I’m about to embark on a new stitching and wardrobe adventure. If blame is to be laid, it sits at the feet of Gale and Kay. Vicki must take her share, too. The blog posts, the Tweets, the Instagram photos: call me powerless against the pretty to be found on the Internet.
Last week I had lunch with Gale (we were plotting our Fiber College Savvy Storytelling class. Join us!), and she brought her stitching with her.
I woke up the next morning from a dream. An Alabama Chanin dream. Such dreams are not to be denied.
I made my way to a magical site.
I ordered a book. I ordered a kit.
I stalked my mail.
I soothed my anticipation by learning how to love my thread and all about Natalie Chanin’s generous open source sharing of her work.
Last night when I at last could sit down with my book and kit, I devoured the book. Devoured. I nodded as I read, as I learned more about the beliefs that gird Alabama Chanin. It all makes so much sense.
And I think I had a conversion.
I sent this out into Twitter: “I want to make and wear every garment in this book”.
And Kay, ever the voice of reason, wrote back “Nothing stopping you.”
She’s right, of course.
So my plan, my next step in my elegant minimalist wardrobe project is to move, piece by piece, toward a more ethical wardrobe. I feel good buying dresses from Karina (check out my guest Dresstination post!), a cozy tunic sweatshirt from Cal Patch, a work bag from Moop. These makers, Alabama Chanin, too, have convinced me that I can dress ethically and elegantly.
I’ve never hand-sewn a garment before. I’m starting my conversion into a Chanin-ista with a shawl. I’m planning a short skirt next, and then I’m going to work my way up to a dress.
With my 52/52 project coming to a close, I’m declaring myself a new one: Project Ethical Elegance. I’d love to hear about your sources for clothing that fits both bills.
I’m ashamed to say that I bought her class on Craftsy months ago and it is still sitting in my account unwatched.
I’ve been considering that class, too. Once I make the shawl and skirt, I think I’ll tackle a jacket or dress!
So exciting! I caught the Chanin bug last winter . . . when I finally dug out a kit I had purchased two years ago!!! I, too, started with a shawl — and I love it! Have fun!!!
ooohhh, I’m going to enjoy watching this! You are #4 of the bloggers I read regularly to catch the Chanin bug. The pieces are always elegant and I love the recycled element, too.
I started stitching late last night, and I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. There’s something really lovely about this Chanin project!
Hey, bring your Moop bag to FC? I want to check it out. They look great. And more locally produced good stuff.
I will! I have the letter bag (http://www.moopshop.com/products/letter-bag) and the paperback bag (http://www.moopshop.com/collections/shoulder-bags/products/the-paperback-1). I can bring both for you to check out!
MOOP bags are wonderful! I love mine. There are times when I feel it’s a tad too casual vis-a-vis my clothing, but I’ll never part with it.
I love this idea and Alabama Chanin is inspiring. I may start with the journal cover–I’d like a really special cover for my bullet journal. And I didn’t know she had a class on Craftsy! I’m off to check it out.
Vicki also lead me down the Chanin path and I finally bought the tote bag kit. The AC class on Craftsy is excellent, as she takes you step by step through her process. When I’m brave enough I’ll buy a garment kit.
I am shamed! I wish I could say one item in my wardrobe was locally-made or ethically-sourced.
Hi Bev.
I can see why you love this designer. These clothes are exquisitely made. I’m sure glad you talked about this in your blog.
Happy stitching!
Well hot dog, what else did I miss while I was out gallivanting about? Must read up on Chanin!