Inspiration
Natalie Chanin and These Skirts I’ve Got
Dear friends,
I’ve got these skirts I’ve been wearing all summer, and they make me feel great whenever I’ve got one on.
These skirts are all the same pattern, the Swing Skirt, one of Natalie Chanin’s most enduring DIY designs from The School of Making.
I’ve made four of them, and I ain’t a-gonna stop now.
And here’s the thing: it’s all one thing.
It’s just simple stitches, combined in various ways.
Sort of like what happens to a knit stitch when you play around with it.
And it’s equally fascinating. I love everything about these skirts: the colors, the stencils, the way this all gave me many happy hours of stitching. I associate these skirts with the memories of what was happening in my life when I made them.
Natalie’s Class This Friday
You know how it is when you’ve found something really fun and you want everybody to have the same fun? That’s me.
I had to drive to Florence, Alabama, in order to take a class from Natalie Chanin. Granted, hanging out at the Factory is a sublime and memorable experience. But maybe north Alabama isn’t all that nearby for you.
Our virtual class with Natalie is this Friday, September 6. Natalie doesn’t teach virtually all that often, so this is a good opportunity to learn with her from the comfort of your own home. She’s a born storyteller, too.
If you love to knit, you understand how a simple motion can turn into an endless fascination. Kay and I think you’ll find this compelling stuff.
You can order a kit to arrive after the class (see the options to order directly from The School of Making right here), or you can take the class and use your own cotton jersey and buttonhole thread to get the hang of the techniques.
Register for the class here.
I guess my fervent wish is that everybody can have the chance to see what this extraordinary woman is all about. Hope to see you on Friday!
Love,
Ann
I’m really looking forward to this class but I won’t be able to do it live because of work.
I’m looking forward to this class! I’m doing a skirt too — the natural color. It was so hard to choose a color because they are all so pretty. Question for Ann: which color skirt do you find yourself wearing the most? Thanks!
Hi Anne! I seem to wear them all pretty evenly, though the light one is for summertime.
Thanks, Ann! They are all so pretty!
Anne
I’m looking forward to this also! Your skirts are gorgeous Ann, I love the variety in your work. I’m currently embroidering and beading a Square Top Tee.
Love that design!
I am wearing one (of three I have made) as I type. It’s a staple for me too. Love, love, love me some AC!
I’m currently scheming up what my next one will be. The colorway of this one really gets me . . . https://alabamachanin.com/products/embroidered-daisy-swing-skirt-kit?from=collection:DIY%20Sewing%20Kits:diy-sewing-kits&parent=diy-sewing-kits
Looking forward to learning and making. I’m experiencing skirt envy when I look at your photos!
Oh, that’s so good to hear! I started really simply and found myself curious about more techniques, the longer I was working with Natalie’s ideas. Massive rabbit hole.
Planning a jacket with stencil after I learn the techniques. I’ve purchased books but keep putting it off. Now is the time, added to 4 sweaters to make by the holidays and then some.
I’ve spent so many hours with those four books. It’s all so beautiful.
Ann, we need to see you MODEL your skirts!
Maybe on Friday . . . ???
Will there be a recording available to purchase if we sign up
Will there be a recording available to purchase
Hi Lindy! The recording will be available to those who purchase the class ahead of the Sept. 6 live virtual class date. We won’t be offering it after the fact.
I can’t wait. Two years ago I bought the fabric that became an A-line dress. I didn’t start making it till a year ago, and I wore it for the first time this summer. All the parts made me happy.
Wearing a new dress is one of the great moments!
Wow, all 4 are so cool, the same yet different. Seeing them close-up: you just leave the threads, knots and everything? I’m signed up and so looking forward to this class! I’m thinking that like the Shakerag skirt (mine in progress) maybe this skirt also looks good on all body types. Can’t wait!
I have a kit sitting here waiting for me to just start. Dang day job!
Same lol . . .
I am almost finished with the first of four panels for my swing skirt. I enjoy the process and think I will love the finished piece.
I have skirt envy!
and I am looking forward the class!
and I haven’t decided what to make yet so I guess I had better decide!
and I need to.
Looking forward to learning about these techniques from Natalie and see how that goes. It looks like very expressive work. Your skirts are gorgeous and interesting-looking. Pants would be fun to do also. Then knit a top to go with them!
I have 3 skirts black, navy and cream, so I can wear most seasons. They are addictive and comfortable and entertaining. Plus they are great to wear to the grocery store or as a CCC (church, cemetery or cocktails) outfit. Take the class if you can. Natalie is a wonderful teacher.
I am so excited!! I have cleared my calendar, and am prepared to break out my precious AC kit to start – can’t wait!
Ann, what are the fabric colors of your light colored skirt? It’s lovely!
Hi Deb! Pretty sure that’s Natural for the fabric with a stencil in Sand. I don’t have the bag anymore, so this is a bit of a guess.
I loved making that thing so much!
Ok. I took the class after anxiously waiting for months. And, I LOVED every minute of it. I truly wish that I lived closer to Alabama so that I could take a workshop at the factory! Thank you Ann and Kay for introducing this wonderful craft to me and the MDK family!! I am truly smitten!!
I love how all these skirts look completely different! I bought the scarf kit when it was in the holiday shop a couple of Christmases ago, but it had just been sitting in my stash unloved. This class was the perfect opportunity to begin, and Natalie was a delight to listen to and watch. Practicing on the included swatch I can see how addictive this is! Once I finish my scarf and learn the basics, I hope to jump on the skirt bandwagon. Great – another crafting obsession. 😉