The School of Making’s picks for the year ahead to inspire exploration in color and design. Explore a selection of maker favorites ranging from newly released DIY kits, sustainable materials, and essential tools + notions to celebrate the art of making.

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DIY Sewing Kits

The School of Making - Natalie's Favorites

2021 Swatch of the Month Subscriber Inclusion

Tops + Dresses

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Coats + Jackets

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The School of Making - Workshop + Events - Virtual

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Size Chart 2

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Maker Supplies Stencils

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Size Chart 1

The School of Making - Workshop + Events - Individual Studio Day

The School of Making - Workshop + Events - Studio Week

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Unisex

The School of Making - Workshop + Events - Three-Day

2018 Inventory Sale Inclusion

Flash Fabric Sale

The Tank

TSOM End-of-Year Sale

The School of Making - Workshop + Events - One Day

Fall Sample Sale: 30% Off

Material: MWJ Basic

Material: Edison Stripe Fabric

Material: Lee Fabric

Material: LWJ Basic

Material: LWJ Florence

Material: LWR Basic

Material: Waffle

Material: MWJ Florence

Material: Tweed Fabric

Material: HWR Basic

Material: HWR Florence

Material: Gilded Fabric

Material: Faded Stars Fabric

Material: Silhouette

Material: Heath

Material: Book

AC Related: Life + Living

Material: Canvas

Material: MWJ Lace Outside Reverse

Material: LWR Lace

Material: MWJ Spiral Fur

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TSOM Related: Tools

TSOM Related: Stencils

TSOM Materials: MWJ

TSOM Materials: Books

TSOM Materials: Tools

TSOM Materials: Stencils

TSOM Materials: Patterns

TSOM Related: Patterns

AC Related: Collection

Material: MWJ Lace Negative Reverse

Mother's Day Gift Guide

AC Related: Mother's Day In-Stock | 2021

Material: Leather

Material: Wood

Mother's Day Gift Guide: In-Stock

The School of Making - Swatch of the Month

Botanical Colors: Natural Dye Collaborations | 2021

AC Related: Botanical Colors Collaboration

AC Related: Summer of Color

Material: LWJ Leaves

Summer of Love

AC Related: Summer of Love | July 2021

Summer Dresses

Last Chance Fabric Sale

AC Sample Sale Inclusion

AC Related: Sample Sale

AC Material: Zero Waste Waffle

AC Related: 21 Year Collection Fall 2021

21 Year Collection

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21 Years

The School of Making

Just Dropped:

21 Years of Sustainable Design:

DIY Workshops:

Custom DIY Kits

Maker Supplies + Stencils

Studio Books + Patterns

Workshops

Fabric

Tops + Dresses Kits

Coats + Jackets Kits

Bottoms + Accessories Kits

Maker Supplies

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Studio Books

About Sustainable Design

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Organic Core Essentials

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DETAILS With its timeless style and classic peacoat details, The Peacoat will be a cold-weather wardrobe necessity for years to come. This kit will come with all of the fabric and thread you will need. Colors are named to indicate cotton stock. Colors ending in "-SP" are crafted from American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton; Colors ending in "-OG" are 100% organic American-grown cotton. (Learn more about updates to our supply chain here.) • Difficulty level: Advanced• Approximately 30" from shoulder• Instructions not included; instructions for construction: available here.• Allow up to two weeks for delivery. Please note, any kits ordered with Black fabric will be shipped in 2-4 weeks. • Complimentary Customization: Lengthen or shorten sleeves or hemline by up to 3". Add a note at checkout or contact us to learn more. KIT CONTENTS • Top layer: Stenciled medium-weight cotton jersey • Bottom layer: Unstenciled medium-weight cotton jersey• Colors ending in "-SP" are American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton; Colors ending in "-OG" are 100% organic American-grown cotton • 11 spools of Button Craft Thread • 6 #7 snaps • The School of Making label • Stitch Sampler: 8" x 10" practice sample • Organic cotton bag for storage • The School of Making postcards

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
With its timeless style and classic peacoat details, The Peacoat will be a cold-weather wardrobe necessity for years to come. <meta charset="utf-8">This kit will come with all of the fabric and thread you will need. Colors are named to indicate cotton stock. Colors ending in "-SP" are crafted from American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton; Colors ending in "-OG" are 100% organic American-grown cotton. (Learn more about updates to our supply chain <a href="https://journal.alabamachanin.com/2021/06/supply-chain-and-supima-cotton/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://journal.alabamachanin.com/2021/06/supply-chain-and-supima-cotton/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1633722825440000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHH8xn8x9BwpKSq9ieZk_9DdF5jkA" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://journal.alabamachanin.com/2021/06/supply-chain-and-supima-cotton/" target="_blank">here</a>.)
• Difficulty level: Advanced • Approximately 30" from shoulder • Instructions not included; instructions for construction: available <a href="http://journal.alabamachanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Asymmetrical-Trench-Pattern-Instructions-US-The-School-of-Making.pdf">here</a>. • Allow up to two weeks for delivery. Please note, any kits ordered with Black fabric will be shipped in 2-4 weeks.  • Complimentary Customization: Lengthen or shorten sleeves or hemline by up to 3". Add a note at checkout or <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact" data-mce-fragment="1" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact">contact us</a> to learn more.
<h3>KIT CONTENTS</h3>
• Top layer: Stenciled medium-weight cotton jersey • Bottom layer: Unstenciled medium-weight cotton jersey • Colors ending in "-SP" are American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton; Colors ending in "-OG" are 100% organic American-grown cotton • 11 spools of Button Craft Thread • 6 #7 snaps • The School of Making label • Stitch Sampler: 8" x 10" practice sample • Organic cotton bag for storage • The School of Making postcards

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Peacoat Kit Hand-Sewn Coat with Collar and Snaps

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Peacoat Kit Contents in Dark Blue

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Peacoat Kit DIY Hand-Sewn and Hand Painted Coat with Collar

The Asymmetrical Peacoat Kit

XS / Variegated Marie White/Natural - OG

XS / Abstract Sand/Sand - OG

XS / Variegated Bloomers Dove/Dove - OG

XS / Abstract Navy/Peacock - SP

XS / Abstract Peacock/Peacock - SP

XS / Variegated Abstract Ochre/Ochre - OG

XS / Abstract Forest/Forest - OG

XS / Variegated Magdalena Navy/Navy - OG

XS / Variegated Abstract Forest/Forest - OG

XS / Canopy Black/Black - SP

DETAILS A wardrobe staple, The Pencil Skirt offers a snug, feminine fit and a classic pencil skirt silhouette. This kit comes ready-to-sew with all fabric and thread you will need. It's made-to-order from a single layer of 100% medium-weight cotton jersey featuring our Maggie’s Dream treatment. Maggie’s Dream layers our Magdalena stencil in contrasting paint colors to create a striking effect and intricate details across the fabric. • Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate • Download construction instructions here. KIT CONTENTS • Stenciled medium-weight cotton jersey• Cotton Jersey is American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton or 100% organic American-grown cotton• Fold-over elastic• 1 spool of Button Craft Thread• The School of Making label• Organic cotton bag for storage• The School of Making postcards• Allow up to two weeks for delivery • Complimentary Customization: Lengthen or shorten sleeves or hemline by up to 3". Add a note at checkout or contact us to learn more.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
A wardrobe staple, The Pencil Skirt offers a snug, feminine fit and a classic pencil skirt silhouette. This kit comes ready-to-sew with all fabric and thread you will need. It's made-to-order from a single layer of 100% medium-weight cotton jersey featuring our Maggie’s Dream treatment. Maggie’s Dream layers our Magdalena stencil in contrasting paint colors to create a striking effect and intricate details across the fabric.
• Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate • Download construction instructions <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0411/9864/9508/files/The_School_of_Making_Pencil_Skirt_Instructions.pdf?v=1616532282" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h3>KIT CONTENTS</h3>
• Stenciled medium-weight cotton jersey <meta charset="utf-8">• Cotton Jersey is American-grown, extra-long staple Supima® cotton or 100% organic American-grown cotton • Fold-over elastic • 1 spool of Button Craft Thread • The School of Making label • Organic cotton bag for storage • The School of Making postcards • Allow up to two weeks for delivery  • Complimentary Customization: Lengthen or shorten sleeves or hemline by up to 3". Add a note at checkout or <a data-mce-fragment="1" href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact" data-mce-href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact" target="_blank">contact us</a> to learn more.

The School of Making Pencil Skirt DIY Kit in Peacock Maggie's Dream Stenciled Organic Cotton Jersey

Black Maggie's Dream Stenciled Organic Cotton Jersey

The Maggie's Dream Pencil Skirt Kit

XS / Pewter - SP

XS / Peacock - OG

XS / Plum - SP

XS / Black - SP

S / Pewter - SP

S / Peacock - OG

S / Plum - SP

S / Black - SP

M / Pewter - SP

M / Peacock - OG

Part of our 2019 Build a Wardrobe programming, The Asymmetrical Trench pattern includes two length variations: peacoat and trench. Both variations offer a double-breasted front and an optional storm shield. Add the optional stripe appliqué to the front or use our Pockets Pattern for a utilitarian look. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. See chart below for yardage requirements. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern. *Excluded from all sales and promotions. PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" X 11" paper. Due to the size of the style, this pattern is comprised of two pattern sheets. DIGITAL Receive your pattern immediately. Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions. We offer tiled options for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. If you choose to tile your pattern, you’ll piece together over 100 sheets of paper. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

Part of our 2019 Build a Wardrobe programming, The Asymmetrical Trench pattern includes two length variations: peacoat and trench. Both variations offer a double-breasted front and an optional storm shield. Add the optional stripe appliqué to the front or use our <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/products/the-pockets-pattern?taxon_id=42">Pockets Pattern</a> for a utilitarian look. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. See chart below for yardage requirements. This pattern is designed for use with <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/t/collections/the-school-of-making/studio-books">The School of Making™ Studio Book Series</a> as a reference for detailed sewing instruction.
Choose between a physical or digital pattern.
*Excluded from all sales and promotions.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" X 11" paper. Due to the size of the style, this pattern is comprised of two pattern sheets.
DIGITAL Receive your pattern immediately. Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions. We offer tiled options for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. If you choose to tile your pattern, you’ll piece together over 100 sheets of paper. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Trench Women's DIY Clothing Pattern for Hand-Sewn Trench Jacket

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern Maker Supplies for Hand-Sewn Peacoat

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern for DIY Maker Projects

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern Sewing Pattern for Custom Hand-Made Clothing

The School of Making The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern Maker Supplies for DIY Clothing

The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern

Physical

Digital – US Letter

Digital – A4

DETAILS The third installment from The School of Making™ Studio Book Series presents techniques used to create your own of organic cotton clothing. Included in this encyclopedic compilation are dresses, skirts, tops, a wrap, a poncho, a bolero, a hat, and fingerless gloves. Each piece is first featured in its basic form, then with embellishments, and is then mixed, matched, and layered to showcase its stunning versatility. Order your signed copy of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe. *Excluded from all sales and promotions.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>

The third installment from The School of Making™ Studio Book Series presents techniques used to create your own of organic cotton clothing. Included in this encyclopedic compilation are dresses, skirts, tops, a wrap, a poncho, a bolero, a hat, and fingerless gloves. Each piece is first featured in its basic form, then with embellishments, and is then mixed, matched, and layered to showcase its stunning versatility. Order your signed copy of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe.

*Excluded from all sales and promotions.

The School of Making  Alabama Studio Sewing and Design Book with DIY Sewing and Design Projects by Natalie Chanin

Front cover image of Alabama Studio Sewing and Design by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making Alabama Studio Sewing + Designs Book for Hand-Sewing and Hand-Embroidery DIY Projects by Natalie Chanin

The School of Making Studio Book Series by Natalie Chanin Hand-Sewing Instructions

The School of Making Alabama Studio Sewing and Design Book with Hand Sewing Techniques and Skills by Natalie Chanin

Alabama Studio Sewing + Design

Default Title

Details In 2021, we relaunched Swatch of the Month, a monthly subscription program for embroidery technique practice and exploration from The School of Making. 2022 commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publishing of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, which is our inspiration for the forthcoming 2022 subscription program. Each fabric swatch will feature techniques and stencil designs from the studio book, which offers an encyclopedic view of our embellishment techniques. Shop all swatches and DIY Kits from our Swatch of the Month program here: Swatch of the Month Shop Free domestic ground shipping. Please note that international orders are subject to an additional shipping charge. Our team will contact you after you have made your purchase, or you may contact us at 256-760-1090 or orders@alabamachanin.com to inquire about shipping costs.All pre-order swatches will ship the first Friday of that month. Look for a special edition of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design with a new cover and updated introduction to be released in 2022. *Excluded from all sales and promotions. How It Works At the beginning of each month in 2022, participants will receive a DIY Kit featuring a unique fabric swatch to be sewn using embroidery techniques from The School of Making. Embroidery techniques for 2022 can be found in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. Each swatch kit comes stenciled and ready-to-sew with all of the notions needed to complete the swatch in the shown design choices.We will also be sharing the swatches, our design choices, instructions, and inspirations in an exclusive monthly newsletter. Share your project and follow along with others in the maker community using the hashtags #theschoolofmaking and #swatchofthemonth22.What's NextNew yearly subscribers will receive a shipment with all swatches, headers, thread, and notions through the current month. Each subsequent month’s shipment will include that month’s swatches, a header, and any additional notions needed to complete the swatch design and the exclusive newsletter to your inbox. New monthly subscribers will receive a shipment with the latest month's swatch, thread, and notions. What You Get 24 Fabric Swatches – Each fabric swatch is a 10” x 16” rectangle of our cotton jersey. Every month, participants will receive two fabric swatches. The top layer fabric will be stenciled; the bottom layer fabric will be un-stenciled.Notions – Utilized throughout the projects in The School of Making, Button Craft Thread, Embroidery Floss, and beads are our go-to for all hand-sewing projects.12 Paper Headers – Made from recycled card stock, each header can be labeled and attached to your fabric swatch before organizing into a three-ring binder.Exclusive monthly newsletter – The newsletter will be filled with inspirations, behind-the-scenes stories, a list of design choices, first access to promotions and offers.

<h3>Details</h3>
In 2021, we relaunched Swatch of the Month, a monthly subscription program for embroidery technique practice and exploration from The School of Making. 2022 commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publishing of <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/products/natalie-chanin-alabama-studio-sewing-design?from=collection:Studio%20Books%20Patterns:studio-books&amp;parent=the-school-of-making" target="_blank">Alabama Studio Sewing + Design</a>, which is our inspiration for the forthcoming 2022 subscription program. Each fabric swatch will feature techniques and stencil designs from the studio book, which offers an encyclopedic view of our embellishment techniques.  
Shop all swatches and DIY Kits from our Swatch of the Month program here: <a href="https://shop.alabamachanin.com/collections/swatch-of-the-month" target="_blank">Swatch of the Month Shop</a> 
Free domestic ground shipping. Please note that international orders are subject to an additional shipping charge. Our team will contact you after you have made your purchase, or you may contact us at 256-760-1090 or orders@alabamachanin.com to inquire about shipping costs. All pre-order swatches will ship the first Friday of that month.  <meta charset="utf-8">Look for a special edition of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design with a new cover and updated introduction to be released in 2022. <meta charset="utf-8">
<div>
<div class="list-disc list-inside text-13px xs:leading-6 xxl:text-13px py-6 opacity-100 transition-opacity">
*Excluded from all sales and promotions.
</div>
</div>
<div class="border-t border-gray-200 font-roman py-4 font-light products_productRichtext__3bCX_"> </div>
 
<h3>How It Works 
</h3>
At the beginning of each month in 2022, participants will receive a DIY Kit featuring a unique fabric swatch to be sewn using embroidery techniques from The School of Making. Embroidery techniques for 2022 can be found in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. Each swatch kit comes stenciled and ready-to-sew with all of the notions needed to complete the swatch in the shown design choices. We will also be sharing the swatches, our design choices, instructions, and inspirations in an exclusive monthly newsletter. Share your project and follow along with others in the maker community using the hashtags #theschoolofmaking and #swatchofthemonth22. <meta charset="utf-8">What's Next New yearly subscribers will receive a shipment with all swatches, headers, thread, and notions through the current month. Each subsequent month’s shipment will include that month’s swatches, a header, and any additional notions needed to complete the swatch design and the exclusive newsletter to your inbox. New monthly subscribers will receive a shipment with the latest month's swatch, thread, and notions.
 
<h3>What You Get</h3>
24 Fabric Swatches – Each fabric swatch is a 10” x 16” rectangle of our cotton jersey. Every month, participants will receive two fabric swatches. The top layer fabric will be stenciled; the bottom layer fabric will be un-stenciled. <meta charset="utf-8">Notions – Utilized throughout the projects in The School of Making, Button Craft Thread, Embroidery Floss, and beads are our go-to for all hand-sewing projects. 12 Paper Headers – Made from recycled card stock, each header can be labeled and attached to your fabric swatch before organizing into a three-ring binder. Exclusive monthly newsletter – The newsletter will be filled with inspirations, behind-the-scenes stories, a list of design choices, first access to promotions and offers.

The School of Making Swatch of the Month for September, featuring the Anna's Garden Stencil with Inked and Quilting techniques on Bright White fabric.

The School of Making August Swatch of the Month, featuring black rose-shaped appliqué on navy fabric.

May's Swatch of the Month featuring the Facets Stencil in Natalie's Dream treatment on white cotton jersey.

The School of Making June 2022 Swatch of the Month in Eyelet Embroidery with Beading on Ballet Organic Cotton

Swatch of the Month 2022

2022 Subscription: One Payment of $900

2022 Monthly Subscription Payments: $75 per month

2022 Subscription: One Payment of $900 + Binder: $26

2022 Monthly Subscription Payments: $75 per month + Binder: $26

2022 January Swatch Only

2022 February Swatch Only

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New Arrivals: Kits + Materials to Inspire

available Sizes:

The Asymmetrical Peacoat Kit

available Sizes:

The Maggie's Dream Pencil Skirt Kit

The Asymmetrical Trench Pattern

Alabama Studio Sewing + Design

Swatch of the Month 2022

available Sizes:

The Classic Coat Kit

Swatch of the Month: New Techniques Each Month

available Sizes:

The Gore Skirt Kit

available Sizes:

The Tank Dress Kit

Embroidery: Threads and Stories

available Sizes:

The Crop Pant Kit

available Sizes:

The Maggie's Dream Keyhole Tunic Kit

Cotton Jersey: 100% Organic or Extra-Long Staple

available Sizes:

Bird on a Branch T-Shirt Top Kit

available Sizes:

The Maggie's Dream Long Skirt Kit

The Scarf Kit

available Sizes:

The Maggie's Dream Cropped Car Jacket Kit

available Sizes:

The A-Line Dress Kit

available Sizes:

The Corset Kit

available Sizes:

The Frances Top Kit

Magdalena Stencil

available Sizes:

The T-Shirt Top Kit

Textile Paint

available Sizes:

The Swing Skirt Kit

available Sizes:

The Keyhole Dress Kit

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New Arrivals:
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Swatch of the Month:
New Techniques Each Month