3 Reasons You might want to Take up the Art of Millinery

Posted in Millinery on 07/05/2010 07:28 pm by Bethune Hudson

3 Reasons You might want to Take up the Art of Millinery

Did you ever consider that maybe you should take up the art of millinery? That thought has occured to a lot of folks, some have even acted upon it. Most simply consider it briefly, then dismiss the thought, usually they do not understand how to approach it, in other cases because it’s a large unknown, still others because they imagine they cannot do it.

Well, kick back here for a few moments and why don’t we examine that. Listed here are 3 reasons why you should take up the art of millinery, for you to consider.

To start with, hats are on the rise. O.K., I fully understand your objection that it is a dying art. That is true, but still you can bring out your creative flair.

Second, the enjoyment and reward of creating a designer hat. Plus, the passion and enjoyment of learning this wonderful art. And the time taken to sew, construct and trim your design is well spent

Lastly, showing your design on a well dressed lady going to a special event. Which means that your name and brand will be broadcasted across the globe. Again, you can build your clientel and your reputation!

Once you look at the reasons and evaluate them, I expect that you’ll have to admit that a compelling case can be made for thinking about the way to take up the art of millinery.

Think it over. Maybe you really, in all seriousness, should take up the art of millinery.

Why not give it a try?

Bethune

 

“Simplybybethune’s” Sinamay Tutorial

Posted in Millinery on 06/11/2010 09:18 am by Bethune Hudson

 

Many of my students have asked what they can do with sinamay as a trimming. So I am begining to add short video’s to inspire and to share techniques to be built upon. These are easy and simple trimmings for anyone to try. This first video is a sinamay bow which can be finished off for a fascinator or a trimming for your hat. I do hope you enjoy it and do feel free to leave a comment.

Until next time

Bethune

 

A Cloche, A Picture Hat, What Hat Suits You?

Posted in Inspirational Quotes on 03/27/2009 05:25 pm by Bethune Hudson

Why Wear a Hat!

As the wearing of hats become news in the media, thoughts came to me of why would you wear a hat, a few quotes I came across answered my thoughts quite nicely.

…For when a woman puts on a hat, A transformation takes place: Self-confidence and self-respect, Show in the lady’s face. She accents her femininity; She stands tall, with shoulders back; Even when her derriere, Is clothed in jeans or slacks.

The above is true in as a transformation does occur, your posture changes, giving you more confidence, a glamorous look, head turning abilities, and lady like qualities as you walk and greet others at your desired event.  With ending of this relating to whether you are dressed to the nines or in everyday clothes a hat really does change your posture.

The right hat may also enliven our imagination of the past….an old-fashioned cloche, a picture hat, or a toque trimmed with a pouf of polka-dotted veiling is just enough to make us feel as if we were living in another, romantic age.

A Variety of Hat Shapes

A Red Cloche left corner, a picture hat in the center

I love the above quote as I have often heard a hat should look like its has just fallen from heaven.

Students, clients say to me many times hats do not suit me, or they are always too large, or too small, and my answer is to come and learn how to make your own.


Why Not Come and Make Your Own…

There are so many styles, designs to choose from as you can see in the above photo, you will learn how to

     

    • make it to fit you
    • choose colour scheme to fit your outfit
    • have a variety of hat block designs to pick from
    • have fun whilst learning blocking techniques
    • meet friendly faces
    • learn a new career or hobby
    • come away with a hat you designed and made yourself from the latest millinery materials, like sinamay, felt, straw, fabrics, feathers and more.

    Romance yourself, and bring out your creative thoughts, join me in one of my workshops soon.

    Creativity at work

    Bethune


     

    An Interview with Stephen Jones

    Posted in Milliners of Influence on 03/10/2009 07:38 pm by Bethune Hudson

    An Interview with Stephen Jones

    Listening to this interview has given me an insight into how Stephen Jones developed his skills into a top hat designer.  I have pulled out some key factors that anyone of us can implement into our chosen craft.

    Making a hat for a client as Stephen Jones describes:-

    1. you need to be a good listen

    2. find out why they are wearing a hat

    3. what do they want to achieve

    further questions to ask would be!

    4. the event they are attending

    5. colour scheme……..

    What other questions would you consider asking your client?

    After following the first 3 from above more questions will be asked leading to a profile of what your client requires.  My experience is the client will depend on you somewhat as the milliner to design and interpret their ideas or their vision of a hat.  They will look to you for the final creation giving them the wow factor.

    What I have also picked up from Stephen Jones as the designer, he understands and knows his work force, therefore as a team the process is:-

    1. starting with the collection

    2. going through the sketches

    3. looking at different materials to accommodate the designs

    Usually starting out you maybe on your own.  Skills and techniques would have to be developed and by taking a chance and being creative you can achieve what you want.

    This interview has shown me that hats even researching from history, are on the way back.  Millinery courses are on the rise even in my locality.

    The milliners of the future are ready to be born, and you can become the trend setters.

    What has stood out to me about Stephen Jones is his designs have been worn by many celebrities such as the Late Princess of Wales and more.  His knowledge of the history of hats shows in his collection, as he uses the tools and resources around him.

    As my research continues, do take time to watch and listen to this interview, let me know what stood out for you!

    Creativity at Work

    Bethune

     

    *How To* Hat Making Courses with Bethune Matthews

    Posted in Student Gallery on 02/24/2009 07:43 pm by Bethune Hudson
    A Sumptuous Sinamay Hat by Barbara Holland

    A Sumptuous Sinamay Hat by Barbara Holland

    Its a joy and a pleasure to catch up with students to see how they are doing, and Barbara Holland has begun her journey of making elegant, sumptuous hat designs for clients.

    Block/Hat Shape

    Her striking purple sinamay hat sports an upturn brim and a sloping crown, which is a favourite of many ladies.  The silhouette shape itself adorns any garment and any ladies stance improves quite quickly as she enters any venue.

    Trimmings

    Barbara has trimmed her hat with a long bias sinamay band edged in matching pettersham  edge, arrowhead ostrich feathers in toning colour has been added and an antique broche to finish off.   In milliners terms less is more.  A hat ready for Ascot or any event.

    Skills gained and materials used

    Barbara has attended a few 2 day workshops, where she equipped herself with the basic millinery/hat making techniques to begin her journey into the millinery world.  For this hat the supplies of sinamay, feathers, pettersham can be obtained from Parkin Fabrics, the broche from any jewelry you may have laying around or from a second hand or charity store.  For Barbara’s design it would be an intermediate level, requiring basic sewing skills, patience and the love of being creative with your hands.

    A Sinamay Loop Fascinator by Barbara Holland of Racey ladies

    A Sinamay Loop Fascinator by Barbara Holland of Racey Ladies Hat Designs

    For this fascinator Barbara has used black sinamay bias strip and trimmed it with silver bias through the center.  By adding diamanties to finish off and then attached to a silver alice band gives this fascinator an elegant and dainty look.  The black and silver colour theme looks stunning.

    Skill, Techniques & Materials

    Techniques used can be learned in a 1 day trimming course and the fascinator can be made in a matter of 3-4 hours once the technique has been acquired.  Fascinators at present are still very much in the lime light and can be made from sinamay as shown, feathers, fabrics, straw, felt.  Its fun to have a go and you may be surprised at what you create.  Barbara’s designs are just a few of what you can achieve at beginners level, whether you have basic sewing skills or not you can still learn on one of my workshops either as a one to one or group setting its a great way to make new friends, learn the art of millinery techniques, whilst having fun and meeting friendly people from across the globe.

    Do you want to know how to make hats and fascinators?

    Shoot me an email at bethune_m@yahoo.com or fill in my contact page and I’ll be happy to meet your needs.  You too can use your creative vision and get into hat making.

    Barbara Holland of Racey Ladies Hat Designs

    Until the next time, let me know what you think!

    Creativity at work

    Bethune

     
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