Description:  This class starts with an overview of different feathers and explores ways of cutting them to create exciting effects. You will take with you a sample library of over 20 different ways of cutting feathers.  Once you have settled on your favourite we will prepare the feathers and then assemble your feather firework.  Time will be taken to show you different ways of using these in your designs and how to fix them securely.

By the end of the course, students will:

• Know how to securely attach feather trims to a variety of hat designs
• Understand the properties and uses of different feathers
• Possess a personal reference library of up to 20 feather-cutting techniques
• Be able to construct feather firework trims for use in millinery

Those who wish to expand their technical and creative skills with feathers. It is ideal for those looking to explore new textural effects and add bold, versatile trims to their millinery repertoire.

Skill level: All

Description:  Although hidden, the inside of the hat is just as important as the most visible part of the piece. Making the interior of your hat as clean and delightful as the exterior is a measure of the craftsmanship. During this 4-hour class with Billiana, you will have plenty of opportunity to practice different finishes to make the inside of your hat equally unforgettable. This class is a must-have for those who aim for professionally finished hats.

In this class, students will learn the best fabrics for making the lining, how to cut them correctly, and then sew them by hand, using small, decorative stitches, to achieve a unique effect. Finally, they will learn how to place the lining inside the hat.

Skill level: All, basic sewing skills required.

Description:  Learn this fabulous technique to create a simple but incredibly smart look to elevate any felt hat.

During the class, you will learn this very traditional millinery skill of how to cut out shapes and invisibly insert them into an alternative hat of the same shape.

Depending on the skill level, within this short 4-hour class, students should be able to leave with at least one piece finished and ready to wear, and multiple started. This may be a simple look, but to make it perfect, patience and precision are needed.  

  This technique is a personal favorite of Edwina,  which she loves to use to make a hat look modern, exciting, but clean, a non-fussy, dramatic look to add to your hat collection and your own winter wardrobe.

This is an intricate technique; the sewing skills learnt in this class are also skills needed to make any 2 or more colourway felt hat, for example, two colours or more within the crown or Brim (not  as crown and brim only as separate different colours)

Skill level: Intermediate- good sewing skills and steady hand to cut

Description: The fairy tale of spinning straw into gold is real! It was used to adorn clothing and alter cloths in addition to hats and handbags.  This class is primarily about building familiarity in working with straw.  The Arrow plait uses whole straw. In addition to learning the Arrow plait, you will also learn the basics of preparing straw, the clove hitch knot, as well as how to start, stop, and join straws.

Covered beads use split straw. You will learn how to split straw and gain confidence in working with straw ribbons.  Covered beads are endlessly useful and well known in the world of passementerie learning how to do it with straw adds another skill to your millinery tool box.

Straw covered wire hairsticks utilize the natural structure of the straw joint and common wire for a unique hair accessory.

These elements will open up the world of straw work as well as result in a new hair accessory or hat trim element.

Skill level: All

Description: Sinsilk is a unique textile I developed by combining two well-known materials in the world of millinery: Sinamay and Silk.
In this workshop, we’ll briefly explore and apply the technique together.
Starting with drafting the flower pattern, trace it to the Sinasilk and then
transform the flat shapes into a three-dimensional form with the help of
heat and steam.
Using various gluing techniques, we’ll build our water lily petal by petal,
gradually assembling the perfect flower. Finally, we’ll attach it to a
headband, allowing for comfortable and stylish wear of the finished
piece.

Skill level: All

Skill Level: Suitable for all levels with basic hand-sewing knowledge

This 4-hour workshop is designed to equip milliners with two essential skill sets that enhance both creativity and professionalism: crafting alternative feathers and mastering refined headband bindings.

In the first half of the workshop, participants will learn how to create five different types of handcrafted feathers using straw, leather, fabric, and wire. These vegan-friendly alternatives offer a sustainable solution for milliners seeking cruelty-free options — and they can be dyed, wired, and shaped with greater versatility than natural feathers. Each technique is designed to be accessible, adaptable, and highly effective for creating bespoke trims or sculptural details.

The second half of the session focuses on headband binding — an often overlooked yet critical element of professional millinery. Students will explore multiple methods of binding using materials such as organza, ribbon, yarn, fabric and thread. The focus will be on selecting the most appropriate finish for a given design, client comfort, or visual aesthetic. Mastery of this detail can dramatically elevate the final presentation of a headpiece.

Skill level: All