Description
Would you like to make your own wedding headpiece or race going fascinator to wear this autumn to an upcoming special event? Then take a look at this millinery course designed especially for beginners and led by milliner Margaret Woodliff Wright. Over three sessions at a mutually agreed time to suit your time zone, you will make your own trendy wool felt headpiece, in the very popular and easy-to-wear “button” style. This course will provide you with a taster of classic millinery techniques - including the key millinery skills of how to stiffen, steam and block, wire, edge, and trim your wool felt headpiece. Margaret is “The Northumberland Milliner” and has led millinery workshops in a number of prestigious locations including The Bowes Museum, The Laing Art Gallery, Linnels Farm Hexham as well as around her cosy kitchen table! I have a showroom in Alnwick, and a studio in central Newcastle and have been involved in millinery practice since graduating with high distinctions in Couture Millinery from Leeds College of Art in 2013. With a special interest in upcycling and recycling, my millinery creations have been seen on catwalk shows and at exhibitions around the world, and my work has been featured regularly on social media and in magazines. In July 2023 I was delighted to be “hat hunted” by the BIPC based at the British Library and invited to the House of Lords as one of the BIPC's entrepreneurs.
What's included in the price?
Online tuition - this class utilises using your own materials - however a materials kit can be available (please ask for details). After discussing your choice of a button shape, I will show you how to prepare your wool-felt cone for blocking. When your piece is dry (normally in the second session) it is removed from the block, the edge is wired & finished and your button is lined. Then the fun part starts in the third session – designing and making the decoration, The image shows a dahlia-style felt flower, but there are lots of other options too! Once the trim is complete I will show you how to attach the fastenings to your headpiece, how to wear your button, and provide you with some aftercare tips. A complete materials/equipment list as well as templates will be supplied on booking.
What you will need
This course features online tuition and utilises your own materials - however, a materials kit can be available (please ask for further details including costs and delivery options). Basic materials required are a wooden button/beanie-shaped block, a wool felt cone (makes a single colour headpiece and flower), wool felt offcuts (if you want to make a contrasting flower decoration), 0.25m silk dupion or similar for the lining, 0.5m of 25mm wide millinery petersham, 1m plastic brim reed, water spray, a kettle or steamer, 2cm wide micropores tape, wood glue-style PVA, a 1' wide paint brush and glue gun. Many of these items will be available from your local millinery wholesaler or craft store, and once the workshop starts your home sewing kit including thread to match your wool felt cone and an apron are essential too.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
I am a professional milliner, making hats for formal and informal occasions - weddings, ladies day racing, bridal headpieces, fascinators and contemporary accessories etc. Millinery classes for students interested in exploring heritage techniques, and making their own headpieces, etc. are delivered in person exclusively for Craft Courses in my NE studio, as well as for a number of local organisations, and galleries. Please get in touch if you are interested in a 1:1 class in person or via Zoom.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Stag dos
- Public transport
- Evenings
- Long term / weekly / monthly
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Hen dos
- Suitable for beginners
This course is taught online
