“I’ve come to believe that craft, making, and creative endeavors toward producing sustainable products will create an enduring future for our community.” —Natalie Chanin

Founded on the ideas of cultural preservation and education, The School of Making® creates workshops, conversations, and experiences to inspire. Explore creativity, craft, and design through the act of making.

100% Organic Cotton—from field to garment—is at the heart of The School of Making practices. It is a perfect example of our core values, melding sustainability, fashion, craft, and DIY. The collection of hand-sewn projects from the Studio Book Series features kits that include everything needed to complete a garment or project.

Contact the team for more information and details on workshops, organic cotton, hand painting, and maker supplies.

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studio@projectthreadways.org

Shown above: Embroidery: Threads and Stories, by Natalie Chanin, pages 136-137, Chapter 4, "Materials and Tools"

At top: Fabric Swatch in the Abstract pattern, hand-embroidered with Reverse Appliqué in Navy

WHERE WE BEGAN: THE BOOKS

DESIGN AND MAKER SUPPLIES

DESIGN INSPIRATION

ORGANIC FABRIC

THE CLUB

OPEN SOURCE PATTERNS

STENCILS

TOOLS AND NOTIONS

EXPERIENCES

WORKSHOPS

Work with The School of Making team using a range of DIY garment patterns along with organic cotton jersey fabrics, an extensive stencil collection, and a swatch library of beloved designs. These options can be tailored to any skill level. Instruction may include hand-sewing, patternmaking, stenciling, and design exploration. Choose from virtual, one-day, three-day, and weeklong (five-day) workshops, held at The Factory in Florence, Alabama, and around the country.

EXPLORE

DAILY FACTORY TOURS

Plan a visit to experience The School of Making and Alabama Chanin in-person, view the Collections firsthand, work with our team, and learn more about Alabama Chanin’s commitment to responsible production, sustainable practices, and thoughtful design. The Factory is open to the public for tours every Monday – Friday at 2:00 pm.

Contact studio@projectthreadways.org to schedule a private tour.

THE FACTORY STORE

The Factory is home to Alabama Chanin’s flagship store, design and production studios, and Bldg. 14 Design + Manufacturing division. In addition to the Collection, our store features machine-sewn organic knits, accessories, home goods, and kitchen wares from celebrated artisans, local music offerings, as well as a selection of fabrics, sewing notions and tools, books, and more.

THE SCHOOL OF MAKING CLUB

Join our community designed for hand-sewers and makers who share a passion for craft and connection. Members exchange tips, find inspiration, and elevate skills while building relationships with others who love hand-sewing.

The club provides access to resources, conversations, and guidance that support creative journeys—and celebrates craftsmanship and creativity.

JOIN US

GROUP EXPERIENCES

Customize a private Weeklong workshop with friends, family, or colleagues. Groups of 12 can learn from The School of Making team during a personalized workshop at The Factory. Cost includes materials, instruction, lunch, and studio tours.

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PROJECT THREADWAYS

Project Threadways is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that records, studies, and explores the history and impact of the region and beyond through the lens of textiles and fashion. The organization seeks to understand the impact that textiles and their creation—from raw material to finished good—have on communities, the American south, the nation, and the world—connecting people, places, and materials.

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