When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Sarah Lomax
  • Course Code C24FACI02A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course is ideal for someone who wants to create a halo headpiece from scratch. You will design and make halo block and then block parasisal straw or sinamay using the block you have created.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Work with millinery wire
  • Design and make a wire foundation for a Halo shaped headpiece.
  • Re-enforce a wire foundation using buckram and water based stiffener to make a block suitable for blocking on multiple times.
  • Use parasisal straw, or sinamay to make a Halo headpiece using the block you have created.
  • Finish a Halo headpiece to a professional standard.

Class format and activities

This course is in-centre. Teaching time will be divided between practical demonstrations of technique and one-to-one support as students work through a given task. The online platform Microsoft Teams will be used to support learning and sharing of lesson resources. To get the most from this course some study or completion of activities outside of class time may be required. Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the learning outcomes above. At the start of the course, you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals. In order to ensure you make the best possible progress on your course you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor. Advanced students can negotiate their project with the tutor depending on previous experience.

Entry requirements

This is a mixed level course. Suitable for people with limited or no previous knowledge. Basic hand sewing skills are essential. Students must be able to speak, read and write in English. Basic numeracy is an advantage though not essential

What you need to know before you enrol

This course is intensive and excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. Each session will include vital information for mastering each stage of the process. Health & Safety information will be given to you at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You will be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow college procedures as advised. Excellent attendance and punctuality are important, for students to fully achieve the course outcomes. To get the most from this course some study/completion of activities outside of class time may be required. Using a steamer and cutting patterns and fabrics often involves standing at high tables. Please let your tutor know if this is difficult for you. Some chemicals used may be harmful to certain health conditions or in pregnancy. Please make sure to let your tutor know if this is the case and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. You will be using tools under the direction of the tutor.

What you need

A basic sewing kit to include: Hand sewing needles. Pins. Thimble. Sewing thread. Tape measure. Small jewellery type pliers/wire cutters. Sharp fabric scissors. Paper cutting scissors. Pencil and notebook/sketch pad. An apron to protect your clothes. Information on where to purchase millinery materials will be given at the first lesson. You must provide your own fabrics, trimmings, haberdashery, etc. Pattern paper and card is available for use in the studio

What you can do next

We run a variety of other millinery short courses and accredited qualification with BTEC. These are at Level 1, Level 2 and HNC.