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 Alabama Chanin and The School of Making teams began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems—and by using grids as guides, they could make learning stitches, even seemingly elaborate ones, as easy as child’s play.  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 most basic straight and chain to the more fanciful feather and herringbone; photos of both right and wrong sides; and guidelines for modifying stitches to increase one’s repertoire further. To simplify learning, the book also includes two plastic stitching cards die-cut with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These reusable cards can be stitched through for practicing (just as children use lacing cards to learn to tie shoes) or used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.

Alabama Studio Sewing + Design is a follow up to Alabama Stitch book and Alabama Studio Style by Natalie Chanin. In this invaluable reference, Chanin presents all of the stenciling and hand-stitching techniques her company uses to create an award-winning Alabama Chanin line of organic cotton clothing, plus variations that lead to infinite design possibilities. Crafters are provided with patterns and instructions for dresses, skirts, tops, a wrap, a poncho, a bolero, fingerless gloves and a hat. Each piece is featured in both its basic un-embellished form and with varying combinations of embellishments. By mixing and matching the pieces and embellishments, a stunning unique and versatile wardrobe can be built.

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 Alabama Chanin and The School of Making teams began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems—and by using grids as guides, they could make learning stitches, even seemingly elaborate ones, as easy as child’s play.  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 most basic straight and chain to the more fanciful feather and herringbone; photos of both right and wrong sides; and guidelines for modifying stitches to increase one’s repertoire further. To simplify learning, the book also includes two plastic stitching cards die-cut with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These reusable cards can be stitched through for practicing (just as children use lacing cards to learn to tie shoes) or used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.

Alabama Studio Sewing + Design is a follow up to Alabama Stitch book and Alabama Studio Style by Natalie Chanin. In this invaluable reference, Chanin presents all of the stenciling and hand-stitching techniques her company uses to create an award-winning Alabama Chanin line of organic cotton clothing, plus variations that lead to infinite design possibilities. Crafters are provided with patterns and instructions for dresses, skirts, tops, a wrap, a poncho, a bolero, fingerless gloves and a hat. Each piece is featured in both its basic un-embellished form and with varying combinations of embellishments. By mixing and matching the pieces and embellishments, a stunning unique and versatile wardrobe can be built.