Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting, and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style (Alabama Studio)

This was on my Amazon wish list for DH to purchase for me for xmas, but then I couldn't wait and I purchased it myself (yes, the patience of a flea here).So I got it yesterday, drooled over and marveled at the book for a few hours, and then today ransacked my closet for 2 tee shirts and went to work. And 2.5 hours later, I completed my first reverse applique tee shirt! I just love it.I am already planning to cut the sleeves of my teeshirt and shape the body a bit, since this was a boxy red tee shirt I appliqued. When I'm finished I'll post it on my neglected blog.Also, I am NOT a sewer (although I may become one). Haven't used my sewing machine in decades. And, I do have tons of arts & crafts project books. Most of them I look at and admire, but for whatever reason, I just don't get started on anything. This book is different. It totally motivated and inspired me to start stitching.I love the projects because they are so outside the box - the tee shirt mums are so gorgeous, and the skirts are amazing -- I"ll be checking out thrift stores this weekend to buy them up by the dozen. It is so liberating to work with old tee shirts! No worries about messing anything up, because hey, its just an old tee shirt, and its like elementary art teachers telll you - no such thing as a mistake, you can incorporate everything into your project.Oh, and the book actually includes recipes too! I plan to make the crackers in the next day or two - we need wheat germ. The only ever so slight criticism I would make is that I wish there were more stencil patterns! But I'll just go ahead and make some of my own and just run with it. I can't wait to start beading embellishments too...oh the plans I have....

What a fabulous, fabulous book. Even though the reviews are all so good, I was not prepared to be blown away by this book. It is gorgeous. And even though I had looked at the cover, I still didn't expect something so cool. I hadn't ordered it originally because I had the vague impression it was mainly about quilting - a craft that looks pretty but has never appealed to me - it's probably a culture thing, you have to be American to like it. Like cupcakes, knitted or otherwise... Anyway. This is the ultimate book for the 21st century recycler /crafter. It puts all the other deconstruction - recycling - wannabe hipster books in the shade. The projects are adorable, I want to make them all. The instructions and special tips are clear and detailed, and although I've been sewing for years, I have already picked up a few tips. There are templates, patterns and even recipes. The photography and layout is beautiful - artistic AND clear, which is not always the case!

I think this is the first books Natalie Chanin wrote although it's the third one I bought. It is the "homiest" of the three in the photo. I love her clothes, how they are comfortable, interesting and fun to make. There are patterns for garments but she also shows how to transform clothes you already own with the included stencil. There are projects as simple as beading the included post card or making a bandana in her signature reverse appliqué style. Then you can progress to more difficult projects OR just look at it, enjoy it, think about the hand work you already make or imagine you'd like to make. This is a great introduction to an unusual woman, her style and philosophy.

I love love love this book!Since I do not have a mother or grandmother or great grandmother for that matter around to share with me any old fashioned secrets of the trade of sewing and stitching by hand, I am very happy that I have this book.I have been reading it now since it arrived. Some projects seem easier than others.But I think I can do it.I have been sewing (machine sewing) now for 15 years... so I am very willing and open to give this new way of sewing a try.After reading most of the techniques mentioned in this book the way of how to do it, is becoming more and more clear. The pattern for the corset and skirt is easy and very clear and true in size! I love that!I have not started yet on any projects because I needed t-shirts.Just a few days ago I bought about 20 t-shirts (that were almost new) at my local thrift store. Washed them and now I am just finishing a project so I can start sewing the Alabama Chanin way.I am so thrilled, that I already ordered another book from Natalie Chanin.And maybe maybe if I like that one too I will also be ready to order the one I do not have yet.Once I have made something out of the Alabama Stitch book I will write another review! I am quite positive that I will truly enjoy it.Some advice: Just wanted to let you know that I really like to read the book first.Then most of the time, when I actually start on the project it will be a breeze to make it.Also... while reading I am taking my time in collecting the beads and the t-shirts in the colors that speak to me.These projects are all very tedious and so time consuming so you want to be prepared and have all the items you need. You will not be making 2 or 3 in one and the same day.

I selected this book in order to get some fresh ideas for my sewing projects. I have been sewing a long time(about 20yrs), and I like to make my own designs. This book offered some new ideas about construction, deconstruction, and finishing. There are a lot of nice pictures that accompany each project, and the author encourages the reader to experiment with supplies and colors. One thing I wasn't thrilled with was the sizing of the patterns. An xl size is a 14 which isn't really the standard for clothing makers. I was prepared to alter the patterns to my size, and this is very easy to do with these patterns, however a novice sewer may have difficulty with this. Considering the author sells her couture clothing line for more than a $1000 per garment, it is nice to be able to create something similar for yourself for a fraction of the price.

Another great book from Chanin,, definitely recommend.

Acheté pour notre club de patchwork après un stage sur le jersey en patchwork. Élargi notre champ de créativité et toutes les bases sont dans ce livre superbe mais en anglais uniquement

I have all of Natalie Chanin's books. She outlines all the techniques to make your own couture masterpiece.

Spent a pyjama day in bed with this book on the weekend and read it from cover to cover. This is a great guide to basic hand-stitching techniques with simple project ideas to get started. The authors historical insight to the rise and fall of the textile industry (cotton) in the US south is really interesting. I love the idea of recycling fabrics and getting back to basics. I will probably buy other books by this author.

Sehr einsteckend, wir machen schon mit ganze Gruppe diese Technik. Resultat einfach erstaunlich!!! Sogar bei unregelmäßigen Stichen (wenn jemand das erste mal macht) - kommen Schmuckstücke raus!!!! Es gibt's andere Bücher von dieser Serie (3). Man kann alle bestellen. Sie sind nach Schwierigkeitsgrad ausgestattet. Aber überall super Projekte und Erklärungen. Nur zu!!!