In
this workshop you will learn to hand block millinery felt and straw using traditional hat blocks or hat forms. Once the
felt or straw form is damp and hot with steam it is quickly blocked –
pulled-stretched-sculpted onto the wooden block and tightly held in place
with strings or elastics. The hat is then left to dry overnight. This
process conforms and molds the materials into the basic shape of the hat.
Students are often surprised
to discover hat blocking is such a tactile and
physical experience. You will be shown how to maximize your physical
strength and leverage to control the blocking process. While the hats dry you will learn methods of finishing the hat brim edge; finishes such as: rolled brim edges,
hand-sewn or machine-sewn welts, bias binding or petersham ribbon
finishes. During
the workshop we will discuss "the business of millinery". You
will receive information and handouts for millinery suppliers for felt,
straw, and other purveyors of the millinery trade.
Your workshop
goal is to complete a minimum of 4 hats from start to finish. Wayne
encourages additional hats if time and skill warrant. To accomplish the
workshop objective, work is done in stages on several hats at the same
time - while one of your hats is drying on the block, you will be
finishing a brim on a second and deciding on the trim style for your third and fourth hats. Class size is limited to 4 or 5 people to insure personal attention.
Felt
& Straw Blocking Workshop Fee: $525.00 Registration
& Fee Information
 Materials
for 2 felt and 2 straw hats plus all necessary wire, findings, headsize ribbon
are included in the workshop fee. Additional felt and straw bodies and
millinery trimmings may be purchased during the workshop.
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