Yes, I actually am at the Alabama Chanin store in Florence, Alabama. We drove in in time for lunch, and then took the 2:00 tour of the Factory.
No surprise, these garments are beautiful in person,
and the jersey yardage is almost irresistible.
I'll be doing my purchasing tomorrow.
I think I'm going to buy some socks, too.
So far I have looked at half of the swatch books. They are arranged by color story--but the current ones are in NYC on a trip at the moment. I'm in the archives.
Everytime I found something I really liked I had the Composer photograph it as a reference. His trigger finger got worn out.
I'm thinking about chop beads and bugle beads--the bugle beads here are so long! Much longer than the ones from the craft store.
Some stitching samples below--everywhere you look there's something handmade!
Believe me, there will be more tomorrow . . . .
Fainting with envy!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually on the website now, shopping to take advantage of the sale (smart girl to plan your trip at same time!) Can't imagine getting to touch and feel and see the garments firsthand. So much fun!
I have been to Florence but haven't been to the factory yet - hope you have a marvelous time, Anna, and can't wait for you to share your purchases with us!
I am vacillating with my cart items now - to get more DIY kits or just some yardage for dresses? So many great choices! So many wonderful colors!!
How fun! That green with beads is beautiful! Have fun! Christina
ReplyDeleteDreamy!! I think that is the exact salad I had for lunch when I was there too. You look right at home.
ReplyDeleteSo good to take the Composer along to photograph those swatch books.
Have so much fun!
Oh My!!! I know jealousy has no part in friendship, but I am just a tiny bit envious! I think I will finally begin a Chanin project. Have fun and thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Darby Logan
What fun for you! Love the striped socks! Have fun buying!
ReplyDeleteOh Anna what fun for you! I can imagine how you'd be enjoying this.
ReplyDeleteI just looked up Alabama Chanin on Google Maps because, I am embarrassed to say, I wasn't sure exactly where Alabama is although I knew it was in a state in the South. Around the corner from Alabama Chanin, on Helton Drive, there is a shop called The Blue Door Thirft Store! If you run out of things to do in AC (hahaha) you can pop around there. :)
Beautiful craft. Share your work with them - they will be impressed!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the online Journal, the menus sound very delicious.
ReplyDeleteIs this your Christmas trip? :) I hope you got some compliments from the staff on your attire!
Lisateresa
That sounds a little bit like heaven for you - enjoy! Splurge a little, I'm sure you won't regret it! And you seem so good at using what you have, not always saving for "someday" - so nothing will go to waste. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteOh, happy day! I literally ran to the swatch books when I arrived at the weekend workshop last summer. Have a wonderful time and I can't wait to see more photos!
ReplyDeleteVery neat! I like that you're letting your hair grow out.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish we lived closer to the AC store! Wouldn't you like to just camp there for a week?
ReplyDeleteWe went for an afternoon last year on our way through the state and it was heavenly! Lots of inspiration there.
Lisa, this is actually last year's birthday trip. It just took us a while to get it together. I did get several compliments from the staff on my outfit--including one from a young man I believe to have been Natalie's very handsome son!
ReplyDeleteSeashoreknits--I would love to know what you chose!
Oh you lucky girl! My dream is to spend several days at Alabama Chanin. Thank you for the lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteAnna - after literally hours of indecision, I finally simply bought 3 yards of black and 3 yards of brunette jersey and some button craft thread. I've already made one DIY kit (Anna's Garden Swing Skirt) which I enjoyed tremendously, so I was really planning on buying another DIY kit. But in the end, I decided to follow your lead of making a few jersey dresses and playing around with embellishment ideas of my own. Your posts here letting us know that 3 yards should do it for the dress with leftovers for many little goodies finally helped make my decision. I was really thinking hard about that pewter color, however! I hope you are having a marvelous time.
ReplyDeleteSQUEEAAL
ReplyDeleteBeads made in the Czech Republic. Indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat, however, is about the only part of this my Czech self isn't at least a little jealous of. You introduced me to Alabama Chanin, and I love the style.