Thursday, October 22, 2009

I'd Like You to Meet Alabama

Well, actually, Natalie Chanin. Her company is Alabama Chanin. This brave and true Mom runs a company that inspires, awes and humbles me.

Natalie began her journey with a documentary that sought to tell the story behind quilt squares. She's a collector of the spoken word. This project put her in touch with so many talented women whose craft has been handed down for generations.

From this acquaintance, her company began. She employs local women from a economically depressed part of Alabama that has generations worth of history in textile mills. The women work at their own pace, with their own work hours, and get paid by the piece. Each article is handmade.

In addition to using organic materials, and promoting a sustainable lifestyle, she practices what she preaches. AND, she's a success. She was just recently featured in Vogue, and Google.

She has a few books, such as Studio Style (above).


But the one I want is the Stitch book. I want to make this skirt. Did I mention that she also sells DIY kits, has classes and workshops, and she sells supplies, patterns, and raw materials.

You truly need to visit her site to get a full appreciation of how this woman is living her dream, and what an inspiration she is to us all.

3 comments:

Deanna said...

Truly beautiful things!

the treat girl said...

Thank you soooo much for introducing us!!! How amazing!!!!!!!!

beki said...

Hi there! This is my first time visiting. I'm currently working on the bloomers skirt from this book. All I have left to do is the elastic waistband - I LOVE LOVE LOVE this skirt. It is sooo comfortable. It took me hours and hours to sew all the reverse applique, but I think it was worth it. Do get your hands on that book, it's wonderful.