Natalie Chanin

If you have never heard of Natalie Chanin, you are missing out.  However, I am more than happy to introduce you to this amazing woman!  I could go on for pages about her, but I will let the images speak for themselves, and encourage you to go to her site and check out her books as well.

I first heard about Natalie Chanin from a friend who told me about her fabulous clothes made entirely out of knit fabric and about the reverse applique technique that is signature to her clothing.  I went to the Alabama Chanin wesite to read about it and to see how the technique was done. I loved it so much that I made shirts to wear at events for myself and the bagettes.

About a week ago, I was a lucky girl and snagged a spot in a Natalie Chanin workshop at the fabric store just down the street.  The workshop was fabulous!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself, listened to Natalie talk about everything from thread to her favorite wallet while working on a shirt in the Alabama Studio Style.  The other participants were warm and wonderful as well.  I brought some bags to give away and people loved them, including Natalie.

Natalie has written 2 books.  The first is the Alabama Stitch Book and is available here, the second, just came out, and is titled Alabama Studio Style and is available here.  I highly recommend them both.  No sewing machine required, just a needle and some patience.

You can see if there is a workshop in your area by checking out Natalie's blog here.

Here is a peek inside her new book. . .

My shirt from the workshop in progress. . .

Photo from the workshop. . .

Happy bag recipients. . .

Below left is Marguerite from Marguerite's Sewing School right here in Nashville. . .

And this is me and Natalie with her bag. . .

Thanks Natalie for a wonderful morning, it was raining outside but cozy and comfortable in the workshop!  Teresa