A close friend mentioned Alabama Chanin to me in 2015 — several times. Then again earlier this year. Partway into into 2016, I thought let me look at what she’s talking about, see what it’s about, and if it’s something I’m interested in. She shared her first few Alabama Chanin (AC) projects to me and I wanted to L-E-A-R-N!
A fun afternoon began, where I learned how to:
- measure my bod to determine which size of pattern to cut
- cut pattern pieces out
- trace and cut pattern pieces from cotton jersey fabric
- use basic Alabama Chanin sewing techniques
- hand baste
- hand stitch
- bind a neckline
I did not finish this project in an afternoon. Nor in two or three. I recall it taking several weeks of on and off work to complete. Unfortunately, when I tried it on, I looked like a packed sausage casing (i.e., not feelin’ attractive), so I ended up giving it to the very friend that taught me how to sew by hand. It looked GRAND on her, and it seemed apropos to gift it to her since she had gotten this whole ball rolling!
Little did I know…she had helped cultivate a little sewing monster within me. Boy, oh boy…
But I’m getting ahead of myself. This is just #1. 🙂
front center piece 
pieced together 
front and back “sandwich” 
colored thread is basting 
neckline 
front neck/breast/arm hole 
my lovely imperfect stitches
| Pattern Name/No., Source | camisole dress, Alabama Chanin |
| Size | XL |
| Fabric | neutral 100% cotton jersey |
| Thread | neutral |
| Embellishment | – |
| Custom Notes | sleeveless, neckline: herringbone stitch |
