“I realized that here in my community, activities like sewing, gardening, cooking and quilting have never just been tasks. They’re artful endeavors that allow for independence, a way to take direct responsibility for quality of life and simultaneously, they create a bond between individuals and community, between past and present.” — Natalie Chanin
At The School of Making®, we gather to share an open exchange of ideas and creativity, to explore materials and tools, understand supply chains, and to build the skills of making by hand.
The School of Making seeks to incorporate the best of fashion, craft, and design in one studio: connection, shared values, and inspiration in combination with organic materials, maker supplies, books, kits for garments, and experiences.
Join the growing movement at one of the upcoming events.
Contact the team for details on workshops, assistance with project selections, local dining, lodging, and a range of experiences:
+1-256-760-1090
making@projectthreadways.org
#theschoolofmaking #memade
Shown above: Embroidery: Threads and Stories, by Natalie Chanin, pages 215-216, Chapter 7 "Road Maps".
Be Inspired
PLAN AN EXPERIENCE
THREE-DAY WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY
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 The School of Making Book Series.
Suited for any skill level.
CHOOSE A DATE
STUDIO WEEK WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY
This Monday through Friday event invites participants into The School of Making’s studio for a total immersion into our philosophies, methods, materials, and products. Participants will experiment with 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, and fit and pattern alterations.
Suited for beginners and experienced sewers alike.
PLAN THE WEEK
PATTERNMAKING WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY
This five-day 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 participants understand best practices when working with cotton jersey and hand-embroidery techniques.
Suited for intermediate to advanced makers.
THE PERFECT FIT
PRIVATE STUDIO WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY
Plan a private group workshop experience with friends, family, and The School of Making Team. The Private Studio Workshop offers one, three, or five-day learning experiences for groups of 12. Customize your workshop to explore hand-sewing, patternmaking, stenciling, design, and more.
Reach out to us for date availability.
CONTACT
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
Work with The School of Making team remotely to develop your hand-sewing skills. The Virtual Series, hosted on The School of Making Club, focuses on the development of new skills, including the physics of sewing, embroidery, an overview of construction, and other techniques.
Suited for beginners and experienced sewers alike.
JOIN THE CLUB
AWAY WORKSHOPS
We book workshops all across the country, partnering with fellow makers to bring new skills and discussions to their studio, store, or local venue. These collaborations include marketing and social media assets, tools and materials, and in-person instruction. Get in touch to plan a workshop at your space, or find out if we'll be in your city.
Tailored to any skill level.
MEET US ON THE ROAD
CURATED EXPERIENCES
Work with our team to explore a range of options including workshops, local artisan craft, regional artists and makers, and more. The Factory Café offers a large dining area and a full commercial kitchen for food preparation and serving; talk to us about hosting a dinner or event in this space. Our Guest Experience team can help plan travel details, lodging, dining, and nearby sightseeing for an expanded adventure at The Factory and beyond.
CONTACT US
CONVERSATIONS AND LECTURES
Book a trunk show, event, or conversation with Natalie or our team. With over twenty years in the fashion industry, we have the experience to speak on subjects like sustainability in fashion, creating American-made products, building a small business, creative process and design, and maintaining artisan craft. Natalie's history includes author talks for her book series, conversations with chefs and artists, and inspirational storytelling.
REACH OUT
STUDENT AND GROUP TOURS
The Factory is home to Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, the design and production studio, the flagship stores, and the Bldg. 14 Design + Manufacturing division. Contact us to schedule a private tour, and learn about the history and processes of our company. We are a day trip away from Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.
PLAN A VISIT
FACTORY TOURS
Plan a visit to experience Alabama Chanin and The School of Making in person, view the collections firsthand, work with our teams, and learn more about our commitment to responsible production, sustainable practices, and thoughtful design.
THE FACTORY
SYMPOSIA
In collaboration with Project Threadways, we host an annual symposium that brings together scholars, activists, makers, and thinkers to present research, share stories, and encourage dialogue about the connection between material culture and making. Presentations, dinners, tours, and workshops create a multi-day experience in Florence, Alabama.
LEARN MORE
Making and Meaning
