Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns, 2015

Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns is the fourth volume in the Studio Book Series, inspired by requests for a wider variety of garment patterns. The introduction allows that “some people want looser styles; some people want a wider selection of sleeve options; others want more sizes.” A beloved part of The School of Making, the  book offers suggestions, tips, and instructions for altering patterns to suit individual preferences. The book introduces three new core patterns—the A-Line Dress, Wrap Skirt, and Classic Coat design and variations—and includes the patterns from all of the other Studio Books on a disc in the back of the book. 

Purchase a signed copy here.

Shop the A-Line Dress and Classic Jacket DIY kits, and the Wrap Skirt pattern.

View more from the Studio Book Series here.

Explore The School of Making here.

Slide 1: Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin in The School of Making workshop space, 2015, photograph by Rinne Allen (read an entry on The School of Making here)

Slide 2: Manuscript for Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin, pre 2015 publication, photograph by Rinne Allen

Slide 3: Cover of Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin featuring Magdalena negative reverse appliqué, photograph by Robert Rausch; Reissued in 2018 with this new cover in celebration of the Studio Book series’ 10th anniversary

Slide 4: “Altering Necklines” from Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin with illustrations by Sun Young Park, 2015, photograph by Robert Rausch

Slide 5: Feather-stitched polka dots and Medium Polka Dot stencil artwork from Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin, 2015, photograph by Robert Rausch

Slide 6: “Alabama Cotton Jersey Fabric” from Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin, 2015, photograph by Robert Rausch

Slide 7: “About the Author” with photograph of Natalie Chanin and “Make what you love” sign from Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin, 2015, photographed by Rinne Allen; Today this sign remains in The Factory Store displaying  a new message, “we rise by lifting others,” affixed during Alabama Chanin’s pivot to face mask production at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, April 2020 (read an entry on Face Mask production here)

Slide 8: “Acknowledgements” and photograph of the Alabama Chanin team from Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns by Natalie Chanin, 2015, photograph by Robert Rausch