"I like making a piece of string into something I can wear." Author Unknown
Most of us do not consider sewing our clothing by hand to be something we can do. When we think of hand made clothing, we envision the beautiful Haute Couture fashions of the famous French Designers. It is, however, not beyond the reach of the average or even beginning sewer to create a garment for themselves by hand.
Today in America, there is a fashion designer whose clothing is sewn by hand. Her name is Natalie Chanin and her fashion house is located in Florence, Alabama. Not only does she design the most beautiful clothing, she has also published several books which include the patterns for you to make them yourself. She offers custom made kits which contain everything you need to create a garment or fabrics by the yard if you want to cut them out yourself.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Chanin several years ago when she did a presentation at the New York Public Library. Her commitment to sustainability and preserving traditional sewing techniques through her "Slow Design" approach is a source of inspiration for me. It has influenced me in the creation of my tiny company where I use recycled tshirt to create my children's clothing. I have also now begun incorporating vintage embroideries, rescued from garage and estate sales, into my aprons.
Today in America, there is a fashion designer whose clothing is sewn by hand. Her name is Natalie Chanin and her fashion house is located in Florence, Alabama. Not only does she design the most beautiful clothing, she has also published several books which include the patterns for you to make them yourself. She offers custom made kits which contain everything you need to create a garment or fabrics by the yard if you want to cut them out yourself.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Chanin several years ago when she did a presentation at the New York Public Library. Her commitment to sustainability and preserving traditional sewing techniques through her "Slow Design" approach is a source of inspiration for me. It has influenced me in the creation of my tiny company where I use recycled tshirt to create my children's clothing. I have also now begun incorporating vintage embroideries, rescued from garage and estate sales, into my aprons.
I have made myself many lovely garments using the patterns in
Ms. Chanin's books and also from kits that I purchased from her website.
What does all this have to do with running stitch? Well, it is the simple running stitch that is used to sew the seams of the garments.
Ms. Chanin's books and also from kits that I purchased from her website.
What does all this have to do with running stitch? Well, it is the simple running stitch that is used to sew the seams of the garments.
Here is a tshirt from my younger days reworked Alabama Chanin style.
Running stitch is also used in the reverse applique technique that is used to embellish many of the garments Ms. Chanin designs.
My current project. A dress kit I purchased, which I hope to finish in time to wear to both my daughter's graduations.
This is a dress I made based on one of the patterns in the Alabama Stitch Book using fabric I purchased from Ms. Chanin's website.
I also purchased a kit for this skirt. The kit came with beads which I used on the top instead. The pattern for the top is the same as the tshirt above which also came from the Alabama Stitch Book.
When you buy one of the kits, you even get a label to sew in.
Well, I hope I have motivated you to pick up a needle and thread to create a special garment for yourself. For more inspirations, please visit the Alabama Chanin website and you will be amazed.
Have a fun day!
Cynthia to
Have a fun day!
Cynthia to
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