Natalie has been teaching workshops since 2009 at both The Factory and away, traveling the country and world to cities in France, New York, California, New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, and Oregon to name a few. A typical workshop count at The Factory ranges from 15 – 25 guests, though we also offer an Individual one-on-one experience with our team. We’ve hosted school and special groups at The Factory, Natalie taught upwards of 100 people in a university setting, and we’ve taught on various online platforms since 2012. All of this to say, The School of Making team and Natalie have a lot of teaching experience under their belts.
“We consider ourselves both makers and educators and try to inspire others to learn more about design, craft, fashion, and sustainability.” – Natalie Chanin
This year made us utilize, understanding, and appreciate technology in new ways. For us, it gave us a nudge to create a new learning experience in the form of virtual workshops from The School of Making.
We’re introducing two new virtual workshops for this year. Natalie will be teaching a two-hour Journal Workshop on October 23rd from 11:00am CT – 1:00pm CT. Teaching topics include discussion of the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and other techniques from The School of Making. Participants will receive a Moleskine notebook and the materials needed to make a cover to fit the journal. The journal project is a perfect beginner project or for anyone looking to pick up a needle.
Our classic One-Day Workshop will be offered in a new online format divided into three sessions on December 4th, 11th, and 18th for our Classic Workshop. This workshop includes a discussion of the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and an overview of garment construction and other sewing techniques. Guests will create a hand-sewn project from a selection of custom kits like our poncho, swing skirt, t-shirt top, and scarf projects.
For each of these workshops, participants will choose their custom project ahead of time, and it will be in advance.
We’re also announcing our 2021 schedule below for in-person workshops at The Factory taught by The School of Making team. Safety is a top concern for us at Alabama Chanin and The School of Making. During COVID-19, we’ve taken precautions for our team and guests. We will make appropriate assessments and set guidelines prior to each workshop as we get closer to the date. Learn more about each of our 2021 workshops below.
Contact Bonnie at workshops@alabamachanin.com or call +1.256.760.1090 ext 113 for questions regarding our workshops.
2021 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Three-Day
Workshop | May 20 – 22, 2021
Three-Day
Workshop | September 9 – 11, 2021
Three-Day
Workshop | November 4 – 6, 2021
The Three-Day Workshop opens our studio doors at The Factory in Florence, Alabama, and allows participants to work with our in-house team, a selection of our most loved DIY garment patterns, and our extensive DIY stencil library. Participants create a customized, hand-sewn garment or project of their choice from Alabama Stitch Book, Alabama Studio Style, Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, or Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns. We offer a range of options that can be tailored to any skill level. This workshop includes materials, tours, instruction, lunch on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, plus small bites, snacks, and cocktails along the way.
Classic Studio Week | June 7 – 11, 2021
This week-long event invites participants into The School of Making’s expanded studio for a total immersion into our philosophies, methods, materials, and products. Participants will experiment with several different techniques in hand sewing and will be guided through each step in the process of creating a garment from The School of Making. Techniques include design basics and the physics of sewing, stencil design and creation, airbrush and stenciling of garments, fit and pattern alterations, discussion, and critique. This Monday through Friday event includes yoga sessions, time for sight-seeing, and some delicious, locally sourced meals with optional time Saturday for any last minute studio time, packing up, and checking out.
Pattern Making Week Workshop | June 21 – 25, 2021
This workshop highlights Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns and focuses on taking measurements, creating a customized sloper using our T-shirt pattern and Drawstring Pant pattern, making alterations to existing The School of Making patterns, and reviewing how to create and adjust commercial garment patterns for cotton jersey. The Physics of Sewing and The School of Making Construction lessons help students understand best practices when working with cotton jersey and with The School of Making hand-embroidery techniques.