Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns


Book Description

A compendium for Alabama Chanin crafters collects all of the patterns from her first three books on an accompanying CD and offers illustrated instructions and patterns for 12 new skirts, dresses, tops and jackets. 20,000 first printing.




The Geometry of Hand-Sewing


Book Description

This sewing guide reveals a breakthrough method to simplify learning stitches of all kinds, with more than 100 stitches from the simple to the fanciful. As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her teams at Alabama Chanin and The School of Making began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems. They also discovered that learning new stitches—even elaborate ones—became simple and easy when using grids as guides. In The Geometry of Hand-Sewing Chanin presents their breakthrough method, featuring illustrated instructions (for both right- and left-handed stitchers) for more than 100 stitches—from the basic straight and chain to complex feather and herringbone. Photos of both right and wrong sides are included, as well as guidelines for modifying stitches to increase one’s repertoire further. The book also offers downloads for two stitching cards with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These printable cards can be used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.




Alabama Stitch Book


Book Description

Includes 20 projects to make, designer and author demonstrates how she learned to sew and how she has learned that what she makes is important to the community where she grew up.




Alabama Studio Style


Book Description

Featuring new techniques and a collection of sewing projects. This is a craft and lifestyle book all in one. Detailed instructions for the hand-sewing, quilting, embroidery, beading and stencilling techniques required to create the featured projects. Over 20 extraordinary couture fashion and home projects.




Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making


Book Description

Designer Natalie Chanin blends embroidery and hand-sewing techniques with her own personal story in this empowering guide for all who love stitching and handcraft Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making mixes lessons in sewing, design, and embroidery with Natalie Chanin's engaging, personal story of the evolution of Alabama Chanin and the indelible mark the techniques she pioneered and the company she founded have made on the sewing and fashion industry. Chapters explore design-related themes—craft, technique, relationship, repeat, and color—through images, instruction, and stories from Chanin about her life, Alabama Chanin, and the evolving view of craft and hand-sewing in the modern world. The book also explores how sewing and embroidery relate to wider concerns of sustainability, community, and women’s empowerment. As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. Embroidery challenges us to go deeper by examining the history of a beloved company and cherished pastime.




The Modern Natural Dyer


Book Description

“Kristine’s book breaks down natural dyeing from both a scientific and creative perspective, making the process feel as approachable as it is beautiful.” —Design*Sponge Thousands of natural materials can produce glorious color—the insect cochineal produces pink, maroon, and purple, and more than 500 species of plants produce indigo blue. In The Modern Natural Dyer expert Kristine Vejar shares the most user-friendly techniques for dyeing yarn, fabric, and finished goods at home with foraged and garden-raised dyestuffs as well as with convenient natural dye extracts. Demystifying the “magic,” Vejar explains in explicit, easy-to-follow detail how to produce consistent, long-lasting color. With stunning photography of the dyes themselves, the dyeing process, and twenty projects for home and wardrobe (some to knit, some to sew, and some just a matter of submerging a finished piece in a prepared bath), The Modern Natural Dyer is a complete resource for aspiring and experienced dye artisans. “A terrific primer for anyone new to the technique. Kristine walks you through the ins and outs of the process, from defining what scouring and mordanting mean to helping you learn how best to achieve desired colors.” —DIY Network “Vejar’s lovely book is very sophisticated and detailed.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Absolutely stunning . . . The projects range from dyeing pre-made items like a slip, silk scarf or tote bag to dyeing yarn to knit a hat, shawl or cardigan . . . exceeded all my high expectations.” —Make Something




Shape Shape


Book Description

From graphic designer?turned?fashion designer Natsuno Hiraiwa comes Shape Shape, an ingenious collection of signature vests, collars, blouses, tops, skirts, and shrugs that can all be worn in a variety of ways and that are created for sewists of all skill levels. Designs feature draping and fastening fabric cut from single flat cloth, artfully twisting fabric, and folding fabric in origami-like fashion. You'll find unique construction guidance, one-of-a-kind garments that are fit for all ages, as well as a pattern insert. Shape Shape offers everything you need to sew minimally constructed designs with maximum visual impact.




Merchant & Mills Sewing Book


Book Description

Keep it simple and do it well. The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book contains fifteen step-by-step projects aimed at guiding you gently but firmly through the basics of sewing. Each project you make from this book will be stylish, but above all, useful. Part I of the book presents a fundamental overview on the art of sewing, the tools and materials you will need and homegrown tips on essential good practice. In Part II, seasoned dressmaker Carolyn Denham leads you step by step through fifteen achievable projects, each building on the skills gained as you progress through the book. First, equip your sewing room with practical items you never knew you needed, such as a Tailor’s Ham, Sleeve Roll and an Ironing Board Cover (essential items for good pressing practice), a Hussif (the ever ready portable sewing kit) and a Maker’s Apron (utilitarian chic for good workers). Then go on to use your new sewing skills to make cushions, throws and bags before progressing on to garments with the Tailored Shawl and Fisherman’s Top, using the paper patterns provided in the back of the book. Make them all and you will be a very capable dressmaker with a raft of functional, beautiful, handmade goods.




Sampler Spree


Book Description

Indulge your passion for color and fabric with a smorgasbord of blocks to use in a quilt that's a visual feast. The fun begins with more than 100 beautiful quilt blocks that all finish at 6" square, making them perfect for using scraps and for easy mixing and matching. Whether you prefer traditional or modern, you'll find so much to love in the varied assortment of block designs. Susan Ache (you may know her as @yardgrl60 on Instagram) shares 50 expert tips throughout, plus step-by-step instructions for making half-square triangles, flying geese, stitch-and-flip corners, and more. Once your tantalizing blocks are stitched, arranging them in the stunning sampler quilt is sheer pleasure!




New York Beauties & Flying Geese


Book Description

Dramatic curves and angles for today's adventurous quilter Become a skilled foundation piecer with New York Beauty blocks and arcs of Flying Geese that amaze! Carl Hentsch simplifies a technique loved by many with his straightforward approach to curved piecing, foundation piecing, and simple machine appliqué. Stitch your way through 31 architectural block patterns, ideal for advanced beginners and intermediate quilters. Then it's time to practice on 10 full-size quilts and 27 bonus pillow projects with lively color combinations to provide movement and drama. In a personal foreword, fabric designer Tula Pink discusses how she met Carl and came to collaborate with him on the color choices for his quilts. • Complex piecing made simple! Expand your skill set and learn new tips and techniques for curved and foundation piecing • Traditional blocks shine with the use of modern fabrics in rich color stories, with fabric selections by Tula Pink • Practice your newfound skills on a small project with stunning round pillows designed to accompany each quilt