Yearly Archives: 2010

HOLIDAY GIFTS

November 17, 2010

We sent out our Holiday Gift Guide today…

I know that it seems early; BUT, Maggie has been listening to “Frosty the Snowman” for about three weeks and begging for the decorations to come down from the attic. Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is next week; but, have you tried to argue with a 4 year-old?

So, the decorations box is down. My vintage, aluminum Christmas Tree – inherited from my grandparents – is unpacked and decorated. Holiday tunes fill the house and the weather outside is a cold, winter rain. So, we are in full holiday spirit and I am grateful for the holiday gift of a 4 year-old.

Our front door is decorated with a mixture of mums that have seen better days, beautiful, giant pumpkins, turkey drawings and now, an Alabama Chanin style wreath and home-made snowflakes and reindeer taped into the windows. So, you will forgive me if I am already writing of Holiday Gift Guides?

I have even started to make our holiday gifts to put under our little tree.

‘Tis the season…follow the link to find some holiday cheer from all of us @ Alabama Chanin:

Alabama Chanin – Holiday Gift Guide 2010

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AT HOME

November 15, 2010

Thanks to all the folks @ CasaSugar for including my home in their House Tours. I feel very grateful for our little home It has been a great house, an even better neighborhood, and a lovely place to raise little Maggie.

I pulled our holiday decorations out of the attic today and will work on adding holiday pictures and projects over the next weeks:

At Home with Alabama Chanin

WORKSHOPS + WALKING CAPE

November 8, 2010

Thank you to everyone who came to our studio in Florence last weekend to participate in the Weekend Workshop. What a great group… the stories, fellowship, sewing and laughter were perfect.

A special thanks to Amy for sharing the sewing of her beautiful wedding dress. What a special way to start a lifetime of beauty and commitment… and to Sarah – who made the trip from New York. More about Sarah later this week.

Saturday’s meatloaf was amazing and everyone was clamoring for the recipe which, thanks to Kristy, I have posted below.

We have just posted our Weekend Workshop dates for 2011. Fill your holiday stocking, plan your trip and join us in the studio:

March 4 – 6

June 24 – 26

November 4 – 6

Look for our Berkeley workshop at the Edible Schoolyard soon and congrats to Deborah Kennedy for being the lucky winner of my favorite Walking Cape.

Check back soon for other special offers, visit us this Friday, November 12th from 12 -5 and Saturday the 13^th from 10 – 5 for our annual Holiday Open House & Sample Sale.

We have extended hours this year and will also be open Friday November 19^th from 12 – 5. Get there early as everything goes quickly.

And now, Kristy’s Individual Meat Loaves

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FRESH AIR

October 29, 2010

The first day (and night) of cold has arrived like a breath of fresh air… tomatoes pulled from vines for fear of frost and our walking cape is my new best friend. Take 20% off from our Collection or DIY Store for a chance to win a walking cape. Until Nov. 5th, use code FRESHAIR20 at checkout for your chance to win.

Winner will be posted on November 8th, 2010. All rules and regulations apply.

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THE BEST OF THE BEST

October 28, 2010

“I daresay any fine recipe used in Jackson could be attributed to a local lady, or her mother – Mrs. Cabell’s Pecans, Mrs. Wrights’ Cocoons, Mrs. Lyell’s Lemon Dessert. Recipes, in the first place, had to be imparted – there was something oracular in the transaction – and however often they were made after that by others, they kept their right names. I make Mrs. Mosal’s White Fruitcake every Christmas, having got it from my mother, who got it from Mrs. Mosal, and I often think to make a friend’s recipe is to celebrate her once more, and in that cheeriest, most aromatic of places to celebrate in, the home kitchen.” — Eudora Welty of Jackson, Mississippi

I returned this week from Bloomington, Indiana to find a box containing my copy of The Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook. One part old-timey church cookbook, one part storybook, the compilation of recipes from SFA Members is spectacular. Edited by friend John T. Edge with Sara Roahen, the recipes vary from Brown Butter Creamed Winter Greens by Linton (“Why It Is Worth So Much”) Hopkins (on page 70) to Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad by our friend Blair Hobbs (page 61). Indeed, the entire book contains the best of the best.

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FRIENDSHIP – QUILT OF THE MONTH #3

October 21, 2010

Maggie’s new school is hosting their annual Fall Festival tomorrow and each of the classes was asked to make a project to donate to a silent auction. The Class Moms are asked to help organize this and (as I am one of the two responsible) I, of course, suggested that we make a quilt. To be honest, it just seemed the path of least resistance at the time. However, this project has become so lovely that we decided to share it as our “Quilt of the Month #3.”

We simply cut blocks of organic cotton jersey from white, cream and tea and had the class (in conjunction with their 4^th grade buddies) draw pictures of “Family & Friends.” The project was spread out over a few mornings – just thirty minutes each of the mornings before the day started. The kids had a great time (were asking for more) and the results were outstanding.

We used Crayola Fabric Markers for the drawings and then added little bits of embroidery, appliqué and reverse appliqué from Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style.

Everyone who has been in our studio is amazed. I wish that I had been collecting Maggie’s drawings since she was born to make a quilt for her (well, myself). And I asked Maggie to start holiday themed blocks last week with trees, presents, snow, etc. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Follow the instructions below to make your own Friendship Quilt and wish us luck tomorrow at the silent auction!

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GREEN GRAPES + SIX WEEK SLAW

October 20, 2010

According to friends, I might be the only person in North Alabama still harvesting tomatoes. I was angry at myself for not getting them in the ground earlier this year; however, it seems that my busy life made the perfect storm for a great harvest. One of Zach’s friends gave me a load of heirloom plants to try and I have to say that there were some great selections in the mix: purple, yellow, and plums to name a few. However, the Green Grapes have become coveted around my house. I have saved some seeds for next year and will certainly (hopefully) have more than one plant.

Try out this great lunch: Six Week Slaw (recipe below) with shaved Parmesan and halved green grapes.

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VICTIMS, ENEMIES + OLD FRIENDS

October 18, 2010

Doc Dailey & Magnolia Devil have become friends (and, in some cases, family) over the last years and we were able to convince (well, a couple of) them to model – and play – at the photo shoot for our new menswear catalog. Today, congrats go out to Doc & The Devils for their lovely new album: Victims, Enemies & Old Friends.