Description: 

There are some amazing fancy, or novelty weave, straw hat bodies on the market at the moment, including zigzag, wicker, lined, spiral, lacy, knotted, and honeycomb. Because the weave itself adds a strong graphic element, there are special considerations as you plan out your design prior to blocking, as well in the construction. When you can literally see through an open weave straw fascinator, your interior wiring and edge finishes must be impeccable!

If you’re a minimalist rather than a maximalist, you’ll love creating a “fancy” fascinator with textural interest and classic grosgrain ribbon trims through which your technical skills – and the skills of the straw weaver – can really shine.

Skill level: All

The Victorian’s had a way with both millinery bows and decorative brim edgings.

From the Butterfly Bow to the Alsatian Bow to the True-Love Knot, they knew how a needle and thread can change everything about a bow, how cable cord can transform flat, soft satin into beautiful perfect loops along with the importance of wire and when to use it.

As for their brim edges, they can be adorned with wide bias bindings, wired flanges, shirred velvets and more. Learn how to also make your loops stand tall and stay upright.

This class is for both those who can tie a perfect bow and for those whose sides are always uneven or loops look smashed.
We will use both ribbon and fabric to create a plethora of bows and loops along with dressmaking fabrics to edge our brim edges giving them a custom and personalized look. 

Skill level: All. good sewing skills needed.

Description: This one day class is open to any level of millinery student. Making a petite hat might seem straight forward idea but this class is aimed to explore to mystery of creating line. Beginners will enjoy the speed and results from a day spent in this class whereas more experienced hands will benefit from seeing the potential of apparently commonplace materials in a new light. Economy and style work hand in hand as a variety of elements can be pulled together to a chic result. Working from a simple dome block, students can investigate the transformation of their oddball left-over straw crown into something charming and saleable. On an underpinning of sinemay and through creative use of wire to form a stable support, little hats will emerge that provide a platform for embellishing. Whether it be a machine tuck/ soft roses and veiling/ a handmade trimming. The importance of creating a line and how it can be achieved elevates this type of hat from ordinary to sublime. Learn lightness of touch in trimming and veiling hats toward a glamorous end.

Keywords: #blocking #straw #upcycling #veil

Skill level: All.

Description: Embroidered Veil. All levels, but prior knowledge of embroidery can be very useful. To create this technique I was inspired by the beautiful vintage veils, which have practically disappeared, I wanted to revive this tradition and give a touch of distinction to each headpiece. During the course, depending on the speed with which each student works, various flowers and dragonflies will be embroidered on the veil. Some crystals and glass beads can be added.

Skill level: Intermediate

Description: Learn various trimming techniques using different types of crinoline, Crinoline is such an affordable material and yet it can be used to create fabulously flamboyant pieces like Jane’s Lyssa with swerving pleats in tonal shades, which emphasise its depth and intricacy.

Skill level: All

Description: While in this one-day class, you may not have time to create such a statement piece, you will master the lace covering technique that can transform any size hat into a timeless, feminine piece, trimmed with flowers.

In this class, we will use pre-blocked sinamay, but the same technique can be used with different base materials.

#lace

Skill level: All. Good sewing skills needed.