NVH Hat Competition "Unlock Your Block"

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This spring I entered the "Unlock Your Block" Dutch Hat Association hat competition.  My hat didn't win, but it was really fun to see all the other entries. You can see all the hats and also vote for your the "people's choice hat" via Facebook here. 

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My entry called "Mint Sorbet". The event was held at the CODA Museum on June 10, 2017 in Apledoorn, Holland.

Pleating and Dyeing: Bridget Bailey

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Last month I attend a 2-day Masterclass hosted by Pierre & Pierre and taught by Bridget Bailey Tomlin in The Hague, Holland.  We learned how to two millinery techniques. The first one was the dyeing of silk abaca and sinamay and the second was pleating this material in different directions.

I was amazed on how easy it was to dye the un-stiffined sinamay. It really took the color well and it transformed how the materials looks. Dyeing can add so much depth to your hat embellishments and create a bespoke final product.

Bridget was such a great teacher as we managed to finish everything she had set out for us to do. She took the time and worked individually with all of us. She explained clearly the technical accepts of dyeing (keep a clean work area) and showed us hot to create pleating molds. This class has opened a whole new world of color possibilities for my new hat creation that will never be limited to the colors and materials I purchase.

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“Don’t let your thinking get ahead of your doing always think a little about your process and design and do a little.”

— Bridget Bailey Tomlin

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One piece of advice she gave me was, “Don’t let your thinking get ahead of your doing always think a little about your process/design and do a little.”  Bridget is not afraid of failure and testing her techniques. Failure is a sign that your doing it right. 

Workshop: Marianne Jongkind making a pillbox hat

Earlier this month I took a 2 day millinery hat workshop with Marianne Jonkind. She has over 50 years of millinery experience.Her class was truly educational. She is very knowledgeable and eager to share her millinery techniques and tips with the class. She teaches you what you want to learn, so when you attend the workshop you bring the supplies you will need to make what you want. It is a good idea to discuss with her ahead of time to make sure you have what you need. 

Day 1

I wanted to learn how to build a buckram base for a pillbox hat. I learned also how to cover the exterior and how to create a lining. 

Day 2

I wanted to learn how to cover a diadem (headband) with sinamay and then with fabric.