Hats with Flair

Tutor in Residence

Elaine Mergard, Beerwah

Milliner Elaine Mergard made her first hat in 1964 during her training as a Home Economics teacher and that was the start of her passion for hats. “We were trained to teach the skills as in the mid ‘60s everyone wore fashion hats to weddings, church and town. We were trained with a broad spectrum of skills, French flower making, weaving Swiss straw, blocking felt, covering hats with fabric and stitching berets and christening bonnets.

For many years Elaine taught high school students and then at Adult Education and TAFE. Elaine continued to make hats for friends and family before setting up a successful millinery business from home in 1990 and made hats for Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce during her time as Governor of Queensland. Elaine has made thousands of hats during her career and all have been made in an old fashioned, traditional way, while reflecting current fashion colours, styles and trends. Unique features of Elaine's hats include being hand-stitched and wired, handmade flowers and shaped feathers. Elaine expects a surge of interest in hats and millinery because of their popularity with Kate Middleton.

Class Synopsis

As a result of the recent Royal Wedding there is a resurgence in interest in the traditional art of Millinery.

During this workshop you will make a straw hat, felt hat, fascinator and pillbox, all trimmed with a variety of embellishments including your own hand made silk flowers created as you learn French flower making techniques. On the final day you will have the opportunity to create your own free-form design using techniques learnt during the workshop.

Level

All levels

Materials

A complete kit will be provided at a cost of $250.00. Students need to supply additional items such as plus threads, fabric etc

Enrol

An enrolment form is available either on-line or by printing a form.