A Peek Inside My Workroom: Tools of the Trade
Step into my millinery workroom and discover the tools, materials and quiet moments that bring each handcrafted headpiece to life.
In my happy place - This is where millinery magic begins.
When people admire one of my headpieces, they often see the finished result — the shape, the colour, the details that make it unique. But what they don’t always see is what goes on behind the scenes in my workroom. The tools, the techniques, the tiny steps that bring an idea to life.
Every tool I use has a purpose — and a story. My scissors, for example, are labelled with my name. They’ve cut through everything from delicate veiling to thick felt, and I know exactly how they feel in my hand. My thimble has travelled with me across countries and projects. My pin cushions, well-used and slightly chaotic, are full of yellow-headed pins that help hold each piece together before it’s stitched in place.
Thread is another one of my essentials. I’ve collected spools from all over the world in just about every colour you can imagine. From deep navy to dusty rose, I choose each thread not just for its function, but for how it supports the overall feeling of a piece. These threads are small, but they’re powerful — holding together the craftsmanship and intention that defines millinery.
The tools of the trade — small but essential pieces behind every handcrafted headpiece.
My workspace is where it all happens. It’s not fancy, but it’s mine, and deeply functional, filled with things that make my creative process easier — like a pegboard that keeps my tools within reach, a cutting mat that’s seen many projects, and even a little dish for pins that has broken and been put back together again more than once. These small touches make the space feel personal.
Imagine if my tools could talk? A bit like the characters out of Beauty and the Beast. I think they’d have the most incredible stories to tell. Tales of late nights and creative breakthroughs, of failed experiments that turned into new discoveries, and of the beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces they’ve helped bring to life. They’ve seen it all — and together, they’ve helped create something truly special.
Making hats is more than design — it’s about technique, attention to detail, passion, and using the right tools. Whether I’m blocking a base, wiring a brim, or hand-stitching a delicate trim, every step is part of a larger process. A process built on years of experience and a deep love and appreciation for traditional millinery methods.
This journal is a little glimpse into that world — a look at what goes into creating something by hand, and the workspace that supports it all. I hope it gives you a better understanding of what artisan craftsmanship truly means.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
~ Edgar Degas