Project Alabama

[livius drusus]

I saw Project Alabama mentioned in a newsclip a few weeks ago and thought it was a groovy thing.

The founder, Natalie Chanin, is a designer who while in New York got so many compliments on t-shirts she had made using traditional hand-stitching techniques learned in her Alabama hometown that she realized there was a market for them.

She went back to Florence, Alabama -- a region once known for its textile industry and now economically devastated by the death of the mills -- and started a business. Now Project Alabama employs 150 contract stitchers, thereby not only reviving a local craft but also giving people the opportunity to support themselves with their artisanship.

The clothing line has moved way past t-shirts alone now, and each piece is unique. Check out the Spring 2006 collection. Gorgeous work, isn't it?

[LadyShea]

That is a professional show with designer style clothes! Here I was thinking of some folk craft stuff. Wow, thanks for sharing.

[SharonDee]

Originally Posted by livius drusus

Florence, Alabama

[livius drusus]

It's couture, Shea, no question about it, and it shows in the price. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I really love the pattern and beading on this dress.

[livius drusus]

Originally Posted by SharonDee

Were you born and raised near there, Sharon?

[SharonDee]

Yep. Born in a Florence hospital, raised about fifteen miles north of there.

[livius drusus]

No way! That's just Fonzie cool. How's your hand-stitching?

[SharonDee]

Pfft! The only talent my hands have is typing, alas.

Oh, wait, I can sew a button back on!

[livius drusus]

Hey, me too! I can also hem pants.

[SharonDee]

Fuckin' showoff!

[cappuccino]

I know how to darn socks too

[livius drusus]

Oh, so you think you're better than us, then? Just because you even know what "darning" is as opposed to only have read about it in Brontë sisters novels.

[Petra]

That's quality stuff - I'm impressed. The garments are all so beautifully finished and detailed. Nice work, Alabama!

[Megatron]

Originally Posted by Demosthenes

I know how to darn socks too

Is that sort of like damning them, except a few decibels lower?

[ms_ann_thrope]

...covet, covet, covet...

What a great find, liv, thank you for sharing it! I love it that something "simple" --- i.e., fabric covering for one's nekkid body --- can do so many things at once: revive an interest in folk art; provide income for artisans; and oh yeah, be beautiful at the same time. Nice.


(need a coveting smilie!)

[wei yau]

I've no praise to add regarding the clothing, they are indeed beautiful.

I just wanted to point out that this thread title always puts an image in my head...the image of a monkey fucking a football.

[Carnivale Ed]

I can hem pants, darn socks and sow on buttons. It's easy, I just pick up the phone and say, "Hey Nanna, haven't seen you in a while, can I come over?"