Alice in Wonderland
Free Hat Making Challenge
I design and make hats from my studio in London, where I work across couture commissions, collections, and creative education. My work sits between craft, sculpture, and function. I’m interested in shape, structure, and the way a piece changes how someone feels when they wear it.
I have worked with designers & artists, including Kyle ho, Sarah Ravensburger, Jasper Gavida, Stephen Jones, The Noisettes, Lily Allen, Dita Von Teese, and Jameela Jamil (to name just a few!). I have also appeared on the BBC, ITV and London Live News Channel, my hats have appeared in magazines and News Papers such as Stylist, Women and Home, the Independent, Red, Marie Claire, and Tatler!
I have successfully taught thousands of students all about millinery & business over the years and built a global online academy to share both the technical and business side of millinery, from first stitches to running a sustainable creative businesses.
I absolutely love sharing my craft and running these challenges to spark new ideas and give you permission to go WILD; whether that's my lovely beginners or "old hats" who just need a little reminder that Millinery can be whimsy, eccentric and a whole lot of fun!
I have worked with designers & artists, including Kyle ho, Sarah Ravensburger, Jasper Gavida, Stephen Jones, The Noisettes, Lily Allen, Dita Von Teese, and Jameela Jamil (to name just a few!). I have also appeared on the BBC, ITV and London Live News Channel, my hats have appeared in magazines and News Papers such as Stylist, Women and Home, the Independent, Red, Marie Claire, and Tatler!
I have successfully taught thousands of students all about millinery & business over the years and built a global online academy to share both the technical and business side of millinery, from first stitches to running a sustainable creative businesses.
I absolutely love sharing my craft and running these challenges to spark new ideas and give you permission to go WILD; whether that's my lovely beginners or "old hats" who just need a little reminder that Millinery can be whimsy, eccentric and a whole lot of fun!
Write your awesome label here.
Frequently asked questions
Is the challenge really free?
Yes! The challenge is completely free to join.
The only thing you’ll need to pay for is your own materials and supplies. You can either follow along with Katherine’s demonstration piece (best for beginners and first timers) and purchase the recommended materials, or use materials you already have and create your own Wonderland-inspired design.
I’m a complete beginner. Can I take part?
Absolutely! You don't need any previous millinery experience to join the challenge and you don't even need to know how to sew.
Katherine will be demonstrating the techniques step by step, and her own challenge piece is designed so that beginners can follow along with her from start to finish.
You can copy Katherine's project exactly, or use the techniques you learn to create something completely your own.
Do I have to attend the Monday Welcome Session?
No - the Welcome Session is completely optional.
It's a great opportunity to find out how the challenge works, ask any questions you might have and make sure you're ready to get started, particularly if you're new to millinery. But if you can't make it, don't worry - you'll still be able to take part.
Do I have to use the materials on the supplies list?
No! The only rule is that your finished creation needs to fit the Alice in Wonderland theme.
You can use sinamay, buckram, felt, a headband, recycled materials, or whatever else you fancy. The supplies list is specifically for anyone who wants to follow along with Katherine's demonstration piece, and this is probably the easiest option if you're a complete beginner.
If you'd rather create your own Wonderland-inspired piece, you're very welcome to use whatever materials and techniques suit your idea.
What if I don't receive my welcome email?
First, check your spam, promotions or junk folder... frustratingly sometimes our emails like to go on their own little adventure!
If it's not there, don't worry. Just get in touch with us and we'll make sure you have everything you need to take part.
Do I have to make the same hat as Katherine?
Not at all!
Katherine will be making her own Alice in Wonderland-inspired piece using felt capaline and demonstrating the techniques along the way. You can follow along with her, stitch for stitch, or take the skills you learn and create something completely different.
Teacup? Curious creature? Mad Hatter-inspired creation? Something nobody has thought of yet? It's entirely up to you.
What can I make?
Anything you like, as long as it fits the Alice in Wonderland theme.
There are no rules about the style, materials or techniques you use. The theme is your only real brief - so this is your chance to have some fun and see where your imagination takes you.
How does judging work?
There are two prize categories:
Beginner: for those who are new to millinery (less than 6 months experience)
Intermediate+ : for those with millinery experience
Everyone creates something different, so the categories are simply there to make sure you're being judged alongside people at a similar stage of their millinery journey.
Do I have to attend all the live sessions?
No, but we'd love you to join us if you can!
The live sessions are where Katherine will demonstrate the techniques you'll need for the challenge. They're also a great opportunity to ask questions and see how other people are approaching their creations.
If you can't make a session live, you can still take part in the challenge. Every year we have a few people who need to do the challenge over the weekend - so you can catch up on the sessions then and get making!
When do I need to submit my hat?
You'll need to post a photo of your finished creation in the private Facebook group by Sunday 4 October at 4pm UK time.
This will celebrate your creation and enter you into the challenge prizes.
We'll then come together for our live closing masterclass and winner announcement on Monday 5 October at 7.30pm GMT.
Created with
