Inspiration: Alabama Chanin

One of the things I'd like to do on this blog is share some of my sources of inspiration for the creative activities that I engage in. Generally these will be artisans, bloggers and other creative people, but at times may also be places, experiences or works of art. I'm sure you will have heard of many of the creative people whose work I find inspiring, but perhaps this 'Inspiration' series will also introduce you to some new faces and ideas that might influence your own creative pursuits. So let's begin...

For my first post in this series, I'd like to talk about the founder of Alabama Chanin, Natalie Chanin. Quite simply, her work is stunning! She and her team of skilled artisans hand stitch truly beautiful garments made from organic cotton jersey embellished with paint, applique, reverse applique, beading and embroidery. You can see some examples of the detail in her work in the images throughout this post (all photos of her book Alabama Studio Sewing + Design).

Not only do I admire Natalie's creativity in crafting these beautiful garments, I am also inspired by the ethical and sustainable way she chooses to run her business. Based in Florence Alabama, Alabama Chanin uses locally produced cotton (on her blog Natalie even talks about how they are now working towards growing their own cotton). The business employs local artisans, many of whom work from their own homes, thereby providing valued employment in the local area. I also find it really interesting that Natalie shares detailed instructions for her stitching, beading and other embellishment techniques, along with patterns for many of the garments that her company sells in her books and through tutorials on her blog. Not only does this help to sustain traditional hand-sewing skills and techniques, it enables many of us who are unable to afford to buy a piece of Alabama Chanin's collection to make our own, while cleverly also opening up a new market for Alabama Chanin who now sell all the stencils, fabric and other materials needed to make these items. As someone who is very interested in the idea of socially responsible business, and someone that loves to sew, I find the work of Natalie Chanin inspiring.

How about you? Whose work do you find inspiring?