Valerie Corona
Tuition at Walter Wright in Luton

Established since 1889, Walter Wright’s hat factory has been involved in the making of quality ladies hats for over 300 years. Rich in history, the venue is a great source of inspiration with its industrial atmosphere.

The “trimming room” is where the “Millinery Closet’s” hat classes take place in a bright and open atelier where an old trimmer’s bench is featured as a central piece alongside hats, feathers, crin, making the room an ideal working/learning space.

Classes are taught by milliner Valerie Corona and there’s also individual tuition available. All enquiries should be directed to valeriecorona@hotmail.com

During August the following courses are on offer running from 10.30am – 4pm:

LOUISE Hat, 19 & 26 August
Make a fur felt cloche hat as worn by iconic silent movie actress Louise Brooks. Learn the concepts of velour hat blocking to create your own truly unique headpiece. You’ll learn how to steam and shape the felt velour using millinery blocks. You will then cut and edge the hat using millinery techniques.
£95 material included.

GATSBY Hat, 18 & 25 August
Make a parasisal straw cloche hat as seen in the movie The Great Gatsby. You will learn how to shape your straw using millinery blocks to develop a chic look of your choice. You will then cut and edge the hat using millinery techniques.
£95 material included.

GRETA Hat, 6 & 20 August
Using a fur felt as the prime material, you will learn how to steam, block, and shape the felt to create your own unique perched hat. You will block the crown then cut, wire and edge the hat using millinery techniques.
£95 material included (additional trimming available to purchase)


MARLENE Freeform Blocking, 27 August
Using steam and your fingers, manipulate a pre-formed fur felt cone on a standard wooden hat form and then hand-stitch it. Create your own sculptural headpiece with this fun technique.
£105 material included

MASTER CLASSES: Introduction to Millinery Felt Blocking – Two Days Workshop, 30-31 August
Held over 2 days, students will learn how to block felt to create one beautiful fur felt hat using wooden blocks and the highest quality millinery felt. Various basic millinery techniques will be taught including how to measure your head for an accurate fit, sewing in a brim wire and a head sizing ribbon and various ways to embellish your creation including grosgrain and felt trimming.  The focus of this class is on blocking techniques and although most participants complete their hats during the two days, you may have homework (the fun kind), if you do not have time to trim your hats completely. Some previous sewing experience is required.
Class sizes are limited to four people. Tea and cakes will be served, but participants are encouraged to bring a light lunch. Price: £ 195

Millinery Closet

Valerie Corona

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