Advanced Virtual Masterclass
For the hat maker who is ready for the final level
Two days of live virtual instruction covering the technical work, refined shaping, industry knowledge, and professional tools that serious makers need to go further. Lecture style — watch, listen, engage, and learn. No materials required in advance. Some live making is optional.
This is the only advanced course that will be offered.
Course Syllabus
-
Day 1
05/31 12:00-2:30 PM PST
A new supplies list with vendors and supplier links and pdf for custom measurements.
Day one will cover:
-better blocking, funnel techniques, brim break and flattening, felt repairs.
-better shapes and proportions, forming defined dimples, crown points & width, and working with your block height.
-brim shapes, coupled movements, shape reflecting, brim tools and custom tools.
-
Day 2
06/07 12:00-2:30 PM PST
Day two will cover:
-Sewing machines: circular arm, binding, 1107, attachments, and custom attachments
-leather sweatband sewing: measurements, reeds, ferrules, and interior stitching
-custom brim plates and custom fits: DIY at home, formillion/conformer, handmade vs printed
-binding: hand sewing vs sewing machine sewing.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q: Who can take this course?
A. This workshop assumes you already have foundational hat making skills and knowledge. If you are new to hat making this is not the right starting point. The curriculum is technical, detailed, and designed for makers who are ready to go further.
Q: After I sign up, how do I join the session?
A. The morning of the session, you will receive an email with the link to join the live virtual session via Zoom.
Do I need to purchase materials in advance?
No materials are required before the sessions. A comprehensive supplies list with vendor and sourcing links will be provided at the first session on May 31. This list alone is a significant resource for serious makers.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live sessions?
Register anyway. Both sessions are recorded and available for playback for 120 days from the date of each session. You will not miss the content. Live attendance is encouraged for real-time engagement but not required.
Q: Will there be opportunity to ask questions?
Yes. Each session includes live engagement and Q&A time. If you have specific challenges or topics you want covered, you are encouraged to submit questions in advance.
Q: Is this the same as the in-person Millinery Masterclass?
No. The in-person Millinery Masterclass is a five-day immersive experience in the Ventura atelier covering the full arc of hat making alongside brand building, sourcing, and creative development. This is a focused two-day virtual workshop covering advanced technical curriculum only. Both are valuable and serve different makers at different stages.
Q: What platform will the sessions be held on?
Both sessions are held live via Zoom. A link will be sent to registered students before each session.
Q: Will this workshop be offered again?
This will be the only advanced virtual workshop offered live. The live sessions — the real-time instruction and direct engagement — will not be repeated. If this is the next step in your making, this is the moment.
This is a two day advanced masterclass, taught live virtually. Each session will be 2.5 hours long. The sessions will be recorded for playback watch, and available for 120 days. Live sessions will be 5/31 and 6/7.