Our next Handmade Crafternoon is on May 15, 2010--with special guest Natalie Chanin, the creative director of Alabama Chanin and the author of Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style.  Chanin's line of clothing and home goods mixes homespun techniques--like stencils, applique, string quilting, and more--with gorgeous modern designs. And her approach to production--slow and sustainable--is noteworthy.

Natalie will talk about her design work and demonstrate her circle-spiral applique technique using jersey cotton (think cotton t-shirts).  We will have some of the following sewing supplies and cotton jersey scraps available so that you can get some hands-on practice, but if you have your heart set on going home with your own embellished t-shirt, you should bring along:

• t-shirt (or other cotton jersey fabric item to embellish)
• scraps of cotton jersey to cut into spirals (this might be an old t-shirt you want to cut up and repurpose)
• Coats & Clark Button Craft Thread
• garment scissors and embroidery scissors
• hand-sewing needle
• straight pins
• sharpie marker

We'll also be joined by David Morgan from BurdaStyle--so if you've been curious about how this website creates its community of sewists (and offers patterns, inspiration, tutorials, and participatory fun), this will be a great time to learn more.  And as always, I'll gather some gems from our stacks--books about home sewing, hand stitching, stencils, and more vintage loveliness. 

Remember, this event is free--my crafty co-host Maura Madden and I look forward to seeing you there!

 Here are the details:

• Date and time: Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 2:00 to 4:00pm
• Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, Margaret Liebman Berger Forum (Room #227, located in the northeast corner of the second floor)