Learn Millinery
There are two ways to learn with me:
1. Austin Community College – Continuing Education
I teach millinery through the Fashion Design Department at the Highland Campus. When I teach, classes will be posted on this website.
2. Private or Small Group Classes at My Studio
Private full-day sessions start at $425, ($50 discount for two-person class) plus a materials fee depending on the project (typically $50–$150).
Classes are six hours long, with a 60-minute break for lunch or a snack. Typically from 10am-5pm.
I recommend reviewing my work beforehand so you can get a feel for my style. I teach everything from traditional techniques to more modern, artistic forms of millinery.
Whether you’re a beginner or a returning student, each session is tailored to your interests. My approach encourages creative thinking beyond traditional millinery—while still building a strong foundation in essential skills.
For Beginner Students: Basic Millinery
Beginner students will start with foundational techniques, including straw blocking, where you’ll learn how to shape and form basic straw fascinators. We’ll also explore essential millinery skills such as trimming, finishing, and working with a variety of materials like silk, leather, wool felt, and fur felt. Each class is adapted to your skill level and pace, ensuring a supportive and personalized learning experience.
Intermediate & Advanced Millinery
This next level is for students ready to deepen their creative process and design thinking. You’ll begin working from personal sketches, style boards, or color palettes, learning how to design hats that complete an ensemble or reflect a client’s aesthetic.
We’ll explore dramatic headpieces, studying how to replicate or reinterpret runway-ready designs, and refine your ability to interpret and respond to real-world styling needs. More complex hat trimming techniques and advanced materials will be introduced, all with an emphasis on developing your unique voice as a milliner.
Once you pay a deposit via my shop HERE.
1. I Schedule Your Free Video Consultation
We’ll begin with a 30-minute video call to discuss your goals, skill level, and the kind of project you’d like to work on. This helps me tailor your session to your interests and ensure we’re set up for success. I will reach out by phone, text, or email. We will also schedule your workshop dates at this time.
2. Materials Fee Estimate
Your materials fee will be based on the project and techniques we choose, ranging from $50–150 per day. I’ll send you a full estimate and prep list after our consult.
4. Final Confirmation & Payment
Once your date is confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice. Payment secures your spot, and I’ll send a detailed “What to Expect” guide to help you prepare and studio location.
Basic to intermediate modern millinery samples.
When you have moved past the basic program.
⚠️ Physical Requirements for Participation
All workshops at The Mad Duchess studio are in-person and physically demanding. Millinery is a hands-on craft that requires:
Full use of both hands
Manual dexterity for sewing, blocking, pinning, and shaping
The ability to stand for short periods and move comfortably around the studio
Good vision and hand-eye coordination for detail-oriented work
At this time, I am not able to accommodate students with physical limitations that prevent full participation in these core techniques. This includes—but is not limited to—mobility impairments, significant visual limitations, or restricted hand function.
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact me prior to booking. I’m happy to answer any questions during the consultation process.