Wayne Wichern

Millinery is a rather arcane low-tech craft; hat blocks, steamers and basic sewing machines are the fundamental tools. Hat blocks are wood forms used by milliners and hat makers to block felt and straw hats by pulling, stretching and molding the felt and straw materials over the hat block to create the shape. Once the blocked hats are dry they are removed from the blocks, cut and sewn to the desired shape and then embellished with ribbons and fabrics, feathers and flowers to fashion the finished hat.

In continuing traditional millinery techniques I bring together the incredible skills of woodworkers, straw weavers, felters, flower and feather trim makers into wearable works of art.

I