Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe

I wavered on buying this book. I wasn't a big fan of the bucket hat on the cover, had never heard of Alabama Chanin, and when I looked at a few images of the fashion line I didn't see myself in those clothes.I made my decision to purchase based on the emphasis on hand sewing, embroidery, fashion applique, and beading. This may be the best sewing-centric book purchase I've made in the last 12 months (and I've made quite a few). This is a truly outstanding book from cover to cover for a few reasons: 1.) The stitch charts are very easy to follow. 2.) The samples are presented in LARGE, close up photographs 3.) The garments included are very basic and can be made by hand with one of the easiest, green friendly, most forgiving fabrics out there- cotton jersey. 4) The instructions are very good. Even a beginner could make the tank, tee, skirt, bolero, wrap, or fingerless gloves by hand with a minimum of notions except for quality fabric and thread. Those particular items would probably not give a beginner a fit over fitting either. You'll need more tools for stenciling or beading, but even they are pretty simple to acquire. 5.) The book's index includes photos for fast referencing 6.) The embellishments shown are beautiful and accessible!You can go as elaborate (full beading and applique on a long dress) or simple (adding a basic ruffle to a tank) as you want. This is truly "luxe casual" at its best. All the things above tied together with the author's encouraging narrative (friendly without being too exhausting) make this a wonderful book. Very few things I consider a "must have". However, if you are in to hand sewing garments or just curious about how to add embellishment to clothes you make or own, this book does an excellent job and has enough ideas to keep you busy for a very long time.

I have all three Alabama Chanin books and love them all, but I must say this is my favorite! I can't believe how generous Natalie Chanin is with sharing her techniques, and the sample photos are really wonderful. So far I have made 2 t-shirts, a fitted tank top and two boleros. While the neckline of the tank was too low for me and I had to raise it, I love the cut of her patterns. The t shirts are so graceful with the slighly curved hems. Very flattering. In addition to the above items I have made from scratch from an old cotton jersey t-shirt sheet, I have also started to revamp some of my existing clothes. For example, I took an oversized frumpy old maternity t-shirt I set aside about 5 years ago, laid one of my A.C. t-shirts on top of it, traced it, re-sewed along those lines, and then added some appliques cut from another t-shirt I had unsuccessfully tried to alter back in my ill-advised days of following the instructions in the Generation T book. (Not saying Generation T is a bad book, but being almost 40, the styles are not appropriate for me, and I needed something a bit more refined.) From these two depressing old rag bag t-shirts, I made what is now one of my very favorite shirts. Similarly, I had a Coldwater Creek shirt I bought online, and the very first time I wore it, one of the seams developed a hole, right in the front of the shirt! They had no more in stock, and I didn't want to hassle with a return, so into the "to be altered" pile it went. Luckily, the shirt had two layers of fabric on the front, so I was able to do some reverse-applique using a stencil from the book. I just finished it a couple of days ago, and I can't wait to wear it. Another garment rescued from the rag bag. It feels like magic to make beautiful and functional from something that had been too ugly and ill-fitting to even wear as pajamas. It's like making something from nothing. I have read some reviews that complain that the sizes run too small in these books. I will say I border on regular sizes and plus sizes, and the XL in the book is just barely too small for me. I have to alter the patterns a little, but I just do it when I trace the patterns off, and so far have had luck. But even for a person who is much larger than this, you can either apply the embellishment techniques to existing garments that fit you, as I have, or just find a simple sewing pattern for knits from one of the big pattern companies, which often go on sale for 99 cents each at places like JoAnn Fabrics. Use a plus-size pattern with clean lines and simple construction, similar to the patterns in the book, and I'm sure the results would be great. Don't feel like you can't profit from this book just because you are a plus size lady, because there are lots of ways to customize the techniques to suit you. A great source for material is cotton jersey sheet sets. Also, at thrift stores, I can very often find large plus-size cotton jersey dresses, often made of very high-quality fabric, which I can cut apart and use to sew smaller garments from the patterns in the book. Someday I'd love to splurge on the gorgeous organic cotton yardage they sell at Alabama Chanin, but that's not in the cards for me right now. It's a very accessible book, and great to use as a jumping-off point for your own designs and ideas. I think that's the whole point of it. Take Natalie Chanin's advice, and then run with it to make your own creations.

This book took my breath away, if it were possible i would LOVE to spend a week with the extraordinarily inspirational and talented designer of the projects and hence author of the book. I came across the book by accident and am delighted that i did so, i was feeling flat and lacking creative inspiration when out of now where this book presents itself, after flicking through the "look inside" function i was hooked. I had to have this book, the few glimpses inside the book inspired me no end. I love the book for the simple fact that there is an environmental consideration regarding the materials used for each project, the projects are set out in a clear, concise, easy to follow step by step manner with many tips and hints along the way which facilitates the process of the user creating a well made garment, this in my view, renders the book as user friendly. Now for my favorite part of the book, the "designs", the designs in this book are breath taking for their simplicity, adaptability and endless possibility. I found the embellishment techniques in the book promote and encourage the creation of original garment by, using the simplicity of the initial garment design then, embellishing the garment to create a totally unique, hand made one of a kind, heirloom garment. Individuals who enjoy any craft will benefit enormously from this book as the techniques are adaptable and transferable to many other crafts, the imagination and creativity of the user will be stimulated and inspired to limitless heights, the possibilities are truly endless. This is the most valuable book in my collection, I love it so much i keep it protected in a box to avoid damage LOL :) An outstanding, inspirational book with a conscience and a clear message to get back to a by gone time of creation not consumerism. Thank you Natalie Chanin for this timeless treasure :)

As other reviewers have commented, Natalie Chanin's trademark combinations of beading, applique, and embroidery make for great eye-candy. They're also a bit daunting. So I'm happy to report that even unadorned, these clothes turn out beautifully. So far I, an abject novice with ten thumbs at least, have made two basic T's and a mid-length skirt. And I've only had the book a few weeks. If I can do this, anyone can. You don't even need a machine. All you need is some cloth and some courage. The T-shirt was a particular success--the pattern has a lot of nice little details, like shoulder seams that are longer in the front to create a little room for the bust, a sweet hip curve, and a gently shaped hem. I also like the way the set-in sleeves fit together; they drape really well over the shoulder. The skirt was easy as pie, though I'm still fiddling with the fit. Since the skirt pattern is just the bottom part of the dress pattern, there's a little ease built into the waist, making the skirt waist a little large in comparison to everything else about the pattern. I'd recommend trying it on, sans elastic, before you fell your seams. Otherwise, it too is thoughtfully shaped. Both pieces have the potential to be casual staples. There are a few quirks: the size chart doesn't include hip measurements, which would have been handy, and the size range is pretty narrow. I should also remark that the t-shirt fit my flat-chested self just fine in a size L. The fitted top/dress, on the other hand, looks like it was designed for a slightly fuller bust. If you're really well-endowed you should probably make a muslin out of a cheap cotton/poly jersey so you can try out the fba of your choice. Basically, I was so pleased with the way my test garments turned out that I sat down, picked out a palette, and made a big cloth order from Alabama Chanin. Wardrobe ahoy!

I received my pre-order of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design this afternoon, and have to say I am blown away both by Natalie Chanin's creativity and by her generosity - because she has included so much in this book! I own both of her two previous books, and love them but I think that this new one will be my favorite. The first two books are more technical primers - how to hand sew with jersey, how to bead, how to stencil - with a few patterns and stencils included. Alabama Studio Sewing does not go in depth into the techniques; the emphasis is on the design of the finished fabric and garment sewing. There are patterns for a hat, fingerless gloves, skirts, a t-shirt, a dress and a wrap with instructions on how to use ruffles or surface elements to vary the designs. Then there are the stencils. 6 or 7 of them, to be photocopied or downloaded to use. And with these are a design 'library' of images showing fabrics created using each stencil and different combinations of beading, applique, reverse applique and printing (all techniques that were covered in the first and second books). There are also photos and instructions for decorative and beaded stitches, ruffles, eyelets and even "fur". At the end of the book is an index showing all of the garment photos in the main body and listing exactly what they are composed of: the color fabric and thread, the pattern and stencils used, the fabric treatment, the style of beads, etc...so that one could theoretically recreate any of the garments. It is an incredible, inspiring book and I really look forward to trying my hand at creating my own Alabama Chanin wardrobe. Thank you to Natalie and the Alabama Chanin team for making such an amazing work available to the rest of us!!!!

I have all of the Alabama Chanin books, and I really truly love all of them, but this one is a masterpiece. I'm totally blown away (again!!) by Natalie's absolute generosity. You really could easily create an entire wardrobe using this book, and you could make it as quickly and simply or as fabulously ornate as you desire! And if you're not much of a stitcher (c'mon though, really, you should give it a try!) the photography and the picture stories are completely breathtaking. The book includes many many stencil patterns to copy & cut yourself, wonderful instructions for creating many of Alabama Chanin's signature stitches, and guides for beading. GET IT! You'll love it! I should have a stack of them... I want everyone I know to try it, but I use my book to often to happily share ;)

I waited eagerly to get this book. I have the first Alabama Stitch book and love it - the second one I thought didn't have anything to add, so I passed on it - but I anticipated this would be more useful. And it is. Sort of. There are a lot of needlework instructions that are very good - in fact, all the instructions are very good. The ideas for garments are gorgeous. The book is gorgeous. Alas, I am not thin and every piece of clothing but the poncho and hat are ONLY for the thin. The only garment I could possible wear in the book is the hat - and I looked at the pattern sheets 5 times and couldn't find the pattern - have no clue where it is. So even that is not possible. The other drawback is that many, many of the ideas and instructions include beading. Now, I don't know if you've ever tried to bead a garment - it's a whole different thing than stringing a few beads for a necklace. It's painstaking, long, hard, and "fiddly" work. Worth it, if you don't mind spending 2 months making a garment, but it depends upon what sort of life you are leading. I live in a casual environment and would wear a garment with beading maybe once or twice a year. Not worth it at all. There are other techniques that are extremely attractive and even a couple - using the strings made from cutting and stretching strips of knit - that are unique. However, a good old how-to embroidery book will give you most of the stitches. And every craft store from small to large is full of stencils at this point - stencils as nice as the ones in the book, and already cut out and ready to use. The stencils in the book are great - but wait until you try to cut them out with a craft knife - hours and hours. As eye candy, you can't do better than this book. It's delightful to look at. It's fun to imagine making the clothes. However, I have so many books on my shelf that are "delightful to look at" that it's bending in the middle. If I could use even one of the garments, I would keep the book. Honestly, this book is beguiling. However, I can't - I have a bosom, I have hips, I have a stomach - and that eliminates the dresses, the skirts, and the shirts - and that's all there is . Okay, so maybe the poncho - but that isn't really a pattern - it's just folding a rectangle and instructions for doing that are all over the internet. So, after anticipating this book for weeks, I am sadly returning it. Incidentally, I made a tee shirt for myself using the techniques in the first book - but making it to fit my figure - and it is stunning. I will make more - and the first book will provide everything I need to know to make an entire wardrobe that will fit and look good. I want to stress that this is a great book if you fit into the mold - which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3. Normally, for a book that is aimed specifically at one body type, I would go with 3 or fewer, but have to say as eye candy, you'd go a long way to do better.

I preordered this book months ago and I've been waiting for it since Natalie Chanin announced it on her website. I was afraid I might be disappointed. Could the new book live up to my expectations? Yes it does and then some. If you already have Natalie Chanin's other two books, Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style, you've probably already ordered this book - so let me just say you will not be disappointed. The book is a perfect companion to the other two books. The book just keep getting better. If you are new to Alabama Chanin, this book is a wonderful primer for the sewer who wants to elevate their work to an art form. Natalie Chanin takes hand sewing to a whole new level or maybe back to what it was meant to be. She makes sewing a soul satisfying, filled with love, creative process. You can't help but be inspired. I've been going through the book for the last hour. There are already post-its throughout the book, the patterns are on the table and I can't wait to get started on my first look. This is a must have for any sewing, craft library. Love it!

Infiniti spunti creativi, originali e non troppo difficili da realizzare, completo di cartamodello versatile.piacevole scoperta di uno stile rielaborato della vecchia America

Nice book with creative stitches

J'ai les trois livres de Nathalie Chanin, c'est celui-ci que je préfère, c'est le mieux abouti à mon sens. Ce livre est déjà superbe à feuilleter, un véritable délice pour les yeux, les exemples de broderies sont merveilleux et pour avoir déjà commencé à travailler avec, je peux dire que les patrons sont très bien taillés. Les modèles sont basiques, taillés dans du jersey, mais dès qu'ils sont ornés, brodés, retravaillés, ils deviennent des atours de reine! La couture et la broderie sont faites à la main, c'est long mais c'est finalement très facile et d'une grande simplicité, ces morceaux d'étoffe deviennent superbes, et ce travail de fourmi est presque thérapeutique. Et chaque vêtement créé devient unique. De quoi se faire une garde-robe vraiment confortable, agréable à porter et d'une grande beauté.

Ótimo conteúdo, ilustrações e acabamento.

Für mich das Beste der drei Bücher. Wer alles haben will, also Zierstiche, Techniken, und Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten, der hat in diesem Buch ein wahres Gesamtpaket. Sowohl die Zierstiche von Alabma Stitch Book, als auch die Stiche von Alabama Studio Style sind hier abgebildet. Das letzte Kapitel zeigt sehr viele verschiedene Kleidungstücke von Alabama Chanin, bei denen man sich Inspirationen holen kann. Dann gibt es am laufenden Band Bilder über die Techniken und Kombinationsmöglichkeiten. Vorne ist wie gewohnt erklärt, wie Stoffe genäht und schabloniert werden. Das gab es auch schon in den anderen beiden Büchern und somit kann dieses Buch auch für sich allein stehen. Das Schnittmuster am Ende bildet ein Bolerojäckchen mit verschieden langen Ärmeln, ein Kleid in verschiedenen Längen, Röcke, Hemd und Tunika mit und ohne Ärmel ab. Außerdem gibt es eine Anleitung für einen Poncho, den Hut, der auch auf dem Cover zu sehen ist sowie Handschuhe. Also alles drin, um sich von Kopf bis Fuss im Alabama Chanin Style einzukleiden. Und nochmal zur Übersicht: Das erste Buch Alabama Stitch Book, hat eine Anleitung für eine Corsage und einen schlichten Rock Das zweite Buch Alabama Studio Style, enthält die Anleitung für ein Kleid, den sogenannten Gore-Skirt, ein schlichtes Hemd und eine Tunica Das dritte Buch Alabama Studio Sewing, enthält Anleitungen für Kleid, Tunika, Röcke, Hut, Poncho, Bolero, Hemd und Shirt Ich hab bereits eine Corsage (aus dem ersten Buch) und einen Rock gemacht und muss sagen, das klappt gut mit der Anleitung. Man muss sich die Nahtzugaben zwar von Inch umrechnen und der Stoffverbrauch ist in Yards angegeben, aber das macht man einmal und dann hat man's auch. Das Buch ist eine wahre Bereicherung für Hobbysuchende, die gern auch mal etwas länger an Projekten sitzen. Für Ungeduldige ist das Buch gar nichts. Die können sich aber an den tollen Bildern erfreuen. Sehr empfehlenswert!