Do it yourself fascinators Ascot Millinery
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Hello Everyone,

Thank you all for your wonderful messages and feedback.

We are sharing your thoughts on the 'Your Say' tab.
We are so pleased that you are finding the kits and DVD's helpful, easy and fun.

Thank you for visiting us.

If you have any questions be sure to email us.

Best wishes.

Jill

Message from Ascot image
Jill,

Here is a picture of me in my fascinator.

The wind was blowing a gale so the feathers don't lay as nicely as they should have.
As you can see I changed a couple of things as I needed deeper pink feathers to go with my jacket. Fortunately there is a store here that had the ostrich and white and magenta coque. I also sent away for some white and black biot which I put in as I was wearing black pants with the jacket. It's not easy to see but it looked fine.
Thank you so much for your help. The DVD and the materials were invaluable to a novice. I wish more ladies in the States wore hats and such-I could have fun doing this for friends.

Victoria - USA

Thank you Victoria for your letter and the stunning image it is wonderful to see what people are able to do with the kits and their own creative flair.
Regards Jill


Victoria USA
Good day Jill,
I see you are offering a DVD on using willow. Is it still being manufactured? I've been looking for it for a very long time, without success. Please let me know if you have it available. Thanks in advance,
Pamela Robles - USA

Hi Pamela,
I am sorry but I don't supply it, I couldn't get it overseas in Florence or Paris when I've been there. I managed to buy my last sheet from a company in Perth. It was through a friend of a friend 2 years ago and cost $80.00 dollars for the sheet.
The reason we made the DVD was because we had experimented with all sorts of mediums until we found an alternative to willow, that is cheap and as you can see by the two photos on my site, you can't tell which is willow.
Willow could perhaps still be made in Japan. The Millinery suppliers in Australia can't afford to buy a pack of them because no one uses it as it is so expensive. In the 50's it was cheap because we made every exclusive hat with it everyday.
Good luck if you can get it, it's beautiful to work with. Regards Jill

Thank you, Jill,
I'm trying to find the material that was used for 19th Century bonnets. Is the alternative you mentioned the same weight and can it be molded in the hand without a block? Also, is it readily available? I'm currently using what is called medium buckram. It's very close but is only one layer.Thank you for your time.
Pamela Robles - USA
Hi Pamela, I would get some Somic and see what you think.For your type of bonnet it could be good but would need a couple of layers of sinamay and very heavily sised with aquadhere.You can do it so go for it, Regards Jill

Your Say image
Hi Jill,
Just to clarify, I can buy kits to make and sell them? There are many women like me who love something on their head and would appreciate something lovely like your Fascinators. I just don't want to step on your toes doing it.
Linda L. T. - U S A
Hi Linda, Yes you can sell the fascinators you make from the kits Regards Jill

Dear Jill,
Re the two kits we ordered yesterday.
We are looking forward to lighting the fire, putting on the DVD and having a girlie day at my place.
Thanks once again
June

Dear Jill,
Finally managed to get the time to start watching the Fascinators DVD and just wanted to say how much I am enjoying it. Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow and I almost feel as if I was there with you.

Millinery classes are very hard to find, so many thanks for producing such a useful tutorial.
Christine C. Peeblesshire United Kingdom

Jill,

I have just watched your video and it was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to make this video - I have an extensive vintage millinery book collection, but there is nothing like watching to learn.

thanks again.

Fiona - Australia

 

Your Say
Hi there,
I received your DVD today, it really is FANTASTIC!!! finally something that actually shows you how to make a fascinator. I am SO excited. I purchased lots of sinimay and feathers a while back and have never got started, because well......... i didnt know how.
Once again a big thanks for the DVD it is great. Feel free to post my comments on your website.
K.Hunter. New Zealand.

Dear Ascot,
I have just finished your kit for fascinator two.
It was scary at first as I have not any experience making things.
I soon forgot that as I followed the instructions. I am really excited with the result. It actually looked just like the picture, I can't believe it. Thank you.
T. Delany. Qld.

Thank you Ascot,
I am so very excited that I have been able to create my own fascinator at last, and in a colour that goes with my outfit. It has been very rewarding making it myself.Can’t wait for the Races to show it off !!!
F. Tay. N.S.W.

Dear Ascot
Always wanted to make a hat, didn't think I could.
Have made Fascinator 3.
Wow!! can't wait to wear it.
Joan. Glen Waverely, Vic.
Your Say
Hi Jill,
Our Mother's group decided to get together and make Fascinator 1, but in different colours, We worried that they would all look the same but they looked quite individual. Great fun and great idea. Thank you.
Jean H, Columbus OH. U.S.A.

Dear Jill Nolan,
Thank you for the prompt delivery of the dvd & kit. I was able to get it made in time for the 'big event' and every one commented on it.
As you suggested, it matched perfectly.
Can't thank you enough.
Toni W. Maitland NSW.

Hello there Jill,
Just to say thank you for your DVD on Fascinators. I love it.
I didn't realize when I ordered it that it came from Australia. I love millinery and although I can make a wedding dress there was no way I could figure out how to make a Fascinator. I realize now that Millinery is an art and down to technique and flair. I feel confident enough to have another try.
Please e-mail me if there are any more DVDs or books on Fascinator making.

A.S. West yorkshire,United Kingdom
Your Say