Oh, Alabama: Thank You.

Oh, Alamaba, you know me, don't you?  We were once friends, or are future friends, or maybe just of like minds. 

After a rough day yesterday, I found this bundle of love on my front porch.   Do you see the box is stenciled! (also note the inches of snow outside the window).

And here's a peek inside.  Who doesn't love a brown paper package tied up with string? 

                         

 And, Oh, Alabama, Here's what's inside:  As a thank you for ordering your beautiful NEW book, you sent me a whole yard of 100% green cotton Jaquard fabric and a thick card describing how to make a chair pillow with it.

The book itself was plenty, but thank you, thank you for the surprise.  I am inspired not only by your creativity but also by your generosity.  You clearly love what you do.

You can visit Alabama HERE, We can make some beautiful things together if you do. In the words of Natalie (aka Alabama): "May the book-and the projects that you will make-fill your home with warmth and great stories..."  It already has.

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.