Alabama Chanin
Mar 18th 2010 07:42:24 pm
I had the best experience at Etsy Craft Night this week. The host was Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin, a really amazing clothing and craft company.
In the epic quest to start and run my own successful business (which currently consists of Swap-bot and some random design work) I seem to come across two types of people: 1 – egotistical meanies who act like they know everything even though they don’t, and 2 – humble, honest, helpful, sincere professionals who are true experts. Natalie Chanin is the epitome of the second type. She was so sweet, and cool, and funny while she taught us beginners how to reverse applique our t-shirts. She talked about her business, her sewing craft, her past as a stylist, and even some of her mistakes. I was riveted!
I first read about Alabama Chanin eight years ago in Elle magazine (when it was know as Project Alabama) and I fell in love with the awesome, detailed style of the relaxed, but exquisite clothing, and the style of the business. (I even tore out the article and filed in my inspiration folder – I still have it.) Natalie employs local craftspeople near her town of Florence, Alabama, to create all of the garments that she describes as “grown and sewn in the USA.” The one-of-a-kind couture clothing produced by Alabama Chanin is pricey (sold in places like Barneys New York), but I have no doubt it is more than worth it. Natalie strongly expressed how sustainability and quality are the main focus of her business – when talking about the longevity of her clothing she talked in terms of generations, not years. I am so inspired by her commitment to her mission and to excellence.
Below is my project from Craft Night. It is my first attempt at reverse applique… it is a tank top with a front panel… we’ll see how it turns out. I guess the important thing is that I had a great time at the Craft Night. I am so pleased to have met Natalie Chanin in person.
3 Comments » Categories: Clothes, Crafts, Feeling Happy, New York
seth on 19 Mar 2010 at 1:16 pm #
So do you think the SwapBot ladies say your are a number 1 or 2?
rachel on 19 Mar 2010 at 7:40 pm #
oooOOo. That is a good question. I would hope they said 2, but I am sure there are some that would say 1.
Lisa M on 26 Mar 2010 at 12:35 pm #
I say you are a number 2!! And I totally loved Natalie as well! Such a GEM! She was so helpful and resourceful! You know, I have not used a needle threader since she showed us how the thread a needle!! Now, that is amazing!