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The Geometry of Hand-Sewing
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing: A Romance in Stitches and Embroidery from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making | Natalie Chanin
4 posts | 3 read | 2 to read
As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her Alabama Chanin and The School of Making teams began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systemsand by using grids as guides, they could make learning stitches, even seemingly elaborate ones, as easy as childs play. In The Geometry of Hand-Sewing Chanin presents their breakthrough method, featuring illustrated instructions (for both right- and left-handed stitchers) for more than 100 stitchesfrom the most basic straight and chain to the more fanciful feather and herringbone; photos of both right and wrong sides; and guidelines for modifying stitches to increase ones repertoire further. To simplify learning, the book also offers downloads for two stitching cards with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These printable cards can be used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.
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Lindy
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Embroidery instructions are carefully described & shown with both left-to-right & right-to-left directions. Stitching is done on a geometric grid (pierced plastic grid sheets included) with no embroidery hoop. I love the idea of ‘loving‘ your thread: drawing your fingers along its cut length to reduce excess tension & add a bit of body oil. Luscious photos throughout this handbook inspire with the artistic possibilities they present.

Lindy If you can‘t afford Alabama Chanin clothing, you can always make it yourself: in addition to this embroidery handbook, the workshop publishes sewing patterns. 3y
Crazeedi Beautiful 💟 3y
shawnmooney I bet this book had you in stitches! 😜 😜 3y
36 likes4 comments
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Lindy
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The act of making can change your life, help you become a more informed consumer, and aid you in passing on important knowledge to the next generation.
(Photo and quote from tagged book)

blurb
Lindy
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One of the many things in this embroidery manual that startled me is the idea of using knotted threads as a design feature. The photo is an example of what the Alabama Studio calls “Alabama Fur.”

lynneamch Reminds me of my mom embroidering aprons with poodles entirely of French knots in the 50s. 3y
LeahBergen That‘s cool! 3y
Lindy @lynneamch I can picture those 🐩😊 3y
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Lindy @LeahBergen It took me a while to warm up to the look, but now I like it 3y
Andrea4 This looks cool, and something I could totally see someone else pulling off. Not me. But definitely cool. 3y
Lindy @Andrea4 Yeah, I think it takes a lot of self confidence to wear something ornamented like this. 3y
Andrea4 @Lindy yep, could totally see my aunt wearing it because she does not give a shit about others' opinions. 3y
Lindy @Andrea4 😊👍She sounds like a role model. 3y
Andrea4 @Lindy yes, for some reason just as I typed that, I really realised that. ☺️♥️ 3y
Crazeedi The color and the style is calling my name! I love this 3y
Lindy @Crazeedi You can browse their clothing online: https://alabamachanin.com/ 3y
Crazeedi @Lindy thank you!!! I love unique items like this, and I'm an autumn so the color is perfect 3y
Suet624 Gorgeous 3y
26 likes13 comments
blurb
Lindy
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I share artisan Natalie Chanin‘s love of geometric forms, so her dedication at the start of this embroidery handbook warmed my heart:
“For my mother, Myra Brown, who taught me that mathematics and geometry are languages of love. And for Euclid and Norton Juster, who both understood the beauty of parallel lines.”

Lindy @BkClubCare Math geeks unite! 3y
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