Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns: A Guide to Customizing a Hand-Stitched Alabama Chanin Wardrobe

I have to say, this is one of my favorite sewing books I own, which is saying a lot, since I don't generally enjoy hand sewing. I grew up sewing clothing with a machine, and then took up quilting, and while I enjoy both of those pursuits, I was never interested in hand sewing anything until I read this book, and Natalie Chanin's take on clothing. I love the idea that clothing should flatter, feel comfortable, and be well made so that it lasts. I think the biggest reason I love this book is that the idea behind making a handmade wardrobe resonates with where I am in life right now; creating a wardrobe I love and that fits well means a lot more to me than chasing after the latest style fads. Not only that, but as a mom of 3 little girls, I want them to understand that we are each unique, and our worth is intrinsic, and not based on what we look like; as a result, it makes sense to dress our bodies in a way that flatters and makes us feel good about ourselves, and that celebrates who we are, instead of chasing fashion ideals that aren't realistic. That being said, I was initially disappointed when I popped the cd into my computer, only to discover that the pattern sheets were sized for a copy shop printer, and not my home printer. I have a home computer and printer, and I'm familiar with printing out pdf sewing patterns and taping them together, so I wasn't interested in going to a copy shop, and after playing around with it a little, I discovered how to print out the parts of the pattern individually (on 8 1/2 by 11 sheets of paper). After reading the previous reviews, and seeing people put off by having to print out the patterns via a copy shop, I wanted to weigh in and let you know that you Do Not need a specific tiling program to print off the patterns in 'tiles' to tape together (the book mentions this as an option, but it's not necessary if you have Adobe Reader, a free program that reads pdf. pattern files, which is the file format these patterns are stored as on the cd). Most of us already have Adobe Reader on our computers, and all you have to do is open up the file you want to print (in Adobe), go to: File, Print, and choose 'Poster' as the option for printing out the pattern. It should show you a picture of the layout of the pattern, broken up into tiles (to the right of your choices), and it should have a box that shows the tile scale, which should read 100%. I didn't change any of the measurements, printed it out using the Poster mode (to make it print the pattern out in tiles), and then double-checked the 2-inch square located on the first page of the pattern, and it was perfect! I tried this with the A-line dress pattern, and it worked like a charm. While I realize not everyone is interested in putting together paper patterns, or making a run to the copy shop, I just want to encourage those who don't mind printing patterns out at home that it can be done, and the patterns are well worth the time.

This book is a wonderful addition to the series of Alabama Chanin's beautiful books, but also stands on its own as a valuable resource for all those who love to sew their own garments. As usual, the photography is stunning, the designs inspiring, and the directions are clear and easy to follow. I love the addition of the CD containing ALL previously published Alabama Chanin designs (and including the much-requested XXL size) and several brand new patterns. For those who don't own a printer capable of printing this patterns, it is easy to download them and send them to any online office store and have them printed full size and mailed to you. My local Staples was able to print the new patterns and the included stencils in the store full size, quickly and cheaply. What other fashion designer provides patterns of their designs for the home sewer? None. The directions for altering the patterns are invaluable and could make a fine book on their own. This book is a must have!

Try printing the patterns at the library. Libraries have computer areas for patrons and usually have the most up-to-date versions of Adobe. I work at a library and printed out the patterns. The cost will be whatever the library charges for printing per page. Here are the steps to pattern printing in Delaware (state) public libraries. 1. Open the pdf pattern using Adobe 2. Go to Window and select Tile - depending on your version of Adobe it may ask horizontally or vertically - it really doesn't matter. 3. Go to File to print. 4. Under page sizing and handing select Poster. 5. You will see the layout of the pattern in the preview along with the number of pages that will be printed. At my library, printing is 10 cents a sheet. Proceed to print according to the library's guidelines. The swing skirt is 8 pages. The Fitted Dress/Top/Tunic/Skirt is 35 pages and so on. Check with your local library about computer use and printing assistance. This beautiful book will take me out of my comfort. I bought this because my mother, who underrated her sewing skills, hand-stitched a beautiful lined dress for me when I was in middle school in the 70s that I cherished for years. This brought back memories. She's gone but not the memory of watching her make the dress and the joy of wearing it. My paternal grandmother was an accomplished quilter and I never thought I'd be interested in hand sewing. The book is thoughtfully written and guides even the novice in a way that to me is not intimidating. The garments can be plain or heavily embellished.

Love this book. Inspirational is a good word, as there are more concepts and ideas than instruction here. There's a lot of work to making these garments, and the garments are on the casual side, so I'm not sure how many garments I'll actually make. Regardless, I've become a little obsessed about the design and embellishment options. For me, the patterns alone are worth the price of the book. I've purchased PDF patterns for $15 each (and then had to print them), so the fact that this book comes with 10 patterns on the CD is a big cost savings to me. The patterns include different options (a top lengthens into a tunic or dress, so the 10 patterns are unusually versatile). Adobe made it easy to print poster-style. I taped the pieces of printed paper together, cut out each pattern piece (with dull scissors), and cut out the fabric by going around the pattern pieces (with a rotary cutter, mat, and weights). The stencils on the CD are also a nice addition. It's hard for me to know how this book fits in with her other books. This book is more of a broad overview of her method. For someone who wants more detail and instructions, I'd recommend the Alabama Chanin book with two hats on the cover.