A NEW CHAPTER.

In the year 2000, when I returned to Florence and my family home at Lovelace Crossroads to begin the work that has become Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways, I could never have imagined this story unfolding over 25 years. From the first hand-sewn garments crafted by local artisans to the growing nonprofit we are today, this journey has been shaped by a deep belief in the power of craft to transform lives and communities.

As we approach 2026, it is my vision and deepest hope that we will celebrate 25 years of this work by moving to a new permanent home at 302 East College Street in downtown Florence. This historic building, located in the former Cotton District and present-day Arts & Entertainment District, represents a new era for our organization—a space to deepen engagement, expand programs, and make sustainable craft an integral part of daily life in our community.

A Vision Born from Community

Last year, Project Threadways conducted a Constituent Study, asking stakeholders—including board members, team members, guests, and partners—what they envisioned for our future. Overwhelmingly, a central, walkable location downtown topped the list. Our current facility in Florence’s Industrial Park, though significant in its history, limits accessibility for students, seniors, and underserved communities.

This new downtown location will allow us to meet people where they are, inspire collaboration, and become a hub for making, teaching, and preserving the stories of fashion and textiles.

What the New Headquarters Will Offer

At 302 East College Street, this vision will come to life through:

Maker Lab, Design Studios, and Workshops: A Maker Lab for hands-on classes in sewing, embroidery, and patternmaking, accessible to 100+ participants each year, including scholarships for underserved groups. Over 25 years, thousands of guests have traveled to The Shoals to explore sustainable design and organics, to learn hand-sewing skills, and to study the impact of craft and community. 

Educational Collaborations: Partnerships with the University of North Alabama and UNC-Chapel Hill to offer classes, educational opportunities, and hands-on training are unfolding now and into the future.

Community and Cultural Events: Exhibitions, public history projects, and symposia exploring sustainability, design, and the impact of textiles on our lives, our nation, and the world. Over 25 years, these organizations have hosted hundreds of events and workshops in The Shoals community.

A Third Place: A beloved place of connection, a café, retail area, and versatile event spaces for public and private gatherings that build community.

To date, we’ve secured historic tax credits for the building and signed a five-year lease-to-own agreement. Our fundraising goal is $3.5 million, which will cover renovation, furnishing, and activation of this space. We are grateful for partnerships with organizations like Fibershed, and educational institutions, including the University of North Alabama and UNC-Chapel Hill, which will expand in this new location. Additionally, we thank the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Alabama Humanities Alliance, the Joel R. Anderson Family Foundation, and Bank Independent for making our work possible through grants and support.

Join Us in Making History

This new headquarters will make our programs more visible, accessible, and impactful, creating a sustainable future for artisan craft and cultural preservation in the Shoals and beyond. It’s a space where the stories of our past meet the possibilities of our future, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Your support will bring this vision to life. Please consider making a donation of any size today. Together, we’ll create a lasting legacy of craft, community, and connection. For more information on how to be involved in this new chapter, please email development@projectthreadways.org.

With gratitude,
Natalie and all of us @ Project Threadways