Welcome back to another episode of the Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast! I'm thrilled to share an inspiring conversation I had with the incredibly talented Emma from Studio 7T7. If you love bag-making and enjoy diving into creative processes, you’re in for a treat. Emma’s journey is fascinating—from designing creature costumes for major films like Harry Potter and Star Wars to creating stunning bags under her own brand, Studio 7T7.
Emma’s Journey: From Creature Costumes to Beautiful Bags.
We kicked off the episode by getting to know Emma a bit better. With over 20 years of experience in costume design, Emma’s career highlights are nothing short of extraordinary. She’s worked on some of the biggest film franchises, including X-Men: First Class, Harry Potter, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In fact, she played a role in designing Chewbacca’s iconic costume—a project that’s not only impressive but also showcases her skill in combining artistry with technical precision.
Emma’s journey into the world of bags began after her first child was born. She started Studio 7T7 as a way to explore her creativity while balancing motherhood, initially focusing on toys and gifts before transitioning into bag-making. Her background in costume design equipped her with an incredible skill set—like 3D pattern designing and problem-solving—that she now applies to every bag she creates.
Designing Bags: A Creative Process Like No Other.
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was hearing about Emma’s design process. Whether it’s sketching her ideas on paper or jumping straight into Adobe Illustrator, she brings a unique blend of artistry and technology to her bag designs. Emma’s self-taught in Adobe Illustrator and Premiere Pro, which she uses to draft patterns and edit her YouTube tutorials. She’s a true example of how resourcefulness can fuel creativity.
What really stood out to me was how hands-on Emma is with every aspect of her designs. Sometimes, she even creates physical prototypes from brown paper to bring her concepts to life before working with fabric. This level of dedication to her craft shows in the quality of the final products. It takes Emma about eight weeks to go from an initial idea to a finished bag, with a two-week testing period where she ensures everything’s perfect before releasing her designs to her subscription club.
From Fur Replacing to Knitting for Chewbacca.
Emma shared a particularly intriguing technique from her costume design days—“fur replacing.” This is a technical skill used in creature costumes, where fake fur needs to stretch and move correctly with the character’s movements. It’s a perfect example of how deeply involved she was in creating costumes that were not only visually stunning but also functional.
And speaking of Star Wars, I couldn’t resist asking about her work on Chewbacca’s costume for The Force Awakens. Emma revealed that her knitting expertise was a key factor in replicating the techniques from the original films. The attention to detail required in costume design is truly remarkable, and it’s no wonder she’s been able to transfer that level of craftsmanship to her bag designs.
Studio 7T7: A Creative Hub for Bag Lovers.
Emma’s brand, Studio 7T7, has become a go-to for bag enthusiasts who appreciate creativity, functionality, and quality. Her bag making subscription club is a great way for her fans to stay up-to-date with her latest designs, and it also allows Emma to test her patterns before releasing them to a wider audience. The community she’s built around Studio 7T7 is a testament to her passion for creating and sharing her craft with others.
Emma’s Bag Makers Box: A Bi-Monthly Box of Creativity.
Emma also offers a bi-monthly Bag Makers Box, which is perfect for anyone who loves diving into new bag-making projects. Each box is carefully curated with high-quality supplies, handpicked by Emma, that you can use to create your own unique designs. And for the holiday season, she’s releasing a special 12 Days of Bag-Making edition, which now has an upgraded option for a full 24 days of bag-making joy! Think of it as an advent calendar, but for bag makers, filled with fabrics, tools, and surprises to keep you crafting all December long. For more information on the 12 pr 24 days of bag making when it is released sign up to Emma's email on the Studio 7T7 website.
What’s Next for Emma and Studio 7T7?.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but ask what’s next for Emma. She’s excited to continue exploring new ideas and refining her designs, always pushing herself to innovate. Whether it’s through experimenting with new materials or techniques, Emma is constantly evolving as a designer.
If you’re interested in learning more about Emma and Studio 7T7, be sure to check out her website and YouTube channel, where she shares tutorials and insights into her creative process. And, of course, don’t forget to listen to the full episode of the Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast to hear our complete conversation!
Key Takeaways from My Chat with Emma.
Emma’s background in costume design has significantly influenced her approach to bag-making, especially in terms of pattern design and problem-solving.
The creative process for each bag is a meticulous journey that involves sketching, digital design, and physical prototypes.
Emma’s expertise in technical sewing skills, like fur replacing, shows how her past experiences continue to inform her current work.
Studio 7T7’s subscription club is a fantastic way to stay connected with her latest bag designs, offering early access and exclusive patterns.
I hope you enjoyed this inside look into Emma’s world!
Until next time, happy sewing, and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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