An image from the new "Alabama Studio Style" book. Photo: Robert Rausch/Courtesy of Melanie Falick Books
Her latest book, "Alabama Studio Style," is a creative continuation of the original with new stitching, beading, and stenciling methods as well as directions to make everything from skirts to woven chair seats. And in case you're wondering what to serve during your social sewing gathering, Chanin has also provided three different party menus.
Today the do-it-all, DIY designer is guest-blogging (as opposed to being a guest judge) about her thoughts on "modern women's wear."
The most important thing to me in how I dress – or what I choose to wear – is how comfortably a piece fits into my life. I am a modern woman...I run a business, I am a single mother, and I like to garden, explore, and live my life with gusto. This means that I am demanding on my clothing. I wrote this in the introduction to "Alabama Stitch Book" and it still holds true today: You can say my work harkens back to time-honored stitching traditions, but I'm still a modern woman who wants versatility and freedom. I need clothes that move with me, not clothes that determine my movements.
For me "modern women's wear" means that:
1. The garment becomes a part of my everyday wardrobe. That means being able to wear it to my daughter's school or be able to dress it up for a cocktail party.
2. The garment MUST be sustainable in the materials it uses, how it is manufactured and how it comes to me.
3. The garment must be easy to care for and easy on the environment in that process.
4. The garment must be sexy and beautiful.
5. The garment must be comfortable. For example, if I have to take my coat off to drive my car or pick up my daughter, it is not comfortable for my life. I need a coat (or any piece for that matter) were I can drive my car, dance with my daughter, cook dinner, etc., without having to remove the garment to do those things.
This is a demanding list but in the modern world that we live, this list should be completely doable with every garment in our closets!
Are you addicted to DIY design? Find out how to make your own handbag here.