Materials for Absolute Beginner's weekend

If you are a beginner in millinery you will find the range of materials a bit overwhelming. Knowing what material you need for each style of hat comes with experience so I will start you off with some suggestions.

Making a winter hat

To make a winter hat you will need a wool or fur felt hat body. They come in 2 styles

• Capeline- this is the one you would use if you want to make a hat with a wide brim and a smallish crown like this
• Sleeve- this is the one you would use if you want to make a hat with a short brim like this.
• You will need other materials for this hat, I will show you in your first class rather than try and explain here.

Making a spring hat

There is a range of materials suitable for your first spring summer hat. The best thing is to go and handle the materials and see what appeals to you. The same thing applies re size, 

• Big brimmed hats will require a wide brimmed capeline made of parisisal. You can also find sleeves to make large crowns. You can find capelines in smaller size as well. 
• Sinamay can also be used, this comes on a roll and we block it with 3 layers and use it as a base for all sorts of embellishment. Here is a Pinterest page with plenty of inspiration. 
• You will need other materials for this hat, I will show you in your first class rather than try and explain here.

There is so much for you to learn but this will get you started.