Classes
Throughout the year, we offer several classes where students are able to learn under the guidance of treasured west coast milliner, Dayna Pinkham. Ready to sign up? View available classes.
Classes are held in the shop, downtown Portland, Oregon, during our regular business hours. Ready to register for one of our workshops? Just let us know what workshop you are interested using the form at the bottom of the page and we will be in touch.
Reservation: 50% deposit is required in order to reserve your space in a scheduled workshop. The remaining 50% will be collected on the first day of the workshop.
Cancellation policy: we allow cancellation with return of full deposit up to two weeks before the first day of a scheduled workshop. After this time deposits will be forfeited.
Cancellation policy: we allow cancellation with return of full deposit up to two weeks before the first day of a scheduled workshop. After this time deposits will be forfeited.
Intro to Millinery
$695 / student
This class serves as a general introduction to the vast craft that is Millinery. During this two-day workshop, students learn how to steam and block one felt and one straw shape on vintage hat blocks, sew in head-sizes and apply trim using millinery sewing techniques.
Techniques covered
- Standard Blocking and shaping on wooden millinery block
- Basic millinery related stitches
- Measuring headsizes and custom fitting hats
- Embellishing with decorative ribbon
Intermediate Millinery
Prerequisite: Intro To Millinery
$695 / student
Utilize and expand on your knowledge of blocking felt and straw from the introductory workshop. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves creatively.
We have a variety of straw hoods, felt hoods, felt bodies, trim, and scraps that students are able to buy during the workshop. Felt, straw, thread, and head size ribbon are included in the price. Students are responsible for their own outer trim (ribbon, chord, etc). Due to the size of our shop and the attention required, we’ve found the ideal class-size to be between 2-3 students, no more, no less. If only one student signs up, we reserve the right to postpone or reschedule for a time when another student is available.
Topics covered
- Inverted, Secondary and Hand blocking
- Blind hand stitching
- Embellishing with decorative trim ribbon, flowers, felt/straw braids, veiling, and feathers
Make Your Own Fedora
$395 / student
Learn to “Secondary Block” or carve out a custom Fedora crown by hand, using Fur Felt. Learn various ribbon trim closures or bows. Basic Machine sewing and Hand Sewing will be needed. Simple Grosgrain trim is provided, but students are encouraged to bring their own.
Make Your Own Cloche
$395 / student
Because of the flattering way a cloche frames the face, it is no surprise it’s remained one of the most popular hat shapes since the 1920s. The low dipping of the bell-shape out over the ears, make this cozy hat a perfect accessory for the Pacific NW weather. In this class, students will learn to block a cloche style hat using fur felt, to hand-sew head size ribbon to stabilize the hat, and finally to attach trim using various ribbon closures or bows.
Machine sewing is optional. No hemming in this class, edges are raw cut in order to keep this an introductory class. Simple Grosgrain trim is included in the cost, however, students are encouraged to bring their own if they have something special they would like to work with.
Fascinator Workshop
$395 / student
Are you planning to attend a formal Spring Event, and want a custom headpiece to match your outfit? Instead of shopping endlessly online, we can teach you how to make one yourself! Using traditional (and non-traditional) millinery techniques students will create hat bases out of straw, and decorate with fabric flowers, ribbons, feathers, etc. All materials, including headbands and elastic, will be supplied but participants are encouraged to bring personal trinkets and treasures to further adorn and personalize their hats. Prior hat making experience unnecessary.
Reblock & Refinish
$175 / student
Have a vintage or well-loved hat that you want to restore to its intended shape and beauty? This is the perfect opportunity to perk up grandma’s cocktail hat, or sturdy up your grandfather’s fedoras, replace stained ribbon trim, or just resize and customize that thrift shop score. Under the guidance and consultation of master milliner Dayna Pinkham, breathe new life into an old or damaged hat using traditional millinery techniques (no glue). Learn milliner secrets to reshape, customize the size, sew a new headband/head size, add new trim, and learn cleaning tips and tricks. Potential students will need to email photos of up to three hats they are interested in working on, or make an appointment to come into the shop to consult with Dayna, before signing up for class. Students are responsible for all materials.
Details
Our Introduction to Millinery classes run from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday followed by a 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. session on Saturday.
Our Intermediate Millinery classes runs from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m on Friday & Saturday.
Not seeing a date that works for you? Get in touch using the form below and we will do our best to work out a date that works for both of us. This includes dates for our Fedora, Cloche, Fascinator, and Reblock workshops.