Jane Smith Millinery Workshop

In terms 1 and 2 we were lucky enough to have millinery workshops with the legendary Jane Smith who's career spans over 40 years in theatre and film (see here). She brought in several hat patterns from theatre and film productions she'd worked on for us to copy such as Sweeney Todd, Bright Star, Jane Eyre and many more! In the workshops I learnt how to make Victorian Bonnets and work with straw.

Making a straw hat

The shape of the hat is controlled
by pulling and pushing the straw as
it is sewn under the machine.

Use a blunt pair of scissors to push the straw under the
sewing machine.

I intend to make a straw boater hat at some point in the near future whilst I can remember how to do it!

Jaz in her Victorian Bonnet!

My first Victorian Bonnet was made to match my Bodice
that I made in Term 1 at LCF. It is a Jane Smith pattern
from the film 'Jane Eyre'

 Because the first bonnet I made was very dark and simple I decided to make another Jane Smith bonnet using lighter colours and design one I could be a little more decorative with.

I used dupion shot silk for the main fabric, gathered polyester chiffon for the lining and with satin ribbon trimmings and an antique lace edge - given to me by my Mum which was given to her my her Mum!