A Conversation with Alabama Chanin Founder, Natalie Chanin

Natalie Chanin: Sustainable Design Pioneer & Alabama Chanin Founder

This week I sat down with Natalie Chanin, a pioneer in the slow design movement and the creative force behind the sustainably-made goods lifestyle company, Alabama Chanin. I first learned about the company (and its design leader) during a visit to the Makers’ Mercantile shop in Kent, Washington. The latest Alabama Chanin fabrics had just been delivered and Education Manager, Rhonda Fargnoli gave me a sneak peak while we fawned over their beauty. I was fascinated by the artisanship of the product, but even more so, the feeling that the Alabama Chanin ethos seemed to evoke in entire Makers’ Mercantile staff. I wanted to know more. Thankfully, Natalie agreed to come on the podcast.

Due to a scheduling conflict our conversation was unfortunately cut short, so I was unable to squeeze in all of the questions I’d intended to ask her. During the time we did have, though Natalie filled me in on the slow-fashion philosophy, her signature, piece-work design style, and the importance of knowing where the origin materials for what you put in and on your body come from. Someday, I’d love to continue our conversation. Only, instead of talking over Skype, perhaps our chat can happen while sitting across from each other at a farmhouse table, eating organic tomatoes from her crops in her Alabama factory.

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher. Then go to the Show Notes page to see photos of a few pieces from the latest, Alabama Chanin Collection and get links to all of their projects.

Thanks to our sponsor, Makers’ Mercantile who would like to celebrate Natalie Chanin by giving CRAFT-ish listeners who spend $75 or more on any Alabama Chanin products at Makers’ Mercantile, will receive an Alabama Chanin 100% Organic Cotton Zipper bag and pencil FREE. Just use code VickieMakes at checkout (while supplies last.)

Enjoy!

–Vickie