Millinery Courses For Beginners from Margaret Woodliff Wright, the Northumberland Milliner. Now that weddings and events are starting up, I am delighted to be able to offer once again one-to-one tuition and fun laid-back workshops for small groups (max 4). The workshops are held at my studio in either NE67 or NE1 and l supply the instruction, equipment and materials, along with cups of tea and biscuits! Depending on the topic, workshops via Zoom are also available.

For larger numbers I am frequently asked to stage workshops at outside galleries and other venues, too. To accommodate this there is also an option for the materials to be provided in a kit form which includes the making instructions or for the kit to be supported via an online or in-person live class. I recently delivered a kit and Zoom workshop class to the St Georges Society of New York, one of the oldest charities in the USA, which was great fun for everyone. Live or in-person millinery courses make excellent team-building opportunities and engagement or hen party-themed classes can also be arranged.

So, if you would like to make your own wedding, race going or special occasion fascinator or headpiece to wear at an upcoming event, or simply want to learn a new craft, please get in touch for details of my millinery courses designed especially for beginners. Courses are also regularly posted on the UK leading website resource for craft courses, Craft Courses, where I have been awarded a gold medal for teaching millinery.

Click here to book your place

Each couture commission is completely hand-made in my studio, shapes are hand-blocked, with the trimmings and flowers expertly made, and shaped by hand.

The commission starts with an initial in-person visit to my studio in NE67 or NE1 – for pieces with universal head fittings this could also take place by Zoom – to look through and try on my samples. Firstly, together we select the shape itself, then the design, styling and fabric choices follow – these may include parisisial straw, luxury felt, fine silks, lace, flowers, feathers, veiling and beading. It’s very helpful to bring a sample of your fabric with you to the appointment, many bring the dress itself, though I appreciate that this is not always possible! The first consultation will last about 1-1.5hrs, and throughout the commission making process I will stay in touch by email or FaceTime to update you on progress.

Once the shape has been made there will be a further consultation, which can be by Zoom, to confirm the choice of trims and finishes. At the final appointment, we will have a grand trying-on session and I will explain to you how to adjust your headpiece. Your headpiece design will take four to six weeks to create, and start from £300 (halo bands from £250) there are more details here.

Please get in touch for more details and to make an appointment complete the consultation form below.