Description:

Silk and sinamay are two well-known materials in the world of hat

making—but what happens when you combine them? Inspired by the scarcity of raw materials and a desire to break traditional conventions, Maor has developed SinaSilk: a unique textile created by blending these two materials through an innovative process that harnesses the advantages of both.

In this class, we will explore the qualities of silk and sinamay, uncover the secret method behind SinaSilk, and learn how to manipulate this new material creatively. We’ll design patterns, experiment with various painting techniques, and transform flat textiles into stunning three-dimensional masterpieces.

Maor will guide you step-by-step from initial concept to the assembly of all pieces, culminating in a wearable work of art that showcases the beauty of this innovative

material.

 Keywords: #sinamay #silk

Skill level: Advanced /Intermediate

Description:

In this 2-day class with Edwina, you will master the craft of creating a big brim hat from a vibrant palette of sinamay and/or windowpane sinamay. Edwina will share how to create dramatic silhouettes of unparalleled elegance for which her own designs are known and recognized in the Royal Ascot Style Guide. This refined technique can also be used to create an extended brim upon a classic boater.

 Keywords: #boater #sinamay

Skill level: Advanced /Intermediate

Description:

Elevate your millinery skills with the “Straw Buntal Boater” 2 day class! This technique-based class carefully guides you through how to create boaters using percher blocks or a shallow crown.  The clever bit is you don’t need a brim block and the different techniques allow you to create and keep a perfectly straight brim. 

Designed for those eager to advance their craft, this course focuses on creating sophisticated crown and brim hats using fosshape as a foundation, sinamay as an underside and a buntal matt as the top layer. 

Master the art of assembling these layers, wiring the boater’s edge, and achieving a professional internal finish. Learn the craft of perfect head fittings using a 3 prong handmade wired techniques. Finalise your design with a trim in veiling, tuelle or crin. 

Walk away with a stable, beautifully finished buntal straw boater that holds its shape, along with versatile skills adaptable to various hat designs and the creation of 3-prong comfortable bespoke headbands. Expand your hat-making repertoire of techniques with this enriching course!

 Keywords: #boater #buntal

Skill level: Intermediate

Description:

Join Leanne to master the timeless art of folds and create stunning headpieces you’ll be proud to wear! You will begin with a classic ribbon technique, learning how to craft the elegant Pleated Nautilus & Feather Leaf using Petersham ribbon. While this beautiful technique can be tricky to perfect alone, our expert instructor, Leanne, will guide you through each step, making it simple to get the hang of. On the second day, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of vintage shapes. You’ll learn how to build a mid-20th-century cocktail hat wire frame from scratch, gaining essential skills and techniques that form the foundation of hat-making. It will cover a range of millinery techniques, including wire joins, covering, shaping, and trimming, so you can confidently bring your unique vision to life. You’ll leave with a beautiful, handmade hat and the skills to create many more.

 Keywords: #petersham #wire

Skill level: Intermediate, beginners with good sewing skills are welcome

Description:

Join Biliana Borissova in a two-day felt blocking class featuring artistically modified hat blocks! This class promises a unique experience for milliners of all skill levels, but is an excellent course for beginners to learn felt blocking and using felt cut-offs to make beautiful trim! Students will delve into the art of shaping and crafting felt hats, using creatively modified hat blocks. These modified basic blocks allow for the creation of truly one-of-a-kind headpieces.

Students will learn essential techniques such as steaming, stretching, and shaping felt over the blocks to achieve desired forms. Biliana ensures that students not only hone their craft but also explore their creativity in personalizing each block and finished hat. The workshop is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of millinery, leaving with both newfound skills and a distinctive handmade hat.

 Keywords: #felt #blocking

Skill level: All. Good for beginners

Description:

In this two-day hands-on workshop, participants will be guided through the process of creating a sculptural headpiece using handmade felt petals. I will lead students through shaping, constructing, and refining a design that explores structure, movement, and repetition.

The course begins with developing a template and a foundation shape — a key learning opportunity where we’ll discuss which silhouettes offer both visual impact and balance. From there, students will wire and bind their shape before moving into the rhythmic process of cutting and forming individual petals. Attention will be given to petal proportion, placement, and layering to build depth and fluidity.

There will be plenty of opportunities for individual feedback and questions. We’ll explore options of securing the headpiece to a headband or elastic, discussing finishing techniques for both comfort and professional presentation.

This workshop is suited to beginner and intermediate milliners with basic hand-sewing and cutting skills. It offers a fresh approach to working with felt, combining repetition and design precision in a way that’s both accessible and impactful. Students will leave with a completed wearable piece and the skills to adapt the technique across future designs.

 Keywords: #felt #blocking

Skill level: All. Good for beginners