Making Vintage Accessories
Emma Brennan
In A Nutshell: 25 vintage inspired accessories to make in fresh modern fabrics
Accessories can make or break an outfit. In these straightened times, it may be overindulgence to splurge on complete outfit, but buying a bag or hat is still permissible. Even more brownie points if you make something yourself.
Emma Brennan’s book fits the mood of the moment, and also pays homage to the current fascination with vintage. Her 25 patterns for an assortment of handbags, hats and other accessories, are inspired by the 1920s to 1960s period. The designs are given a current twist by remaking in modern fabrics like wool tweed, polar fleece and fake fur.
The book assumes basic sewing skills, but gives clear explanations for many of the required techniques, such as fasteners, lining and pockets. Patterns are provided that require 200% enlargement on a photocopier.
Every time I flick through this book I find something new I want to make. I now have a burning desire to make a hat. I’m particularly attracted to “Iris”, a 1950s style hat with bow trim. The author describes it as a smart alternative to a beanie. It looks reasonably simple to make, and a good place to start my millinery career. I was also delighted to discover that at 22 inches, my head is a standard size so all the patterns in the book should fit me perfectly.
With the help of this book I’m looking forward to creating several original accessories to provide the finishing touch to my outfits.
