Whether you’ve got your eye on a career as a professional milliner or becoming the best amateur around, this intensive 5 day workshop is an opportunity to sharpen up your skills and get off to a flying start. Suitable for both beginners and intermediate students, this action-packed course will give you tips, techniques and hands-on practice.

From adding warmth and style to your daily commute, to turning heads at Royal Ascot, there’s always an excuse to wear a hat. So, get equipped to whip up an impressive bespoke piece for yourself. You will make two (or more!) of your own hats to take away using cosy wool felt and stunning sinamay – with industry tips from an expert throughout.

In this comprehensive and informative workshop, each student is encouraged to work at their own pace and we will get hands-on the first morning so that you can start seeing progress straight away.

Topics covered

• An introduction to the wonders of blocking
• Making-up and trimming of fashionable and flattering felt and straw hats
• Designing for different face shapes and personal styles
• Choosing, measuring and cutting the right material to achieve different effects
• Using materials in an efficient and economical way

Basic materials including a wool felt hood and sinamay are provided, but more will need to be purchased during the course. We will discuss this on your first day where you will get professional advice and tips on how to get your ideas off the blocks!

Whether you are interested in designing and making hats for pleasure or thinking of embarking on a more commercial venture with your work, this course is the ideal place to start. The workshop atmosphere of the course allows flexibility so that each person’s experience, ability and taste are taken into consideration.

Level: Beginners/Intermediate

Entry requirements: Hand sewing skills would be helpful but not essential. Traditional millinery stiches will be taught throughout the course.

Tutor: Jane Fryers