If you haven’t heard of Alabama Chanin, get ready to thank me. Are you ready for me to introduce you to my favorite DIY project of all time–that’s right, of all time? Can I at least get a drum roll…maybe some cartwheels?
I found out about Alabama Chanin when I watched this video introducing Natalie Chanin {the founder and creator}, and knew that I needed to learn more. Immediately, I checked out the website and ordered one of the Alabama Chanin books {this one}.
When the book arrived, I couldn’t get enough and knew I’d be creating many of the pieces inside. And, of course, I decided to start big. Why not? I’m making a dress with appliqué and it’ll probably take me a few weeks to finish, but it’s going to be worth the time. So far, I’ve cut the HUGE stencil from pennant felt and cut out the pieces for the dress. I need to sew them together and appliqué the dress which will take the longest amount of time.
I’ll keep you updated along the way!
If you decide to order the book and attempt some of the projects, you’re going to need 100% organic jersey cotton fabric and I have to tell you that it isn’t easy to find. I went to two different fabric stores in my area, and they only had a turquoise color in ONE of the stores. The other had nothing. And, the fabric on the Alabama Chanin website isn’t budget-friendly at $21/yard. I ordered mine from fabric.com {at $7.98/yard} and I check back regularly to see what colors they have in stock because it does change often. I also found some reasonably priced on Etsy, but only in light pink and tangerine when I searched for it.
I would love to hear if you’ve created any of the Alabama Chanin designs–or what your favorite DIY project of all time has been.
I’m working on a skirt with allover quilting in the facets pattern. Wow, talk about labor intensive. And yet it’s so addictive. 3 out of 4 panels done so far and I can’t wait to get it finished.
Yay! I’d love to see pictures of that! 🙂
I love Alabama Chanin! I have her first book and I just decided to take some clothes that I had that I wanted to change up and did the reverse appliqué on a short cotton jacket that I have (still working on it!).
I also took that concept and designed my own stencil, stenciled an org. cotton tee and used silk chiffon as the appliqué. The result was stunning. Can’t wait to see how your dress turns out ;D
Oh, how fun! That sounds fantastic!
pattern, type, work – graceful dude
to get fabric on demand from weaveron textile.