DIY Millinery

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 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

Take a listen to what Stephen Jones had to say. As a milliner it’s been interesting seeing where he has come from, and where his journey has taken him. It’s time to stand out from the rest, so why not join me on this creative journey of hat making. [...] Continue Reading…

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.
[...] Read: *How to* Hat Making Courses with Bethune Matthews

Did you ever wonder how hats were made? Linda Brately did, and to answer her question she went on a hands on 5 day millinery workshop with Bethune Matthews and obtained the skills to make hats for clients and set up her own business. Her designs have inspired others to give it a try. [...] Continue Reading…

The passion of making hats is being revived, why not join me on a journey of fun, creative expression in the art of millinery. In my hands on 2-5 day workshop come and taste the hat making techniques available for you. Rachel Skinner fell in love with hat making from her first lesson you can to. [...] Continue Reading…