Burda Style For people who sew
Description
Years ago, new to a city and knowing very few I would spend hours at Borders browsing magazines and I rarely buy Vogue thinking it too fancy for me but I read the story of Project Alabama and the designer Natalie Chanin and her philosophy about clothes and fashion and the story of her return to her home in Florence, Alabama and her being inspired by the long tradition of quilting in that region. As someone who is always think about going home, this story stuck to me. I think about why I am here participating in this forum. Is it just about clothes? I don’t particularly think myself fashionable. No one would confuse me for a trendsetter. I could just as easily buy my clothes instead of making them, but I think sewing makes me feel connected somehow to my memories of home. I remember how my Mom and my aunt used to make us clothes. Its silly to think that a tank top can do that, but it did here for me. I admire Natalie for being true to herself and in doing so she honors long-standing quilting tradition from which her own passion for clothing and textiles came from. I clipped that article, kept it for years and years in my inspiration file.
A few weeks ago, I saw the Alabama Stitch Book on the same Borders bookstore and even from afar, I could tell that the photos from the cover were of clothes made by in the mind and the hand of these Alabama women whom I’ve come to admire. In 2006 Project Alabama ceased operations in Alabama to move their production overseas, but Natalie kept her resolve and her dedication to the region and stayed behind and set anew and established Alabama Chanin. Here is a corset top that I made from the pattern and the same reverse applique that made Natalie Chanin and the women of Alabama a worldwide success.
Everything is hand-stitched and while that sounds truly intimidating, I tell you that the experience making this top was totally the opposite. I would come home and work on a panel an hour or so at night while listening to NPR or talking to my friends and before I knew it I was done. This is a gift for Eneen, my sister. I love too that it’s made from my our recycled shirts and the stencil design is from my older sister’s favorite asian decorative plate of cranes and stylized clouds. I hope my sister likes it. Mirela, this is the corset top that I told you about in the forum. The flat-felled seams gives the illusion of boning. It is unfortunate that I can’t provide you with a picture with the dress on. Among Alamaba fans, this top is called “Wonder Alabama” for it’s form-flattering fit.
Material Notes
my brother’s recycled t-shirts *
carpet thread * diy stencil
Difficulty
Novice
Categories
Credits
Alabama Stitch Book
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Nov 23, 2009, 09.50 AMby liaspace
this is just beautiful
Sep 7, 2009, 11.03 AMby sewella
I want to kick myself in the rears for missing this wonderful piece and this enchanting story behind it! Making clothes for your dearest and investing all your skills and love into that piece is not only fulfilling but also rewarding when worn with pleasure. I am sure your sister loves this top!
Sep 6, 2008, 07.31 PMby dawntreaderfarm
This corset is really lovely. I just bought the Alabama Stitch Book. I’ve made one project ( a t-shirt), am working on a skirt (just ran out of thread), and am planning my next one. All of your pieces are really inspiring.
Apr 21, 2008, 10.04 PMby amarie
Hi tigerlounge. I was so excited to read your comment. It’s great to meet someone with roots to the Alabama Stitch Book. This book is really such an inspiration to me in ways I can’t describe. It even sparked the interest to travel to Alabama to get to know the deep south and see those quilts of gee’s bend up close and personal. Thank you for your lovely comments.
Apr 17, 2008, 11.41 AMby tigerlounge
Hey Amarie… your corset is lovely! I am really impressed with the quality of your work… I was involved with the book, and am so happy to see someone making a really beautiful garment out of it…
Mar 31, 2008, 12.13 PMby mirela
This corset really is very pretty and I can imagine how comfortable and flattering it feels. I’m sure your sister will love it! I enjoyed very much reading your description. I also think sewing keeps me in contact with my childhood memories, when my mom used to make clothes for me and my best friend :) I’ve learned through knitting and crochet that the more lengthly the project is the more rewarding it feels when you are done, even with a lot of hand work involved. I think this corset is a great subject for lots of my leftover jerseys.
Mar 31, 2008, 09.17 AMby antigone
Beautiful! With such an emotional connection! This is a treasure. I’m sure that your sister will love it.
Mar 30, 2008, 12.05 PMby olar
I love it too, and hand stitched makes it even more precious.
Mar 29, 2008, 03.27 PMby jj1
I love that it looks casual enough to wear everyday and yet give you a sophisticated look.
Mar 29, 2008, 02.33 PMby nuiwida23
wow thats beautiful! great job, you have incredible patience!
Mar 29, 2008, 10.41 AMby robinrenee
This is absolutely amazing. You did a great job with the handstitching. I’m sure your sister will love it.