Hats Off!

 In June 2015 I packed myself up to join Hats Off to Brisbane run by the

Millinery Association of Australia.
I found my tribe.

I signed up for workshops that taught a hat-making technique without

a block and lots of flower-making.

It was wonderful.

As far as I know the next convention is 2017 in Adelaide.

All the big names in millinery will be there.
They were in Brisbane, too.
I have showcased just a few here.

The convention is quite serious business; there's no licking of thread, aprons must be worn, and
only a heathen doesn't use a thimble.

Don't even start me about your posture.
Sit up straight and don't wave you arms around while you are hand-sewing.
Elbows must be tucked in neatly.
Work on your aproned lap, cradling that creation with light hands.
Any heavy handiness might get you thrown out of the class.
You have been warned.

The venue was the Tafe at Mt Gravatt.

Compared to the chalkface I am well acclimatised to, it seemed

flash and well-appointed.



I had a cursory glance at the industrial sewing machines in one room.

They still made me break out in a cold sweat as I remembered wrestling
with the overly-sensitive accelerator pedal in Design for Clothes 101 back in1986.

If you've mastered those things, you've got my vote.

I didn't travel as organised as this black and yellow trolley, preferring to

pack my things in eco-bags and boxes.

Not ideal. I will know better next time.

The class requirement lists were pretty long and specific.

And, to be honest, they caught me a bit unawares.

Here's some of the materials to collect prior.

 

Anyhow, here are the fruits of my labour in part and a bit of process.

Serena Lindeman's raffia flower classes.

Brenda Wilson feather flowers.

Neil Grigg's top hat without a block.

                       Catherine Kelly from Embellish Hats showed us a 'language of flowers'.



 I really enjoyed the week and have since put the skills learnt to good use.

Keep dreaming and working.

It is good for you.