“I realized that here in my community, activities like sewing, gardening, cooking and quilting have never just been tasks. They’re artful endeavors that allow for independence, a way to take direct responsibility for quality of life and simultaneously, they create a bond between individuals and community, between past and present.” -Natalie Chanin

At The School of Making®, we gather to share an open exchange of ideas and creativity, to explore materials and tools, understand supply chains, and to build the skills of making by hand.

The School of Making seeks to incorporate the best of fashion, craft, and design in one studio: connection, shared values, and inspiration in combination with organic materials, maker supplies, books, kits for garments, and experiences.

Join the growing movement at one of the upcoming events.

Contact the team for details on workshops, assistance with project selections, local dining, lodging, and a range of experiences:

+1.256.760.1090 x 116
workshops@schoolofmaking.com

#theschoolofmaking #memade

Shown above: Embroidery: Threads and Stories, by Natalie Chanin, pages 215-216, Chapter 7 "Road Maps"

BE INSPIRED

Plan An Experience

THREE-DAY WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY

The Three-Day Workshop opens our studio doors at The Factory in Florence, Alabama, and allows participants to work with our in-house team, a selection of our most loved DIY garment patterns, and our extensive DIY stencil library. Participants create a customized, hand-sewn garment or project of their choice from The School of Making Book Series.

Suited for any skill level.

CHOOSE A DATE

STUDIO WEEK WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY

This Monday through Friday event invites participants into The School of Making’s studio for a total immersion into our philosophies, methods, materials, and products. Participants will experiment with different techniques in hand-sewing and will be guided through each step in the process of creating a garment from The School of Making. Techniques include design basics and the physics of sewing, stencil design and creation, airbrush and stenciling of garments, and fit and pattern alterations.

Suited for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

PLAN THE WEEK

PATTERNMAKING WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY

This five-day workshop highlights Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns and focuses on taking measurements, creating a customized sloper using our T-Shirt Pattern and Drawstring Pant Pattern, making alterations to existing The School of Making patterns, and reviewing how to create and adjust commercial garment patterns for cotton jersey. The Physics of Sewing and The School of Making Construction lessons help participants understand best practices when working with cotton jersey and hand-embroidery techniques.

Suited for intermediate to advanced makers.

THE PERFECT FIT

PRIVATE STUDIO WORKSHOPS @ THE FACTORY

Plan a private group workshop experience with friends, family, and The School of Making Team. The Private Studio Workshop offers one, three, or five-day learning experiences for groups of 12. Customize your workshop to explore hand-sewing, patternmaking, stenciling, design, and more.

Reach out to us for date availability.

CONTACT

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

Work with The School of Making team remotely to develop your hand-sewing skills. The Virtual Series, led by the workshop team, focuses on the development of new skills, including the physics of sewing, embroidery, an overview of construction, and other techniques.

Suited for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

VIEW ALL

AWAY WORKSHOPS

We book workshops all across the country, partnering with fellow makers to bring new skills and discussions to their studio, store, or local venue. These collaborations include marketing and social media assets, tools and materials, and in-person instruction. Get in touch to plan a workshop at your space, or find out if we'll be in your city.

Tailored to any skill level.

MEET US ON THE ROAD

CURATED EXPERIENCES

Work with our team to explore a range of options including workshops, local artisan craft, regional artists and makers, and more. The Factory Café offers a large dining area and a full commercial kitchen for food preparation and serving; talk to us about hosting a dinner or event in this space. Our Guest Experience team can help plan travel details, lodging, dining, and nearby sightseeing for an expanded adventure at The Factory and beyond.

CONTACT US

CONVERSATIONS AND LECTURES

Book a trunk show, event, or conversation with Natalie or our team. With over twenty years in the fashion industry, we have the experience to speak on subjects like sustainability in fashion, creating American-made products, building a small business, creative process and design, and maintaining artisan craft. Natalie's history includes author talks for her book series, conversations with chefs and artists, and inspirational storytelling.

REACH OUT

STUDENT AND GROUP TOURS

The Factory is home to Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, the design and production studio, the flagship stores, and the Bldg. 14 Design + Manufacturing division. Contact us to schedule a private tour, and learn about the history and processes of our company. We are a day trip away from Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.

PLAN A VISIT

SYMPOSIA

In collaboration with Project Threadways, we host an annual symposium that brings together scholars, activists, makers, and thinkers to present research, share stories, and encourage dialogue about the connection between material culture and making. Presentations, dinners, tours, and workshops create a multi-day experience in Florence, Alabama.

LEARN MORE

DAILY FACTORY TOURS

Plan a visit to experience Alabama Chanin and The School of Making in person, view the collections firsthand, work with our teams, and learn more about our commitment to responsible production, sustainable practices, and thoughtful design. The studio is open to the public for tours every Monday – Friday at 2:00 pm.

THE FACTORY