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 CLASS DISCRIPTION 
1.  FRAME MAKING students will learn to block buckram into 3 different hat styles.
2. COVERING: students will learn the basic technique of covering the hat frames made in the previous frame making class.
3. BLOCKING: students will learn the basic techniques of blocking felts and straws hats and completing them for personal use or sale.
4. ADVANCES COVERING students will learn advanced covering techniques using feathers, flowers and other items to cover hats previously blocked in on one of my classes. 
5. ADVANCED BLOCKING (LEATHER) students will learn advanced techniques for blocking leather hats and other materials


BEGINNER HATMAKING If you are a novice to the Art of Millinery your choice to register for this work-shop/class is very wise. 
This class and each of the Millinery Arts classes does more than teach you a new art form. You will receive the satisfaction of knowing you've invested in a creative art you can learn quickly and utilize your new skills starting on your way to possibly a new income producer.

If  you wish to make your own hats because you are familiar with store pricing; you will find the fee well worth the knowledge gained. In addition you will leave the class with three of your own designs. In these classes you will recognize creativity you never knew you had, and find the resurging Art of Millinery to be relaxing as well as enjoyable. As in all Millinery workshops and classes; students learn different techniques used when designing and working with three basic hat shapes. 

In the beginners class/workshop students will learn; 1. Millinery terms, 2. how to properly measure head sizes for proper fit, 
3. Which fabrics work best for covering hats, 4. How to properly cover and complete three hat shapes that can be worn or produced for resale, 5. Recourses for obtaining millinery items,6. Various techniques used to trim (decorate) fabric and other hat shapes, 7. Various stitches used to make your creation look professional.


Simple Frame covering

The three frames you will be covering consist of the following: (1) One pillbox (1) one round crown (1) 2 piece buckram frame (consisting of a crown & brim). The specified frames are mandatory in order to learn covering techniques for each. You may however purchase others and cover them after the initial three are completed.***(see notes)  While attending classes/workshops you will be pleasantly surprised at how creative you become when working with others are designing as well, even though you have no previous experience. I am looking forward to working with each of you and sharing The Art of Millinery.

Following is your supply list:
1.   3 buckram frames & sheet wadding***(see notes)
2.   1 craft dryer 
3.   1 yd of fabric for outside covering of each hat *** (see notes)
4.   ½.  To 1 yard of lining fabric for inside covering 
5.   1 pack of hand sewing needles
6.   1 thimble
7.   Thread (matching fabric)
8.   Scissors
9.   Straight pins (round pin heads usually sharper)
10. 3 yards grosgrain ribbon (one yard for each hat coordinate with lining fabric)
11. 1 small can of spray adhesive (Michaels, hardware and fabric stores carry it)
12. Trim (decoration) for each hat (flower, ribbon, horse hair, etc; can be anything you want to use to decorate the outside of your hat in good taste.
13. Hand sewing needles
14. Small wire cutter
15. Several pictures of hat designs you'd like to create (if possible)

************************************* NOTES**********************************

Hat frames will be provided for some of the classes for a fee.  (Fee is not included with registration)

1.The fabrics and other sewing notions may be purchased at any fabric store.
2.  All outer covering fabric should have the ability to stretch in at least one direction, stretch in both directions makes it easier to block. 
3. When purchasing fabric solid colors are best (keep in mind the dominant colors in your wardrobe). 
4. If you are a home sewer you may already have many of the items needed.

Basic frame making, For those who don't currently have blocks this is the perfect class because you take your frames home and cover them at your leisure, using your creativity. In this class students will learn to make their own buckram frames which can be covered in the basic covering class, or on their own if they have prior covering experience. This is also a great class for students who  don't have blocks, but wish to design their own styles by blocking separate crowns and brims. As in all the classes students are expected to create no less than 3 hat frames, and it it very likely students can make more. 

The materials needed for frame making class are:
2-3 yards of buckram ( should be approximate 45 inches wide and may be ( purchase from Michael Levine's Fabric) 8th & Maple
millinery wire( sizes 18 or 19, and 21,or 22) 3 of  each   (California Millinery
1 pair of scissors
1 spool of white thread
1 pack of hand needles
crinoline( approximately 5 yards or 1 roll) (purchase at California Millinery) 7th & Spring 
soft plastic( similar to that used by cleaners)
cord ( light weight)
1 box of push pins
small plastic bucket( large enough to submerge fabric)
1 large bath towel
1 small hand towel
pictures of the types of hats the students want to make frames for
1 small hammer
1 pack of wire joiners (purchase from California Millinery)
1 pair of wire cutters
hand craft dryer
The largest cost will be the buckram at $5.50 a yard.  Estimated cost of the supplies should not be more than $30.00, if students have some of the items that are usually in the home. Students having questions may contact me at my e-mail address: kaydurdenusa@netscape.net  

Millinery Suppliers and Miscellaneous  Supply Sources in California.
 1. California Millinery
    721 South Spring
    Los Angeles Calif
    213 622-7646

2. Michael Levines's 
   Maple(between 9th and Olympic)
   213 622-6259
   Located in downtown Los Angeles, Levines's has an excellent selection of all types of fabric including buckram


BASIC BLOCKING  This class consists of blocking, wiring and completing three different shapes of hat styles; one pillbox, one round crown and one 2 piece. I will supply the blocks and students will buy their own supplies. When purchasing felt or straw bodies, keep in mind the colors in your wardrobe, and the style of clothing you wear most. I'd like to welcome you in advance and also look forward to meeting you. I am sure youll find this class relaxing as well as enjoyable. 

Below is your supply list:
3-4 straw or felt bodies :
(1)   1 body will be used for a one- piece bubble or round crown ( small to medium) 
(2) 1 body will be used for a pillbox or taller crown ( small to large body )
(3-4) 1 body/bodies will be used for a 2 piece hat which consist of a separate crown and separate brim. (you will probably need 2 bodies for this hat; 1 large body, 2 small, or1 large for brim, one small for crown( a picture hat has a large brim). Also if you wish to contrast pick 2 different colors for your 2piece hat).
( If you have older hats that are in  good shape, bring them to class on first meeting.
Thread (matching hat body) 
hand sewing needles       
thimble
Scissors  
Straight pins (quilting pins are easier to work with and longer)
3 yards grosgrain ribbon (1 yard each  hat; sweat band( inside)
1 small bottle of bridal or Elmers glue
Trim for each hat (flower, grosgrain, horse hair, ribbon etc, (outside hat)
1 can of sizing   
Size 18-20 wire (enough for 3 hats)( the millinery house is familiar with the wires if you have doubts about purchases. 
1 pack of wire joiners 
1wire cutter
1 box of push pins 2 blocking cords
1 small hammer
plastic (similar to that used by cleaners) for each block 


CREATIVE COVERING This class will teach students how to use various types of fabrics, feathers, flowers and other creative items to cover buckram frame, straws, and felts hats like those sold in major department stores. Each student will cover no less than three shapes by the end of the class. Students attending this class must be previous students and may use hats or frames they created in other classes taught by the instructor. To attend this advanced class students must have previously been enrolled in and completed at basic covering or framemaking classes.
SUPPLY LIST
3 completed, untrimmed hats of straw, buckram, sinamay, or felt.
feather pads, flowers, stones leaves or trim of your choice; enough to cover or trim each hat.
needles
thread
bridal adesive( we try to use as litle glue as possible)
grosgrain, ( for inside hat)
millinery or quilting pins( one box)
scissors
(students to purchase all supplies prior to class meeting)


For those who don't know me, I have been in the Millinery business almost twenty years. My first line of hats consisted of simple bridal frames purchased from millinery houses which I trimmed (decorated) and covered. After being in the business a short time I realized there was a market for custom-made and everyday hats. but I needed formal training in order to be competetive, and learned first hand it was not aneasy task to find millinery classes in Los Angeles area.

The Millinery Art I wanted so desperately to learn was one of the best kept secrets because very few instructors wanted to share what they knew with new students. I was determined to find someone on the West Coast to teach me the art and began my search. I eventually found one of the top Milliney Designers in this country....right here...in California. She shared the Art of Millinery with me and a number of others before passing on. Over the years I learned to perfect that art and now sell my designs as well as teach others who wish to learn the art. Below is more information about the Art of Millinery, thank you for visiting the site and make this the very best day you can. If you still have questions please feel free to e-mail me.  


This page was last updated: June 11, 2011
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PRIVATE CLASSES 
Private classes are considered workshops when held at private locations. They are generally limited to 15 students and are held on Saturdays 10am unil 6pm, and Sundays 2pm til 6pm. (times may vary depending on facility). Class may be cancelled by instructor when the quota is not met. Refunds will be made by instructor.  
1. Private one-on-one classes are $100.00 for three hours at your location only. 
2. Weekend workshops (10 students minimum) are $250.00 per person unless otherwise specified by me. 
All workshops include a one hour lunch break between the start and finish day. Sundays workshops are generally 2:00-6:00 pm, unless specified. 
3. 6- week classes are held at various colleges and community centers in the Los Angeles area at minimal fees. These classes are sometime cancelled due to under enrollment.
4.Experienced designers and student students may rent blocks during class for $25.00 per hour but no assistance will be given by the instructor,and no wiring or other millinery techniques may be utiziled while blocking. All hoods or bodies must be removed off the blocks at the and of the hour and regular class students always receive preference for block selections.* 
Senior citizens 50 and older receive 10% discount on all classes.
5. Out of class block rental is available for cash deposits of $150.00 each with a one(1)day minium of $50.00 off locaton non refundable fee. 
6. Blocks may not be off location more than three days.
a. Each block is considered one piece regardless of size or function.   
b. Spinners may be rented for a fee of $25.00 per rental period.
c. One headsize plate will accompany brim blocks as necessary with no charge.  For more information e-mail kaydurdenusa@netscape.net.