Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns is the fourth volume in the Studio Book Series, inspired by requests for a wider variety of garment patterns. The introduction allows that “some people want looser styles; some people want a wider selection of sleeve options; others want more sizes.” A beloved part of The School of Making, the book offers suggestions, tips, and instructions for altering patterns to suit individual preferences. The book introduces three new core patterns—the A-Line Dress, Wrap Skirt, and Classic Coat design and variations—and includes the patterns from all of the other Studio Books on a disc in the back of the book.
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Through a design and manufacturing collaboration with designer Stella Ishii and her line 6397, Natalie and the Alabama Chanin design team create a series of upcycled, one-of-a-kind denim throws. 6397 supplies Alabama Chanin with denim overstock from production processes, samples, and test pieces which is cut apart, incorporated with some of 6397’s knitwear and Alabama Chanin’s own cotton jersey scraps, and stitched together to make throws. The finished throws are a nod toward upcyling and quilting traditions. Each throw is unique in color, in texture, and design. The collaboration with Stella and 6397 comes from the very heart of Alabama Chanin’s sustainable design and zero waste ideals.
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In the summer of 2015, Natalie travels across the country, with her daughter Maggie, on the California Zephyr for “Alabama on Alabama, an exhibition at Heath Ceramics’ recently opened event space, the Boiler Room, located on Alabama Street in San Francisco. Alabama on Alabama is a month-long journey into the soul of the modern South. Natalie’s work spearheads the exhibit, which also includes works by Alabama-artists Butch Anthony, known for his “intertwangled” paintings and creations using threads and embroidery, and works on paper by artist (and longtime Butch Anthony collaborator) Mr. John Henry Toney. Alabama on Alabama also showcases the work of photographer, Rinne Allen.
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In celebration of their new collaborative tableware, Natalie and Cathy Bailey of Heath Ceramics host a party at the Seale, Alabama home of Butch Anthony. The story includes Natalie’s children; Maggie Anthony-Chanin (then nine-years old) and Zach Chanin (then chef of The Factory Cafe). Makers, artists, friends, and chefs drive and fly many miles to be a part of the day. Bon Appétit features the gathering in their October 2015 issue. The story, entitled “Alabama Getaway,” is a 10-page spread complete with recipes, stories, and celebration.
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Brooks Reitz is the co-founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and husband of Erin Reitz, Alabama Chanin’s Design Coordinator. Natalie first met Erin through Brooks, and the two have collaborated on Alabama Chanin collections since 2016.
Brooks created the “Backwoods Bourbon Punch” for a gathering that would be featured in Bon Appétit magazine’s October 2015 issue, hosted by Natalie and Cathy Bailey.
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In 2016, Natalie is awarded a second Design Fellowship Award that is used to explore the creative process in artists and designers across disciplines.
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