Book :: Alabama Studio Sewing + Design by Natalie Chanin

Alabama Studio Sewing + Design
by Natalie Chanin
Stewart Chabori & Chang
ISBN: 978-1-58479-920-7
176 Pages
Review by Jenny Doh

"Thorough" is the first word that I would use to describe Alabama Studio Sewing + Design by Natalie Chanin. Within its 176 pages and pattern sheet inserts, the reader is presented with full-sized patterns that are at the core of the garments that are quintissentially Alabama Chanin. In the first 8 chapters, readers get detailed instructions on methods for garment construction as well as embellishment techniques that are at the heart of Alabama Chanin's aesthetic. These techniques include stenciling, appliqué, reverse appliqué, quilting, negative reverse appliqué, beading, embroidery, and more.

"Generous," "inspiring," and "empowering" are the other words that come to mind when describing this book. It is one where Natalie Chanin generously shares all that she knows and all that she loves, so that the reader can build an Alabama Chanin wardrobe of her own, from bolero to skirt, to dress, to hat ... with encouragement from Natalie to customize what she teaches so that the reader's unique voice, style, and thumbprints can emerge in the pieces that can be made after reading this book.

Bravo to Natalie Chanin and the entire Alabama Chanin team for this thorough, generous, inspiring, and empowering book.