Louise Macdonald Courses
Millinery creations under the renowned guidance of Master Milliner Louise Macdonald.
Christie Murray is a Milliner based in Australia and has a background in fashion business and education. Christie undertook a co-branded project with a large fashion label, CAMILLA. During this project, Christie and her team made headwear to stock in all of their boutiques and major department stores across Australia.
Christie has sold headwear in both physical and online market places, pop-up shops, boutiques and major department stores. Christie showed her headwear collection at Australian Fashion Week and has had headwear featured in multiple publications including VOGUE, VOGUE Brides and InStyle magazines.
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Christie Murray is a Milliner based in Australia and has a background in fashion business and education. Christie undertook a co-branded project with a large fashion label, CAMILLA. During this project, Christie and her team made headwear to stock in all of their boutiques and major department stores across Australia.
Christie has sold headwear in both physical and online market places, pop-up shops, boutiques and major department stores. Christie showed her headwear collection at Australian Fashion Week and has had headwear featured in multiple publications including VOGUE, VOGUE Brides and InStyle magazines.
More...
Christie Murray is a Milliner based in Australia and has a background in fashion business and education. Christie undertook a co-branded project with a large fashion label, CAMILLA. During this project, Christie and her team made headwear to stock in all of their boutiques and major department stores across Australia.
Christie has sold headwear in both physical and online market places, pop-up shops, boutiques and major department stores. Christie showed her headwear collection at Australian Fashion Week and has had headwear featured in multiple publications including VOGUE, VOGUE Brides and InStyle magazines.
More...
FAQ
How long will the course take to complete?
The minimum time required is 3-4 hours but this will vary for each individual depending on the time spent completing the set exercises.
Can you explain the format of the course?
It’s a video series of tutorials, interviews and real life examples with easy to follow steps on a provided worksheet. As Christie shares her knowledge, you will be prompted to complete tasks throughout the course, plus you can rewatch lessons at any time.
Is this course relevant to milliners world wide?
Yes, the information is valid no matter where you live. A provided index helps direct you to resources available in multiple countries to cover the steps you need to take to set up your business.
I have limited business experience, will this course be too difficult?
The course is structured in a way that won’t be too overwhelming for you. It is broken in to easy to follow steps and straightforward worksheets that Christie guides you through. There are also links to additional resources if you require further help.
I’ve had a millinery business for years, is this course relevant to me?
This course is relevant for Milliners with a current business to ensure you have established your groundwork to maximise commercial potential.
Do I need to purchase any materials for this course?
You will just need access to a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. There are also worksheets that you can print out or follow on your computer.
Can I ask the tutor questions?
Access contact with your tutor and millinery peers through an exclusive online community group.
FAQ
How long will the course take to complete?
The minimum time required is 3-4 hours but this will vary for each individual depending on the time spent completing the set exercises.
Can you explain the format of the course?
It’s a video series of tutorials, interviews and real life examples with easy to follow steps on a provided worksheet. As Christie shares her knowledge, you will be prompted to complete tasks throughout the course, plus you can rewatch lessons at any time.
Is this course relevant to milliners world wide?
Yes, the information is valid no matter where you live. A provided index helps direct you to resources available in multiple countries to cover the steps you need to take to set up your business.
I have limited business experience, will this course be too difficult?
The course is structured in a way that won’t be too overwhelming for you. It is broken in to easy to follow steps and straightforward worksheets that Christie guides you through. There are also links to additional resources if you require further help.
I’ve had a millinery business for years, is this course relevant to me?
This course is relevant for Milliners with a current business to ensure you have established your groundwork to maximise commercial potential.
Do I need to purchase any materials for this course?
You will just need access to a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. There are also worksheets that you can print out or follow on your computer.
Can I ask the tutor questions?
Access contact with your tutor and millinery peers through an exclusive online community group.
FAQ
How long will the course take to complete?
The minimum time required is 3-4 hours but this will vary for each individual depending on the time spent completing the set exercises.
Can you explain the format of the course?
It’s a video series of tutorials, interviews and real life examples with easy to follow steps on a provided worksheet. As Christie shares her knowledge, you will be prompted to complete tasks throughout the course, plus you can rewatch lessons at any time.
Is this course relevant to milliners world wide?
Yes, the information is valid no matter where you live. A provided index helps direct you to resources available in multiple countries to cover the steps you need to take to set up your business.
I have limited business experience, will this course be too difficult?
The course is structured in a way that won’t be too overwhelming for you. It is broken in to easy to follow steps and straightforward worksheets that Christie guides you through. There are also links to additional resources if you require further help.
I’ve had a millinery business for years, is this course relevant to me?
This course is relevant for Milliners with a current business to ensure you have established your groundwork to maximise commercial potential.
Do I need to purchase any materials for this course?
You will just need access to a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. There are also worksheets that you can print out or follow on your computer.
Can I ask the tutor questions?
Access contact with your tutor and millinery peers through an exclusive online community group.
MASTERCLASS TECHNIQUES
Linings For All Occasions
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen. Learn how to choose the correct fabric for liners and then secure the lining in each headwear piece whether a small cocktail or larger flat tipped crown. Customers will love this simple couture touch your new linings will add.
Customise Basic Blocks
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods. As well you learn how to look out for household items that can be successfully utilised as blocks. This very practical lesson will give you value add on tips to make the most of your new blocks.
Fabric Covered Brims
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Make a sturdy base and learn how to keep fabric stable on this foundation. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results. With such an array of fabrics available whether plain or patterned this will extend your range of styling.
MASTERCLASS TECHNIQUES
Linings For All Occasions
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen. Learn how to choose the correct fabric for liners and then secure the lining in each headwear piece whether a small cocktail or larger flat tipped crown. Customers will love this simple couture touch your new linings will add.
Customise Basic Blocks
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods. As well you learn how to look out for household items that can be successfully utilised as blocks. This very practical lesson will give you value add on tips to make the most of your new blocks.
Fabric Covered Brims
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Make a sturdy base and learn how to keep fabric stable on this foundation. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results. With such an array of fabrics available whether plain or patterned this will extend your range of styling.
MASTERCLASS TECHNIQUES
Linings For All Occasions
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen. Learn how to choose the correct fabric for liners and then secure the lining in each headwear piece whether a small cocktail or larger flat tipped crown. Customers will love this simple couture touch your new linings will add.
Customise Basic Blocks
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods. As well you learn how to look out for household items that can be successfully utilised as blocks. This very practical lesson will give you value add on tips to make the most of your new blocks.
Fabric Covered Brims
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Make a sturdy base and learn how to keep fabric stable on this foundation. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results. With such an array of fabrics available whether plain or patterned this will extend your range of styling.
With over 50 years of hat making experience and decades of teaching millinery, Elaine Mergard’s mission is to help create the next generation of milliners by teaching techniques enabling each student to develop their unique creativity.With over 50 years of hat making experience and decades of teaching millinery, Elaine Mergard’s mission is to help create the next generation of milliners by teaching techniques enabling each student to develop their unique creativity.With over 50 years of hat making experience and decades of teaching millinery, Elaine Mergard’s mission is to help create the next generation of milliners by teaching techniques enabling each student to develop their unique creativity.
Hat Academy Certificate of Completion endorses your competency in millinery skills taught in the Millinery Essentials Course. Proficiency in the variety of blocking, trimming and design techniques which you have achieved will give you a credible qualification to your clients, peers and employers. 
"I am truly gratefull for the quatily of the evaluation that is given. A carefully detailed, sincere, serious and professional evaluation that goes far than a written devolution of how pieces; design skills; sewing ability; new knowledge could be seen by mentor Elaine Mergard and Hat Academy team."
Susa.
Hat Academy Certificate of Completion endorses your competency in millinery skills taught in the Millinery Essentials Course. Proficiency in the variety of blocking, trimming and design techniques which you have achieved will give you a credible qualification to your clients, peers and employers. "I am truly gratefull for the quatily of the evaluation that is given. A carefully detailed, sincere, serious and professional evaluation that goes far than a written devolution of how pieces; design skills; sewing ability; new knowledge could be seen by mentor Elaine Mergard and Hat Academy team."
Susa.
Hat Academy Certificate of Completion endorses your competency in millinery skills taught in the Millinery Essentials Course. Proficiency in the variety of blocking, trimming and design techniques which you have achieved will give you a credible qualification to your clients, peers and employers. "I am truly gratefull for the quatily of the evaluation that is given. A carefully detailed, sincere, serious and professional evaluation that goes far than a written devolution of how pieces; design skills; sewing ability; new knowledge could be seen by mentor Elaine Mergard and Hat Academy team."
Susa.
LESSON PLAN
BLOCKING BASICS
Basic Brims
Learn to prepare a block, how to steam, shape and weld sinamay straw and then wire brim to stabilise before you bind the edge.
Crowns Simply
Experience how to steam and shape flat straw to mould around a crown block then finish off the crown edge to retain the sizing.
Binding With Variety
Here you will learn how to give the perfect finish to the edge of your hat brim or fascinator.
Binding Wide
Give your hat a professional finish and vintage feel by covering the edge with fabric, braid or straw.
Connecting & Banding
Connect the brim to crown and add a decorative band on the outside plus an internal head band.
CREATIVE TRIMS
Bows As Trim
Transform a basic bow with this collection of 10 creative techniques.
Feather Shaping
Discover how to manipulate feathers to add height and movement to your hat trim giving it style.
Working With Loops
In this flamboyant approach to trimming headpieces you will see how to assemble wide or narrow loops, in either fabric or straw.
Redesign Feathers
Using feathers as a design feature for your headwear as well as transforming popular feather types.
EXPLORING BRIMS
Insert, Shot Brims
Gain expertise to redesign a regular brim in three different ways.
Pleat, Inlay Brims
Discover ways to add embellishment to sinamay with fine braid, extra layer of straw and pleating the edge.
Embroidery Brims
Learn how to accomplish cornelli embroidery on sinamay using your regular sewing machine.
Patchwork Brims
Give your sinamay headwear new life when you learn colourful patchwork geometric design.
Cut & Curl Brims
Cutting and curling your sinamay adds movement and life to designs when you dare to cut into the basic brim shape and reinvent it with a dramatic appeal.
Adding Extensions
Revitalise your straw brim or disc hat by learning how to add Swirls and Curls as extra add ons to your basic shape.
Double Brim Techniques
Reinvent a brim by adding an extra sinamay brim with a different shape.
Crinoline Brims
Often used as a trim but in this tutorial learn to transform it into a beautiful ethereal translucent brim by joining, wiring and binding.
CROWN CONCEPTS
Buckram Crowns
The traditional methods of blocking with buckram are detailed in this lesson.
Crown Methods
This tutorial outlines a system to create a double crown and includes how to cut away a portion of the crown to expose the trim concept.
Swathed Crown & Brim
Using fine fabrics such as chiffon, organza or georgette you will learn how to swathe and drape fabric or sinamay softly over a hat foundation.
Fabric Covered Dome Crown
Discover how to achieve a well fitted covering over a dome crown using silk fabric.
Fabric Covered Flat Crowns
Using fabric to cover your clients hat crown enables you to co-ordinate the hat with the outfit.
FELT FUNDAMENTALS
Felt Hats Basics
Learn how to shape fabulous felt. It is the most creative medium in millinery as no risk of fraying.
Basic Felt Trim Ideas
Add elegance to your felt hat creations with these trim concepts for flowers, leaves and loops.
FASCINATORS & HEADPIECES
All the techniques are explained in detail plus tips to trim & line your headpiece will give a quality finish.
PILLBOX HATS
Revisit this classic headwear style and add some elegance to your millinery calibre with this traditional technique.
COCKTAIL HATS
Cocktail hats became popular in 30s & 40s when times were difficult but have had a recent vintage revival.
HATINATORS
A combination of a hat & fascinator. Learn to block basic Hatinator shape then discover how to remould, twist, pleat, splice or braid.
PARISISAL HATS
The bias weave of a Parisisal Straw allows it to mould onto a block readily. As it is a fine straw learn how to ensure a smooth finish that has strength and stability.
LEAF TRIMS
In this lesson you learn how to make leaves in several different ways. Leaves can be added to a trim with flowers or without.
LININGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen.
CUSTOMISE BASIC BLOCKS
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods.
FABRIC COVERED BRIMS
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results.
LESSON PLAN
BLOCKING BASICS
Basic Brims
Learn to prepare a block, how to steam, shape and weld sinamay straw and then wire brim to stabilise before you bind the edge.
Crowns Simply
Experience how to steam and shape flat straw to mould around a crown block then finish off the crown edge to retain the sizing.
Binding With Variety
Here you will learn how to give the perfect finish to the edge of your hat brim or fascinator.
Binding Wide
Give your hat a professional finish and vintage feel by covering the edge with fabric, braid or straw.
Connecting & Banding
Connect the brim to crown and add a decorative band on the outside plus an internal head band.
CREATIVE TRIMS
Bows As Trim
Transform a basic bow with this collection of 10 creative techniques.
Feather Shaping
Discover how to manipulate feathers to add height and movement to your hat trim giving it style.
Working With Loops
In this flamboyant approach to trimming headpieces you will see how to assemble wide or narrow loops, in either fabric or straw.
Redesign Feathers
Using feathers as a design feature for your headwear as well as transforming popular feather types.
EXPLORING BRIMS
Insert, Shot Brims
Gain expertise to redesign a regular brim in three different ways.
Pleat, Inlay Brims
Discover ways to add embellishment to sinamay with fine braid, extra layer of straw and pleating the edge.
Embroidery Brims
Learn how to accomplish cornelli embroidery on sinamay using your regular sewing machine.
Patchwork Brims
Give your sinamay headwear new life when you learn colourful patchwork geometric design.
Cut & Curl Brims
Cutting and curling your sinamay adds movement and life to designs when you dare to cut into the basic brim shape and reinvent it with a dramatic appeal.
Adding Extensions
Revitalise your straw brim or disc hat by learning how to add Swirls and Curls as extra add ons to your basic shape.
Double Brim Techniques
Reinvent a brim by adding an extra sinamay brim with a different shape.
Crinoline Brims
Often used as a trim but in this tutorial learn to transform it into a beautiful ethereal translucent brim by joining, wiring and binding.
CROWN CONCEPTS
Buckram Crowns
The traditional methods of blocking with buckram are detailed in this lesson.
Crown Methods
This tutorial outlines a system to create a double crown and includes how to cut away a portion of the crown to expose the trim concept.
Swathed Crown & Brim
Using fine fabrics such as chiffon, organza or georgette you will learn how to swathe and drape fabric or sinamay softly over a hat foundation.
Fabric Covered Dome Crown
Discover how to achieve a well fitted covering over a dome crown using silk fabric.
Fabric Covered Flat Crowns
Using fabric to cover your clients hat crown enables you to co-ordinate the hat with the outfit.
FELT FUNDAMENTALS
Felt Hats Basics
Learn how to shape fabulous felt. It is the most creative medium in millinery as no risk of fraying.
Basic Felt Trim Ideas
Add elegance to your felt hat creations with these trim concepts for flowers, leaves and loops.
FASCINATORS & HEADPIECES
All the techniques are explained in detail plus tips to trim & line your headpiece will give a quality finish.
PILLBOX HATS
Revisit this classic headwear style and add some elegance to your millinery calibre with this traditional technique.
COCKTAIL HATS
Cocktail hats became popular in 30s & 40s when times were difficult but have had a recent vintage revival.
HATINATORS
A combination of a hat & fascinator. Learn to block basic Hatinator shape then discover how to remould, twist, pleat, splice or braid.
PARISISAL HATS
The bias weave of a Parisisal Straw allows it to mould onto a block readily. As it is a fine straw learn how to ensure a smooth finish that has strength and stability.
LEAF TRIMS
In this lesson you learn how to make leaves in several different ways. Leaves can be added to a trim with flowers or without.
LININGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen.
CUSTOMISE BASIC BLOCKS
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods.
FABRIC COVERED BRIMS
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results.
LESSON PLAN
BLOCKING BASICS
Basic Brims
Learn to prepare a block, how to steam, shape and weld sinamay straw and then wire brim to stabilise before you bind the edge.
Crowns Simply
Experience how to steam and shape flat straw to mould around a crown block then finish off the crown edge to retain the sizing.
Binding With Variety
Here you will learn how to give the perfect finish to the edge of your hat brim or fascinator.
Binding Wide
Give your hat a professional finish and vintage feel by covering the edge with fabric, braid or straw.
Connecting & Banding
Connect the brim to crown and add a decorative band on the outside plus an internal head band.
CREATIVE TRIMS
Bows As Trim
Transform a basic bow with this collection of 10 creative techniques.
Feather Shaping
Discover how to manipulate feathers to add height and movement to your hat trim giving it style.
Working With Loops
In this flamboyant approach to trimming headpieces you will see how to assemble wide or narrow loops, in either fabric or straw.
Redesign Feathers
Using feathers as a design feature for your headwear as well as transforming popular feather types.
EXPLORING BRIMS
Insert, Shot Brims
Gain expertise to redesign a regular brim in three different ways.
Pleat, Inlay Brims
Discover ways to add embellishment to sinamay with fine braid, extra layer of straw and pleating the edge.
Embroidery Brims
Learn how to accomplish cornelli embroidery on sinamay using your regular sewing machine.
Patchwork Brims
Give your sinamay headwear new life when you learn colourful patchwork geometric design.
Cut & Curl Brims
Cutting and curling your sinamay adds movement and life to designs when you dare to cut into the basic brim shape and reinvent it with a dramatic appeal.
Adding Extensions
Revitalise your straw brim or disc hat by learning how to add Swirls and Curls as extra add ons to your basic shape.
Double Brim Techniques
Reinvent a brim by adding an extra sinamay brim with a different shape.
Crinoline Brims
Often used as a trim but in this tutorial learn to transform it into a beautiful ethereal translucent brim by joining, wiring and binding.
CROWN CONCEPTS
Buckram Crowns
The traditional methods of blocking with buckram are detailed in this lesson.
Crown Methods
This tutorial outlines a system to create a double crown and includes how to cut away a portion of the crown to expose the trim concept.
Swathed Crown & Brim
Using fine fabrics such as chiffon, organza or georgette you will learn how to swathe and drape fabric or sinamay softly over a hat foundation.
Fabric Covered Dome Crown
Discover how to achieve a well fitted covering over a dome crown using silk fabric.
Fabric Covered Flat Crowns
Using fabric to cover your clients hat crown enables you to co-ordinate the hat with the outfit.
FELT FUNDAMENTALS
Felt Hats Basics
Learn how to shape fabulous felt. It is the most creative medium in millinery as no risk of fraying.
Basic Felt Trim Ideas
Add elegance to your felt hat creations with these trim concepts for flowers, leaves and loops.
FASCINATORS & HEADPIECES
All the techniques are explained in detail plus tips to trim & line your headpiece will give a quality finish.
PILLBOX HATS
Revisit this classic headwear style and add some elegance to your millinery calibre with this traditional technique.
COCKTAIL HATS
Cocktail hats became popular in 30s & 40s when times were difficult but have had a recent vintage revival.
HATINATORS
A combination of a hat & fascinator. Learn to block basic Hatinator shape then discover how to remould, twist, pleat, splice or braid.
PARISISAL HATS
The bias weave of a Parisisal Straw allows it to mould onto a block readily. As it is a fine straw learn how to ensure a smooth finish that has strength and stability.
LEAF TRIMS
In this lesson you learn how to make leaves in several different ways. Leaves can be added to a trim with flowers or without.
LININGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen.
CUSTOMISE BASIC BLOCKS
In this lesson you will learn to maximise the use of your first blocks to create different styles including double blocking methods.
FABRIC COVERED BRIMS
Co-ordinate your latest hat by covering the brim with your chosen fabric. Your clients will appreciate the total look that results.
