Alabama Chanin Inspiration
I shared Alabama Chanin’s gorgeous designs with you in a recent Style USA post, and ever since then, I’ve been a little obsessed. Something about the deconstructed, almost antique look of her clothing is inspiring to me, and I’ve spent way too much time on her site lately. Many of the pieces are well beyond my price range, but Chanin also shares her patterns in DIY kits you can purchase and sew by hand yourself. Some of those kits are on the higher side, too, but she provides everything needed to complete an entire outfit that, when finished, is one-of-a-kind and made by you.
Now, I’m no seamstress, but I can sew a button and mend the occasional tear. I decided to purchase one of Chanin’s books, mostly as inspiration, but I’m hoping to try some of her projects, too. Once (or if) I get the hang of it, I might decide to tackle an actual DIY kit. I think the challenge would be fun, and I love the idea of creating something so beautiful that comes from a designer I admire.
My mom is a quilter and lover of textiles, and I guess some of her interests are beginning to rub off on me, too. She’s excited and supportive of my new-found interest, and she encouraged me to order a piece of clothing, as an investment and also to see how the process works. Since Alabama Chanin is a leader in the slow clothing movement, items aren’t sewn until an order is placed, so I’ll have to wait a few weeks to receive my top, shown above, and a cardigan from the basics line.
I’m intrigued and inspired by this entire process, and I can’t wait to learn more as I try my hand at some of the sewing techniques. A pop-up shop will also be open in Austin for the next few months, beginning November 6th, so I’m definitely planning a trip to see the line in person.
That top is cute! Every once in a while, I get this urge to make my own clothing before I remember that even if I followed a pattern, there’s no guarantee it would fit right and I’m not a good enough seamstress to figure out how to alter it if it doesn’t!
I *think* these kits are pre-cut if you buy the DIY version. I’ll have to see.
This sounds like so much fun! I am so envious of people who can sew.
I started looking at the book last night, and I think I’m going to need lots of practice. 😛
[…] day to actually sit and read quietly, like I did before I had children. I also plan to dive into my Alabama Chanin sewing kit which, sadly, sat untouched over the holidays. But there’s time for […]