Creative Embellishments (DVD + Streaming)

Renowned fashion designer Natalie Chanin reveals her appliqué and beading techniques to build beautiful layers of texture through embellishment. Expanding on Natalie’s previous class, “The Swing Skirt: Techniques & Construction,” learn four key stitches and Natalie’s signature techniques to embellish any garment or home accessory with beads, sequins and more. You’ll be provided with a toolbox of creative possibilities to expand your skills and create more artistic designs.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Four Key Stitches (27:58)
Create an array of embellishment effects, Alabama Chanin-style, with just four easy stitches! Natalie shares her unique grid system that will keep your stitches even and consistent, then discusses the physics of sewing. These tried-and-true techniques will help your projects stay strong and beautiful for generations to come.

Adding Beads & Sequins (17:46)
Beads and sequins add sparkle, texture and dimension to garments. Discover Natalie’s simple methods to add seed, chop and bugle beads to your stitching. After that, see how easy it is to add sequins and vary the look with partial or armor beading.

Quilting & Reverse-Appliqué Techniques (21:52)
Start your embellishment swatches by using the basic straight, or running, stitch to quilt two layers of fabric together. Cut away the top layer using Natalie’s signature reverse appliqué technique, then explore some variations using embroidery floss and backstitch.

Appliqué Techniques (17:19)
Continue exploring appliqué techniques as you look at positive appliqué: stitching shapes onto surfaces instead of cutting them away. Natalie shows you how to use the four key stitches, add beads to simple stitches, plus dimensional techniques such as relief appliqué and couching.

Combining Techniques & Inspiration Projects (10:55)
Build on previous lessons by combining beading and appliqué techniques for inspired new designs. Follow along as Natalie walks you through beaded couching, inside and accent beading, faded beading and more. Finally, learn how to add texture, sparkle and dimension to garments and home accessories that you already own. Plus get Natalie’s tips on how to plan for future projects and use your practice swatches two different ways.

Based in Florence, Alabama, Natalie “Alabama” Chanin is the founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle company Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, its educational counterpart. Natalie strives for complete sustainability at every stage of the manufacturing process. In 2013, she won the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge, an award that celebrates great American designers working in sustainable fashion. Natalie has a degree in Environmental Design with a focus on industrial and craft-based textiles from North Carolina State University.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.