Books by Emma Brennan
Sewing pattern designer Emma Brennan has written three books packed with ideas for making vintage style bags, hats and accessories. These were published by the Guild of Master Craftsman Publications. Charlie’s Aunt offers signed copies of the first two books to purchase via the Etsy shop. Some of the books are still available to purchase on Amazon.
Making Vintage Bags
Publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd
ISBN: 1861084110
Handbags are great things to design and sew because there are very few constraints. A bag does not have to “fit” so as long as it’s functional, there is no limit to what your imagination can conjure up.
The book contains 20 of Emma Brennan’s original design sewing patterns for bags, drawing inspiration from the elegance, glamour and sophistication of the styles of the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, five projects reflecting each era.
Patterns for all of the bags are included in the book with seam allowances already added, so all you have to do is enlarge them on a photocopier and cut them out. Although the idea of enlarging the templates might seem a bit arduous, the instructions make it simple. Providing the templates in this format made it possible to include all of the pattern pieces while still working within the publisher’s guidelines.
Making Vintage Bags contains useful information on handles/straps, fabric and interfacing choices, embellishments and fastenings including zippers and magnetic snaps, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs. An abridged paperback version of the book Making Vintage Bags: 8 Fabulous Bags to Make is available at Amazon.co.uk.
Making Vintage Jewellery
Publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd
ISBN: 1861084536
Making Vintage Jewellery presents 25 inventive designs with ideas on how to vary projects for a wealth of different looks. The classic and timeless styles have wide appeal with influences from the refined elegance of the 1910s through to the chic glamour of the 1950s.
The book features an introductory section divided into comprehensive sub-sections, covering tools and basic techniques used throughout the book, with step-by-step photographs to illustrate. The following five sections each focus on a decade from the 1910s to the 1950s. They feature historical background to the designs, step-by-step diagrams and a list of materials.
The book is ideal for people wanting to experiment and make unusual jewellery from a diverse range of materials and different techniques. Many of the projects feature sewing and textiles. Making Vintage Jewellery offers a host of ideas for combining small pieces of antique and vintage textiles, beads and buttons with modern findings to create impressive contemporary jewellery with a nod to the past.
Making Vintage Accessories
This book is based on the old fashioned notion of “make do and mend” encouraging people to use small scraps of fabric, old buckles and buttons to make new fashion accessories that will update a whole outfit without breaking the bank.
As with the previous two books, all of the pattern templates are included in the book, but this time there are patterns and instructions for eight different handbags, five hats and a range of scarves, collars, belts and textile based jewellery. The book has an introductory section and the 25 projects are split into decades ranging from the 1920s to 1960s.
The accessories are simply influenced by each era and can be mixed and matched to create an endless wardrobe of different fashion looks. There are also tips on how to vary each style.