The workshop will cover free form blocking techniques in sinamay and parasisal straw. The focus will be on new and exciting techniques that I have developed to enable students to create unique and individual hats. The following techniques will be covered in detail. Preparing materials for blocking: stiffening straw, cutting on the bias, making templates for your design. Design and inspiration: The importance of a fluid design and how to achieve this. Manipulating and blocking techniques: shaping materials by hand…

The workshop will cover free form blocking techniques in sinamay and parasisal straw. The focus will be on new and exciting techniques that I have developed to enable students to create unique and individual hats. The following techniques will be covered in detail. Preparing materials for blocking: stiffening straw, cutting on the bias, making templates for your design. Design and inspiration: The importance of a fluid design and how to achieve this. Manipulating and blocking techniques: shaping materials by hand…

Tutor: Louise Macdonald

Haute-couture milliner Dillon Wallwork returns to Chateau Dumas again in 2019 for the tenth year in a row. With over 30 years’ experience in high-end model millinery Dillon has a set of skills that make his classes essential for students wanting to learn traditional model millinery. Dillon originally trained at milliners Philip Somerville where he became Design Director and oversaw the production of millinery for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales. The workshop is aimed at…

Milliner and artist Bridget Bailey’s work combines art with exquisite and original making. She brings a brings a wealth of experience and innovative techniques to this workshop which covers techniques for working with sinamay.  She’s known for her immaculate rolling techniques, the perfect points that don’t fray and beautiful smooth curves. You'll practice and perfect your techniques during the workshop by making a series of nature-inspired forms including flower petals and leaves.  You’ll learn to cover a couture headband with sinamay…

Painting, dying, cutting, shaping, creating a feather mount. Creating a hat to adorn with feathers with Tracy Chaplin

Tutor: Joke Velema