The School of Making has expanded their spring and summer workshop schedule. The newest additions not only give you a day of making, but the chance to be part of events in the local community (and beyond). Take a look at our updated schedule below:
Friday, March 31st
Custom DIY Design Workshop @ The Factory
Work alongside our team from The School of Making to explore options available through our Custom DIY program. Each guest will receive Design Worksheets and step-by-step instruction for designing your own custom garment. You will also receive your choice of 10 sets of 4” x 4” organic cotton jersey fabric swatches for design inspiration and The School of Making erasable pen. Register here.
Saturday, April 1st
One-Hour Cooking Workshop: The Incredible Edible Egg @ The Factory
Join chef Zach as he teaches the basics of egg preparation, reveals where to buy the best local eggs, and tells the story of the chef’s hat. Price includes instruction, a Short Stack Vol 1 Egg Cookbook, pencil, and an egg timer. Register here.
One-Hour Stenciling Workshop @ The Factory
Taught by members of the Alabama Chanin and The School of Making production team, this stenciling workshop teaches the basics of stenciling. You will practice the airbrush stenciling method (the same that we use here at The Factory), and stencil your own 10” x 16” Sample Block. Price includes instruction, Sample Block, placement Bloomers stencil on Mylar, and pennant felt. Register here.
NEW: Saturday, April 8th
Intro to Hand Sewing Workshop @ Nashville Fashion Week
Our team is traveling to Nashville, Tennessee and will be hosting a special workshop as part of Nashville Fashion Week. At the workshop, you will learn the basics of sewing, from garment construction to embroidery techniques, from a member of The School of Making team. With advice and helpful sewing tips from the instructor, you will be able to create your own hand sewn garment.
The workshop will take place at AURORA Nashville production studio—reserve your spot today.
Thursday, May 18th – Saturday, May 20th
Three-Day Workshop @ The Factory
Our popular Classic Weekend Workshop has been updated into a new and improved format for the Three-Day Workshop. This workshop opens our studio doors at The Factory and allows participants to work with Natalie, 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 our Alabama Studio Book Series. We offer a range of options that can be tailored to any skill level.
The three-day schedule also includes a Swampette tour of the Shoals music scene, history of Alabama Chanin with Natalie, and a studio tour. Reserve your spot here.
NEW: Friday, June 23rd
Classic One-Day Workshop @ The Factory
During our Classic One-Day Workshop on Friday, a member of The School of Making team will teach the physics of sewing, reverse applique, and an overview of garment construction. You will be able to work on your own hand sewn project and enjoy lunch from The Factory Café.
On the following Saturday, The Factory Café will host our Friends of the Café dinner series with visiting chef Ashley Christensen. The chef and restaurateur based in North Carolina will prepare an all-inclusive meal benefitting the Southern Foodways Alliance.
Make it a weekend and reserve your spot for the workshop here, and your seat at the table for the Friends of the Café Dinner with Ashley Christensen here.
Learn about all our specialty brunches, Harvest Suppers, and Friends of the Café Dinners here.
NEW: Saturday, July 29th
Intro to Hand Sewing Workshop @ The Factory
All skill levels are welcome to our Intro to Hand Sewing workshop, which will be held the last Saturday of The W.C. Handy Music Festival. Held annually in Florence, Alabama since 1982, the festival celebrates the blues legend and Florence native W.C. Handy.
This workshop will cover the basics of sewing, from garment construction to embroidery techniques. You will work with The School of Making Team to create a hand-sewn project of your choice. After the workshop, join us for brunch at The Factory Café, and in honor of the festival, enjoy live music during your meal.
Reserve your spot at the workshop today. If you would like to make your trip to Florence a long weekend and enjoy all the amazing music of The W.C. Handy Music Festival, see the schedule of events here.
Friday, September 1st
Intro to Hand Sewing Workshop @ The Factory
Our Intro to Hand Sewing Workshop includes discussion of the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and an overview of garment construction and other Alabama Chanin techniques. This workshop is suited to beginners and experienced sewers alike. Work with The School of Making team to create a hand-sewn project from a selection of custom kits. After the workshops, join us in The Factory Café for lunch. Register here.
Friday, October 20th
Classic One-Day Workshop @ The Factory
Our Classic One-Day Workshop includes discussion of the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and an overview of garment construction and other Alabama Chanin techniques. This workshop is suited to beginners and experienced sewers alike. Work with The School of Making team to create a hand-sewn project from a selection of custom kits. Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch from The Factory Café. Reserve your spot here.
Thursday, November 9th – Saturday, November 11th
Three-Day Workshop @ The Factory
Our popular Classic Weekend Workshop has been updated into a new and improved format for the Three-Day Workshop. This workshop opens our studio doors at The Factory and allows participants to work with Natalie, 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 our Alabama Studio Book Series. We offer a range of options that can be tailored to any skill level.
The three-day schedule also includes a Swampette tour of the Shoals music scene, history of Alabama Chanin with Natalie, and a studio tour. Register here.
Use our Community Guide for help planning your trip to The Shoals, which includes a list of accommodations and things to see and do in our community.