He was always unshaken, completely tranquil, the same ebullient, laughing, jovial man.” – Ben Okri By the time Father’s Day was proclaimed an official holiday in 1972, it had already been unofficially celebrated for 63 years—since Sonora Smart Dodd,… Read on

“The white T-shirt is like a blank canvas – eternally versatile.” ­ Edward Enninful Whether stark white and paired with jeans for the epitome of cool or emblazoned with a bold political statement, the t-shirt has held a special place in the hearts of most since Marlon Brando donned one in1951’s A Streetcar Named Desire…. Read on

The Geometry of Hand-Sewing has received positive reviews since its launch back in November—so much so that it is currently backordered through many retail outlets. (Don’t worry, we’re fully stocked if you would like a copy.) And this month, the e-book version of The Geometry of Hand-Sewing became available through Amazon for instant viewing on… Read on

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” – Henry James The (unofficial) start of summer is here, especially in Alabama where we have already seen days that top 90 degrees. To help you get a head start on your summer plans, this week we… Read on

We couldn’t have asked for a livelier kick-off to our 2018 Friends of the Café Dinner Series. James Beard award-winning chef Steven Satterfield joined us in house and created a flawless meal. Steven started the night out with rye biscuits topped with sweet butter and country ham, radishes with whipped feta and a pesto drizzle,… Read on

“The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.” – Laurie Colwin Last week, The James Beard Foundation held their annual awards ceremony (it’s like the Oscar’s for the food world)…. Read on

“I think it’s so vitally important that all people in this world are involved in the process of discovery.” – Mae Jemison From the United States’ first manned space shuttle mission in 1961 to today’s exploration of Mars, outer space has always been a place of fascination and discovery. To honor the May 5th anniversary… Read on

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary —it’s an act of infinite optimism.” – Gilda Radner From primordial goddesses to present day working moms, the roles of mothers and society’s expectations of her have experienced a myriad of changes. With Mother’s Day fast approaching,… Read on

Virginia Willis is a longtime friend of Alabama Chanin, as we both share a love of Southern food and culture, locally sourced ingredients and sustainability, the Southern Foodways Alliance, and real, honest storytelling. The Georgia-born chef has thrived both on television and in the cookbook industry, appearing on shows like the Food Network’s “Chopped” and… Read on

“The fair maid who, the first of May, Goes to the fields at break of day, And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree, Will ever after handsome be.” – Mother Goose nursery rhyme from The Children’s Mother Goose From its beginnings as an ancient Celtic ritual to modern day parades, festivals, and workers’ right… Read on

Penny Sandy joined Bldg. 14 this year and comes to us with a lifetime of sewing experience. She was born and raised in our community, learning to sew from her grandmother at a very young age. And while she moved away for a bit, Penny found her way back home. (That seems to be a… Read on

“Demand quality, not just in the products you buy, but in the life of the person who made it.” – Orsola de Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution Loss of life and destruction of natural resources have been the tolls paid by society for its reckless and exorbitant consumerism. “Fast fashion” and its lack of consideration… Read on

Geometric lines and spring florals layer over core styles, creating one-of-a-kind looks for the artist at work and in life. (We interpret the word artist loosely and encourage you to find a creative energy unique to you.) Our artist smocks and double-breasted dresses feature pockets and princess seams—functional and feminine details. We offer basic hand-stitched… Read on

“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” – Barbara Shelley Earth Day, which has been celebrated in the United States on April 22nd for the past 48 years, serves as a reminder to us to treat all aspects of the Earth—water, land,… Read on

We’re getting ready for a big weekend at The Factory as we prepare for The Gathering 2018. Join as we celebrate an integral part of our company: community. Natalie has built Alabama Chanin around our community in the Shoals—but it extends beyond that. Because of technology, we are able to connect to a global community… Read on

We’ve written before about the process of mending and of integrating it into your lifestyle. Embracing mending as sustainable practice and a component of everyday life can be a small change that makes a big difference. Mending acts as a solution to economic challenges by utilizing your own skills to repurpose, repair, and restore your… Read on

Our annual community picnic is quickly approaching, and we’ve added even more programming to the event this year. We’re offering everything from cocktail workshops, to sewing workshops, to community tours. New and noteworthy events added to the schedule include a chair workshop taught by Natalie and The School of Making team. Use cotton jersey scraps… Read on

“I think the degree of a nation’s civilization may be measured by the degree of enlightenment of its women.” – Helen Keller, “My Future as I See It,” Metropolitan Magazine, 1904 Throughout history women have been leaders, organizers, and advocates against injustices of many forms; from voting rights to racial and gender equality. As the… 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

“What does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?” – Sophie Scholl These were the words of Sophie Scholl, a 21-year old leader of a Nazi rebellion movement in the 1940s. Sophie, her brother Hans, and their friend Christoph Probst, were executed by Nazi party officials in 1943,… Read on

The supply chain for our organic cotton fabrics has seen its share of fluctuations over the years. In 2006, we had trouble getting any organic cotton jersey fabric that utilized US-grown cotton. In 2013, we had a low supply of lightweight jersey due to quality issues with the yarn. During the summer of 2016 and… Read on

We’re always looking for ways to up our brunch game at The Factory Café, so we’ve come up with new offerings for this anticipated meal that only rolls around once a week. The brunch menu includes hearty staples like our Grit Bowl, made with Anson Mills cheese grits, seasonal vegetables, and a fried egg fresh… Read on

This Valentine’s Day, plan a night in—our Leisure Collection makes lounging comfortable, stylish, and sustainable. Dare we say you might even wear some of the garments out into the world. We’ve designed undergarments and layering styles like our tank, boyshorts, and a long sleep dress in soft organic cotton rib-knit and a cozy cardigan, turtleneck,… Read on

Each year Alabama Chanin hosts a community picnic—a time for employees, artisans, collaborators, supporters, and members of the community to gather and celebrate. It gives us the opportunity to say hello to each of you, spend time together, and give thanks for the beautiful work and support we receive throughout the year. What started at… Read on

In 2018, we will mark our fourth year of our Friends of the Café charity dinner series. A look back at our Journal reveals the incredible chefs that have generously donated their time and resources to raise money and awareness for important causes. Our first dinner of 2018 is scheduled for April 12th and is… Read on

For many people, New Year’s Day is about resolutions and setting goals, which can sometimes be a positive thing. You feel hope and a renewed sense of purpose, and view the end of the year as a reset button. We thought about writing a post about our own resolutions and suggestions for our readers, as… 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

It’s been a busy year for The School of Making—new packaging, new products, workshops at The Factory (and away), new patterns through Build a Wardrobe, a new website, a Craftsy course (with 2 more in the works), and our brand-new book—The Geometry of Hand-Sewing. We’ve shared it all along the way with our maker community… Read on

2017 welcomed exciting changes, friends and collaborators, and community involvement to The Factory Café. In July we welcomed new head chef, and Florence native, Ray Nichols. Our menu saw exciting changes with the addition of Antipasti Mondays, The Factory Burger, house made pastrami, and seasonal grit bowls on the brunch menu. We continued the tradition… Read on

It’s the most wonderful (and busiest) time of year and The Factory Café is here to make the holidays easier for members of our community by providing a range catering options. Schedules are packed with parties, potlucks, and other gatherings (all involving food)—and whether you signed up to bring a dessert, a side, or are… 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

Bldg.14 was created during the summer of 2013, with our machine-sewn line officially launching in 2014. (Some of you might remember that it was originally called A. Chanin.) Our organic machine-sewn styles are still being produced in-house by Bldg. 14 and can be found in the current Collection. Bldg. 14 offers organic fabrics and American-made options… Read on

This September is shaping up to be a big month for us here at Alabama Chanin. Last week, we launched our brand spanking new website while Alabama Chanin—in its current structure—turned 11 years old. Today (the day after 9/11), Natalie celebrates another turn around the sun. (Happy Birthday, Natalie…here’s to another big, beautiful year.) And… Read on

In fashion, graphic design, art, architecture, and other creative mediums, designs evolve and change with time. The same is true for website design (and technology)—and with that idea in mind, today we are over-the-moon to announce the launch of the newly designed AlabamaChanin.com. What began as a conversation about AlabamaChanin.com over a year and half… Read on

We love you all. We love the Fourth of July. We love our staff. We love for our staff to spend time with their families. In celebration of Independence Day this year, The Factory, the Alabama Chanin offices, and our production studios will be closed today, July 4, 2017. Some of our staff will celebrate by… Read on

#alabamachanincoreclub #knowyourbasics #ownknitdressing

Last week, we added our  2016 Build a Wardrobe silhouettes to Custom DIY. These new projects are not included in our Alabama Studio books, so we are providing instructions for each project on our Journal over the next few weeks. Last week, we shared instructions for the Maggie Dress and variations with you, and this week, we… Read on

Some years fly by and others seem to drag on forever; 2016 kept us at a steady pace at Alabama Chanin. We have been able to focus on refining our methods and more deeply developing our different avenues of work—from the design team to workshops to collections and collaborations. It is possible that 2017 could… Read on

Happy holidays from all of us @ Alabama Chanin  

Natalie has a deep history with Penland School of Crafts where, more than 30 years ago, she first received a studio assistantship—an experience that opened her eyes and mind to the incredible world of design and craft. In 2012, she revisited the North Carolina mountain school to teach a course on hand sewing. Natalie documented… Read on

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up of Garden & Gun’s 7th Annual Made in the South Awards—from home to food, drink, outdoors, style, and crafts—all applicants showcased a true spirit of creativity and quality of craftsmanship that makes us proud to call the South home. P.S.: Thanks for including Natalie and Alabama Chanin in your… Read on

Thank you to Lauren Vespoli and Amtrak’s The National magazine for highlighting the importance of community and American-made manufacturing and for including Alabama Chanin in your Made In America feature­. “There is a deep history in every community, and I think that in the age that we live in those communities are being cracked wide open,”… Read on

With Thanksgiving behind us, many of us have quickly switched gears to focus on the holidays: gifts, gatherings, parties, planning, decorations, and get-togethers. Social calendars tend to fill up this time of year with office parties, trips to the in-laws, and catching up with old friends and family who come to town. The Factory Café… Read on

The days following the Thanksgiving holiday have become inextricably associated with commerce: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday – these are all days to bargain hunt and search for gifts. But over the past five years, a movement has been growing to change the conversation on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as #GivingTuesday…. Read on

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been revisiting thoughts from the late Civil Rights activist Vincent Harding, who was recently featured on one of our favorite podcasts, On Being with Krista Tippett. Their conversation, “Is America Possible?” touched on so many feelings we’ve been struggling to corral recently. It reintroduced us to the idea… Read on

Look for us in the latest issue of No’Ala and see a glimpse inside of our sustainable supply chain.

The words ‘Rabbit Rabbit’, spoken on the first day of the month, are believed to bring you good luck for the rest of that month. The idea is to say it on the first of every month, so you’ll always have good luck. This old English superstition was picked up in the United States in… Read on

One of the challenges of running a company dedicated to sustainability is adjusting to the ebbs and flows of other small businesses in our supply chain—businesses that are devoted to sustainable practices themselves. Sadly for us, one of those companies has closed its doors after almost 20 years of operation. North Carolina-based Tumbling Colors, our… Read on

Our team is getting ready to make our annual trip to Montgomery, Alabama, to participate in Southern Makers the first weekend of May. In its fourth year, Southern Makers is a celebration of creativity and innovation, bringing together makers, designers, chefs, brewers, and musicians from all across the South. The event was conceived by Southern… Read on

We’re taking reservations for bridal showers and luncheons and gearing up our catering services for the upcoming wedding season. The Factory accommodates groups for on-site bridal showers and parties. Choose from a special events menu and champagne to celebrate the occasion. We also offer off-site catering for weddings. Work directly with our head chef to… Read on

You may remember that back in 2013 we spoke with the trio behind Single Lock Records, when they were newly established. Single Lock is an independent record label founded by Shoals residents Ben Tanner, Will Trapp, and John Paul White. At that time, they had just released Overseas then Under, by The Bear (still one… Read on

I’ve been reading Pattern Recognition (2003) by William Gibson as a sort of “digital book club” with a friend of mine who lives in another state. I’ve never been a huge fan of science fiction—and had, honestly, never heard of William Gibson but managed to get lost in the book—equal parts thriller and exposé on… 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

2015 was a year full of making, partnerships, learning, and growth. We truly appreciate each and every one of you and the love and support you show for us every day. We are excited to see what 2016 holds for us and hope that you’ll follow along. Happy New Year to you and yours. P.S…. Read on

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P.S.: Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram.

Newsletter #34 announces our upcoming sale, which begins tonight at midnight. It also highlights the Half Skirt—a new addition to Collection #29, Host a Party (where you can organize your own sewing party with some help from us), and new events and products in store at The Factory. For a dose of all things happening at Alabama… Read on

One look at our upcoming events calendar will tell you that there are still quite a few opportunities to join us for an event in 2015. The School of Making continues to grow and create an array of learning experiences in different environments, with new and exciting ventures on the horizon. I know it feels… Read on

Way back in 2007, performance artist John Rives put together a light-hearted TED talk meant to tease conspiracy theorists everywhere. I won’t get into the incredible connections he makes between people like country music artist Faron Young, Dame Judi Dench, and Bill Clinton. (I suggest you watch for yourself.) But he manages to connect one… Read on

September kicked off our busy season here at The Factory. We launched a new collection, hosted Patagonia’s Worn Wear Truck at The Factory, and I celebrated my birthday with a specially-made cake from my daughter, Maggie. October brings our Collection and DIY Trunk Show and Two-Hour Workshop this weekend at Craft South, upcoming Friends of the… 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

Newsletter #32 includes updates on our Alabama on Alabama show at Heath Ceramics’ Boiler Room (extended until September 13th). Other announcements include a sneak peek of our upcoming Collection—and beer and wine service beginning this Friday at The Factory Café . The Café will feature a limited menu and close at 1:00pm this Thursday as we prepare… Read on

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The Alabama Chanin Journal was unofficially launched back in 2006. In those early days, there was no editorial staff (or much staff at all). There was just Natalie and a couple of friends who pitched in here and there. The early blog posts had little in the way of structured format or consistent subject matter…. Read on

July has been a busy month of preparing for (and then traveling to) the Boiler Room in San Francisco for the launch of our month-long show, Alabama on Alabama. Follow along on Instagram to keep up with our time there and mine and Maggie’s train ride back home. P.S.: Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr,… 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

Our first collaboration with Heath Ceramics, launched in 2011, has built a lasting, creatively symbiotic relationship. That joint development was a beautifully intensive design process that blended our techniques with theirs. Our Heath + Alabama Chanin line of dinnerware is made by hand, just like our Alabama Chanin handmade Collection. The artisans at Heath etch… Read on

THE STORY Alabama on Alabama is a month-long journey to the soul of the Modern South, held in the Boiler Room and showroom at Heath in San Francisco. Refined, raw and radical, the Modern South connects place, people, process, and tradition in a way that cuts across geography and time. From July 24, 2015, the Boiler… Read on

This week we reach the three-year anniversary (and the 10,000-follower milestone) of our Instagram account. We’ve enjoyed the projects you’ve shared through #theschoolofmaking and the meals you’ve had at The Factory through #alabamachaninfactorycafe. Thanks for all of the ongoing conversations and for following along… xoNatalie P.S. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Celebrate: v. 1. Publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. Independence: n. The fact or state of being free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority. We hope that you take time this weekend to soak in the sweetness of independence that we’ve been granted… Read on

This month, we introduce a new layout for our Newsletter. The new design clearly distinguishes Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and The Factory—making it easier to find the information that is most important to you. Join our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter and keep up with our latest news, events, and stories featured on… Read on

Last fall, as an extension of our Makeshift initiative, we began a new series of events and conversations called On Design. The series explores art, design, makers, relationships, and the elevation of craft. Our conversation in January explored William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Here are some of Natalie’s thoughts from the presentation…. Read on

I have extolled the virtues of Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, many times. It’s a place of calm, and deliciousness, and of fellowship. The land and the people create a singular sense of place that is joyous and memorable. There really is no place in the world that feels quite like the Smoky Mountains—as artists… Read on

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In this month’s cocktail post, contributor Jesse Goldstein goes deep into the margarita well (or pitcher, as it were). Everyone loves a good margarita on Cinco de Mayo—but here are a few options that will carry you through the rest of the summer in high style. From Jesse: I catch myself feeling sorry for inanimate… Read on

With the launch of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns at the beginning of the month, many of our Journal posts have focused on the book’s features, printing options, and our new Resource downloads page—now with printable patterns and tiled stencil artwork. We’ve combined all of these new choices into Newsletter #28 as an easy-to-reference resource for questions… Read on

Ask yourself, “Who made my clothes?” And then, turn your garment inside out and find out.  Take a picture and share with the world. Check out Fashion Revolution and get involved. Save, copy, share, and spread the word… it’s easy.         P.S.: Can a hashtag change the fashion industry?

Like the rest of the world, the fashion industry has widely utilized Instagram (the photo sharing app with over 300 million users) to share insider glimpses into brands and lives, highlight the creative process, and find simple ways to connect to followers. Brands and consumers are sharing personal, visual “moments” in their lives (of course,… Read on

Last Thursday we started shipping our newest book, Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns.  Stacks of books around the office moved quickly into boxes and off into the hands of readers.  Thank you for all your sweet notes of praise and excitement.  We find it equally exciting to move on to this next chapter. Look for our… Read on

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When we opened our Building 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

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

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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

Since its inception in 2006, Alabama Chanin has evolved into a multi-fold lifestyle company with guiding principles of thoughtful design, responsible production, good business, and quality that lasts. What began with our handmade collection now includes multiple lines like our Essentials and Basics, and the A. Chanin machine-made line. Alabama Chanin also houses new and… Read on

2014 has been another year of making, learning, and growing. Thank you for the love and support you show us each and every day. Have a wonderfully happy New Year. P.S. Follow our journey on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what new and exciting things 2015 holds for us.

With 2014 coming to a close and a brand new year upon us, it is time to reflect on all we’ve accomplished—slow in design, but rapid in growth—during the past year. But first and foremost, we want to thank each and every single one of our supporters, friends, collaborators, partners, and everyone who has made… Read on

At Alabama Chanin, we frequently speak about the concepts of Slow Design and sustainability. We attempt to create a healthy environment so that we can create healthy products. Part of being sustainable means we take great care in the materials that we source to create our products; it also means that the processes we use… Read on

Our Alabama Chanin Candles, with a seasonal Grapefruit + Watercress scent, are the newest addition to Home + Table. Hand-poured in Mississippi, the soy candles feature our floral Magdalena pattern and a graphic Diamond design, inspired by vintage glassware that I’ve collected over the years. Once you burn your candle, clean the 6 oz. votive… Read on

Join us this Thursday evening, November 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in Austin, Texas, for a reception celebrating our Alabama Chanin pop-up shop inside the Billy Reid store at 1122 West 6th Street. The Austin store features our Heath + Alabama Chanin collaboration, Alabama Chanin Essentials, alongside our hand-dyed Indigo, books, and more. For more information, contact: austin (at)… Read on

To celebrate the opening of our pop-up shop in Austin, Texas, we’ve updated our Essentials with new classics and long-time favorites. In collaboration with Billy Reid,the opening reception is this Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 5:30 – 7:30. The store opens with regular hours Friday, November 7, 2014, and is a permanent fixture at Billy Reid’s Austin location… Read on

As I’ve mentioned before, writing a book is no easy feat. It involves months (often years) of planning, drafting, edits, new designs, reviews, rewrites, photo shoots, patternmaking…basically, equal parts labor and love. So, I honestly surprised myself when I agreed to write another one. While still a work in progress, the end is in sight,… Read on

Today we introduce our newest Alabama Chanin silhouettes like our Marie Pencil Skirt and Garter Dress which have a flattering and feminine shape, alongside our Peasant Top and Factory Dress which offer a more relaxed fit. Classics styles, like our Corset and Long Fitted Skirt, are combined with new stencil designs like ‘Aurora,’ ‘Marie,’ and… Read on

We’ve added more one-of-a-kind Indigo garments to our collection. The additions include our Alabama Polo, Summer Cardigan, and Crop Jacket, among others. More hand-dyed goodness from our dye house in Florence…

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Last year, we announced with great excitement that Alabama Chanin would be launching a machine-made line called A. Chanin. After months of hard work from our team (and the receipt of the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge award), the inaugural A. Chanin pieces are here. Until now, all Alabama Chanin products have been made by hand, using… Read on

In the tradition of old-time quilting and sewing circles, join us at The Factory the first and third Tuesday of each month to sew and socialize. Spend the morning working on your latest project in the company of fellow sewers, while sharing inspiration, encouragement, fellowship, and maybe even a bit of light-hearted gossip. (It is… Read on

Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season. From all of us @ Alabama Chanin

Thank you to everyone who graciously showed their support for Alabama Chanin over the last few weeks. Your purchases, emails, and love are the things that keep us going. It has been an incredible year and we appreciate your amazing show of kindness and loyalty as we move towards the holidays and the end of… Read on

At Alabama Chanin, we believe in living and creating a sustainable life—contributing in every way we can to the Slow Design movement, growing and reusing existing cotton, whenever possible. In our continuing efforts to become a better company and commit to ecological sustainability, Alabama Chanin ships UPS packages using carbon neutral shipping. Carbon neutral means… Read on

It’s hard to believe that another month has come to an end. Is it really almost August? xoNatalie P.S.: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.   ,  

In anticipation of tomorrow evening’s opening exhibit of our BBQ’ed Dresses Collection at Warehouse Row in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we mixed up a celebratory cocktail. Our friend Brooks Reitz of the Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. sent us a few more bottles of his Small Batch Tonic for the event, and the Chattanooga Whiskey Co. is providing… Read on

Next week, as part of the Crafted by Southern Hands event and workshop, our Barbeque-inspired Collection will be on display at Warehouse Row, a historic, old stone fort turned community retail center in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The couture dresses were originally a part of the 15th Annual Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium’s Punch, Pictures, and ‘Cue… Read on

We all understand the basic principles of supply and demand. In a perfect world, the two work in balance, supply always meeting the demand, one never exceeding or disappointing the other. Of course, we don’t live in a perfect world, and as with any product driven business, there are occasional supply issues. Over the years,… Read on

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be heading up to Chattanooga, Tennessee for an Alabama Chanin One-Day Workshop, a trunk show, and an exhibit of BBQ’ed Dresses. Yes, we put a few of our handmade garments into the smoker. Last fall, for the Southern Foodways Alliance 15th Annual Symposium, we BBQ’ed a few Alabama Chanin… Read on

Yesterday, we announced that we will soon begin machine manufacturing 100% organic cotton jersey garments under the new arm of Alabama Chanin, A. Chanin, here in Florence, Alabama. We are ready to start sewing and we need a few experienced sewing machine operators to join our team. Applicants must be able to run a range… Read on

At Alabama Chanin, we practice Slow Design, which focuses on producing goods in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The intent is to design clothing and home goods that are made from sustainable raw materials using environmentally sound methods, resulting in beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting products. We want to create connections with our customers and… Read on

Last weekend we hosted the Texas Playboys from Austin, Texas. The baseball club made up of artists, architects, musicians, photographers and entrepreneurs joined us for a weekend of great music, food, cocktails, and baseball. We were thrilled and honored they voted to visit Florence, Alabama for this year’s travel game (see ballot above) and flattered they challenged… Read on

In 2005, I was inducted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America.  Long before that time (and during my days as a stylist in Europe), I didn’t really know what the CFDA was (or did). However, the organization was founded in 1962 by Eleanor Lambert as a not-for-profit trade organization to support American womenswear,… Read on

We are pleased to introduce our first-ever Alabama Chanin newsletter. Each month (or so), you can expect updates about our newest designs, events, workshops, design projects, products, and other ideas and people we care deeply about. You can update your subscription to include the newsletter (and our other offerings) by clicking here. Let us know… Read on

It seems unbelievable to me that 2011 is coming to a close.  The Alabama Chanin journal has covered so many topics over the 2011 year and we have been so grateful for the opportunity to share our thoughts, travels, milestones and inspirations with you. As the year’s end approaches, we thought we would recap some… Read on

It’s officially launched. From the HEATH website: “The point of intersection between stitch and clay. A collaboration between Natalie Chanin and Heath Ceramics yields an anthology of carefully crafted modern heirlooms in a new and permanent dinnerware line. This collection celebrates texture and a range of layering possibilities in thoughtfully curated place settings, plates and… Read on

Thank you to Kate for this lovely email that came in today: “Also – I finished my dress.  (That I started at the March weekend workshop!)  I love it… it took me nine months to make it and I kind of feel like I gave birth to it!  I am so proud.  It fits perfectly. … Read on

One of our favorite places to visit – Refueled – has a beautiful new look. (And we are thrilled to be shown as a sponsor at the bottom of the page.)  While we were working on a project last month, I had a chance to catch up with Chris Brown – Refueled’s creator and creative… Read on

Plan your adventure and join us (along with Patty Griffin, Barbara Lynn, Ben Kweller, The Black Angels, Amy Cook,  Imogene + Willie, and a slew of others) in Marfa, Texas – September 22 – 25. Learn more about El Cosmico and the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music & Love here. Adventure awaits…

If you are in New York for Fashion Week, mark your calendar for the opening of YIELD on September 10th at the Textile Arts Center. Thanks to Holly McQuillan and Timo Rissanen for including our work in this important installation. And learn more about zero waste in Subtraction Cutting School, by Julian Roberts.  

I once had a close friend who was the most incredible painter, yet never sold a single piece of art. I (and everyone who saw her work) was certain she was destined for artistic greatness and critical acclaim, if only she could get people to see her work. She thought it unfair and ridiculous to… Read on

The newest issue of KYUR8_Webzine, created and curated by my friend RUDJ, launches today. Guest Editor: Natalie Chanin Have a look and spread the word: KYUR8_Webzine

Thrilled to be back @ EcoSalon today and shocked that has it has already been two weeks since the last column! Head over there to find out why “Life Demands an Ice Skating Fee.” Time always seems to pass much more quickly when you have a lot to do; so far, August has been no… Read on

After reading the newspaper this morning, I am thinking that we could all use a little (a lot) more Deep Economy.

While traveling last week, I came across the Lower 9th Ward Village and Mack McLendon on The Moth podcast.  I was moved by Mack’s love for his community and the beauty of the world when we choose to act from that place of love. It takes a village. Indeed. Community center brings magic to the… Read on

Subversive Knitting, Berkeley + Subversive Donations, Florence From Steven, our production manager: “I spoke with Wade – our UPS driver – this morning and he lives right in the middle of all of the damage in Franklin County.  He said that almost everyone in their area lost everything.  Right now they need basics like blankets,… Read on

Weekend Workshop – March 4 -6, 2011 @ The Factory in Florence is almost sold out – contact our office to reserve a spot:  256-760-1090. Natalie will be speaking in The Ballroom @ Athens State University, Athens, Alabama on the 8th of March.  Free and open to the public. The DooNanny @ The Woods of… Read on

For a decade, my work at Alabama Chanin has been made possible by our artisans.  Without them and our amazing staff, there would be no Alabama Chanin. Many of the artisans working with us today are the very same women who sewed those first deconstructed t-shirts.  I want to express my deep gratitude.  Wielding needle… Read on

New Look.  New Decade. December 23rd marks 10 years Alabama. Help us celebrate: Receive 20% on all orders over $150 from our online stores with the code HAPPYHOLIDAYS20 and also receive a 100% organic cotton Alabama Chanin tote (with our new label) as our way of saying THANK YOU for an amazing decade. Happy Holidays… Read on

Come out and join us for an amazing field feast — all proceeds to directly benefit the fishermen of Bayou La Batre. Birmingham Weekly said it best: “By now, you can probably already envision yourself at the Harvest Feast, sleeves rolled up and elbow deep in great seafood. As the sun starts to set, you… Read on

This year marks a decade on my journey to Alabama Chanin. Looking at where we started, where we have been and where we are headed has been an amazing and beautiful process. What a time of laughter, tears, exploration, and, well, growing up. To celebrate our growing up, we will be launching several exciting collaborations… Read on

Our newest catalog for Alabama Denim is up and ready to view.  Additional garments will be coming to our online store over the next few days.  Stay tuned… And look for some of these shots in the newest issue of Refueled – dropping on May 31st. I am looking forward to seeing everything Chris has… Read on

From friends in Oxford, Mississippi. My heart is breaking for our lovely Gulf Coast…

Thank you to Melanie, everyone at STC and all of you who have supported us with both Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style. We received confirmation yesterday that we will begin working on Book #3 –  scheduled for Spring 2012!   Very exciting.

Celebrate – verb: To observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities: Today we celebrate Earth Day and the joy of life. To make known publicly; proclaim: The newspaper celebrated the beauty of her life. To perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize:  We will celebrate the light that her life brought… Read on

Thank you to the amazing Penelope Greene and all the folks at the New York Times for the lovely piece about Butch, the Woods of Wonder and the Doo Nanny. I love this picture of Maggie jumping on the bed: And thank you to Robert Rausch for the lovely images of my family. Don’t miss… Read on

Many of you may have already seen this but in the off-chance that you missed it, I wanted to share this great article. What I really love are all the comments – especially the one about how media is trying to emasculate men with articles like this one. In my Making & Meaning sessions with… Read on

Thank you to Haskell Harris and all the folks at Garden & Gun for this piece about my favorite room (and table) in the house. Natalie Chanin The Localista Ten years ago, Natalie Chanin surprised the New York fashion world with a T-shirt that she ripped to pieces and sewed back together using quilt-inspired stitches…. Read on

Thank you to Jennifer Crossley for the lovely article in our local newspaper this morning about the release of Alabama Studio Style – great to have the support of our community! And a shout-out to Sara Martin who is that friend who tries to keep me straight on this Journal (among other things)! Sara has been a… Read on