Bloomed Skirt, Alabama Chanin

 
 
 
Alabama Chanin
Longtime readers might remember when I started this skirt, from the Alabama Stitch Book. I put it away for almost a year during a time when I had no luck making anything I could wear… nothing fit, nothing hung right (lots of disasters I won’t waste time sharing). But it was such an enjoyable project to make, all it took was me cleaning out the studio shelf it was on to remember how much I loved it.
Alabama Chanin
I had to finish it! And I did! It only took a few days to, even after realizing I’d cut it too small, at which point I actually had to add a 5th panel, the pattern calls for 4 panels (ahem…). I added the panel, then carefully made all the panels a bit smaller, and that seemed to do it. It was my first adventure with sewing on FOE at the waist and it was so easy (a quick tweet to Ms. Chicken to confirm that I should stretch it out as I’m sewing it on this type of fabric, a knit, and I was on my way). Result? It truly is the most comfortable skirt I own. I was worried that knotting the thread on the wrong side versus the right side (as on this shirt) might be a mistake, but its totally comfortable. I’m actually a little sad its done and I’m ready to start another project from the book. There’s something about having a handstitching project available at random times when I can work on it (sitting at night, waiting for the kid’s at their classes) makes me feel like I’m getting a little extra done, you know? I’ve been sewing like crazy. Just tell me I’ll have no time to sew with the kids home for the summer and watch me make every effort to prove you wrong. I will share with you this week.
Alabama Chanin
Thanks for all the happy thoughts on the camp pillow. She had it with her when I dropped her off at camp today. The house feels quiet (although we have Ian here and he is a chatterbox in every sense of the word). We’ve already emailed her. You moms know the feeling…happy and anxious for her, all at the same time.

32 Comments
  • Grace

    July 6, 2009 at 12:06 am

    Oh, Blair! It’s beautiful. And so flattering! You have me all inspired to take a new look at that book. Just breathtaking.
    I love the colors, too!

  • sally

    July 6, 2009 at 12:06 am

    oh blair, i love it!! i don’t think i have the patience for all that handstitching…but it really adds some great texture.

  • erin

    July 6, 2009 at 1:28 am

    ooh! it so beautiful, blair. so so pretty!
    i think i may just have to give this one another go. i have the fabric and the paint….it’s even cut out and basted. it’s the paint/stencil part that holding me back, i think. next week.

  • Mama Urchin

    July 6, 2009 at 4:14 am

    It looks really great! Enjoy your time with Ian while Emma is gone. She’ll be home before you know it.

  • Maribeth

    July 6, 2009 at 4:49 am

    How lovely. I have really enjoyed the Alabama Stitch Book as well. So DIFFERENT than many of the sewing books out there. By the way, your bathroom looks great.

  • Kelly

    July 6, 2009 at 5:00 am

    It is so beautiful! I have that book on my amazon wishlist because of you. Now it’s moving to my cart. Great work, can’t wait to see more.

  • Courtney Russell

    July 6, 2009 at 5:20 am

    So cute, Blair! Love it!

  • LeeAnn

    July 6, 2009 at 5:27 am

    That skirt turned out amazing! I would love that project to be my next project from the book.

  • Elizabeth

    July 6, 2009 at 5:53 am

    Really cute…and love the colors

  • Peanut

    July 6, 2009 at 6:40 am

    I remember that! It looks wonderful (and so comfy). Congrats on finishing and wearing your skirt 🙂

  • Kendall Micayla

    July 6, 2009 at 6:40 am

    i love your new banner, it is gorgeous.
    the skirt is beautiful, so pretty!

  • Peacock Chic

    July 6, 2009 at 6:49 am

    yay!! it is super cute!! i love the color combo and stitching. I have eyed this book before and every time I see something made from it I want it even more.

  • Gretchen Skovron

    July 6, 2009 at 8:29 am

    so so beautiful! Looks stunning!

  • britt

    July 6, 2009 at 8:38 am

    awesome. I just started mine last week. but between the knitting and the spinning and the graduate classes, it is only getting a little attention a week. yours is great! now i want to go work on mine. bye.

  • jennie

    July 6, 2009 at 8:48 am

    I love and admire Natalie Channin and the Alabama Stitch book! It’s on my ever-increasing, never-shrinking list of must have books. Every project is sublime, your’s is no different!

  • nicola

    July 6, 2009 at 8:51 am
  • Sunni Standing

    July 6, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Looks fabulous!

  • Rid

    July 6, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    Great! So cute!!!! Saludos desde Barcelona

  • Cassandra

    July 6, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    I love that book. It’s been my go to book for the past few months. I’ve done a couple of tees, and a headband, and now want to do a skirt. I wasn’t so sure about knots on the outside, but I love them. Nice work on your piece!

  • Lily

    July 6, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Well done Blair. I bought that book after seeing it on your blog so long ago. I haven’t made anything yet (there’s no hurry, right?), but I am so glad you did! Well done. And I bet it’s comfy!

  • mayaluna

    July 6, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    This turned out beautifully! I’ve had this skirt and the corset/top on my list for a year! I think you’re right about having some hand-sewing… I’m going to take that well-loved, but not utilized book off the shelf!

  • sarah s.

    July 6, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    Wow, the skirt is AMAZING. I love it!

  • Amy

    July 6, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    I’ve been going over and over the Alabama book, trying to decide on a project…the skirt looks gorgeous. yay, you! you’ve also inspired me to gather a handstitching project to have at the ready, rather than keep my family waiting while I scrape one together before we leave on a car trip!

  • Karen Mowrey

    July 7, 2009 at 4:19 am

    Oh it turned out great! I love that book and I hear ya on the knots but they look so cool when done! I also love the colors you went with, perfect!

  • Deven

    July 7, 2009 at 9:30 am

    Beautiful! Such a wonderful way to re-purpose my hubby’s workshirts! YEAH!
    I’m new to sewing and this is the first time I’ve heard to the Alabama Stitch Book, which is a little funny considering that I’m from & live in Alabama. ;-P Thank you for posting about it. I can’t wait to pick up my own copy!

  • Tiff@ThreePeas

    July 7, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Cute!!! I have always wanted to try reverse applique. I’m going to have to check out this book!

  • Tammy

    July 7, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    That skirt is beautiful!

  • Anne Dorte

    July 8, 2009 at 1:07 am

    Love this skirt… I want one too 🙂

  • jess

    July 10, 2009 at 10:28 am

    I got the book from the library and fell in love with this skirt too. Where did you find fold over elastic?? I haven’t had any luck.

  • blair/wisecraft

    July 10, 2009 at 10:50 am

    If you are local, I found it at Pacific Fabrics (limited colors, I had to choose black, but it looks fine). There are several sources online, just google fold over elastic or check at reprodepot.

  • amisha

    July 18, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    it’s so beautiful blair! and i completely agree on the comfort factor– i think my skirt might be my favorite piece of clothing! i’m the same way about having a hand-sewing project in my bag too… those few minutes of subway stitching each day add up and make me feel very productive 🙂
    xo

  • Hena Tayeb

    July 20, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    the skirt looks gorgeous.

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