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Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making
Designer and bestselling author Natalie Chanin blends embroidery and hand-sewing techniques with her own personal story in this empowering guide for all who love stitching and handcraft.
Foreword by Grammy Award–winner Roseanne Cash
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.
Includes Color Photographs
Foreword by Grammy Award–winner Roseanne Cash
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.
Includes Color Photographs
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
22 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Chanin
6 books57 followersNatalie “Alabama” Chanin is founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin and the author of six books.
Her designs for hand-sewn garments constructed using quilting and stitching techniques have been lauded for both their beauty and sustainability. Made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton combined with up-cycled and re-purposed materials by artisans located near Natalie’s home in Florence, Alabama.
Natalie has a Degree in Environmental Design from North Carolina State University and works simultaneously as designer, manufacturer, stylist, filmmaker, mother, artisan, cook and collector of stories from her home in Florence, Alabama.
Her designs for hand-sewn garments constructed using quilting and stitching techniques have been lauded for both their beauty and sustainability. Made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton combined with up-cycled and re-purposed materials by artisans located near Natalie’s home in Florence, Alabama.
Natalie has a Degree in Environmental Design from North Carolina State University and works simultaneously as designer, manufacturer, stylist, filmmaker, mother, artisan, cook and collector of stories from her home in Florence, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2025
I have a love/hate relationship with The South and I adore all things Alabama Chanin. She reminds me of things I love about that part of the US. I didn't choose to live there, but I definitely chose to leave it forever. And there are things I will always miss. The kindness of strangers, Southern hospitality, ripe tomatoes, the reds of sunsets, the slowness that everyone accepts because it's too damn hot to do anything, the sounds of birds and insects, and the sweetness of a storyteller with a Southern accent.
I have loved her work for years when I discovered her company during the time I taught students about the Slow Food movement. And I now have put the time into stitching by hand and learning more about this knowledge and skill of making textiles with my hands. I have cut and pinned my first swing skirt, and I'm loving all her books for the poetry, short stories, and techniques.
More than once I said "Yes!" or "Me too!" as I read. Example:
"While study of color is a complex and scientific endeavor, the act of seeing color an perceiving a specific hue or shade can be more ephemeral, personal, and cultural. I a believer in both science and an openhearted, emotional, and subjective experienc color. For me, looking at color is more than the physical act of eye connecting to brain; it involves a squinting of the eyes, a tilting of the head, a changing of the light, a lift of the chin, and an opening of the senses to feel and define for myself. In Interactior Color, Josef Albers wrote, "In order to use color effectively it is necessary to recogni that color deceives continually" (164).
I have loved her work for years when I discovered her company during the time I taught students about the Slow Food movement. And I now have put the time into stitching by hand and learning more about this knowledge and skill of making textiles with my hands. I have cut and pinned my first swing skirt, and I'm loving all her books for the poetry, short stories, and techniques.
More than once I said "Yes!" or "Me too!" as I read. Example:
"While study of color is a complex and scientific endeavor, the act of seeing color an perceiving a specific hue or shade can be more ephemeral, personal, and cultural. I a believer in both science and an openhearted, emotional, and subjective experienc color. For me, looking at color is more than the physical act of eye connecting to brain; it involves a squinting of the eyes, a tilting of the head, a changing of the light, a lift of the chin, and an opening of the senses to feel and define for myself. In Interactior Color, Josef Albers wrote, "In order to use color effectively it is necessary to recogni that color deceives continually" (164).
June 1, 2023
Understand this is not a how-to book, but more a book of inspiration, photos, and stories. the photographs tell stories too. There are a few how-tos at the end, but more like a novel that includes the recipes of a few of the dishes that play a part of the story. I first got it out of the library, and then decided to buy it because it is really about being able to savor the images. And, to re-read her thoughts as she develops and evolves, from shapes and colors and textures, from hand-made to what can be "machine made", but the machine operators are also considered artists.... curious as to where she will go next.
Whether you like this book or not depends on what your expectations are about what the book is. This book does not have sewing patterns for clothing. But it does have lots of ideas and moments of contemplation.
Whether you like this book or not depends on what your expectations are about what the book is. This book does not have sewing patterns for clothing. But it does have lots of ideas and moments of contemplation.
April 16, 2023
lovely storytelling
She did it again. This books masters both education and beautiful storytelling in one. It is a joy to read and I look forward to returning to it again and again.
She did it again. This books masters both education and beautiful storytelling in one. It is a joy to read and I look forward to returning to it again and again.
November 26, 2024
Natalie Chanin’s story of her creative journey is moving, as is her work. She introduced me to a new phrase, cryptomnesia, which I have very much experienced as a professional artist. I suggest this book to anyone on a journey to be more vulnerable, authentic, and brave on their creative journey.
December 4, 2022
More background than hands on, which is the part I love. But if you want inspiration, this is worthwhile.
December 30, 2022
Read if you’re interested in the history of the company. Avoid if you’re looking for tutorials.
January 4, 2023
More about the specific company rather than guide or resource for embroidery
April 6, 2023
More the backstory of Alabama Chanin than actual technique. Though it has some good tips and tricks. She has many other technique books, so it's nice to read about the origins of the company
November 21, 2023
Truly enjoyed. Would be interesting in picking up one of the sewing/pattern books
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews