Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns: A Guide to Customizing a Hand-Stitched Alabama Chanin Wardrobe

This tome of all things Alabama Chanin stitching is awesome!!!

I have only recently 'discovered' Alabama Chanin and the School of Making and although she has written a number of books, this one contains a dvd with downloadable sewing patterns from all of her previous books as well as some new patterns released with this book. It means that you don't actually have to buy her other books if you just want the sewing patterns and some of her basic design and embellishment techniques. This in itself is quite unique for a designer and author but then her whole 'open source' approach to her work where she shares absolutely everything is just amazing. I think her work is so stunningly beautiful however that I doubt anyone interested in it could limit themselves to just one book! The Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns book takes you through how to customise the patterns and make adjustments for a better fit. I already sew as a hobby so know how to do this but, for those new to sewing and who perhaps think they can't make her clothes because they don't fall exactly within the size range then this is likely to be helpful. As sewists we are asking designers and pattern makers to be more inclusive in their sizing to genuinely reflect the size and shapes of women's bodies and I fully agree with this - I no longer buy sewing patterns that I have to grade up. Again, what I find incredibly unique about this book is that in addition to her own patterns and how to customise them, Natalie Chanin also includes a section and step by step instructions on how to adapt a commercial dressmaking pattern (for machine sewing) into a pattern that can be sewn by hand to create Alabama Chanin-Style garments. In giving this alternative not only does she open up limitless design and style opportunities, you are also not restricted to using her patterns so no need to grade up if you choose not to - you can simply use a commercial pattern in your size and follow her very clear instructions. Having said that I will most definitely be grading up and making an unembellished Camisole Tank Dress to test out my hand sewing before I become more adventurous. Meanwhile, I'm off to acquire me some more Alabama Chanin books.....

I've been a fan of Natalie Chanin ever since I bought her Craftsy Class "Hand Embellishing Knits". I've already got her other three books and each one, including this latest book, are each a stand alone book, but together they give such a in depth guide to the world of Alabama Chanin and slow fashion that is hard to beat!This book can be used alone, but is a perfect companion for the other books with having all patterns from each book on one CD. I really like Natalie's suggestion about printing the patterns out at a professional printer which has facilities for printing large sheets of paper. I like having all the patterns in one place along with more concise instructions. The other books will be perfect for giving more detail and ideas I'm certain as my journey towards an Alabama wardrobe takes shape!This book can be easy understood by a more intermediate or advanced sewer, beginners may have difficulty with some projects and would benefit from the earlier books. That said the designs are basic staples to any wardrobe and this book in particular goes into detail about adapting each design to make as many more designs as your imagination will allow! She also goes into depth about adjusting each design to fit you perfectly. Another plus in this book is that the designs are all modelled on "real" women! Makes such a change to see women of different shapes and sizes enjoying wearing the dresses throughout.

This is the only Natalie Chanin book that I have read. I like that the patterns are on a cd at the read and I can therefore print at home or in a copy shop.I do make some of my clothes and this book has given me advice on how to alter patterns that I already own to have a wider and more varied wardrobe. Now just to find 100% cotton in my local fabric shop and I can get started.There are also reasonable tips on how to embellish clothing to your own taste.

a lot of thought has gone into this book,I will be making up the patterns but will be using a sewing machine,I do like the way the author has of explaining how to do things slowly and how to put a personal stamp on the garments

I bought her Craftsy Course and hope to make the coat, then bought the “Geometry of Hand Sewing” which is beautiful, then bought this book for the patterns. The only thing I don’t like is the models’ choice of footwear!

Another great book from Natalie Chanin. I'm ok with the c.d. for patterns and I printed one off without difficulty. Mind you, cellotaping all the pages together was a bummer, but what the heck. There's a lot of overlap with previous books, but that's to be expected. I'd love her to do a book about how she recycled garments for her previous business, to follow on from her first book -hint, hint. All in all well worth buying.

Innovative approach to home-made garments using hand-sewing as a main technique. Contemporary feel to both the book and the designs. Highly inspirational, it will easily capture the imagination of the women who find themselves captivated by the concept of creating your own garments rather than feeling swept along on the maelstrom made up of the high-street brands with their fast turn-over of throw-away "fashion" garments.