Alabama Studio Style

by Natalie Chanin

Hardcover: 174 pages

Publisher: STC Craft

Language: English

ISBN: 978-1-58479-823-1

“It is my belief that by sharing the basics of life – food, clothing, shelter –we are all connected. Through design and production of beautiful, lasting, soulful products, we are providing the platform for our families and greater communities to live truly rich, healthy and meaningful lives.”

Natatlie Chanin.

I was so excited when I heard that Natalie had written a second book with STC. Alabama Chanin was such a revelation to me – beautiful, simple and most wonderfully – HAND STITCHED clothing, using practical fabrics and sensible instructions – this quilter quickly decided that branching out into fashion was on the cards!

Alabama Studio Style does not disappoint.

The book is produced in the same beautiful format as the last, with a hard cover, stunning, textural photography and easy to read patterns.

Natalie’s informal writing style and clear, concise explanations make the projects seem a breeze. Although I haven’t yet attempted the skirt I have been longing to make, the pictures and descriptions give such a clear view of the drape of the jersey fabric and rustic feel of the embroidery that I have a very solid picture in my head of how that skirt is going to turn out!

Natalie Chanin is the founder and creative drive behind a unique fashion business based in Florence, Alabama. Alabama Chanin produces clothing and home dec products hand crafted by artists in the town where Natalie grew up. The company is committed to  “slow design” process, where each piece is a model for community minded, environmentally friendly and hand produced ideals that the company holds dear.

Both of Natalie’s books reflect her commitment to beautiful, lasting designs. Projects in this latest book branch further into objects to decorate your home with – such as the Eyelet Doily, the Relief Applique Chair Pillow and the Stencilled and Sewn Table.

I was thrilled to find that Natalie had included in this book three full menus of  Southern cuisine, with complete recipes. If you are like me and love to create in the kitchen as well as the sewing room, you will love the traditional foods that Natalie has shared, including Pickled Green Cherry Tomatoes, Cheese Grits Casserole and the Put-Up Tomato Tart. My only problem now is where to find Grits in Sydney, Australia!

Thank you for sharing your book and your thoughts with us Natalie, we have loved being a stop on your blog tour!

To learn more about Natalie you can read our interview, click here. To follow along with further stops on her blog tour, click here.

You can buy Alabama Studio Style and The Alabama Stitch book directly from Alamaba Chanin at www.alabamachanin.com . The website also has galleries of the latest Alabama Chanin fashion collections and a store where you can purchase kits for the projects in the books.

Natalie has a lovely blog at http://alabamachanin.com/journal