Beginner Millinery Intensive
Step into the world of millinery in this immersive five-day intensive designed especially for beginners. Whether you are completely new to hat making or ready to build strong technical foundations, this course offers a supportive, hands-on environment where skills and confidence grow quickly.
The intensive is led by Louise Macdonald, who brings over 30 years of millinery experience to her teaching practice. She is joined by highly respected guest tutors Lauren Ritchie of Lauren J Ritchie Millinery (15+ year-experience) and Lynette Lim of LoveLotus (20+ year-experience). Together, they offer a depth of knowledge that spans traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Over the five days, you will create two hats: one in straw and one in felt (a pillbox or beret shape). Working with these two very different materials gives you a clear understanding of how each behaves when blocked (moulded), shaped and refined.
Throughout the week you will learn:
- how to block and shape straw and felt
- how to stiffen and reinforce your forms
- how to apply linings
- professional finishing techniques
- design approaches to trims and embellishment.
Mid-week, you will take part in a dedicated silk flower making workshop with Lynette Lim. You will create beautiful handmade silk flowers to complement your hats, with all materials provided.
This is a rare opportunity to spend five full days immersed in millinery, learning from three experienced practitioners who are passionate about sharing their craft. It promises to be an inspiring, productive and skill-building week.
Hat Gala Invitation
To celebrate the completion of the course, students are warmly invited to attend the Hat Gala on the evening of 3 July, hosted by the Millinery Association of Australia. The gala showcases entries from the association's design awards and offers a wonderful opportunity to see exceptional hats up close and connect with Australia's millinery community. Tickets for the gala are sold separately through the Millinery Association of Australia.
Dates: Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Location / venue: 37 Swanston Street (corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane), Melbourne (view location on Google Maps)
Cost: $1260
Waiting list: If this course is sold out, join our waiting list
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Enquiries: For more information, contact Louise Macdonald.