sewing | Baked in Birmingham

Alabama Chanin

March 17, 2008 at 1:54 am | Posted in etc. etc. etc., I got style, how 'bout you? | 2 Comments
Tags: alabama chanin, diy, sewing, style

I am so proud to be a Southerner, and an Alabamian at that (Roll Tide!). If you haven’t heard of Alabama Chanin, or her former line, Project Alabama, then I am so pleased to introduce you to Natalie Chanin. She is an Alabama native who has lived around the world (including one of my favorite place, Vienna) and has returned to the Heart of Dixie to serve as home base for her company. Alabama used to be in giant in the textile industry (King Cotton sound familiar?) and since it’s deterioration due mostly to outsourcing, Natalie gives former textile workers jobs by teaching them exquisite sewing techniques. All of her products, which include not only fabulous garments for men and women, but also furniture and home dec, are 100% handmade. How swelligant is that? Southern Lady magazine is profiling her for our summer issue, and I’m going to get to meet her! I’m beside myself.

Her new book, the Alabama Stitch Book, is available online and in stores now. The book contains patterns, how-tos, and beautiful stories (my favorite is how to “love” your thread) so that you can make your own stuff! You really don’t want to miss this one. The picture above is my first project from the book. I’ve been doing appliqué for years, but this is my first attempt at reverse appliqué. I think it turned out pretty good!

Here are some pictures from her book (via alabamachanin.com). If you try your hand, send me pics!

For only $75, not only do you get this amazing hand-crafted shirt, and ALL of the profits benefit Architecture for Humanity for the work they are doing in the Gulf Coast area post-Katrina.